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Sublime scenery, riveting history, superb wines in the very environments where they were crafted—this 5-day luxury cruise is an outstanding foray into the South of France. Embark in the dramatic walled city of Avignon with its 14th-century castle fortress, and end in the foodie paradise of Lyon, where the Saône and Rhône Rivers majestically converge. Along the way are Viviers, jumping-off point for truffle hunting lessons and a prehistoric cave art encounter; the decadent chocolates of Tain-l`Hermitage; an unforgettable wine experience that takes you right into the heart of the Beaujolais wine region; and countless other activities and ports. How about a checkmark for your Bucket List during an exciting cellar tour and wine tasting in legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape? You could also select active sightseeing, like eBiking around Lyon or hiking in the Ardèche Gorge, Europe’s Grand Canyon!
While other cities boast they emerged from great battles or great commerce, Avignon arose from...great laziness! The ancient walled city's claim to fame, the awe-inspiring Pope's Palace, one of Europe's largest and most important medieval structures, all came into being when the Archbishop of Bordeaux didn't want to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. Instead, he had himself crowned in Lyon and built a palace in Avignon. Other highlights include the pretty Old Town as well as St. Bénezet Bridge, inspiration of the famous song, Sur le pont d’Avignon.
Situated in the heart of the Rhône Valley near Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is, without a doubt, firmly entwined with papal history. Highlights include the remnants of 800-year-old Châteauneuf-du-Pape Castle, which was built to help the popes escape the summer heat of Avignon—and where the popes planted the town's first vineyards. The Old Town is also particularly inviting with its medieval ambiance, round clock-towered Town Hall, and many shops for tasting and buying the delectable Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.
Viviers is tiny in size only! This remarkable village in France's Ardèche is like an open-air museum of ancient architecture with its Town Hall, Bishop's Palace, St. Vincent Cathedral (said to be France's smallest cathedral), 16th-century Knights' House, and mansion-lined Grande Rue. The many stairs leading to the Upper Town reward the effort with outstanding panoramic views over the city below and the beautiful Rhône Valley.
Just across the river from Tournon, Tain-l'Hermitage is well known among epicures. A large number of large and small wineries call Tain home—as well as the famous Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage AOP wines. Another gem is the interactive Valrhona City of Chocolate gourmet chocolate factory. Here, visitors can learn what contributes to the very chocolate used by some of the world's most discerning chefs and can taste the amazing products as well!
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is hailed as France's gastronomic capital and home to the gourmet "temple" of Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city's incredible food market since 1859. It also boasts 2,000 years of amazing history, with Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architectural treasures, like iconic Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest town squares; the Old Town's fascinating traboules (secret passageways); the Museum of Fine Arts; Fourvière Basilica; and the Roman Amphitheater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.