Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence River Cruise

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  • Sample delicious local wines with a wine-tasting in Burgundy's wine capital, Beaune.
  • Visit the Palace of the Popes in the 14th-century City of Avignon, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures.
  • Explore the magnificent Ardèche Gorges, one of France's most outstanding natural landscapes.
  • Take a guided tour around the highlights of Lyon, including renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe's largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, featuring a statue of Louis XIV.
  • Marvel at the amazing Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Roman amphitheatre in Arles.

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Our journey through France explores the beautiful Saône and Rhône French rivers, the preferred route of traders and invaders alike since the dawn of recorded history. Everywhere there are reminders of the Romans and the greatest empire of the ancient world. There are guided tours to Lyon, historic Vienne, and Beaune, with a wine tasting. You will be staggered by the engineering genius of the amphitheatre at Arles and the huge aqueduct at the Pont du Gard. Avignon was the seat of the Papacy during medieval times, heralding a century of greatness crowned by the absorbing Papal Palace and its renaissance art collection. Van Gogh created his greatest works in Provence, and all this is set in some of France’s stunning natural beauty.

Your Itinerary

  • DAY 3 CHALON & BEAUNE
  • DAY 4 VIENNA & TAIN I’HERMITAGE
  • DAY 5 ARDÈCHE GORGES
  • DAY 6 ARLES & PONT DU GARD
  • DAY 7 AVIGNON
  • DAY 8 DISEMBARK IN AVIGNON

Embark in Lyon

On arrival we transfer by coach to our ship moored in Lyon’s historic centre. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. After settling in to your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this five-star floating hotel.

Route Map

After our first splendid breakfast, we’ve a leisurely start enjoying a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities. The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified.

In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; the Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here. There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.

The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals the world’s) gastronomic capital.

In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and the city boasts a huge array of speciality food shops and eateries, including 20 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and countless little places to eat.

Cruise on the Saône

While you enjoy your first lunch the ship quietly slips its mooring. Cruising upstream, we catch the first glimpses of the vine-clad slopes of the hazy green Beaujolais hills as we approach one of the world’s most revered red-wine-producing regions. On our left we see the picturesque villages of Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas, Chénas and many more, while on the right you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest mountain.

As the afternoon drifts into evening and we cruise past the town that gives them their name, the white wines of Mâcon hold sway – and what could be better than a cool, crisp glass in the lounge before enjoying this evening’s culinary delights in the restaurant, prepared by our outstanding chef. 

Included experience:

Guided tour of Lyon.

Lyon at night

CHALON & BEAUNE

Rising this morning we’re berthed in Chalon, gateway to Burgundy and home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. On this morning’s tour we see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more.

Nearby is medieval Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital, which is wonderful to wander around. At its centre is the Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu. Originally built in the 15th century as a hospital for the disadvantaged, it’s a jewel of High Gothic architecture, instantly recognisable for its colourful glazed roof tiles arranged in dazzling geometric patterns.

A prestigious annual wine auction takes place here each November, with proceeds going to benefit the Hospices and its charity work. Of course, you can’t visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wines, so we visit the cellars of a leading traditional winemaker for a tour and tasting before returning to the ship for lunch.

Cruise towards Vienne

This afternoon relax on board as we retrace our steps back towards Lyon where we join the river Rhône on our way to Vienne.

Tour of Beaune with wine tasting.

Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune

VIENNA & TAIN I’HERMITAGE

Overnight the ship has cruised almost imperceptibly downstream, and we enjoy breakfast in Vienne before our guided tour. Strikingly located in a narrow section of the Rhône where the river meanders dramatically around a steep bluff, Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains, including the stunning Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of only two edifices of this type in the whole of the country.

From the ship, we head to the top of the city, the Mont Pipet hill, where the view onto the Rhône will inspire keen photographers. It’s also where the Romans chose to build the spectacular amphitheatre in the 1st Century AD, which could accommodate 13.500 spectators. Weavings through the charming, narrow streets of the old town, soak up the history of this fascinating place.

We wander back to the ship for another superb lunch, during which we enter perhaps the most picturesque section of the Rhône as the river squeezes and twists past Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon and Saint- Vallier, with wooded cliffs rising high on both sides.

Tain l'Hermitage

Later we moor in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides, where another of the world’s most revered wines is produced. After dinner, prehaps take a stroll along the river and wander across the oldest suspension bridge in France to the pretty provincial town of Tournon on the opposite bank of the river, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues.

Included experiences:

Guided tour of Vienne & visit to Tain l'Hermitage.

Tournon Church

ARDÈCHE GORGES

Cruise to Le Pouzin

This morning we cruise effortlessly downstream. In the distance you’ll catch glimpses of the Alps and, as we approach Valence, the landscape gradually becomes less green with more ochres and magentas, the houses have sloping terracotta roofs typical of the Mediterranean and the air carries heady aromas of pine and cypress. You can only be in the Midi or – as we call it – the south of France. It’s so relaxing to catch up on some reading or just laze in the sun.

Ardèche Gorges

After lunch we explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power. Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc.

Caves, grottoes and natural sculptures create marvellous views at every turn before we return to the gentler slopes of the Rhône Valley, where our ship is moored in charming Viviers, a medieval town clustered around its 12th-century cathedral. We slip our mooring and proceed through the famous lock at Bollène, one of the deepest in France, as you relax over dinner.

After dinner, delight in a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance!

Guided tour of the Ardèche Gorges & live ballroom dancing performance.

Pont d’Arc, Ardèche Gorges

ARLES & PONT DU GARD

You awake under the azure skies of deepest Provence and amid the warm stone colours of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Seagoing ships could reach here, and the city became a regional capital, briefly ruling over Gaul, Spain and Britain.

Our guided tour will help you appreciate the finer points of Arles’s magnificent Roman remains, including the splendid amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, the earlier theatre built during the reign of Augustus and the Alyscamps, the ancient necropolis with its extraordinary atmosphere.

The disturbed but great genius of an artist Van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year, from February 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café, The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers.

Pont du Gard

After lunch we visit the amazing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000-year-old structure, which was the highest bridge built in the Empire –the Romans themselves considered it the most important testimony to their greatness. Its statistics are staggering - over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high, with its stones each weighing up to six tons.

To put this in perspective, the span of the Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge – and no mortar was used in its construction! The situation is lovely too, with pine- and cypress-covered hills adding to the harmonious setting. Re-joining the ship, we cruise along the Rhône and, during dinner, pass the imposing 15th-century castle at Tarascon standing guard on the riverbank.

Guided tour of Arles and visit to the Pont du Gard.

Pont du Gard

The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century, when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome.

Igniting a century of prosperity, the Pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count.

Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures. The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable. 

But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candle-lit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age, when it was truly the centre of Christendom.

After lunch you’re free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting the nearby Petit Palais, the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons.

It’s our final afternoon so you may wish to do some shopping, or just find a charming café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by. Perhaps though, return to the luxurious surroundings of our ship, finding a quiet spot to contemplate the many wondrous places you’ve seen and experienced over a cup of tea!

This evening we enjoy the sumptuous Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience. Afterwards, sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who'll entertain us with French songs on board.

Guided tour of Avignon & on-board piano performance.

Popes’ Palace, Avignon

DISEMBARK IN AVIGNON

Disembark in Avignon

After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship, with time to look back on great memories from a superb trip.

  • DAY 1 EMBARK IN AVIGNON
  • DAY 2 AVIGNON
  • DAY 3 ARLES & PONT DU GARD
  • DAY 4 ARDECHE GORGES & TAIN I'HERMITAGE
  • DAY 5 VIENNE
  • DAY 6 BEAUNE & BURGUNDY
  • DAY 8 DISEMBARK IN LYON

EMBARK IN AVIGNON

Embark in Avignon

On arrival we transfer by coach to our ship moored in Avignon’s historic centre. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. After settling in to your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this five-star floating hotel.

Route Map

Igniting a century of prosperity, the pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count.

Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures.

The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable. But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candlelit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age, when it was truly the centre of Christendom.

You may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by.

Returning on board for dinner, the ship sets sail towards our next destination, Arles, arriving later that evening. After a welcome dinner, sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who'll entertain us with French songs on board.

Pope's Palace

ARDECHE GORGES & TAIN I'HERMITAGE

This morning we disembark after breakfast and whilst our ship effortlessly cruises upstream towards Le Pouzin, we will explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power.

Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc. We enjoy marvellous views at every turn of caves, grottoes and natural sculptures before returning to the ship moored in Le Pouzin.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board – perhaps catching up on some reading or just lazing in the sun as the temperature rises, before we arrive in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides, where another of the world’s most revered wines is produced. After dinner, perhaps take a stroll along the river and wander across the oldest suspension bridge in France to the pretty provincial town of Tournon on the opposite bank of the river, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues.

Guided tour of the Ardèche Gorges & visit to Tain l'Hermitage & live ballroom dancing performance.

Pont d'Arc, Ardèche Gorges

Cruise through the Rhône Valley

During breakfast this morning, we’ll slip our moorings and cruise north through one of the most spectacular sections of the Rhône Valley, as the river squeezes and twists pasts Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon and Saint-Vallier, with wooded cliffs rising high on both sides.

Traditionally these stretches were the most dangerous due to fierce currents and varying water levels but, with the waters now tamed by a series of locks whose complex mechanisms never cease to fascinate, you can relax on the Sun Deck taking in the exceptional views.

After lunch we arrive in the ancient Roman stronghold of Vienne, first a Celtic settlement, then a Roman stronghold under Julius Caesar. Here you'll be taken on a captivating tour, hosted by a local expert. Strikingly located in a narrow section of the Rhône, where the river meanders dramatically around a steep bluff, Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains, including the stunning Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, and a walk around its streets really brings its heritage to life.

You will also have some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the ship for dinner, during which we commence our cruise towards Chalon-sur-Saône.

Guided tour of Vienne.

Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne

BEAUNE & BURGUNDY

Overnight we have made steady progress north and mid-morning we arrive in and berth in Chalon, gateway to Burgundy and the home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. On today’s tour we see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more.

A prestigious annual wine auction takes place here each November, with proceeds going to benefit the Hospices and its charity work. Of course, you can’t visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wines, so we visit the cellars of a leading traditional winemaker for a tour and tasting. During dinner back on board we retrace our steps on the Saône back towards Lyon.

One of river cruising’s great pleasures is the fascination of waking in a completely different location and on waking this morning, the ship arrives in Lyon. After another splendid breakfast, we’ve a leisurely start enjoying a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities.

The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified. In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here.

There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.

The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals, the world’s) gastronomic capital.

It’s our final afternoon in which you are free to explore Lyon further or perhaps though, return to the sumptuous surroundings of your ship, head up on to the Sun Deck and just contemplate the wondrous places you have seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea.

This evening we enjoy the sumptuous Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience.

Lyon at night, France

DISEMBARK IN LYON

Disembark in Lyon

It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:

  • Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
  • Free Superior drinks package
  • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
  • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
  • All visits and excursions as mentioned 
  • Coach travel as mentioned
  • English-speaking expert guides
  • The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge

Meet Cruise Director Tony

Tony Cruise Director on Rhine and Moselle rivers

Useful Information

  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: French
  • Time Zone: GMT+1
  • Country: France

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. 

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Historical and monumental, the construction of the Burgundy Canal spanned more than 100 years and changed the surrounding landscape along a path of more than 250 kilometres. It includes over 150 locks, a 3-kilometre tunnel, aqueducts, and reservoirs holding millions of tonnes of water. The canals flow through the capital city of Dijon . Nearby the canal, you have the wines and the vineyards of "The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy" , a UNESCO World Heritage.

Discover the best hotel barge cruises and self-drive boat trips on France’s magnificent Burgundy Canal. The calm inland waterways climb from the rivers Saône and Yonne, heading high into rolling hills covered in dense oak and elm forests .

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There are miles of towpaths, lanes and country roads perfect for walking and cycling! Scenic villages and magnificent UNESCO sites to visit such as Fontenay Abbey , the Hospices de Beaune and much more. This peaceful and calm destination is perfect for family and friend holidays.

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Our all-inclusive luxury French barge cruises in France are packed with adventure and excitement

Luxury Cruise in France

Whether you want an active adventure out in the picturesque French countryside, a relaxed cruise down the scenic waterways, or something in between, we’re ready to help you make the lasting memories of a lifetime on a luxury French barge cruise in France. This is the stuff of travel tales. We personalize every detail so your luxury cruise in France cruising down the canals and rivers a meditative calm descends. And the great thing is you’ll find it all when you hit the waterways of France. Any luxury French barge cruise on the canals of France has a certain allure but when heading out on the canals there's an additional dose of anticipation. Fill your days with endless options: Walk on canal paths. Borrow a bike. Make yourself at home. Explore boutique shops and bustling local markets, lunch at a local bistro while pampered by the owners themselves, tour the legendary Burgundian vineyards, and wineries dotting the countryside, and walk the ramparts of historic château in private tours, all possible to do during one of our French canal cruises. The Grand Victoria itineraries are designed to provide a cultural adventure, which our guide can adapt to meet individual interests because the most exciting places can fall flat without spontaneity. It is exceptional moments that make long-lasting memories.

An Inclusive Experience

We want the Grand Victoria to become your second home. We tailor our services to your personal wishes, and we attend to the details in the background, so the entire luxury yacht feels like it’s yours. Our all-inclusive luxury French barge cruise in France is packed with adventure and excitement; the result is a pure French fantasy! Discover the rich flavors and zest for local life barging on the canals and rivers of France. Stays are inclusive of all meals, fine wines, and spirits, as well as all activities and equipment. Join us, and we’ll help you create your own retreat. Bring a few friends or your family along on this French canal cruise for the adventure of a lifetime because a French barge vacation with us makes an impact with authentic experiences, new profound relationships, and cultural experiences. This unique journey offers exclusive and unforgettable interactions with locals. Life as you know it seems very far away!

Our all-inclusive luxury French barge cruises in France are packed with adventure and excitement

The Setting

The Grand Victoria cruises the countryside of France. Explore boutique shops and bustling local markets, lunch at a local bistro while pampered by the owners themselves, tour the legendary Burgundian vineyards, and wineries dotting the countryside, and walk the ramparts of historic château in private tours, all possible to do during one of our French canal cruises. Burgundy is even more beautiful than the imagination. There’s a special flavor with a blend of culture and tradition. It’s in the Burgundy wine but it transcends everything. It’s in the graciousness of the people. It’s in the quaint villages speckled among the Burgundy vineyards. And you quickly learn that fine French wine is only where Burgundy’s story starts. On our river and canal cruise itineraries, you’ll take in some of the best destinations in France for wine lovers.

Explore Medieval France

There are hundreds of châteaux in France, many dating back to the Middle Ages. A region rich in history and culture, with beautiful architectural wonders, perfectly viewed from your own luxury French barge cruise. Burgundy was once home to the Dukes of Burgundy, rulers of a territory stretching across eastern France. The historic and modern capital of Burgundy is Dijon. Dijon has a historic city center, with old narrow streets, and houses built in the local pale honey-colored stone; of particular interest to visitors are the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and the gothic Cathedral of Saint Bénigne. The region possesses a rich architecture including a religious heritage noted in the thousand-year-old Abbeys. Wine is the pride of Burgundy, which some of the most famous wines in the world. The Romans introduced grapes and the production of wine was mastered by local monks. Vineyards stretch from Dijon, along a narrow slope for some hundred kilometers, in the Côtes de Nuits and the Côtes de Beaune vineyard areas.

Our all-inclusive luxury French barge cruises in France are packed with adventure and excitement

Alsace-Lorraine Rich History

Alsace-Lorraine is a region located in northeastern France that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Traveling to this unique region offers visitors a chance to experience a blend of German and French influences, stunning landscapes, and charming towns and villages.

Exploring France's Waterways on Luxury River & Canal Cruises

Embark on a luxurious journey through French River and Canal cruises, indulging in the finest French wines and cuisine without the crowds. When it comes to experiencing the beauty of France uniquely and luxuriously, nothing quite compares to the indulgence of a luxury river cruise.

9 Reasons to Book a Luxury French Barge Cruise This Summer

Looking for something different from your summer vacation this year? The beautiful vineyards and quaint backstreets of the French countryside may be just what you need.

And if you want to experience France away from the beaten tourist trail, a luxury barge cruise down Burgundy’s world-renowned waterways makes for a truly unforgettable experience. You can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your own private charter, perhaps with a glass of one of the region’s celebrated wines in your hand.

We may be biased, but our decades of experience in luxury travel have shown us just how special a French canal cruise can be. In this post, we’re sharing nine of our favorite reasons to take a luxury barge cruise in France this summer.

The Art of Slow Travel: Embracing the Relaxed Pace of a Burgundy Canal Cruise

In a world that seems to move faster and faster every day, it can be challenging to step back and appreciate the beauty of a slower pace of life. However, embracing the art of slow travel can provide an entirely new and exciting way to experience the world.

One of the best ways to embrace a relaxed pace in your travels is to take a Burgundy canal cruise. Here at Grand Victoria Cruises, our private charter trips allow you to leisurely explore the region's history, culture, and food while cruising down a picturesque canal.

Ready to join us? Here are three tips to fully embrace the relaxed pace of a Burgundy canal cruise.

Enjoy luxury accommodations

The Grand Victoria is the perfect barge to cruise through France in style

Grand Victoria Cruises

Shari and I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our time with you, Cindy and with the other members of the crew. It seemed like the week flew by. We really enjoyed the pace of the whole week.

Dan & Shari

We really enjoyed the dual barging routes of cruising on the canals and then the amazingly beautiful Soane River. It was a delightful surprise for us, having only done canals before on our previous barge vacations.

Joan L - Virginia

Over the top...spectacular trip of a lifetime experience. The cabin accommodations were thoughtfully designed and well decorated. Exceptionally clean in all aspects. The very best part was the wine and food...

John & Deborah G

This was our first barge experience. Edward and Cindy were incredible hosts and their staff is exceptional. The accomdations on the barge are first class. The decor is beautiful. It is very obvious that attention was given to every detail and far exceeded our expectations.

Theresa H - New York

Classic burgundy wine cruise.

Explore quintessential Burgundy onboard the luxury hotel barge Grand Victoria. A relaxing river and canal cruise, that brings you intimately closer to the best of Burgundy, France. Tour the historic city of Dijon or the charming village of Beaune. Enjoy driving through the vineyards, and discover the true taste of Burgundy’s appellations, viticulture, and winemaking from the heart of the Côte d'Or. Onboard our gourmet meals and incredible wines await you at every meal.

Wine and Dine in Alsace-Lorraine

Nestled in the northeastern corner of France, the picturesque region of Alsace is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. A barge vacation stands out as an immersive and enchanting way to explore canals, vineyards, and charming villages. At the heart of this experience lies the captivating city of Strasbourg, where history, culture, and modernity seamlessly blend.

Culinary Cruise in France

Taste your way around France. A culinary tour in France is the perfect retreat to experience new recipes and cuisines. Travel from Lyon to St. Jean de Losne on the River Saône. Grand Victoria Cruises is here to give you the best experience of classic French cuisine, visiting many of the most famous places to sample high-quality food and drink.  Get in touch with Grand Victoria Cruises for a culinary vacation in France today.

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river cruise burgundy france

Edge Charter

Private Cruising

Fine dining.

  • Cruise Builder

Explore The French Waterways, Take A Private Barge Cruise.

The randle - four passenger private charter barge, go your own way..

Enjoy a relaxing private barge cruise along picturesque French canals and rivers, with the accent on Luxury, wellness and tranquillity. Barge cruise along the beautiful Canal du Nivernias, or river cruise the scenic river Yonne aboard the Randle.

Fine dining aboard, at Michelin chateaus or gourmet restaurants, live the  l'art de vivre  as you cruise along Burgundy's beautiful inland waterways. 

Private vineyard tours, chateau visits and cultural excursions included. Bicycle though villages, take in a round of golf or just simply relax aboard.

A private charter vacation is the perfect way to explore France afloat, start planning your adventure now!

Private Péniche Charter.

What's Included?

  • The Randle, a 22 metre (72ft) private riverboat with modern comforts and classic charm.
  • Mercedes V Class Avantgarde : Paris & Airport Transfers, Private Tours and evening chauffeur service.
  • Crew of three; Captain and Owner, gourmet chef, and tour guide host.
  • Fine Dining with selected premier-cru wine whilst aboard.
  • Air conditioned and en-suite mahogany panelled cabins.
  • Private guided tours to vineyards, chateaux, castles, and places of interest.
  • Electric bicycles for exploring villages and towns.
  • Boat for exploring the tranquil backwaters of the river Yonne.
  • Wi-Fi, music system, and satellite TV/DVD.
  • Evening restaurant chauffeur service included.
  • Options include Golf, Spa, Fly Fishing, Horse Riding, Ballooning, and Boating.
  • Perfect for couples, family, and friends.
  • Open bar with a large selection of fine Burgundy wines, spirits and artisanal beers.

The cliffs of Roches Suassois

Interested? Find out more...

Canal du Nivernais Roches Saussois

Take a private cruise through Burgundy

Private Charter Péniche The Randle

The Randle - An Idylic Four, Three, or Two Passenger Privat...

Escape to France's Canals and Rivers

Cruise Tranquil Canals And Rivers

Add another two dinners aboard for up to four guests.

Gourmet Cuisine Aboard And Ashore

Golf at Chateau Chailly

Enjoy Many Off Boat Activities.

Tour Guide Stu

Cruise In Comfort And Style.

With cruises from three nights full board to two weeks dine around, chartering the Randle is the perfect way to escape to another world. To find all our cruise routes & options please visit our VOYAGES page. 

Visa MasterCard American Express

Pay Securely by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. For options and other currencies see our Cruise Builder or please enquire. 

Interested in sailing with us?

Try our cruise builder to plan your perfect barge cruise adventure

What can we offer you?

Cycling

Bike & Barge Included

Trekking

Walking Tours Included

History

Art & History Included

Boating

Boating Fun Included

Winery

Vineyard Tours Included

Ballooning

Ballooning Adventure

Golf

Golf Options

Horse Riding

Equestrian Activity

Zip Wire

Adventure Course Fun

(English and French Spoken)

Edge Charter, 1 Place Achille Ribain, 89000, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auxerre, France

World's Leading Private Cruise Company Nominee 2019

  • Terms, Conditions, and legal notices.

The best hotel barge cruises in beautiful Burgundy

"Carefully created cruises, just for you"™

You've decided upon a luxurious hotel barge cruise, but don't know where to start?

Luxury canal and river barge Saroche

Is your head swimming with "When, where, how?"

Interior view of the hotel barge Prosperite

Let our team of experts take the helm and find you the perfect holiday of a lifetime in the most popular cruise region of France.

Top-class excursions including Beaune, Dijon, the famous Cote d'Or vineyards and much, much more!

Visit historical monuments such as Chateauneuf

Let's go barging!

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river cruise burgundy france

The Petite Saône & The Burgundy Canal (port-to-port cruise)

Dijon(2) - PORT-SUR-SAÔNE - RAY-SUR-SAÔNE - GRAY - AUXONNE - LONGECOURT-EN-PLAINE - DIJON

From Port-sur-Saône to Dijon, cruise on the majestic Burgundy canal where charming cities and stories await you. Go back in time through our guided tours and discover Dijon, former capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, or the unparalleled elegance of the Château de Champlitte. Take a breath of fresh air and immerse yourself in arts, traditions and architectural gems through this journey across the Haute-Saône all the way to Burgundy.

river cruise burgundy france

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Cruise through beautiful scenery and past quaint villages in the Haute-Saône on the Petite Saône and the majestic Burgundy Canal

  • The medieval Château at Champlitte, Museum of Popular Art and Traditions
  • Gray and its hidden treasures
  • The Burgundy Grands Crus Wine Route
  • Dijon, former capital of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi onboard
  • Bicycles available on board
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included

river cruise burgundy france

Possible transfer(2) by coach from Dijon to Port-sur-Saône. Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Champlitte castle

This morning will be spent cruising towards Ray-sur-Saône. This is the perfect moment to relax and enjoy the hillside scenery and rolling meadows during our cruise In the afternoon, join us on an visit to the medieval castle at Champlitte which hosts the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.

river cruise burgundy france

This morning will be spent cruising towards Gray. Take time to admire the spectacular scenery that we slowly pass by as we cruise. In the afternoon, join us on a guided tour of Gray. You'll discover the wonderful treasures of the town as you meander through its streets. The tour will end with a tasting* of some of the local specialties.

Entertainment on the sun-deck

The whole day will be spent cruising towards Auxonne, arriving near the end of the afternoon. You can relax on the sun deck and admire the beautiful scenery. Bicycles are available on board at any time if you would like to take a bike ride along the canal's banks(1).

river cruise burgundy france

This morning will be spent cruising. Admire the magnificent lush, green landscapes all along the river on our journey. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion along the Grands Crus Wine Route. The touristic Grands Crus wine route passes through villages and the finest and most prestigious of the Burgundy vineyards. We'll stop along the way for a wine-tasting* session. We'll return on board in Longecourt-en-Plaine.

river cruise burgundy france

This morning will be spent cruising towards Dijon. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own. Explore the Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin at your own pace. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner.

Lounge bar

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services

Sales Useful info

Included : What you need to know before your departure

Not included Useful info

  • Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%

Mandatory information

Formalities Some administrative formalities to take into account in order to prepare your trip

For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.

(1) Timetables and embarkation/disembarkation points will be announced on board by the ship's Captain.

(2) Transfer on request at an additional charge, contact us.

*Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

  • Tour Overview
  • Tour Highlights

Tour Dates & Pricing

Day itinerary, departure cities.

Choose Your Departure Year:

Immerse yourself in rich culture, savory cuisine, and fascinating history on a delightful tour of France’s Provence and Burgundy regions, featuring a 7-night cruise. Arrive in Nice, nestled within the French Riviera, for two enchanting days including an Old Town tour. Travel to the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, where we make our own perfume in Grasse, and visit the fairytale village of Saint Paul de Vence. A high-speed train then brings us into Lyon to board the luxurious Amadeus Provence with unrivaled panoramic views and all meals included. Our ports of call while cruising the Rhone and Saone rivers are Macon, Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournus, Lyon, Avignon, Arles, and Chateauneuf-du-Rhone. Enjoy planned shore excursions at each stop such as learning the wine-making process in the Beaujolais and Maconnais wine regions, visiting Chateau de Cormatin and the ancient Roman Fourviere Theater, truffle tasting in medieval Grignan, and discovering the highlights of each city with guided tours. Our wonderful trip concludes with a Farewell Reception and Captain’s Gala on the ship before disembarking in Lyon.

The Holiday Advantage

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

EACC

Experience the luxury of a private yacht specifically designed for a relaxing cruise through European waterways on the Amadeus Provence. You’ll appreciate the spacious accommodations with first-class interior design, panorama retractable windows, upscale bathrooms, and walk-in closets.

Delight your taste buds with gourmet dining, featuring locally-inspired dishes, and enjoy unlimited drinks like world-famous wine and draft beer, while you take in breathtaking panoramic views of the French countryside. Guests are also invited to a welcome dinner, Captain’s Gala Dinner, and complimentary cocktail reception on the first and last day aboard the ship.

Take advantage of the exceptional amenities and entertainment available that make this cruise one you’ll fondly remember for years to come. Savor a cup of tea on the River Terrace, take a dip in the infinity pool, talk to a loved one back home with complimentary Wi-Fi, learn about regional cuisines during a cooking demonstration, and listen to the beautiful music played each night by onboard musicians.

As a guest of Holiday Vacations, you’ll enjoy an immersive journey at the ports of call with included shore excursions, valued at over $375 per person. Your expert Tour Director will guide you through awe-inspiring attractions, like witnessing the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, touring the ancient Roman city of Arles, visiting the Truffle Capital of the World, and much more.

Additional Tour Information

Your holiday vacations experience includes:, all accommodations featuring.

  • 2 nights in Nice
  • 7 nights aboard the Amadeus Provence with complimentary Wi-Fi

Attractions & Highlights

  • Nice guided walking tour on the French Riviera
  • Fragonard Parfumeur guided tour & perfume workshop
  • Saint Paul de Vence
  • High-speed train to Lyon
  • Beaujolais & Maconnais wine regions
  • Medieval Brancion & Chateau de Cormatin
  • Lyon guided city tour
  • Avignon guided walking tour
  • Arles guided walking tour
  • Camargue Regional Nature Park
  • Medieval Grignan feat. traditional truffle farm visit
  • Macon, Chalon-sur-Saone, Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Chateauneuf-du-Rhone

23 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • Welcome Lunch in Nice
  • All meals included aboard the ship
  • Farewell Reception and Captain’s Gala dinner aboard the ship

July 22, 2024 - August 1, 2024

Price Per Person

Double Haydn Staterm

Double Strauss Staterm

Double Mozart Staterm

Double Mozart Suite

Single Haydn Staterm

Single Strauss Staterm

Single Mozart Staterm

Single Mozart Suite

Final Payment Date: 04/18/2024

Day 1 : Fly to France

Board a comfortable overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2 : Discover Nice

Arrive at Nice Cote d’Azur Airport and enjoy a guided walking tour to familiarize yourself with the must-see attractions of Old Town Nice. Nestled along the French Riviera, this city was once a retreat for Europe’s most elite and has a rich art history, featuring collections from former residents such as Henri Matisse. We gather for a Welcome Lunch to socialize with our fellow tourmates, then spend the rest of the day pursuing personal interests. View masterpieces at The Musee Matisse, indulge in savory regional cuisine, or stroll along the century-old promenade located near the picturesque Mediterranean beachfront. Our accommodations for the next two evenings are right in this beautiful city.

Day 3 : Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur Region

After breakfast at our hotel, we travel to the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur region and stop at the perfume capital of the world, charming Grasse. The vast fields of flowers growing among the hillsides are used to produce a wide variety of fragrances. In fact, many perfumers come to this city to refine their sense of smell and to learn to differentiate thousands of scents! While here, we visit Fragonard Parfumeur. Enjoy a guided tour of this historical factory while learning about the traditional perfume-making process from start to finish. We then have an exciting opportunity to create our custom fragrance to bring home! Our journey continues to Saint Paul de Vence, a fairytale village perched on a hilltop with centuries-old stone cottages and a history of affluent residents, including Pablo Picasso. The afternoon is yours to stroll down cobblestone pathways to discover its greatest attractions including the central fountain and crumbling medieval walls dating back to the 16th-century. Later, we return to our hotel in Nice.

Day 4 : High-Speed Train & the Amadeus Provence

We enjoy another breakfast at our hotel before our TGV high-speed train ride to Lyon, with food carriages and free Wi-Fi available. We then board the 5-star Amadeus Provence , exclusively designed for cruising the Saone and Rhone rivers with unbeatable panoramic views. Settle into your well-appointed, luxurious cabin then relax with an included cocktail and Welcome Dinner as we begin our 7-night cruise gliding along the Saone River.

Day 5 : Beaujolais and Maconnais Wine Regions

This morning we arrive in Macon, a historic wine-producing city located in the Burgundy region of France. With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, this area exudes Mediterranean charm. We enjoy an included excursion to the Beaujolais and Maconnais wine regions where we make our way through vineyards and castles. Our explorations conclude with a visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin to learn about the wine-making process as we indulge in a tasting of Beaujolais wines in a 19th-century railway station. This afternoon, we are back on the ship for an afternoon of relaxation. Enjoy lunch at the expansive restaurant with perfect views of the rivers and rolling hillsides or soak up the sunshine on the top deck with the infinity pool and lido bar.

Day 6 : Chalon-sur-Saone & Brancion

Further into the Burgundy wine region lies the city of Chalon-sur-Saone, today’s first port of call. Our included half-day excursion takes us through medieval Brancion, known for its dungeon, Romanesque church, and 14th-century fort castle. We continue on to the Chateau de Cormatin, an opulent chateau boasting an interior reminiscent of Versailles with a formal Renaissance garden, moats, and boxwood maze spanning its grounds. Afterwards, our ship cruises to Tournus where we have time to explore its quaint charm.

Day 7 : Return to Lyon

Today we return to Lyon, at the junction of the Saone and Rhone Rivers, for an included motorcoach and walking tour. Dive into the history, gastronomy, and architecture of Lyon which is largely designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, stroll the cobblestone streets of the Vieux Lyon neighborhood, visit Old Town, and appreciate the city’s historic Renaissance quarters and passageways. Step even further back in time with a visit to the still-operational outdoor Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, built by the Romans 2,000 years ago. We return to the ship midday to depart Lyon and enjoy the scenic countryside while cruising the Rhone to Avignon.

Day 8 : Avignon

We arrive in Avignon for a guided walking tour of this remarkable and important area in French history. Admire the beauty of the massive Palais des Papes, formerly the seat of Catholic popes from 1309 to 1377 and the largest Gothic palace in the world. Marvel at the 12th-century bridge and enjoy a walk down the rue des Teinturiers, one of the most picturesque historic streets in the city. In the afternoon, there is time to explore on your own before boarding the ship this evening.

Day 9 : Arles City Walk & Nature Park

This morning we depart Avignon and glide to the ancient Roman city of Arles for an in-depth look into the past of the Gauls, Romans, and Franks with a guided city walk and time at leisure. Discover iconic ruins and learn why this gorgeous town served as inspiration for Vincent van Gogh. An afternoon excursion brings us to Camargue Regional Nature Park. Revel in the beauty of this countryside nature reserve, where white Camargue horses, herds of Camargue bulls, pink flamingos, and countless other varieties of wildlife call home. We continue to the capital of Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, set right on the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 10 : Medieval Grignan & Truffle Farm

We port in Chateauneuf-du-Rhone to discover French flavors with an included trip to the medieval village of Grignan, also known as the Truffle Capital of the World. Visit a local truffle farm to learn about their traditional truffle making process before sampling the exquisite and fragile mushroom. We then rejoin the Amadeus Provence in the small town of Le Pouzin and begin our final cruise to Lyon. This evening, unwind and celebrate our trip at the Farewell Reception and Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Day 11 : Fly Home

Enjoy one last gourmet breakfast aboard our ship before disembarking in Lyon this morning. We travel to the Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport and bid farewell to our new friends, then board our flight home.

Airport Pickups

Choose a State:

Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport

Little Rock - Little Rock National Airport

Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport

Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport

Orange County - John Wayne Airport

San Diego - San Diego International Airport

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport

Denver - Denver International Airport

Hartford - Bradley International Airport

Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport

Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport

Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale International Airport

Fort Myers - Southwest Florida International Airport

Jacksonville - Jacksonville International Airport

Miami - Miami International Airport

Orlando - Orlando International Airport

Tallahassee - Tallahassee International Airport

Tampa - Tampa International Airport

West Palm Beach - Palm Beach International Airport

Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Cedar Rapids - Eastern Iowa Airport

Des Moines - Des Moines International Airport

Boise - Boise Airport

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport

Moline - Quad City International Airport

Evansville - Evansville Regional Airport

Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport

Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport

South Bend - South Bend International Airport

Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Lexington - Blue Grass Airport

Louisville - Louisville International Airport

Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

Lafayette - Lafayette Regional Airport

New Orleans - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Shreveport - Shreveport Regional Airport

Boston - Boston Logan International Airport

Baltimore - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Detroit - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Grand Rapids - Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Saginaw - MBS International Airport

Duluth - Duluth International Airport

Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Kansas City - Kansas City International Airport

Springfield - Springfield-Branson National Airport

St Louis - St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Gulfport - Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Jackson - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

Billings - Billings-Logan International Airport

Bozeman - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport

Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Greensboro - Piedmont Triad International Airport

Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Bismarck - Bismarck Airport

Fargo - Hector International Airport

Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport

Omaha - Eppley Airfield

Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport

Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport

Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

Albany - Albany International Airport

Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport

New York - Kennedy International Airport

New York - La Guardia Airport

Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Dayton - Dayton International Airport

Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport

Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport

Portland - Portland International Airport

Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport

Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport

Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport

Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport

Charleston - Charleston International Airport

Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport

Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport

Memphis - Memphis International Airport

Nashville - Nashville International Airport

Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport

San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport

Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport

Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport

Richmond - Richmond International Airport

Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Spokane - Spokane International Airport

Appleton - Appleton International Airport

Baldwin - Groome Transportation

Eau Claire - Groome Transportation

Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport

Hudson - Groome Transportation

Madison - Dane County Regional Airport

Menomonie - Groome Transportation

Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Charleston - Yeager Airport

Timeless France with Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

Stories from europe, africa & the middle east, activity levels.

river cruise burgundy france

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

river cruise burgundy france

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

river cruise burgundy france

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

river cruise burgundy france

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This New River Cruise Sails to Charming Towns and Wineries in France's Burgundy Region — Here's How to Get on Board

If you're as obsessed with drinking white Burgundy as everyone else is these days, this new AmaWaterways cruise on France's Saône River is the trip for you.

river cruise burgundy france

Courtesy of Amawaterways

Oenophiles, this new European river cruise itinerary is for you. AmaWaterways just announced the "Flavors of Burgundy" voyage, a seven-night journey on the Saône River with a focus on, you guessed it, wine.

The itinerary is part of the cruise line's Celebration of Wine River Cruises series — each trip is hosted by a wine expert and includes special epicurean excursions, as well as onboard tastings and seminars.

"The interest for the fascinating world of French wines is such that we decided to specially curate this new Flavors of Burgundy itinerary, that will take our guests on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful vineyards of this renowned wine-producing region of France," Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways, said in a statement.

There are 11 departures of the "Flavors of Burgundy" itinerary from May to September 2024, and they will take place on the 144-passenger AmaCello ship. The voyage begins in Dijon — yes, famous for its mustard — where guests can enjoy a bike tour or a château visit. Then the ship calls at towns and small cities along the Saône, including Seurre, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, and Macon. At each of these destinations, guests can choose wine-tasting excursions to the region's vineyards, or they can pick between bike tours, walking tours, visits to historic sites, or day trips to villages off the river.

And if Burgundy wines aren't your favorite, don't worry. The Celebration of Wine River Cruises series includes more than 60 departures annually all across Europe, from the Douro River Valley in Portugal to the wine regions along the Danube in Central Europe.

"Since the debut of our Celebration of Wine River Cruises in 2010, we've continued to see increasing demand for these epicurean experiences giving our guests the opportunity to sip local wine while sailing through breathtaking wine regions of the world alongside acclaimed North American and European wine hosts," Karst said.

Rates start at $4,499 per person for the "Flavors of Burgundy" sailing; book now at amawaterways.com .

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Essence of Burgundy & Provence River Cruise with AmaWaterways

by Tanya Foster | Dec 5, 2023 | Europe , Travel , travel grid | 0 comments

Tanya and AmaWaterways AmaCello

We’ve recently returned from a 7 night river cruise on the Rhone with AmaWaterways . It was the Essence of Burgundy & Provence Wine Cruise on board the AmaCello. Who is a river cruise for? If you want the ease of traveling and staying in one room while experiencing several destinations and learning from expert, local guides, this cruise is for you! We find that the itineraries are masterfully planned with several excursions offered daily at various levels of difficulty. All of this is included in a AmaWaterways cruise. PLUS, we spent a few days in Paris, France and I’m giving you all of our insider tips!

I’m going to break down this river cruise itinerary by the stops we made. For this trip, we needed to get ourselves to Marseille, France. We routed Dallas to London Heathrow on American Airlines and then had a connection to Marseille with British Air. The embarkation for the AmaWaterways Rhone River cruise is in Arles and AmaWaterways will arrange the airport pickup with a luxury shuttle. We arrived and boarded the AmaCello in the evening just in time for our safety briefing, orientation and dinner. The rooms are small but very functional. You’re really only there when sleeping or getting ready for the daily excursions. All excursions can be picked prior to the cruise via the online portal and you can change and update them when onboard. Did I mention that all excursions are included?

The AmaCello has a capacity of 146 guests if full but we were only 94 guests. It has 73 rooms in total and the ship is 110 meters long. Cesano Santos was our Cruise manager and always so helpful with my questions. We had a crew of 50 people to manage all of our needs. Our Captain was Cyril Paya from France and he is an expert on the Rhone River!

Essence of Burgundy & Provence Wine Cruise itinerary

Arles, france.

The square in Arles France

Arles is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France.The experienced guide leads you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater. You’ll also visit sites made famous by Van Gogh in his time spent here. He was fascinated by the Provencal colors lights and landscapes and produced many paintings while living in Arles such as “Cafe Terrace at Night” and “The Yellow Room”. You also visit the hospital where he was committed after cutting off his ear. He was obsessed with the color yellow and you see that in a lot of his paintings.

Avignon, France

Lunch in Avignon

We enjoyed a walking tour in Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We saw the Avignon bridge and our guide taught us the song in French. After our guided tour, Pete and I decided to hang out in Avignon and have lunch at an outdoor French bistro under the beautiful sycamore trees as well as shop. The town is so charming! That afternoon we took a bus ride to visit the Pont Du Gard, a Roman Aqueduct built in 19 B.C. It took fresh spring water 50 km to NImes. The museum is fascinating and so well done. It shows you how the aqueduct was built and its very interactive.

Viviers, France

Pete Foster exploring Avignon France

This town was established in the 5th century and is home to Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in France that is still in use. The chandelier is from Charlemagne. The town is charming and only 4,000 people live here. Pete and I always chose the walking tour with the ‘advanced’ level. That way we were sure to get all our steps in each day. Most days offered a city tour via bike and guide or a seperate excursion like a visit to a truffle farm. On average, about 3 excursion options were given at each destination. That evening, we enjoyed a paired wine dinner on board the AmaCello with a wine expert.

Lyon, France

Tanya with Lyon praline pastry

We discovered dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. We Continued on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” These secret passageways connect streets and the only way to know if you can enter is to push the door to see if it opens. Lyon was truly one of our favorite stops. Due to rising waters on the Rhone River, we got an extra day in Lyon and Pete and I were able to explore it on our own too. Lyon bistros are known at a Bouchon and the food is delicious! Lyon is also known for their red praline candies and pastries. Simply divine!

Later in the day, some folks opted for a bus ride to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. 

Wine tasting in Burgundy and Beaujolais, France

Tanya and Pete in French vineyard

We spent two days wine tasting in France during this cruise. The first was at Chateau de Pierreclos in the Burgundy region of France near the town of Macon. The vineyard and winery is known for its Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru, Saint-Veran and Burgundy Pinot Noir. We enjoyed a lovely tasting in the cellar of the winery, which was a former castle.

The second tasting was at Chateau de Cordelles in the Beaujolais region. This former castle from the 15th century is now a lovely vineyard and winery. We tasted a lovely Rose, Chardonnay, Fleurie and Morgon. The property is stunning and the winemakers are always delighted to have you.

Paris, France

Tanya Foster in Paris France

We opted not to extend our trip through AmaWaterways (the land extension was a trip to Geneva) and took the train from Lyon to Paris, France on our own. Because… Paris is always a good idea! The train ride was so easy and only took about 2 hours. We stayed for 3 nights at the Hotel de Berri (near Champs Elysees) which included a full breakfast daily. Their rooms are relatively large for Paris standards and the location was excellent. Near all the great shopping! Fun fact about me, I like a full breakfast included in a hotel stay because it’s one meal taken care of. We shopped, explored and ate our way through Paris. Our suggestions are: Pop in to the George V Le Bar for a cocktail before dinner. Dinner at Girafe and the tasting menu with Chef Philip Chronopoulos at Palais Royal . We went for dinner but they also offer lunch. It was divine! Have a late lunch at Cafe de Flore and Fouquet’s . We always visit the Musee d’Orsay and it had the Van Gogh exhibit this time which was fabulous. Some other recommendations are dinner at Ferdi , drinks at the Ritz Bar Hemingway, dinner at Costes . A huge thank you to my friend Kim Hext for all the restaurant recommendations!

Travel Tip : Since airfare is always at my own expense even with travel collaborations, I will search endlessly for the best routes, connections and fares. The Paris to Dallas non-stop return was pricing high in business class so I opted for a short connection and better fare on our return. We routed Paris to Dublin, Ireland with Aer Lingus and then connected on the Dublin to Dallas non-stop on American Airlines. The entire trip was booked with American Airlines and earned us AAdvantage miles. I knew about this flight from our Ireland trip and the extra bonus is that you pre-clear customs and immigration in Dublin. When we landed in Dallas, we simply got out bags and left. So easy!

We highly recommend a river cruise with AmaWaterways and they offer endless routes and journeys on their 29 ships. The food, beverages and service is excellent. They have thought of everything! Click HERE to inquire and a travel advisor will get back to you to help you plan the journey of your dreams. To view our exact itinerary on the AmaWaterways site, click HERE .

Have you been on a river cruise? How did you like it?

xoxo – Tanya

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Essence of Burgundy & Provence River Cruise with AmaWaterways

The AmaWaterways portion of this trip was gifted. All selections and opinions are my own.

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8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

E urope is a continent built on its rivers, with many having played a vital role in the formation and development of its most important cities . From the Thames to the Tiber , they are an ever-flowing reminder of the continent’s long and varied history.

The opportunity to sail along these rivers, among the world’s most beautiful and peaceful waterways, is a temptation that’s easily given in to. Of course, a river cruise is about more than just spending time floating on the water (although that option is available, should you wish). It’s about the towns, cities and landmarks along the way.

These trips will take you on a relaxing and slow-paced journey to vineyards and valleys, tours and excursions, returning each night to your own floating hotel. Each day offers quick stops to discover some of the continent’s most important cultures at your own pace.

The Independent has rounded up eight of the best Europe river cruise packages, from epic continental crossing and to the finest Christmas markets to explore.

Capitals of Eastern Europe, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises’ Capitals of Eastern Europe itinerary is a 16-night trip covering the main cities on the Danube. It sets sail from Vienna, the elegant and sophisticated Austrian capital, and it finishes in Constanta, Romania, before a quick final journey overland to Bucharest to end your trip with a two-night stay.

Read more on Europe travel :

  • The underrated European holiday destination with fabulous forests and brilliant beer
  • Beat the heat: The ‘cool’ European destinations to visit in summer 2024
  • The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered

On the way you’ll visit a host of towns in Hungary, Serbia and even Bulgaria, but on this trip the bigger cities are the main attraction. Vienna is followed by Bratislava – where Baroque palaces meet a typically Eastern European Old Town – and then Budapest . The Hungarian capital is a highlight: from festooned “ruin bars” and thermal baths to a spectacular neo-Gothic parliament building, the city has a wide variety of architecture, activities and things to do.

How to book

The tour lasts for 17 days, starting from £5,445pp. This price includes return flights, one excursion in each port of call and all meals. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

North Rhine & The Netherlands, TUI

Alongside the Danube, the Rhine is one of Europe’s main cruise rivers. Many operators have several Rhine packages; TUI’s offering covers a stellar range of cities for a very affordable price. Its ships have two dining options (a bistro and a more formal restaurant) with al fresco seating, as well as a wellness and activity area on the top deck. No excursions are included, but this does give you free rein to choose whatever activities you like.

The first two days are spent in Amsterdam , where you’ll have ample time to wander its canals and green spaces, such as the Vondelpark, or visit attractions such as the Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Days three and four bring you to Rotterdam and Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the port area in the Netherlands ’ second city or simply marvel at its dramatically different modern architecture, while Dusseldorf provides a variety of museums and concerts alongside a lively Old Town. On days five to seven, you’ll visit four picturesque riverside cities and towns: Bonn, Koblenz, Boppard and Oberwesel. There are waterfront bars and restaurants galore, and each has its own slice of history (think of a Beethoven museum in Bonn and a memorial to the ruler who united Germany in Koblenz).

From £1,639pp for this seven-night trip, including three meals per day (you can add coffee, alcohol and other drinks on an all-inclusive basis for an extra £20 per night) and return flights. tui.co.uk

The Douro, Riviera Travel

A trip along the northern Douro River can offer views to rival even the most idyllic of Algarve beaches. This trip starts in Porto , where bars and restaurants line the banks in the Ribeira (Riverside) district, but it is worth climbing the various hills to see other areas and sites, such as the cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge.

After setting off along the Douro, your first two stops are Pinhao – a picturesque wine town, famous for being at the heart of the Port-producing region of the country – and Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village located in the highlands. Day four will see you visit Salamanca, the Spanish sandstone city famous for its cathedrals and university.

The next two days are spent in Peso da Régua and Lamego – two small hillside towns – before returning to Porto on day seven. The cruise ends here, but the holiday doesn’t; this package also contains a three-night stay in Lisbon . After travelling to the capital by coach, you’ll visit the nearby towns of Coimbra (day eight) and Sintra (day 10), while you’ll have a day in the capital sandwiched in between; while in Lisbon, take in the city’s unique Manueline and Pombaline architecture while wandering through its grand squares, and visit Sao Jorge castle or the city’s famous Time Out Market.

This 11-day cruise is priced from £1,599pp, including all meals on board, excursions, airport transfers and coach travel where necessary.  rivieratravel.co.uk

Idyllic Rhône, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises’ luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France , starting in Lyon . The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it’s blessed with a Roman amphitheatre right through to a Renaissance Old Town. Your first trip will take you north along the Saone River to Macon, a famous wine region in Burgundy.

The next two towns, Vienne and Viviers, offer spectacular views of the Rhone before you arrive in Avignon. You can enjoy a private concert at the Palais des Papes – once a Papal residence – as well as a cooking class onboard, but a visit to the city itself is worth it to wander its narrow streets and charming squares, starting with the Place de l’Horloge. Your final day takes you to Arles, at the mouth of the Rhone – from here, you can travel home, stay in the city or carry on towards Marseille .

Prices start at £2,999pp for the eight-day cruise. The package includes 20 meals, the premium concert experience, cooking lessons and 19 shore activities, ranging from walking tours to wine tastings. scenic.co.uk

Holland & Belgium, Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s eight-day cruise of the Low Countries is an excellent way to experience some of the region’s best cities in a relaxing way. It starts and ends in Amsterdam , where you’ll have a number of nights to wander its scenic network of canals lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings.

When you move on to Belgium, you’ll visit Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp on consecutive days. More tranquil canals await you in Ghent, and those who enjoy being by the water can continue this in Antwerp’s waterfront area. Brussels has more than its fair share of landmarks and museums (all centred around Grand Place, the main square and Unesco Heritage Site), but the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and St Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent) are definitely places to visit during the other stops. Day six will take you to Rotterdam before you head back to the Dutch capital.

From £2,453pp. Meals and some activities are included; there are additional excursions in each destination that can be purchased. avalonwaterways.co.uk

Danube Delights, Emerald Cruises

This trip from Emerald Cruises takes you along the famous river to Regensburg. It starts with two nights in Budapest , with a traditional Hungarian folklore show and tour of Buda Hill on offer, along with any solo sightseeing you’d like to do. Days three and four take you to Bratislava and Vienna, where you can enjoy cycling tours and hikes.

Krems and Durnstein are the last two stops in Austria before you head to Passau, the German “City of Three Rivers”. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city is home to an impressive cathedral and Old Town. After disembarking at Regensburg, you make your way to Munich , where a good plan is to spend time exploring the Bavarian capital before you fly home.

From £1,849pp for this eight-day cruise, which includes five guided tours, 20 meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board. emeraldcruises.co.uk

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Ama Waterways

There’s something quite special about experiencing Christmas celebrations on a river cruise through Europe. On this AmaWaterways voyage, you sail the Rhine, boarding in Amsterdam and with a first stop in Cologne. The Gothic cathedral provides the backdrop for one of the country’s best Christmas markets, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling festive items, many of them handmade. Other markets include the more elaborate Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town and the Markt der Engel (a more rustic affair in the city’s Neumarkt square). For those who want to mix in a bit of sightseeing, the Museum Ludwig and Roman-Germanic Museum can give you a taste of arts and history.

Next on the itinerary, you’ll visit the German towns of Heidelberg and Speyer, where more markets await, before arriving in Strasbourg, France. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of French and German culture, a warm festive spirit and plenty of opportunities to wander the markets that are spread throughout the town. Wander further afield and you’ll find Petite France, a pretty district known for cobblestone streets and canals. Holidaymakers return to Germany for the penultimate stop in Breisach, before disembarking in Basel (though you can always stay in Switzerland for a taste of Swiss Christmas markets).

From £3.149, including meals and some activities; flights and airport transfer not included. amawaterways.co.uk

European Sojourn, Viking River Cruises

This ultimate itinerary bisects Europe to take passengers from Amsterdam to Bucharest, via sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube among other European rivers. Along the way, passengers will visit some of Europe’s principal cities – think Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna – smaller (but just as beautiful) riverside settlements such as Passau and Bamberg, and lesser-known towns including Vidin and Kolocsa.

Hidden gems range from Melk, an Austrian town in the underrated   Wachau Valley wine-making region, Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia, and Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its set of 19 windmills. With 23 days, eight countries, 20 towns and cities, and at least 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, there’ll be plenty to see as you traverse the length of central Europe.

From £8,045pp, including flights, 19 guided tours, all meals, transfers and amenities. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Read more: Best hotels in Europe 2024: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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Overview Flavors of Burgundy

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 3 nights geneva post-cruise, 7-night cruise, 7- night cruise with 3 nights geneva pre-cruise and 3 nights paris post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 3 nights geneva post-cruise 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 3 nights geneva post-cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 3 nights geneva post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights geneva pre-cruise and 3 nights paris post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : port of dijon to lyon, cruise from : lyon to port of dijon, countries: france france, switzerland, rivers: rhone, saone, flavors of burgundy at a glance.

  • Port of Dijon to Lyon
  • Lyon to Port of Dijon
  • Paris to Geneva
  • Geneva to Paris

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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COMMENTS

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    Burgundy & Provence (Southbound) Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Lyon, France's gastronomic capital ...

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    A family-owned company since 2002, award-winning AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 28 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 'Ama' means love - and we put love in everything we do, from our exquisite locally-sourced cuisine to our variety of included shore excursions in every port to our warm, personalized service. We are also proud of our innovations ...

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    CRUISE FROM : Port of Dijon to Lyon. Experience the viticultural pleasures of the Burgundy region when you embark on this river cruise curated for new and experienced wine enthusiasts alike. Indulge in invigorating wine tastings set against the backdrop of picturesque destinations like Seurre, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Lyon.

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    There's even more to enjoy on a group holiday with family or friends - now 1 in every 8 guests goes free when you book a river cruise as a group of 8 or more.. Experience the delights of Southern France on the Rhône, marvel at the vineyard slopes of the Douro valley or absorb the breathtaking views of the baroque cities on the Danube.

  18. Burgundy River Cruises & Boat Rental

    East of France. 94 reviews. Overview. Explore. Reviews. 1 /11. Burgundy is as fine as the wine it lends its name to. A river cruise in this region is all about enjoying life at a slower pace. Find out more.

  19. Timeless France with Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

    Timeless France with Burgundy & Provence River Cruise. Immerse yourself in rich culture, savory cuisine, and fascinating history on a delightful tour of France's Provence and Burgundy regions, featuring a 7-night cruise. Arrive in Nice, nestled within the French Riviera, for two enchanting days including an Old Town tour. ...

  20. This New River Cruise Sails to Charming Towns and Wineries in France's

    AmaWaterways just announced the "Flavors of Burgundy" voyage, a seven-night journey on the Saône River with a focus on, you guessed it, wine. The itinerary is part of the cruise line's ...

  21. Burgundy & Provence River Cruise, Paris River Cruise

    12 Day River Cruise Paris to Nice. $5,417. cruise details. 8 Day River Cruise Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles. $3,809. cruise details. Burgundy & Provence River Cruise: Explore France on this Avalon Waterways river cruise, including 2 nights in Paris. View itinerary & request a quote!

  22. Essence of Burgundy & Provence River Cruise with AmaWaterways

    We spent two days wine tasting in France during this cruise. The first was at Chateau de Pierreclos in the Burgundy region of France near the town of Macon. The vineyard and winery is known for its Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru, Saint-Veran and Burgundy Pinot Noir. We enjoyed a lovely tasting in the cellar of the winery, which was a former castle.

  23. French Wine and River Cruising: A Perfect Pairing with ...

    One such journey with immersive experiences and exquisite wine is AmaWaterways' 7-night Flavors of Burgundy Wine Cruise itinerary! With four wine tastings in beautiful destinations such as Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon, you will enjoy a diverse array of the region's crisp flavors included in your Saône River cruise.

  24. Free Tour Extension on select summer river cruises in 2025

    Book an upper deck cabin and get a free 3-night Tour Extension on select July and August river cruises. That's 10 nights for the price of 7! ... France; View all Solo River Cruises; Solo Christmas Market Cruises; ... Free Superior drinks package on 2024 & 2025 European river cruises; Save up to £200pp on Burgundy, Rhone and Provence cruise 2024;

  25. River Cruises

    A family-owned company since 2002, award-winning AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 28 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 'Ama' means love - and we put love in everything we do, from our exquisite locally-sourced cuisine to our variety of included shore excursions in every port to our warm, personalized service. We are also proud of our innovations ...

  26. 8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

    Scenic Cruises' luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France, starting in Lyon. The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it's blessed with a ...

  27. A First Timer's Guide to Paris and Normandy on Viking

    Here are some of my favorite first time experiences of a river cruise through the heart of the Seine, Paris, and Normandy. A Ship With a View Viking Longship Radgrid on the Seine in Paris (Photo ...

  28. 2024 Flavors Of Burgundy

    A family-owned company since 2002, award-winning AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 28 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 'Ama' means love - and we put love in everything we do, from our exquisite locally-sourced cuisine to our variety of included shore excursions in every port to our warm, personalized service. We are also proud of our innovations ...