River Cruising through the Wine Country of France 2013

Highlights

• Seven nights accommodation aboard our exclusively chartered river vessel, the MS Amadeus Symphony.
• After boarding, unpack just once in your outside stateroom with a window for excellent viewing of the scenery along the rivers.
• All meals included onboard featuring a variety of international and local cuisine. Complimentary regional wine is served with all onboard dinners.
• Included shore excursions escorted by local English-speaking guides throughout the tour.
• Spacious public areas onboard the ship with large windows, perfect for viewing the spectacular scenery of the Rhône and Saône Rivers.
• French balconies are featured in the cabins on the Mozart Deck.
• Enhanced touring experience with the use of a personal audio headphone system on all shore excursions.
• Spend two nights in Paris, ‘City of Light’
• 23 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners)
• All shore excursions included
• Airport transfers when air is provided by Mayflower
• International Cruise Director and Mayflower Tours expert staff onboard, plus local guides for shore excursions
• $55 in Mayflower Money

Description

Welcome aboard the Rhône and Saône French Rivers Cruise

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and lovely towns along the Rhône and Saône Rivers on a leisurely cruise through the wine country of France. All meals and excursions are included onboard as you explore these rivers from the comfort of your river vessel, the MS Amadeus Symphony.

Paris

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Paris, the magnificent ‘City of Light’. Located in the heart of the Íle-de-France region, along the banks of the Seine River, it’s the perfect place to begin embracing the French culture. On an included panoramic tour of this capital city you’ll see such famous sites and landmarks as the Louvre, Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, the trendy district of Le Marais on the Right Bank, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Bastille, the Trocadéro and the pièce de rèsistance....the Eiffel Tower. Free time will also be available for you to explore this amazing city on your own.

Lyon

Bordered by the Rhône River on the East and the Saône River on the West, Lyon is the embarkation and disembarkation port for your river cruise. Known for its historical and architectural landmarks, you’ll see the highlights and the city centre with its elegant squares and ancient buildings during the guided tour. The old quarter along the bank of the Saône is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Macon

Set in the lovely countryside on the western bank of the Saône River, Macon is the southernmost city of the Burgundy region. Discover the beauty of the area on a tour that takes you past the scenic landscape of castles and vineyards as you drive along the wine trail of the Beaujolais. The wine tasting session is sure to be a highlight of the tour!

Chalon Sur Saône

Located on the Saône River in the south of the Burgundy region of France this port was once a distribution point for the local wines which were sent up and down the river. Today’s tour takes you into the ancient walled city of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you’ll take a trip through the history of viniculture and enjoy a local wine tasting. Visit the Hotel-Dieu, a former charitable almshouse founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor and needy. The original hospital building is one of the finest examples of fifteenth-century French architecture. An afternoon tour takes you to the medieval villages of Brancion and Cormatin. Stroll through Brancion with its old castle towering above and visit the magnificent Château of Cormatin.

Avignon

Situated on the left bank of the Rhône River, Avignon is one of the few French cities to have preserved its ramparts, historic centre, churches and other buildings. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is well known for the imposing Palace of the Popes. On the city tour you’ll see the medieval ruins and walls as well as learn about Avignon’s relationship with the Papacy during your visit to the Palace of the Popes. While the ship remains docked in Avignon overnight you’ll have time to stroll through the narrow streets and squares of the historic quarter. The perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, will be seen during another included excursion. One of the architectural masterpieces of the ancient world, this aqueduct supplied water to vast tracts of the Roman provinces in southern France.

Viviers Region

Viviers is the starting point for your touring expedition to the Ardèche Gorge, one of France’s most interesting geographical features. Almost 100 feet deep in some places, it was created over several millennia by the sheer force of water flowing through the limestone. As your coach follows the path of the river and meanders through the gorge you’ll see an icon of this region: the famous Pont d’Arc – a natural stone bridge standing almost 100 feet high that was carved out by the Ardèche River. Be sure to have your camera ready!

As your river voyage comes to end, return to Paris for a final night before bidding a fond ‘au revoir’ to France.

Day-by-Day

Accommodations

Lodging

Days Two and Ten

Crown Plaza Republique or similar, Paris, France

Days Three through Nine

aboard the MS Amadeus Symphony

Deck Plan

Ship Details

MS Amadeus Symphony

The 146-passenger fully air-conditioned MS Amadeus Symphony is the perfect place to relax and unwind as you explore the waterways of France. Warm colors throughout the ship welcome you aboard and enhance the inviting atmosphere. An attentive onboard staff takes care of your needs to ensure your comfort and enjoyment during the voyage.

Comfortable, Well-appointed Staterooms

After boarding, unpack only once. All luxury staterooms offer excellent outside views. Among other amenities, each is equipped with a TV, phone, writing desk and chair, private bath with shower and individually controlled air-conditioning. The Mozart Deck features suites and staterooms with French balconies. The Amadeus suites have a bath tub.

All Meals Included Onboard

Three meals daily are served graciously at one leisurely single seating in the exquisite dining room and feature local and international specialties. All dinners are four courses and are served with complimentary regional wines. While dining, you will enjoy the splendid views of the passing scenic landscapes through the large picture windows. You’ll find complimentary coffee or tea served throughout the day in the lounge. Enjoy a special treat of afternoon tea with snacks and late evening snacks served daily in the comfortable lounge.

Ample Public Spaces

The classic and inviting main lounge has large picture windows and is furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs. It is one of the many ideal places from where passengers may choose to enjoy this unique river cruise. A full-service bar and dance floor are welcoming areas of the main lounge. Panoramic views of the ever changing scenery surround you from the open Sun Deck where one can relax as the ship sails along the river. A walking track, ‘fun pool’, oversized chess set and Lido Bar can also be found on the Sun Deck for your enjoyment.

A musician will entertain each evening enhancing the classic environment and the relaxed atmosphere onboard. A gift shop offers both sundries and souvenirs while the Amadeus Club has an internet station for your convenience.

Fitness Room

Exercise equipment is available in the Fitness Room to help you keep fit during your cruise, if you so choose!

Dates & Rates

All staterooms are outside with private bathroom and shower, hair dryer, radio, television, individ- ually controlled heating and air conditioning, safe and telephone.

† Staterooms on this deck and suites feature French balconies

Call for air rates and schedules between your city and Paris, France

Pre and post night stays are available in Paris. Call for details.

Destination Map