Oct 12 – Board Avignon:
Embark around 5:00pm on the deluxe Viking Burgundy, moored in Avignon. Welcome cocktail reception and Welcome Dinner on board.

Oct 13 – Avignon & Arles:
Following breakfast we will take a guided drive via motorcoach to Arles, the “Little Rome of Gaul.” On the way, we pass through Les Baux, best known for the scenic villages along its steep, chalk cliffs and the Castle of Les Baux. On arrival in Arles, we can explore its many Gallo-Roman ruins including Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheatre which seas 20,000 and is still used for bullfights and plays, and the former Cathedral of St. Trophine, a Romanesque basilica constructed in the 12th century. We return to the ship for the lunch on board. In the afternoon, there will be a guided visit to the Camargue, a natural reserve in the Rhône delta. After exploring this botanical and zoological habitat, we will return to the ship for dinner and the evening will be free to make a last stroll through the historical streets of Avignon.

Oct 14 – Avignon & Viviers:
This morning after breakfast we have a guided tour of this “City of Popes” will take us through the maze of narrow streets, battlements and towers to the lavish Palais des Papes, a fortress, church and palace considered the Christian world until 14th century. After our lunch on board, we will leave Avignon to cruise through Provence to Viviers.

Oct 15 – Viviers & Tournon:
This morning we take a narrow-gauge train through the Doux River Gorges and marvel at the granite cliffs. We will return to the ship for lunch and depart to travel further up river. As we cruise through the Ardèche region, we can enjoy the majestic scenery of hilltop castles and Roman ruins. This evening we will dine “Provençale.” Later, we can enjoy a folkloric performance. Moor overnight in Tournon

Oct 16 – Tournon, Vienne & Lyon:
A morning cruise through the Côtes du Rhône region brings us the lovely town of Vienne, gateway to Lyon countryside and prime marketing centre for agricultural produce of the Rhône River valley. Surrounded by step hills, this charming city is situated between France's Burgundy and Beaujolais regions at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. A walking tour takes us through this old town rich in Roman and medieval buildings including ancient market ruins. We will visit select landmarks including the Cathedral Livia, the 9th century church of Saint-Andre-le-Bas, the medieval Abbey of Saint Pierre, and the Roman temple of Augustus dating back to the 1st century. We will return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise. As we sail through the beautiful Rhône River valley, we can sit back and watch the countryside slide by or take in a French lesson. We will arrive in Lyon just before dinner. This evening's festivities include Matalotte Fish and a performance for the ship's crew. Moor overnight.

Oct 17 – Lyon & Mâcon:
After breakfast we will visit Lyon. Dominating the Skyline above the old quarter is the Basilica of Fourvière with its lavish interior of marble and mosaics. Our city tour will take us atop Fourvière Hill for a stunning view of the city below. Later, we step into the past as we travel through the lovely “Vieux” (Old) Lyon with cobblestone streets and enchanting gothic the renaissance houses, a glorious reminder of the importance of Lyon as a trade and banking center. After lunch on board, we will cruise through the delightful Beaujolais countryside to Mâcon, set along narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Saône Rivers. This evening we enjoy the Captain's Dinner, followed by cabaret performance abroad. Moor overnight.

Oct 18 – Mâcon & Chalon-sur-Saône:
After breakfast and during the morning we will cruise past riverside villages where time stands still and listen to a lecture introducing us to the Burgundy region. We will arrive around lunchtime in Chalon-sur-Saône, a world-famous wine-trading center situated near the Maconnais and Beaujolais vineyards, known for Pouilly Fuissé, Julienas and Moulin à Vent wines. After lunch we will board a motorcoach for a drive through vineyards and prosperous villages to Beaune for a Burgundy wine tour. We will return to the ship our Farewell Cocktail Party and dinner. Our evening is free to stroll through the city, go wine tasting or stay aboard and enjoy a performance of French songs. Moor overnight.

Oct 19:
After breakfast we will disembark and travel by coach Lyon. It is worthwhile to spend more time in this interesting city.