7 Night Colors of Provence Cruise from Lyon

Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourviere Hill, home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city's unique covered walkways, known as "traboules". Alternatively, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads, and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, enjoy free time in Lyon. Pop into an outdoor cafe for an authentic French breakfast or visit one of the city's many amazing museums during your leisurely morning. Bid Lyon adieu and set sail for Vienne. (B,L,D)

Travel to the Beaujolais wine region-known as the Pays d'Or or "land of the golden stones". Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Once back on board, take in the views during a scenic cruise to Vienne, where you will have time to explore on your own.(B,L,D)

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey-one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the chapel at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhona bike route. (B,L,D)

Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorges du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthelemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Chateau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain-l'Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you'll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)

Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. Avignon, aptly named the "City of Popes", was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its "Palais des Papes" was the equivalent of today's Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese, wine, and tapenades, or you can enjoy a bike tour. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternatively, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, where you will go in search of the highly prized "Black Diamond" truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to the Pont d'Avignon, illuminated against the night sky. (B,L,D)

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you'll visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhone, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh's Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, you'll venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. (B)