Itinerary

Pricing

Fares are per person, cruise-only and based on double occupancy.  Fares listed are 5% off AMA Waterways lowest published fares:

April 19 to 26, 2012, Cruise Only:

Category E Stateroom, $2,944 (170′ feet, fixed windows, Piano Deck)
Category D Stateroom, $3,134 (170′ feet, fixed windows, Piano Deck)
Category B Stateroom, $3,831 (170′ feet, french balcony, Cello or Violin Deck)  ALMOST SOLD OUT
Waitlist – Category A  (Waitlist Only)  (One deck higher on AmaDagio)
Waitlist – Jr. Suite Upgrade (Waitlist Only)  (Midship Violin Deck, tub in bathroom, refrigerator in suite, additional 85′ Square Feet of space

April 16-19 pre-cruise in Paris and transfer to Lyon, $780
April 26-29 post-cruise in Barcelona, $780

AMA TravelGuard Insurance is available for $335 per person and AMA’s Worry-Free insurance (a TravelGuard suppliment) is an additional $60 but must be purchased with deposit.  Insurance premiums are not refundable in the case of cancellation.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, April 15 DEPART USA/CANADA. Board your overnight flight to Paris, France*.
Day 2, April 16 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE. Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 3, April 17 PARIS. Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. Conclude your visit at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Light.” This evening, an optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion is available. (B)
Day 4, April 18 PARIS. Your last day in Paris is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Or, you may decide to join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion this morning or the optional Montmartre & Illuminations tour this evening. (B)
Day 5, April 19 PARIS – LYON – EMBARKATION. After checking out of your hotel, you will board the TGV high-speed train that will whisk you through the French countryside to Lyon. Nestled between the Saone and Rhone rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most important cities and gastronomic capitals. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own before your included Lyon Cooking Demonstration. Later, transfer to your luxurious ship. Gather this evening on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
Day 6, April 20 LYON – TRÉVOUX. Today your panoramic tour of Lyon will take you to the “Place Bellecour” with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the “Place des Terreaux,” with Bartholdi’s Fountain and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière, part of the historic region designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Hill of Prayers,” Fourvière is famous for its iconic white Basilica of Notre-Dame; ruins of a Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below. Later, your ship will depart for the historic village of Trévoux. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour of this former capital of the ancient principality of Dombes. The town’s landmarks include a Parliament building, medieval ramparts and a hillside Chateau. You will also enjoy a traditional game of boules, otherwise known as pétanque. (B,L,D)

Day 7, April 21 TRÉVOUX – VIENNE. This morning’s tour will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones,” named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. You will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt. You will also visit the winery and home of a local vintner, which will include wine tasting, a vineyard tour and explanation of the history of wine production in the region. Return to the ship in the early afternoon and continue cruising towards Vienne. (B,L,D)

Day 8, April 22 VIENNE – TOURNON. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. This morning, you will take a mini train tour and see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theater and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre. As an alternative, you may choose to visit the castle (when available). Your ship will depart at midday for Tournon. This evening, explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 9, April 23 TOURNON – VIVIERS. This morning, visit Tain L’Hermitage, Tournon’s “twin” town located across the Rhone River and linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Tain L’Hermitage the premier producer of the Côtes du Rhone wines. Enjoy a wine tasting and then free time this afternoon to visit the 16th-century castle which is now a town hall. Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise to Viviers. Arriving this evening, you will enjoy a unique view of the town’s history and legends. Participate in an onboard nougat demonstration or follow along on a “ghost walk” through this once-thriving medieval town, as fascinating and poignant stories of its past are brought to life by the town’s current residents. (B,L,D)

Day 10, April 24 VIVIERS – AVIGNON. After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent village perched upon a hill surrounded by lavender fields, topped by a Renaissance castle. From the castle, enjoy a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Return to the ship and cruise to Avignon. As your ship docks, look for the Avignon Bridge, made famous by the French children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On the Bridge of Avignon”). Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, which you will visit during your walking tour. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the alternative, you can take an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour will also visit Uzes, a lovely Provencal small town known for its Castle of the Duke of Uzes (still occupied by the Duke and his family), medieval streets and a picturesque town square framed by archways. Enjoy free time for shopping in Uzes before returning to your ship. (B,L,D)

Day 11, April 25 AVIGNON – LES BAUX – ARLES. This morning, you will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to thevillage of Les Baux de Provence. This hilltop village and fortress was a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion until destroyed by Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu in 1633. At the castle, you will see examples of medieval siege weaponry. In the alternative, choose to take the “Van Gogh” tour which will take you the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most well-known paintings such as The Irises and Starry Night. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. Late this afternoon, your city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater. The ship moors overnight in Arles. (B,L,D)

Day 12, April 26 ARLES – DISEMBARK – BARCELONA, SPAIN. Disembark your ship in Arles and transfer to Barcelona. Along the way, pass through the Camargue, the unique marshland that extends to the sea. Stop in the medieval town of Perpignan, France, where you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own. (B)

Day 13, April 27 BARCELONA. Your full day in Barcelona begins with a driving tour to the top of Montjuic Hill where you will enjoy glorious views of the city below. Continue along the waterfront to Las Ramblas, the iconic tree-lined boulevard at the heart of the city. You will explore the Gothic Quarter, the medieval center of the city. Your tour also includes the unique architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, the basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been under construction for over a century. In the alternative, choose the “tapas and boqueria” excursion where you will visit tapas bars and sample local favorites. Also, discover why Mediterranean cuisine is internationally known due to its ingredients during your guided tour of the “Market of la Boqueria.” (B)

Day 14, April 28 BARCELONA. Enjoy a full day at your leisure, or take part in the optional Montserrat excursion, visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey atop Montserrat Mountain. (B)

Day 15, April 29 DEPART BARCELONA. Transfer* to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
*Flights and transfers are only included if flight arrangements are purchased through AMA Waterways in conjunction with the cruise.