Burgundy to Camargue River Cruise, France 

Cluny Abbey

We leave by coach with our guide to the Cluny Abbey. Founded in 910 by William the Pious, the abbey was under the direct protection of Rome and its abbot was granted the role of mediator between the political leaders and the pope. This ancient Benedictine Abbey extended a widespread influence on all of medieval Europe. Its church was the largest in all of West Christianity until the Saint Peter's Basilica was built in Rome. In 1798, the abbey was sold as a national asset and thus dismantled, while its church was almost completely destroyed. Today, we can still admire their vestiges which bear witness to the past splendour of Cluny. We then return on board in Macon.

Cost: £64 prior to departure - £70 on board

PLEASE NOTE:

• Good walking shoes are recommended
• Times are approximate
• The order of the visits can change

We meet up with the guides for a walking tour of Vienne, during which we will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienne goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône River and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, and considered one of the largest in the Roman empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators’ capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only). This temple, dedicated to Rome and Augustus, stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC. It was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, we will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exteriors only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. We return to the boat on foot.

Cost: £18 prior to departure - £20 on board

PLEASE NOTE:

• Comfortable shoes are recommended
• The order of the visits can change
• Times are approximate

Avignon and the Pope's Palace

We set out on foot for the guided tour of the old town of Avignon. With the Pope's Palace, classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and a testimony to the city's past when it was known as the capital of Christianity back in the Middle-Ages, Avignon offers an impressive array of monuments. Along the Passage de l'Oratoire, you'll be able to admire the exteriors of the chapel, classified as a historic monument, where many events take place during the famous Avignon Festival. We'll move on to St Agricol street where you'll get to see the diocesan Church, the oldest in the city. We'll then stop by the Place de l'Horloge, which has always been the beating heart of Avignon. Cafés and restaurant terraces are now spread out where the Roman forum once stood. Right across, you will see the walls of the Town Hall and the theatre that was built in the 19th century. We'll continue to the Place du Palais. This square is roughly 800 ft long and 160 ft wide. To the East stands the Pope's Palace which faces the baroque sculptures of the Papal mint. A large golden Virgin seems to be watching the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral while the elegant Renaissance inspiration on the outside walls of the Petit Palais are showing further back. Then, discover the Pope's Palace, the most important monument in the city. It's made of two parts: the old Palais of Pope Benedict XII (1334 - 1342), and the new Palais of his successor Pope Clement VI (1342 - 1352). Our visit will take you through the staterooms where numerous ceremonies and feasts took place, the chapels, the Pope's private apartments and the terraces which offer a wonderful panorama on Avignon and the Rhône river.

We return on board on foot.

Cost: £33 prior to departure - £37 on board

PLEASE NOTE:

• It is forbidden to take pictures inside the Pope's Palace.
• It is necessary to climb up 500 steps inside the Pope's Palace.
• Bags would be left in the luggage office.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Guided tour of Arles and visit of an olive oil production site

We depart on foot for the guided tour of Arles. For two thousand years, Arles has maintained an outstanding architectural heritage, making it a genuine open-air museum. Welcome to this tourist and cultural mecca. During this tour, we will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), the Roman Theatre, St Trophimus square with its cloister and church on the Arles route; one of three routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We will continue our tour through the Place du Forum, and finally, the Roman baths of Constantine. Then, we depart by coach towards Tarascon. We visit a domain producing the famous Provencal olive oil at the foot of Montagnette in an 18th century Provençal country house where the estate owners have planted a large orchard of 150,000 trees. We visit the estate sitting on straw bales in trailers pulled by tractors. The owners will explain the cultivation and production of the yellow gold of Provence - olive oil. After this discovery, we have the opportunity to taste the products of the estate. We then return to Arles by coach.

Price: £64 prior to departure - £70 On board

PLEASE NOTE:

• Good walking shoes are recommended
• The order of visits can change
• Times are approximate

Tournon

Welcome to Tournon! Located in the heart of the Rhône Valley, at the gates of Provence, this city will enchant you with its heady perfumes. We'll begin our visit on foot passing all the main tourist attractions of the town, including the historic monuments and shopping areas.

We'll stop at the Château Museum where we'll get the opportunity to discover the permanent collection tracing the history of navigation on the Rhone river. This imposing castle was built on a high granite rock overlooking the town and was the domain of the barony of the Counts of Tournon. At the foot of the castle, enjoy a pleasant walk along the streets and alleys of the historic center which will take you back to the Middle Ages. Our visit will end with a tasting* of regional products and wines before returning on foot to the boat at our own pace.

Cost: £48 prior to departure - £53 on board

PLEASE NOTE:

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• The order of the visits can change
• Times are approximate
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health - please drink in moderation