Traveling Troubadour presents...
Spain to Provence
On the charming Rhône River!

From the romance of Barcelona, to the magic of France, you will be captivated
by the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer.

Travel to legendary destinations, beginning with an
optional 3 night stay in quirky, vibrant Barcelona followed with 7 nights cruising on the historic Rhône River through France from Arles to Lyon.  Then...transfer from Lyon via
high-speed train to Paris for an option 3 nights in
Paris, the romance capital of the world!

July 1-8, 2016
(With optional pre-cruise package in Barcelona - June 28-July 1, 2016
and optional post-cruise package in Paris July 8-11, 2016.

Spain to Provence - Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN	Arrive in Barcelona and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.  (If you are doing the pre-cruise package)
Day 2 - BARCELONA	Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill, where you will enjoy glorious views of the city below. Continue along the waterfront to Las Ramblas, an iconic tree-lined boulevard, and explore the city’s Gothic Quarter. Your tour also includes the unique architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been under construction for over a century. This evening, explore Barcelona by night on your own, or elect to participate in an optional tapas tasting tour. (B)
Day 3 - BARCELONA	Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in the optional “Montserrat Excursion,” visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain. (B)
Day 4 - BARCELONA - EMBARKATION    ARLES, FRANCE	After breakfast, you will transfer from Barcelona to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Along the way, you will stop in the medieval town of Perpignan in France and have some free time for lunch and exploring on your own. Continue on your transfer, passing through the eerie marshland region of the Camargue before arriving in Arles and boarding your ship. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
Day 5 - ARLES - LES BAUX - AVIGNON	This morning, you will board a motor coach for an excursion to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating exhibit of medieval siege weaponry. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. As an alternative, take the “Impressionist Experience” tour to the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent Van Gogh painted such well-known works as The Irises and Starry Night. You will also visit the Carrieres de Lumieres, a stone quarry that projects European artwork on its walls, including many of Van Gogh’s famous paintings. Late this afternoon, your city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater. Early this evening cruise to Avignon. As your ship docks, look for the illuminated Avignon Bridge made famous by the French children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On the Bridge of Avignon”). (B,L,D)
Day 6 - AVIGNON - VIVIERS	This morning, you will have your choice of two excursions in and around historic Avignon. Seven popes once resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, which you will visit during your city walking tour. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an alternative, take an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, the ship cruises to Viviers, arriving later this evening. You may join a “Ghost Walk” through this medieval town, with colorful stories brought to life by local residents. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - VIVIERS – TOURNON	After breakfast, you’ll have an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent hilltop village surrounded by lavender fields. The village’s Renaissance castle provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy some free time to explore local shops for confections, home-made lavender soaps and other crafts. You will also have an opportunity to visit a truffle farm and learn about truffle harvesting. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin, then cruise to Tournon as you enjoy an onboard wine lecture. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - TOURNON - VIENNE	Take an exciting ride in a panoramic train car as you discover the magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux. After riding through the gorge, you will stop at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where you can watch the train maneuver in preparation for its return journey. Arrive this evening in Vienne, situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais. Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - VIENNE – LYON	Vienne’s Roman past can be readily seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. This morning, you will have a guided walking tour of Vienne and see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre. Enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as your ship departs for Lyon, arriving mid-afternoon. Your panoramic tour of Lyon takes you to the Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the Place des Terreaux with Bartholdi’s Fountain, and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière, part of the historic region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Hill of Prayers,” Fourvière is famous for its iconic white Basilica of Notre-Dame, ruins of a Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below. Tonight’s Captain’s Gala Dinner will be a memorable feast for the senses. The ship moors overnight in Lyon. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - LYON – COLLONGES – BELLEVILLE – LYON	This morning, enjoy some free time in Lyon to explore on your own or shop for souvenirs and gifts. The ship departs after noon and cruises to Collonges for your excursion through the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or (“land of the golden stones,” named for the ochre limestone used to build local homes and castles). You will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt and the home of a local vintner, where you will enjoy a wine tasting and vineyard tour, and learn about the history of wine production in the region. Rejoin the ship in Belleville and return to Lyon, arriving late tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - LYON - DISEMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE	After disembarking the ship, guests continuing on to Paris will be treated to a demonstration of Lyonnaise cooking. You will have free time for lunch on your own before boarding a high-speed TGV train that will whisk you through the French countryside to Paris. Upon arriving in Paris, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, an optional “Montmartre & Illuminations” tour is available for you to enjoy. (B)
Day 12 - PARIS	Enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during this morning's guided tour, such as the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Lights.” This evening, an optional “Parisian Cabaret at Paradis Latin” dinner show is available. (B)
Day 13 - PARIS	Enjoy your last full day in Paris at your leisure. (B)
Day 14 - DEPART PARIS	Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

This cruise includes many things!  
Shore tours are included!
Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks are included with dinner!
 

All this is included:

•3 nights hotel in Barcelona at the Le Meridien (or similar), including daily buffet breakfast  (if pre-cruise land package selected)
•Transfer from Barcelona to the ship in Arles (if land package selected)   Note:  Cruise leaves from Arles, France
•7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom-most with French balconies
•Life enriching tours and excursions daily
•State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
•Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
•Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
•Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise
•Free-flowing red & white wines from France's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch & dinner on board
•Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
•Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
•3 nights hotel in Paris at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse (or similar), including daily buffet breakfast (if post package selected)
•Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and piano music
•Bicycles to explore on your own
•Services of professional Cruise Manager
•All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
•Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways
•All local taxes
•"Limited Edition Tours"

IMPORTANT

River cruising is VERY popular and these river ships are intimate vessels with a limited amount of staterooms.  Our ship, the AmaDagio , has a total of only 74 staterooms.   Please don't wait to reserve!  A deposit will hold your place and final payment is not due until March 18, 2016!

       Please click here to read about our ship!

***Note:  All U. S. citizens must carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise.***

We have exclusive discounted rates on this sailing!

Save $500 per couple by reserving through our group!
(Bonus:  If you went with us on the Danube Cruise you save even more! 
Past cruisers of AmaWaterways get an extra discount!)

Questions?  E-Mail Lynette at:  lynette@travelingtroubadour.com  

©2015 Traveling Troubadour, L. L. C.