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Timeless France

collette_logo_197x59  $3,809.00

From $3,809* pp | 12 Days •  23 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 


Journey through France blending its waterways, quaint villages and captivating cities in the regions of Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the French Riviera.

  • Behold the majestic Cathedral of Strasbourg, also known as Strasbourg Minster.
  • Savour a wine tasting at a local wine cellar.
  • Spend five nights relaxing onboard your cruise ship, the MS Amadeus Symphony.
  • Mingle with the locals in quaint French villages along the way.
  • Enjoy a Captain’s Gala Dinner aboard your cruise ship.
  • Uncover the secrets of the famous Palais des Papes in Avignon.

 

Take the Road Less Traveled

Bask in the charm and storybook ambiance on this tour that takes you from France’s Alsace region to Burgundy and Provence and concludes in the French Riviera. Marvel at the storybook village of Riquewihr, the canals of Colmar and the charming streets of Strasbourg. Delight in the beauty of Burgundy while visiting wineries in Beaune and the Palace of the Dukes in Dijon. Set sail on a 5-night cruise along the Saone and Rhone Rivers from Lyon to Provence. Sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury of your outside stateroom and daily onboard performances. Join a local guide as you tour the gastronomic hub of Lyon. Relish in a tour of the medieval walled city of Avignon including a visit to the 14th-century papal palace. Spend time in Arles, touring this former Roman village complete with a colosseum, and discover why it became an inspiration to Van Gogh. Finish your tour relaxing on the Mediterranean in Antibes a place that brings to life the joie de vivre of this fabulous country.

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

 

Day 1. Frankfurt, Germany – Tour Begins
Join us on a journey through France that blends a river cruise with an immersive land tour. Along the way, discover four of the most magnificent regions of France – Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the French Riviera. Welcome to Frankfurt, the historical “city of coronations,” now a thriving financial hub. Get acquainted with this great city with time on your own before gathering with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

icons_food Dinner icons_therma High  20°  Low  12° icons_hotel  Le Meridien Parkhotel Frankfurt

Day 2. Frankfurt – Strasbourg, France
Travel to Strasbourg, “Petite France.” Come to know this provincial capital that mixes centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences, creating a unique character. Embark on a fascinating city tour with a local expert who will lead you on a guided tour featuring the Cathedral of Strasbourg, also known as Strasbourg Minster, a gorgeous Roman-Catholic complex and the world’s tallest building for most of the 18th century. Then, enjoy free time to explore the perfectly preserved town at your leisure.

icons_food Breakfast   icons_therma High  20°  Low  14° icons_hotel  Hilton Strasbourg

Day 3. Strasbourg – Colmar – Strasbourg

Set out for a full day of touring through the Alsace region. Your first stop is at a sixth-generation local winery where you’ll sample their latest vintages and learn about world-class wine making. Then we’re off to the storybook village of Riquewihr, one of the most beautifully preserved villages in France. Continue on to Colmar, located in the middle of the Alsatian wine route, and considered to be the “capital of Alsatian wine.” As you walk with your local guide through its well-known historic old town and past its canals, the architecture will have you feeling as if you have stepped into a fairy tale. Spend the afternoon meandering through the village. Tonight, savour dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_therma High 20°  Low  14°  icons_hotel  Hilton Strasbourg

 

Day 4. Strasbourg

The day is yours to independently explore Strasbourg and everything it has to offer. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional tour delving into the history of Alsace during WWII, including visits to the Maginot Line, a French strategic defence system, and the KL-Natzweiler, the only Nazi concentration camp in France.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma High 20°  Low  14°  icons_hotel  Hilton Strasbourg

 

Day 5. Strasbourg – Dijon – Macon – Embark Ship

Say au revoir to Alsace and head towards the city of Dijon in Burgundy. Spend time exploring the old town and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a remarkably well-preserved building which now houses the fine arts museum. Make a stop along the way at the medieval church of Notre Dame. After time on your own to explore or enjoy lunch, we head to the town of Macon to board the MS Amadeus Symphony, your home for the next five nights.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma High 18°  Low  8°  icons_hotel  Lueftner Cruises

 

Day 6. Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune

Today we sail north, making a stop in charming Chalon-sur-Saône. From here, continue by land to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Join a local expert for a guided tour of this historic walled city, highlighting its 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu. Famous for its dramatic design, this delightful building was once a charity hospital. Finally, we complete our visit to Burgundy with a wine tasting at a local cellar. Back aboard ship, enjoy an afternoon and evening sail down the Saône and Rhône rivers towards Lyon.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma High 18°  Low  8°  icons_hotel  Lueftner Cruises

Day 7. Lyon

Wake this morning docked in the city of Lyon, full of historical and architectural treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s renowned Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse indoor market will dazzle your senses. Browse its endless stalls and experience the lively atmosphere. Continue on your tour through Lyon’s enchanting Old Town. This afternoon, take in the scenery of the Côtes du Rhône from the comfort of your cabin or take advantage of any of the ship’s public spaces as we continue southward.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma High 18°  Low  8°  icons_hotel  Lueftner Cruises

 

Day 8. Avignon

Today, stop in the ancient city of Avignon. Your guided tour showcases its historical gems, including the Palais des Papes. Built during the 14th century, a total of seven popes lived here during the Avignon Papacy, and the city remained under Papal control until 1791. This afternoon, you may continue to explore Avignon on your own or choose to join an optional tour bound for Pont du Gard and the charming city of Uzes.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma High 18°  Low  8°  icons_hotel  Lueftner Cruises

 

Day 9. Arles

Relax and savour the scenery on your way to the town of Arles. Today, you may choose to join an optional tour to the Camargue Nature Reserve – learn about the reserve’s 400 bird species and how this territory remains one of the most protected in all of Europe. This afternoon, gather for a guided tour of Arles. Your walking tour introduces you to the history and culture of this ancient Roman town. Visit the imposing Arles Amphitheatre – once capable of seating over 20,000 people, it has hosted chariot races and gladiator battles. Later, take in the stunning architecture as you stroll the streets that inspired artists such as Van Gogh. Tonight, it’s time to bid farewell to the Symphony at your Captain’s Gala Dinner.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma High 18°  Low  8°  icons_hotel  Lueftner Cruises

 

Day 10. Diembark Ship – Aix-en-Provence – Antibes

Your journey continues in picturesque Aix-en-Provence. Experience this quintessential French city on a guided walking tour. You’ll quickly see why it is referred to as the “town of a thousand fountains.” Each turn seems to reveal colourful local markets and a wealth of architectural treasures. Enjoy some free time exploring this captivating city on your own before we continue on to the picturesque seaside resort of Antibes.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma High 24°  Low  17°  icons_hotel  Hotel Ac Ambassadeur

 

Day 11. Antibes

The day is yours to discover this ancient port at your own pace. Spend some time strolling the narrow streets, browsing the local markets or soaking in the view from the harbour’s medieval ramparts. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and take in the breathtaking Mediterranean panoramas. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the close of an unforgettable trip.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma High 24°  Low  17°icons_hotel Hotel Ac Ambassadeur

 

Day 12. Antibes – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close this morning.

icons_food  Breakfast

  • The countries visited on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
  • The currency in France and Germany are the Euro.
  • There is no significant elevation on this tour.
  • The voltage in France and Germany are 220V.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected

 

Jun 26, 2016 – Jul 7, 2016

$4,809                 $3,809

Sep 11, 2016 – Sep 22, 2016

$4,809