This cruise vacation has it all -historic sites, charming towns, world-class wine, gourmet cuisine and more!
Please note, this trip has been rescheduled from 2020 due to the pandemic. Previously booked guests were given the opportunity to rebook their cabins, thus affecting the inventory available to new bookings. If your preferred accommodations are not available at the moment, we encourage you to waitlist as these cabins often open up at a later date.
Your adventure begins in the city that has it all – Paris. The cosmopolitan capital of France is the center of European fashion, art, architecture and much more. Whether this is your first time to Paris or 50th, the “City of Lights” has something new for everyone. As Audrey Hepburn said, ” Paris is always a good idea.”
Next, travel to Lyon, capital of the Rhone-Alps region where you will board Amadeus Provence for this 7 night all – LGBT cruise. During this journey, you are sure to enjoy the sightseeing of Arles, the wildlife of Camargue Nature Park and the breathtaking vineyards of Burgundy. This cruise vacation has it all -historic sites, charming towns, world-class wine, gourmet cuisine and more!
Luxury Level: ***** Five Star Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Ship Accommodations
The MS Amadeus Provence is new addition to the Amadeus fleet. On this premier cruise ship, the generous interior planning and design provides comfortable room for 140 passengers on this floating 5-star hotel.
The extensive restaurant and the Panorama Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the outdoor, glass-shielded River Terrace allows you to relax in the open regardless of the weather. The luxurious layout and fittings of the cruise ship are rounded off by attentive on-board service. The crew will see to your comfort and attend to your every wish with typical Austrian hospitality, ensuring that your experience on the MS Amadeus Provence is an unforgettable one.
Year built: 2017
Length: 361 feet
Width: 36.5 feet
Number of cabins: 70
Capacity: 140 passengers
Amenities: All cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, bathroom with shower, satellite TV, safe, hairdryers, 220 V electrical outlets — and each gives you a view of the river.
The MS Amadeus Provence offers a lounge for your enjoyment and relaxation. Free Wi-Fi is available in the reception and lounge. The sun deck, with chaise lounges, offers panoramic views and an infinity pool.
Land Accommodations
Hilton Paris Opera
This vacation package includes two nights at the Hilton Paris Opera hotel.
Classified as a Historical Monument for its magnificient Haussman-style façade, the hotel has been totally and beautifully redesigned. Opulently decorated, the hotel is the perfect reflection of the history, style and enchantment that surrounds it.
Immersed in the vibrant Opera Quarter, this architectural gem is within easy reach of the most iconic sights and attractions of the city: shopping, department stores and the Opera House are all within walking distance.
Dates of Stay: September 6-8
Additional pre-program nights available:
$526 per room per night double occupancy
$480 per room per night single occupancy
Rates include breakfast and all taxes as well as airport transfers.
Optional Pre Nights – Rates coming soon…
Hilton Opera Hotel
Classified as a Historical Monument for its magnificient Haussman-style façade, the hotel has been totally and beautifully redesigned. Opulently decorated, the hotel is the perfect reflection of the history, style and enchantment that surrounds it.
Immersed in the vibrant Opera Quarter, this architectural gem is within easy reach of the most iconic sights and attractions of the city: shopping, department stores and the Opera House are within walking distance.
Highlights
- Paris – explore the hidden passages of Paris or take a trip to incomparable Versailles
- Macon – includes a visit to a Burgundy wine museum to sample local wines
- Cluny Abbey – Benedictine monastery that was the largest in the world in medieval times
- Arles – famed for its Roman heritage, and the place which most inspired Vincent van Gogh
- Pont du Gard – the triple-tiered aqueduct constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans
- Palais des Papes – Gothic fortress built from the area’s local limestone
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape – home to the world-famous wine which has been cultivated there since Pope Clement V
- Lyon – UNESCO World Heritage city is known as the “gastronomic capital of the world”, as well as historical and architectural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Inclusions
- Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter
- Airport transfer from Paris airport to host hotel
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Paris, including daily buffet breakfast
- Private Seine River Dinner Cruise including welcome cocktail, 3-course dinner, and select wines
- Transfer via the high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) from Paris to Lyon
- 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation (Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter)
- State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access
- Complimentary beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise
- Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
- Complimentary shore excursions offered daily
- Brand g signature entertainment
- Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
- Post cruise transfer to Lyon airport or train station
Welcome to Paris! Our representatives will greet you at the Charles De Gaulle airport and transfer you to our host hotel, the Hilton Paris Opera Hotel for your included two-night stay. Tonight, we gather for a festive welcome dinner cruise on the Seine river to see the lights of Paris. The dinner cruise begins at 6:30pm, so we suggest you plan to arrive to Paris before 4pm. (Dinner)
Following breakfast, you’ll have your choice of two half-day guided excursions, the price of which are included in the total trip cost:
Option A – Versailles: You have probably heard about Versailles, read about it, and have seen Sophia Ford Coppola’s movie “Marie-Antoinette” that was shot in the Versailles Palace and gardens.
The palace is just a 40-minute drive from central Paris, during which our guides will regale you with tales of its construction, the traditions, King Louis XIV (also called the Sun King), his wife, Marie-Antoinette, and the fascinating 17th century royal life.
Option B- Hidden Passages of Paris with Wine Tasting: Built from the late 18th to mid-19th century, the covered passages are truly hidden gems, not much known even by Parisians, full of picturesque discoveries: small bookshops, old toy stores, stamp collectors, tea rooms, etc. Quiet and off the touristic track, they offer an alternate vision of Paris, a more intimate image of how the city looked 150 years ago. A wine tasting will be offered to conclude the tour.
Following your morning excursion, you will have the afternoon to continue exploring the “City of Lights” at your leisure. (Breakfast)
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Paris before your transfer to the Amadeus Provence. Mid-day, we will board the high speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) to Lyon for embarkation. Once on board, you will be able to settle in, explore the ship, and enjoy a welcome dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
This wine-producing region produces some of the most expensive wines in the world. Spend the morning exploring the city and perhaps visit the wine museum, dedicated to the history and production of Burgundy wines. Near the city of Macon is the Cluny Abbey, dedicated to St Peter.
Later today, explore the medieval towns of Brancoin and Cormatin. The fortified city of Brancoin gives you a glimpse of France in the 13th to 15th centuries. Also, we will visit Cormatin, the old fortified house that controlled one of the roads of Cluny. At the beginning of the 17th century, the fortress was dismantled by Antoine du Blé. The castle displays the sober and rigorous principles of the French “rustic style”. This evening we sail on to Lyon.
At the confluence of the Rhone and the Saône rivers, sits Lyon, the third-largest city in France. This UNESCO World Heritage city is considered the “gastronomic capital of the world” as well as offering historical and architectural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) which is the Renaissance area along the bank of the Saône.
After a morning to explore Lyon at your leisure, we sail to Avignon. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing scenic cruise of the Rhone River.
The Provencal city of Avignon is home to the Papal Palace, once the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. The Papal Palace was home to six papal conclaves, but became obsolete when the papacy decided to return to Rome.
The area of Provence is also home to the Pont du Gard, a three-level aqueduct constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans and is one of the architectural masterpieces of the ancient world. Your vessel remains in Avignon this evening.
Arles captured the imagination of the brilliant Impressionist painter, Van Gogh. Walking through the town, many of the settings may seem familiar as some of Van Gogh’s best known pieces, which reflect the beauty of the town. (Various spots are commemorated with signs reflecting the matching painting.)
Outside of Arles, the Camargue Nature Park covers 86,000 hectares and is known for its unique flora and fauna as well as semi-wild bulls and white Camargue horses.
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy a guided walk of Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins.
Transfer to the Lyon Airport (LYS) for your flight home or to your next adventure. The boat docks in Lyon at 5:30am and therefore we recommend you book flights for no earlier than 8:30am
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