Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Barcelona
Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Lyon. Welcome to Lyon, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet in a city renowned for its culinary traditions, architectural treasures and rich history. A transfer is included from Lyon Airport of train station to your Tauck riverboat. Settle in, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and enjoy dinner aboard as your riverboat sets sail along the Saône, beginning a journey through the heart of France.
Day 2 : Chalon-sur-Saône and the vineyards of Burgundy
Discover Burgundy, where picturesque villages, centuries-old vineyards and celebrated wines tell the story of one of France's most treasured regions. In Beaune, choose a walking tour and a visit to the historic Hôtel-Dieu, famous for its colorful glazed-tile roof, a guided bicycle ride through the vineyards with a wine tasting, or a walking tour paired with a visit to a traditional cooperage, where the craft of barrel-making plays an important role in Burgundy's winemaking heritage. This afternoon, continue your discoveries with a guided walk through Chalon-sur-Saône or a tasting of Burgundy wines in nearby Rully. Return to your riverboat for dinner and an evening of cruising along the Saône.
Day 3 : Château de Cormatin and Mâcon
Drive through the countryside today for a visit to Château de Cormatin, a magnificent 17th-century château celebrated for its richly decorated interiors and beautiful gardens, and continue to Tournus passing picturesque scenery and historic villages along the way. Or, opt for a more active excursion for experienced cyclists who will enjoy an invigorating ride along the Saône from Tournus to Mâcon, following the riverboat's route through the region. Explore Mâcon this afternoon before a special dinner at a nearby château.
Day 4 : Scenic sailing and Trévoux
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising the Saône, watching the French countryside unfold from the comfort of your riverboat. Relax on deck, take part in onboard activities or simply savor the pleasure of traveling at an unhurried pace. Arrive in Trévoux, a historic riverside town with a rich artisanal heritage, and learn about the traditional craft of stonecutting at an artisan's workshop. Later, sail back toward Lyon, enjoying dinner.
Day 5 : Lyon, France's culinary capital
Explore Lyon on a choice of excursions. Choose a guided tour focusing on Lyon's important role in the French Resistance during World War II, or follow your appetite on a food-focused walking tour that introduces you to the city's culinary traditions and local specialties. Enjoy time aboard your riverboat before setting sail along the Rhône, with commentary that brings the landscapes and history of the region to life. Tonight, enjoy live musical entertainment aboard as your journey continues south.
Day 6 : Roman influences in Vienne
Step back in time nearly 2,000 years in Vienne, once an important city of Roman Gaul, where ancient monuments and archaeological treasures reveal the region's remarkable past. Choose a guided walking tour and a visit to the Gallo-Roman Museum in neighboring Saint-Romain-en-Gal, home to extraordinary mosaics and artifacts that illuminate daily life in Roman times. Alternatively, explore the surrounding countryside on a guided bicycle excursion. Return to your riverboat for an afternoon of scenic cruising along the Rhône, with onboard commentary and time to relax as the landscapes of southern France unfold around you.
Day 7 : Viviers, Grignan and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Discover the many faces of Provence today, from medieval villages and fragrant countryside to one of France's most celebrated wine regions. Choose to explore the hidden charms of historic Viviers, venture into the countryside around Grignan for a walking tour and a visit to a truffle farm, or experience the winemaking traditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for its full-bodied red wines and centuries of viticultural heritage. Rejoin your riverboat and continue cruising south to the medieval city of Avignon, where your riverboat docks for the night.
Day 8 : Avignon, the City of Popes
Within its imposing medieval walls, Avignon preserves a remarkable legacy of papal power, Provençal culture and architectural splendor. Discover the city's historic heart on a guided walk and step inside the magnificent Palais des Papes, the vast Gothic palace that served as the seat of the papacy during the 14th century. Alternatively, explore Avignon's Jewish heritage on a guided walk that includes a visit to its historic synagogue, or enjoy an easier-paced introduction to the city aboard a sightseeing mini-train. Spend the remainder of the day exploring as you wish.
Day 9 : Arles and Tarascon
Explore a region that has inspired artists, writers and travelers for generations. Choose a guided walking tour of Arles, where Roman monuments and sunlit streets evoke the landscapes immortalized by Vincent van Gogh. Or discover medieval Tarascon, visiting its imposing riverside castle and the Souleiado Museum, dedicated to the colorful textiles and traditional Provençal fabrics that are part of the region's cultural identity. For a more active adventure, choose a guided bicycle ride through the countryside around Arles. Following some free time in Avignon, return to your riverboat for the evening.
Day 10 : Travel by high-speed train to Spain
Disembark your riverboat for a high-speed train ride that whisks you toward Spain. Watch the landscapes change as you leave southern France behind and journey into Catalonia, a region with its own distinctive language, culture, cuisine and traditions. Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the InterContinental Barcelona, your home for the next three nights. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to begin exploring this vibrant Mediterranean city at your leisure.
Day 11 : Architecture, culture and tapas
Discover the irresistible energy of Barcelona, where centuries of history meet bold architecture, lively neighborhoods and a passion for art and good food. Choose a guided walking exploration or a sightseeing excursion by motorcoach, both featuring a museum visit that offers insights into the city's cultural heritage. A special tapas tasting lunch follows for an opportunity to sample the small plates and regional flavors that are such an enjoyable part of Spanish dining traditions. Spend the rest of the day as you please, perhaps exploring Barcelona's inviting streets, browsing its shops or relaxing at a café.
Day 12 : Cava wines or Montserrat
Discover another side of Catalonia with a choice of experiences that showcase the region's distinctive traditions and landscapes. Visit a local Cava winery to learn how Spain's celebrated sparkling wine is made, from its traditional production methods to the crisp, refreshing flavors that make it a favorite for celebrations. Enjoy a tasting that brings this proud winemaking heritage to life. Or, journey to Montserrat to see the Black Madonna, with free time for lunch. Join us tonight for a farewell dinner.
Day 13 : Journey home
Tour ends: Barcelona. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the InterContinental Barcelona to Barcelona Airport and Barcelona França and Barcelona Sants train stations for your flight home. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.