7 Night Burgundy and Provence Cruise from Chalon-sur-Saone

This morning, board the TGV train to Dijon and from there, drive to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote-d'Or area. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Although life here centers around wine, Beaune offers much more. You may choose to join the included guided excursion to the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, built in 1443 and paid for by the chancellor of Burgundy after the Hundred Years' War left many of the town's population destitute. Today it houses Van der Weyden's painting of The Last Judgment and is one of architectural highlights of France. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting of Burgundy wines before continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saone, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Tournus. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, a local guide will show you the highlights of the delightful town of Tournus, tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb abbey, St. Philibert's, part of which dates back to the 10th century. There's free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch a choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. Before dinner, enjoy an onboard cheese tasting. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy some relaxing time onboard before arriving in Lyon, France's third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, excellent museums, and Renaissance architecture delight visitors. A local guide joins you as you survey the city from Fourviere Hill and explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and Place des Terreaux, a popular area with lively cafes, monuments, and the famous fountain often depicted on postcards. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy a free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Perhaps wander through one of Lyon's parks, discover some of the murals (there are over 100 of them), or select one of the available optional excursions. Be sure to taste the gastronomic delights and sample Beaujolais, the wine of the region; wine connoisseurs know that the grapes must be hand picked. Your cruise director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. A local guide will show you Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Arriving in Viviers in the late afternoon, a guided walk shows you this charming town that developed around its Romanesque cathedral. The Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Here you will find intact ramparts encircling the entire city, cobblestone streets and squares, and private mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as the "City of Popes", it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. During your guided tour you may choose to join an included visit of the Palace of the Popes, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes' residence. A photo of the famous Pont Saint Benezet (Saint Benezet Bridge), of the popular song Sur le Pont d'Avignon, is a must. Optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

In Arles, located on the northern tip of the Camargue and the capital of the Provence region, your local guide will show you highlights of the city and you'll visit the Roman amphitheater. Still used today, it dates to the 1st century and was constructed to hold over 20,000 spectators. This evening, (daylight permitting) sail toward the mouth of the Rhone for a taste of the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the Cote d'Azur for a last night in France. Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote d'Azur stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border and is synonymous with prestige and beauty. (Breakfast)