INTRAV's La Belle France
July 18-27, 2003
Day 1 - Depart USA
Depart the United States on your transatlantic flight bound for France.Day 2 - Arrive Paris, France/Lyon (Embark the Provence)
Upon arrival in Paris, board a connecting flight to Lyon, where you embark the Provence later this afternoon. Situated at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, Lyon was founded as a colony by Julius Caesar in 43 B.C. and is renowned today for its arts culture and culinary delights. Specialties of this Epicurean city include lyonnaise sausage, fricassees, and vegetable soups. Spend the remainder of your afternoon in Lyon at leisure -- settling in aboard your "floating hotel" or strolling the streets, absorbing the special ambience of this lovely city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome aboard reception and dinner, hosted by the captain.Day 3 - Lyon/Tournon
Our morning tour of quartier St. Jean -- the historic center of Lyon -- is an unforgettable journey into the past. This restored quarter is made up of one of the finest collections of medieval and Renaissance buildings in France. Passageways and stairways thread their way among cathedrals and lavish residences (those of the silk merchants were more than five stories high to connote each owner's wealth).With the expertise of a local guide, we'll learn about the Roman legacy entwined with Lyon's birth. The major Gallo-Roman settlement on Fourvi`ere Hill was originally known as Lugdunum. Traces of this thriving community remain in an amphitheater, an odeum, and mosaics.
This afternoon, we sail from Lyon, continuing down the Rhône to Tournon. This well-preserved medieval village nestles at the foot of Tain-l'Hermitage's granite slopes along one of the most scenic stretches of the river. While we overnight here aboard the Provence, enjoy the convivial company of your fellow travelers.
Day 4 - Viviers (for Grignan)
Depart Tournon early this morning and cruise to Viviers, a small town overlooking the spot where the Rhône enters the gorge of Donz`ere. Viviers developed around its Romanesque cathedral, with a facade, porch, and solitary tower that still survive today. Disembark the Provence here for a tour to Château de Grignan. The medieval village of the same name hugs a rocky hill surrounded by lavender fields; its crowning glory is the impressive Renaissance château -- one of the most flamboyant for this region and one of the largest in France. Château de Grignan's terrace affords spectacular views extending to the Vivarais Mountains in the Arad`eche.
Day 5 - Roquemaure (for Pont du Gard)
From Viviers, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Rhône, watching as the pastoral landscapes slip by our bow. Arrive in Roquemaure early this afternoon and disembark for a visit to Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 B.C. Mere description cannot do justice to the first sight of this more than 2,000-year-old aqueduct. The Romans themselves considered it a testament to their engineering abilities. Approximately 900 feet long, its arches stand 157 feet above the river and represent the highest bridge ever built by the Romans. Made from enormous boulders hauled into place by hundreds of slaves using a clever system of pulleys and levers, it is a marvel of workmanship. The mortarless stone aqueduct supplied nearby Nîmes with 44 million gallons of water daily, and the amount of calcium residue found in the channel suggests that the aqueduct was in use as a water supply source for more than 500 years. Return to the Provence for dinner on board this evening.
Day 6 - Avignon
The ancient papal city of Avignon is surrounded by nearly three miles of centuries-old ramparts. Behind them, you'll find aged stonework the color of autumn leaves that blends with sophisticated boutiques and cafés. Avignon's most overwhelming feature is the impressive Palace of the Popes, which you will have the opportunity to visit this morning. A masterpiece of 14th-century Gothic architecture, it was the fortress-like residence of seven legitimate Popes, who reigned here from 1309 until 1377, and of three antipopes. In fact, at one point there were "twin" popes, one in Rome and one in Avignon. Covering more than 160,000 square feet, this complex took more than 35 years to complete. Twenty rooms are open to the public, including the private papal apartment and a regal study with frescoes.This afternoon, spend time at leisure discovering more of this historic city on your own. Join fellow guests at a delicious dinner on board the Provence, or take advantage of an opportunity to dine on your own at one of Avignon's many fine restaurants. The ship overnights in Avignon.
Day 7 - Arles
Awake to the special light that illuminates the southwestern corner of France and experience the special appeal of the Provençal city of Arles during a leisurely walking tour this morning. See the legacies of the past at the Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved monuments to Rome's heritage in all of Europe. As you stroll through the picturesque streets of Arles, its city squares and corner cafés nestled among a tangle of winding streets beckon you to linger awhile. It was in just such a place that Vincent van Gogh painted Starry, Starry Night during his stay in Arles. Still true to the arts, the city boasts an eclectic assortment of museums. You'll have time to continue exploring this charming town on your own following the captain's farewell reception and dinner.Day 8 - Arles (Disembark)/St.-Rémy de Provence/Les Baux-de-Provence/Aix-en-Provence
Disembark the Provence this morning and transfer to St.-Rémy de Provence; its circular pattern of medieval boulevards and pleasant main square will delight you. This lovely city in one of the world's most legendary regions was located near a sacred spring in ancient times. Just outside the city under the natural ramparts of the Alpilles, you'll see the ruins of a once-thriving Roman citadel called Glanum. Nearby, built on a limestone plateau, the deserted city of Les Baux-de-Provence is the ghost town of feudal lords who once ruled this land. A monument to turbulent and changing times, the rock-top village -- containing an array of Renaissance houses -- was gifted to the French Crown in the 15th century.After a relaxing interval of lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard, arrive in Aix-en-Provence and check in to the Hotel Mercure Grand Roi Rene. Located at the heart of this delightful city, it was Winston Churchill's hotel of choice during his visits to Provence.
Day 9 - Aix-en-Provence
You will have a full day to absorb the heady atmosphere of this magical city, comprised of equal parts flowers and food, bohemian flamboyance and bourgeois refinement, art and tradition.First and foremost, Aix is a visual delight -- surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provençal houses and traditional French-style gardens. Its architecture reflects the noble beauty of 17th- and 18th-century Provence -- handsome homes of the upper class; private mansions; city squares bursting with flowers, ancient fountains, and shaded narrow streets. It has been the inspiration of many great writers and painters, among them Paul Cézanne who was born and raised in Provence.
During a morning walk along the Cours Mirabeau, admire the sculptured doors and windows of the private mansions, and the intricate ironwork that decorates the balconies. See, too, the exquisite medieval Cathedral St. Sauveur. This afternoon, continue exploring on your own. Don't miss the fresh produce market on Place Richelme or the food, flowers, and flea markets at Place des Pecheurs and Place de la Madeleine. You may also want to visit the restored gardens of Châteaux de la Gaude and la Mignarde, two elegant castles built in the 17th century.
Day 10 - Return to U.S.A.
After breakfast this morning, bid Provence and France au revoir. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States. Upon arrival, connect with the flight to your home city.
Rates:
Special IRT discount of $500 per cabin off these rates!
Category Deck(s) Description Price 1 Lower Deck Outside Twin with two portholes $4,995 2 Main Deck Outside twin with French door and balcony $5,495 Single Supplement Main Deck (Available in Category 1 only) $1,320
Rates per person are in U.S. dollars and are based on double occupancy (except where stated otherwise).
Optional post-cruise extension: Paris
Extend your visit to France with an optional extension in Paris, France's social, artistic, and intellectual heart. Stay at the deluxe and very Parisian Hotel du Louvre, located in the city's fashionable center, facing the Opera Garnier and adjacent to the Louvre. During time on your own in Paris, see some of the city's most renowned attractions and enjoy its many museums with a three-day pass. Experience the ambience of one of Europe's most romantic cities during a stroll along the Seine or through the Tuileries Gardens. Wander the Louvre, view the Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral, or enjoy lunch at a typical Left Bank brasserie. Explore the charming village of Giverny, home to Claude Monet, during a half-day tour of this lovely retreat.Rates for 3-day Paris extension:
$990 per person, double
$1690, singleInternational Air Credit (per person): $675
Passengers electing to use this air credit are solely responsible for all air transportation.Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm reservations. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Here's What Your Voyage Includes:
1) All Sightseeing and Shore Excursions
*Lyon afternoon tour of quartier St. Jean (Old Lyon) and highlights of Lyon tour;
*Viviers Château de Grignan tour;
*Roquemaure excursion to Pont du Gard;
*Avignon tour of the 14th-century Palais des Papes;
*Arles walking tour of the city, including visit to the Roman Amphitheater; tour of Les Baux-de-Provence and St.-Rémy
*Aix-en-Provence tour of the city2) Dining and Special Events
*8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners (wine included with dinners on board) and these special events:
*captain's welcome aboard and farewell receptions and dinners aboard the Provence
*wine tasting at local olive garden and vineyard en route to Aix-en-Provence
3) Air Travel and Hotel Accommodations
*Round-trip international flights from New York City to Lyon, returning from Marseille (via Paris)
*Two nights at the Hotel Mercure Grand Roi Rene in Aix-en-Provence
*All overseas airport/ship/hotel transfers for INTRAV air-ticketed passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure and return, including tips to porters for luggage handling4) Plus, Many Extras
*Port charges
*Limited to 46 guests
*Onboard experts who lead sightseeing and shore excursions, and offer informative lectures and commentary
*Professional INTRAV travel director
*INTRAV travel bag, passport wallet, and name badge
*Full precruise information and assistance
*Automatic $250,000 travel insurance policy for each INTRAV-ticketed passenger, subject to policy terms and limitationsThe Provence
The 46-passenger Provence was designed to be Europe's most comfortable riverboat. She is 292 feet long, 31 feet wide, with a shallow draft designed for navigating France's rivers and waterways. All cabins are outside with twin lower beds, and two private baths one with shower and sink, the other with toilet and sink. On board, enjoy the culinary artistry of skilled French chefs who coordinate the riverboat's daily menu to reflect the region's specialties.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
www.irtsociety.com
