There's romance in the air! Breathe in the sensual aromas of the French countryside as we wind our way through Provence and Burgundy on a river cruise that will tantalize your taste buds and titillate your palate. Experience the rich history and exquisite wines of the world-renowned Beaujolais region, the gastronomic capital of France. Stroll through medieval alleyways and be enchanted with the beauty of Renaissance architecture. Take in the charm of Romanesque Viviers, and the mystical "Palace" in Avignon, the "City of Popes." You can even start your journey with a optional romantic 1-night stay in Nice!

Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh spent a very productive year inspired by the special light of the Provence. See how the Old Town is a mélange of Christian, Roman, and medieval architecture. In charming Avignon, the most picturesque part of Provence, you'll be enchanted by the 14th century, grandiose "Palace of the Popes." Visit the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage nestled among vineyards between the River Rhone and the granite of slopes of the Hermitage, featuring a Romanesque cathedral. Stumble across Roman ruins, excellent museums, Renaissance architecture, and colorful local produce markets. You'll take guided walking tours in Macon, with architectural wonders dating back to the 6th century, see half-timbered houses from the 15th century, and enjoy the wine and haute cuisine of the Beaujolais region. You'll also have the option to take additional wine-tasting excursions. Take in the famous historical sites and rich art and culture of Chalons sur-Saone. See one of France's architectural highlights, Hotel-Dieu charity Hospital, which houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment.

Your Ship
You'll travel in style and comfort on the brand new Avalon Scenery, offering the largest staterooms on the European waterways today. A spacious 172-square feet, these beautiful staterooms are equipped with unique amenities you would expect to find at a fine resort, including a modern private bathroom with shower, comfortable hotel-style beds, European-style duvets and Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, 90% floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, large closets, flat-screened TVs, a safe, a minibar, and individual climate control. In addition there is an elevator, and a wading pool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing.

Important Information: We will be providing transportation to transfer guests to and from the Avalon Scenery. To take advantage of this service, it is important that everyone meet in Nice at the central Hotel that we will be using for our pre-cruise, one-night package on the late morning/early afternoon of July 8 (approx. 1:00pm TBA) to board the bus to the ship in Arles. The transfer from Nice to the ship in Arles takes approximately two hours, so don't be left behind. From Nice, we will transfer by bus along the Cote d'Azur into the Provence region and to Arles where the crew of your river cruise vessel waits to welcome you! This transfer is included in the cost of the trip. As we end our tour in Chalons sur-Saone we’ll transfer you after breakfast either to the hotel we are using for our optional post-cruise, two-night stay July 15-17, or directly to the airport for your return home. Transfer is approximately 3-3 1/2 hours. This transfer is included in the cost of your cruise.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Price includes: all meals, house wine, juice or ice tea drinks with dinner, all sightseeing tours as listed in Itinerary, our staff assistance throughout, transfers to/from ship. Not included: airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $399 (subject to change), beverages outside of those indicated above. Please note: the deposit for this trip is $500 per person. Early booking pricing valid until 4/24/08.