Colors of Provence: 2022 French River Cruise
September 1 – 8, 2022 • Add pre-cruise touring in Paris and post-cruise touring in Barcelona
$400 per person deposit required to reserve your cabin
Hosted by Corinne Goodman, Founder, and Douglas Herbert, Vice President
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Embark in Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and enjoy an evening illumination cruise. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.
You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Lumiéres before your return flight home.
What’s Included
7-night Colors of Provence River Cruise
From $4,199 per person
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom aboard the AmaKristina
- An Array of Amenities
- Wellness activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both onboard and onshore
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services, and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment, including cultural performances
- Award-Winning Dining
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments served daily
- A World of Exploration
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special interest tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Port charges: $196 per person additional
Optional Pre-Cruise Touring in Paris
$1,500 per person
- 3 nights hotel in Paris at the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe (or similar) – 5 star
- City tour, Montmartre, and illumination tour in Paris
- Transfer from Paris hotel to Lyon for embarkation via high-speed TGV train
- Daily breakfast
Optional Post-Cruise Touring in Barcelona
$1,170 per person
- Transfer from the ship in Arles to Nîmes with highlights tour and then high-speed TGV train to Barcelona
- 3 nights hotel in Barcelona at Renaissance Barcelona (or similar) – 5 star
- Daily breakfast
Day by Day Itinerary
Optional Pre-Cruise Touring in Paris
August 29, 2022: Arrival into Paris
Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel.
August 30, 2022: Paris
Enjoy a morning tour taking in the signature sites of Paris, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse Lautrec, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You’ll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.”
August 31, 2022: Paris
Visit the Atelier des Lumières where you’ll be treated to an immersive digital experience with art, sound and history displayed throughout the various rooms and walls of the formerly 18th century steel factory building.
September 1, 2022: Paris – Lyon – Embarkation
Check out of your Paris hotel and head to the train station to board the TGV high-speed train through the French countryside to Lyon. Once in the “food capital of France,” marvel at an indoor market hall where you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Afterward, embark the ship in Lyon for your Colors of Provence cruise.
‘Colors of Provence’ River Cruise on the Rhone
September 1, 2022: Embarkation onto AmaKristina in Lyon, France
Embarkation
Board your cruise in Lyon. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers as the ship moors overnight.
September 2, 2022: Lyon
Lyon city tour, bike tour, or free time
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourviere Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules”.
September 3, 2022: Villefranche-sur-Saône
Beaujolais wine tasting excursion with free evening
Travel to the Beaujolais wine region – known as the Pays d’Or or the land of golden stones. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. After rejoining the ship, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before sailing to Vienne.
September 4, 2022: Vienne – Tournon
Footsteps of the Ancient Romans walking tour, ViaRhona bike tour, or Mount Pipet hike
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augusts and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhone bike tour or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet.
September 5, 2022: Tournon
Steam train ride, red wine & chocolate tasting, or Tain-l’Hermitage hike/bike tour with wine tasting
You have a choice of three excursions! Take a train ride past magnificent landscape carved along Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthelmy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Chateau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, cycle through the French countryside or take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermintage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines.
September 6, 2022: Tarascon – Arles
Arles walking tour, Bike tour, or Van Gogh walking tour. Followed by Tarascon Castle visit, or Les Baux and Carrières de Lumières, or Camargue and Aigues Mortes. Illumination cruise
Provençal town Tarascon is known for its medieval architecture and charming tales – especially the legend of the Tarasque monster. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, you’ll visit the enchanting medieval fortress, the Castle of Tarascon – a fortress designed to protect but surprises all with its elegant interior, fit for royalty. Or, delve deeply into the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to explore the medieval, walled village of AigesMortes. Then, you’ll drive to the beautiful Camargue National Park, a protected natural territory that lines the Mediterranean Sea south of Arles. Afterwards, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence. In the evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around Avignon.
September 7, 2022: Avignon
Walking tour and Papal Palace, Pont du Gard, or Tastes of Avignon tour; Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit or Avignon bike tour; Avignon Illuminations cruise
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions.
Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Or if you prefer, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades.
During the afternoon, you can enjoy free time in Avignon, go on a bike tour, or go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.
September 8, 2022: Avignon – Disembarkation
Disembarkation / Post Cruise onto Barcelona
Disembark your ship in Avignon. For those continuing to Barcelona, board the high-speed train. For those departing, head to the airport for your flight home.
Optional Post-Cruise Touring in Barcelona
September 8, 2022: Avignon – Barcelona
Disembark your ship in Avignon and board the TGV high-speed train to the city that inspired Antoni Gaudí and is certain to inspire you – Barcelona.
September 9, 2022: Barcelona
This magnificent city is an artist’s, architect’s, foodie’s, historian’s and culturist’s dream. Tour the cobblestone lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO Worth Heritage Site “World of Antoni Guadi,” including La Sagrada Familia.
September 10, 2022: Barcelona
Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you’ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape.
The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits, are ornate, golden, and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself.
September 11, 2022: Barcelona – Departure
Say farewell to Barcelona and prepare for your homeward flight.
How to Book
A deposit of $400 per person is required to secure a specific cabin. Call (888) 229-0082 or email cgoodman@downunderendeavours.com to secure your spot!
Room Categories and Availability
* Availability as of May 20, 2022
Category SS – Only 1 Cabin Left
$7,798 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Violin Deck
- 350 sq. ft.
- French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Category AA – 3 Cabins Left
$6,308 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Violin Deck
- 235 sq. ft.
- French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Category AB – 6 Cabins Left
$6,108 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Cello Deck
- 235 sq. ft.
- French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Category BA – 4 Cabins Left
$5,908 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Violin Deck
- 210 sq. ft.
- French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Category BB – 6 Cabins Left
$5,708 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Cello Deck
- 210 sq. ft.
- French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Category CA – Sold Out
$5,108 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Violin & Cello Decks
- 170 sq. ft.
- French Balcony
Category CB – Sold Out
$4,808 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Violin Deck
- 155 sq. ft.
- French Balcony
Category D – 8 Cabins Left
$4,308 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Piano Deck
- 160 sq. ft.
- Fixed Windows
Category E – 3 Cabins Left
$4,009 per person (based on 2 passengers)
- Piano Deck
- 160 sq. ft.
- French Balcony
Ship Configuration and deckplan for the AmaKristina
