ATTENTION WINE LOVERS! A EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE JUST FOR YOU!
Take a deep dive into the heart of French wine country as you cruise the Rhone River from Arles to Chalon-Sur-Saone. AvalonWaterways ensures a great experience for wine lovers as each cruise is accompanied by a Master of Wine, a title that few can claim. These elite experts share with guests their prodigious knowledge, experience and fascination with wines as you cruise through western France and its storied wine regions aboard one of Avalon’s luxurious modern cruise ships. Highlights of this cruise itinerary include:
- Arles – Enjoy a power walk (or just a stroll) through Arles, a charming village that was an inspiration for much of Van Gogh’s work. Or take a painting class to learn some of his techniques and learn more about his life and legacy. Blended rose wines are popular here in the Provence region of France.
- Avignon – Take a guided tour of this fascinating city and its Palace of the Popes protected by the ramparts of an ancient Gothic fortress. Visit the wine cellars of Chateau-Neuf-du Pape for an unforgettable wine tasting.
- Viviers – You can opt to walk through this charming village and learn about the influence of Christian, Roman and medieval populations that made it their home. Onboard, your Master of Wine will host an evening meal fit for a king with a wine pairing showcasing the wines of the Burgundy region, especially exceptional quality chardonnays.
- Tournon – Explore this 16th century medieval city and castle with your choice of active hiking or a leisurely paced walk. Tonight at dinner you’ll be treated to a chocolate tasting as well as enjoying more local wines like St. Joseph, produced from the Syrah grape.
- Lyon – Explore the ancient alleyways of Old Town and get a photograph next to the famous fountain at Place des Terreaux. Stop in where the locals do at a quaint riverside cafe and walk across the bridge where the Rhone meets the Saone River. Surrounded by the Beaujolais wine region, you’ll enjoy both red and white wines produced from local grapes.
- In Chalon-sur-Saône you’ll visit the rolling hills of the Mâconnais wine region, home to pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and experience a wine tasting in the cellars of a medieval castle. That evening you’ll enjoy a wine and cheese tasting onboard before a farewell dinner.
Still want more? Extend your vacation with a pre-cruise two night stay on the glamorous French Riviera, or a post-cruise adventure in romantic Paris where you can put your new-found expertise in wine selection to good use.
Contact your Travel Leaders professional for more information about other wine cruises throughout Europe and all over the world.
