Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence

Tour begins: 6:30 PM. A transfer is included from Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport to your riverboat, comfortably docked in this historic city at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Settle in and get acquainted with your home afloat before joining us this evening for a special welcome cocktail reception and dinner, as your journey through the heart of France begins.

Lyon is considered the "culinary capital of France," which is quite a compliment in a country famed for its cuisine and fine vintages. But Lyon is also a city with a venerable history and considerable charm, as you'll discover when you do some sightseeing that includes a visit to Vieux Lyon, the old Renaissance part of the city that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first protected historic district in France, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière, built atop the ruins of an ancient Roman forum. This afternoon, it's off to the celebrated wine-growing region of Beaujolais for a tasting in the countryside before continuing your Rhône River cruise to Viviers. Return to the riverboat late afternoon for the evening.

Cruise this morning to Viviers, a walled city with origins in the 5th century on the right bank of the Rhône. If medieval history and authentic period architecture are your thing, Viviers is your kind of place... because it's one of the best-preserved medieval towns that you're likely to see in all of France. Its narrow streets and lanes reveal what life might have been like here in the Middle Ages. Shore excursion choices today include a walking tour of Viviers with your local guide, taking in views of the 12th-century cathedral and Maison des Chevaliers, followed by a lively game of pétanque (a form of boules and a popular outdoor game shared among friends) with the locals. You may also enjoy a guided visit to the Bollène Lock, one of France's largest river locks, for an opportunity to see ships raised or lowered along the Rhône, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Or, drive to nearby Grignan for a walking tour of the town and a truffle farm tour and tasting, where you'll observe how specially trained dogs unearth those precious truffles. Join us for dinner in the Compass Rose this evening as we sail for Arles in Provence.

It may seem that the Romans were everywhere along the Rhône, and Arles is no exception, as is witnessed by the triumphal arch, circus, and baths they left behind as you explore the city on a walking tour (or a bicycle tour) and time on your own. Do take time to look beyond the city walls at the incredible quality of the light here that so enraptured Vincent van Gogh – and the landscapes of yellow rocks, red soil, and lilac mountains that inspired in the Dutch artist a newfound creativity, and led to his creating hundreds of paintings while a patient at a nearby asylum, one of the most productive periods of his short life. Lunch today is a real treat, as you visit a private ranch in La Camargue for a private banquet of farm-grown Provençal specialties, a musical serenade, and a chance to see the region's iconic white horses, fleet-footed gardians (cowboys) and famous black bulls. As you continue your Rhône River cruise to Avignon this evening, try your hand at painting a chocolate art piece during an onboard demonstration before dinner aboard the riverboat.

Although the fortified city of Avignon was undoubtedly a pleasant place before they arrived, the 14th-century popes, who spent less than a century here when Rome became "tedious" for them, really put it on the map, and cultivated the local wine industry (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) and an appreciation for good food. This morning, choose a bicycle excursion in Avignon, a visit to the fortress-like home that the pontiffs built for themselves, the Palais des Papes, a tour of the city by mini-train, or a guided tour that brings you along the streets of Avignon for an exploration of the city's history and Jewish heritage dating back to the 13th century. Join us this evening ashore for a Tauck Exclusive event – a special evening including a tour, reception and dinner at the restored château and grounds of the medieval Duchy of Uzès.

Enjoy a choice of shore excursions today as you travel into the Luberon region. Visit Roussillon, located in the middle of one of the world's largest natural deposits of ochre; its livelihood was once linked to this colorful natural pigment. Venture to the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Romans in the first century; this well-preserved Roman aqueduct, 160 feet tall, is made of 50,000 tons of stone without mortar. Or, enjoy a hands-on onboard lavender workshop, learning about its fragrance, uses, and relaxing properties. Everyone returns to the riverboat to have lunch as you cruise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape; over 200 days of sunshine per year and rain-bearing mistral winds enable the soil to store water for the long summer, meaning that vineyards thrive here. Since medieval times, the life of this hillside village has centered around growing and producing wine of the same appellation; its residents have benefitted from the proceeds of flourishing vineyards as early as the 13th century, when the village was adjacent to a summer palace for the popes of Avignon. You will get an opportunity this afternoon to taste some of the area's acclaimed wines before returning to the riverboat for dinner and onboard relaxation as your cruise continues.

The riverboat docks in Tain l'Hermitage for the final day of your Rhône River cruise. Enjoy a wine & cheese tasting at a local co-op winery recognized for its 'cru' wines; take an active hike through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage; or journey along the Doux River gorge onboard a restored historic steam train. Join us aboard the ship for tonight's farewell reception followed by dinner as your riverboat returns to Lyon.

Disembark your riverboat in Lyon this morning and board the high-speed train to Paris, watching the landscapes of Burgundy and northern France unfold along the way. Upon arrival, get acquainted with the city on an orientation tour introducing its grand avenues, distinct neighborhoods, and unmistakable energy. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to enjoy as you wish – perhaps a stroll through a café-lined street, a quiet moment along the Seine, or dinner at a neighborhood bistro. Overnight at your hotel in Paris.

Enjoy a moveable feast and an introduction to the delights of Parisian cuisine today as you take a pastry class at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, where you'll learn firsthand the tips of the pâtisserie trade – including how to make an original pastry followed by a food walking tour. A Paris orientation tour by coach familiarizes you with many iconic landmarks before you embark on a walking and tasting tour that inspires with the fragrances and flavors of French food. The French capital is home to the masters of the pastry universe, dating back to Marie-Antoine Carême, who in the early 1800's popularized elaborate confections including the millefeuille, the croquembouche, strawberries Romanov and many more. Discover the history behind some of France's beloved specialties as you "taste" your way through a local neighborhood. Tonight, join us for a farewell reception and dinner.

Tour ends: Paris. Disembark ship and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Tauck's riverboat to Charles de Gaulle airport or the Charles de Gaulle, Gare du Lyon, or Gare du Nord train stations for your journey home. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.