Colors of Provence with AmaWaterways
(430 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Jody Meyer
Rochester, MN
What's on your Bucket List?
Its very simple, I have a passion for travel! My passion for travel shows in every client’s travel experience. Helping families plan multi-generational trips so that Grandpa and Grandma can watch their smallest grandchild enjoy seeing the ocean f...
Its very simple, I have a passion for travel! My passion for travel shows in every client’s travel experience. Helping families plan multi-generational trips so that Grandpa and Grandma can watch their smallest grandchild enjoy seeing the ocean for the very first time, these are the memories that last forever!! Watching each of the families that I work with grow, from spring break travel, to engagement trips, to destination weddings, and onto their own new family vacations, it's all so incredibly meaningful. My love for travel has brought me all over the world, including Australia, Tahiti, Maldives, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Lucia & Europe, just to name a few. I have also had the opportunity to experience 4 European River Cruises which are now extremely popular amongst all ages. When I get to travel to new destinations or even some of my favorite destinations, each experience helps me to help you better. Do you have a bucket list? Does it grow with each passing year? Pick something off the list, and let's plan the trip of a lifetime!!!! Perhaps it's seeing the Opera House in Sydney, Australia, or the Glaciers of Alaska, maybe it's visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Whatever is next for you, let's make it a reality!
Can Be Reached At
1-507-446-3683
A Luxurious Journey from Arles to Lyon
Experience the ultimate luxury river cruise with AmaWaterways on the Colors of Provence itinerary, a journey that immerses you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite flavors of southern France. From the ancient trading port of Marseille to the culinary delights of Lyon, this cruise offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, wine tasting, and cultural exploration.
Pre-Night in Marseille: Gateway to Southern France
Our journey begins in Marseille, a city known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Massalia. As one of the most important trading ports in Southern France, Marseille has a storied history that is evident in its bustling harbor, diverse architecture, and vibrant markets. Spend your pre-cruise night exploring the old town, indulging in the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the Mediterranean ambiance.
Arles: A Step Back in Time
The first stop on our cruise is Arles, a town steeped in history and art. We visited the stunning Roman Amphitheater, a marvel of ancient engineering, and the Church of Saint Trophime, celebrated for its exquisite Romanesque architecture. Arles is also famous for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, who immortalized the town in his paintings, including the Langlois Bridge and Starry Night. During our visit, we had the pleasure of exploring a local olive farm, where we sampled some of the region's finest oils. We enjoyed live jazz music in the town's pedestrian-only area, which was lively during the annual jazz festival.
Avignon: The City of Popes
We sailed to Avignon, known as the “City of Popes.” This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and the majestic Palais des Papes. During our visit to the Les Halles Marketwe sampled regional specialties such as macarons, cheese, bread, wine, and tapenades. In the afternoon, we toured the Chateauneuf-du-Pape Winery, where we indulged in a wine tasting that showcased the best of the region's vineyards.
Viviers: Truffles and Lavender
In Viviers, we had the unique opportunity to visit a truffle farm, Domaine de Cordis, where we searched for the highly prized “Black Diamond”—the black truffle. Watching the truffle-hunting dogs in action was a fascinating experience. We also visited a nearby lavender field where the air was filled with the soothing scent of blooming lavender.
Tournon: Wine, Chocolate, and Bastille Day Celebrations
In Tournon we enjoyed a city tour followed by a wine and chocolate tasting at the famous Le Chateau de Tournon. The highlight of our visit was a hike through the Tain l’Hermitage, offering breathtaking views of the Rhone Valley. That evening, we were treated to a spectacular Bastille Day fireworks display from the deck of our ship.
Vienne: A Journey Through History
In Vienne, we embarked on a hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet, where we were rewarded with stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. Our tour included visits to the Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, and St. Pierre Abbey, one of the oldest surviving churches in France, now an Archaeological Museum. The blend of Roman and Gothic architecture in Vienne is a testament to its rich history.
Lyon: The Culinary Capital of France
Lyon is the culinary capital of France. We explored the city’s rich gastronomic heritage on a guided tour, starting with the 19th-century Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, followed by a stroll through Lyon’s old town. We wandered the St. Jean District, discovering the city’s unique traboules—hidden passageways that were once used by silk merchants. The day ended with a sampling of Lyon's renowned cuisine, a fitting finale to our luxurious river cruise.
The Rhone: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
As we sailed along the Rhone, it became clear why this region is a haven for wine lovers. From the world-famous vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape to the lesser-known but equally delightful wines of Tain l’Hermitage, the Colors of Provence cruise offers a taste of some of the finest wines in the world.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the Colors of Provence itinerary offers something for everyone. Book your trip today and experience the magic of Provence for yourself.