This journey along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers takes you past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. During your 8-day cruise, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender-scented hills of Provence. Visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and view early Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles. Walk the cobbled streets of Arles and see for yourself why it was such an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh. Learn about the region’s time-honoured traditions in wine-making and indulge your taste buds by sampling the famed cuisine of Lyon. Of course, no trip to Southern France is complete without a visit to the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of the Popes”.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Chalon-sur-Saône Fly from London to Lyon and transfer to your ship, which is docked in Chalon-sur-Saône. After boarding, take free time to explore this charming town on the scenic Saône River.

Day 2 – Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour After breakfast, board a coach for a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for your guided tour of Hôtel Dieu. Founded in 1443, it’s a splendid example of Gothic architecture with a beautiful, intricate tile roof. Here, learn about local wine production and enjoy a winetasting at one of Beaune’s famous wine cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure with dinner aboard.

Day 3 – Lyon After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour begins with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and a drive through the town passing the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town) with some added free time to explore on your own. You can shop for souvenirs or find a restaurant to sample some of the fine French cuisine Lyon is renowned for. Dinner is served on board with additional free time this evening.

Day 4 – Lyon & Vienne After breakfast, your morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city nestled in the heart of France. Depart just before lunch time, and cruise toward Vienne. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia and the Roman amphitheatre. You also visit the Cathedral of St. Maurice and your tour ends with a mini-train ride to the top of Mount Pipet for panoramic views. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure.

Day 5 – Tournon & Viviers Wake up in Tournon and board a coach for your tour through Tournon to Châteauneuf-sur-Isère near Tain L’Hermitage. During your guided tour you learn more about viticulture and the region’s long-standing traditions in wine-making. Enjoy a wine tasting of some famous regional red wines followed by a visit to the Musée de Tain L’Hermitage, located in the oldest house in the region. Enjoy lunch aboard as you cruise through the afternoon. Arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town set amid a mountainous region. Join your Cruise Manager for an evening stroll through the Old Town with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and some fine examples of Renaissance architecture. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening.

Day 6 – Arles Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. You see many Gallo-Roman ruins, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Church of St. Trophîme and Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheatre that seats 20,000 and is still used for bullfights and plays. The city’s vibrant colours and striking quality of light were an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh, who utilised Arles as a backdrop for many of his works. You also see the café made famous by his painting The Café Terrace. Return to your ship for lunch followed by free time in the afternoon to shop for hand-crafted gifts or local pastries. Dinner will be served as you depart.

Day 7 – Avignon This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309-1377. Stroll through the historic centre, stop at the Pont d’Avignon for amazing views and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight.

Day 8 – After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Marseille Airport for your return flight to London.

This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction. Actual port sequence and times may vary.

Departure Dates and Prices for 2008

Prices are per person based on double occupancy

Chalon-sur-Saone to Avignon

	CAT E	CAT D	CAT C	CAT B	CAT A
Mar 23; Nov 2	£1495	£1695	£1795	£1895	£1945
Apr 6, 20; Oct 19	£1645	£1845	£1945	£2045	£2095
Jul 27; Aug 10	£1795	£1995	£2095	£2195	£2245
May 18; Jun 15, 29	£1845	£2045	£2145	£2245	£2295
Sep 7, 21	£1845	£2045	£2145	£2245	£2295

Avignon to Chalon-sur-Saone

	CAT E	CAT D	CAT C	CAT B	CAT A
Mar 30, Nov 9	£1495	£1695	£1795	£1895	£1945
Apr 13; Oct 26	£1645	£1845	£1945	£2045	£2095
Jul 6, 20; Aug 3, 17	£1795	£1995	£2095	£2195	£2245
May 11, 25; Jun 22	£1845	£2045	£2145	£2245	£2295
Sep 14, 28	£1845	£2045	£2145	£2245	£2295

Single Supplements: E: 25%, D: 50%, C&B 75%, A: 100%

YOUR FLIGHT DETAILS

Provisional timings are as follows

CHALON TO AVIGNON

AVIGNON TO CHALON

MS Viking Burgundy

Built in 2000 this ship has 77 cabins accommodating 154 passengers. Facilities on board include a restaurant, Panorama lounge and bar, library, gift shop, sundeck, laundry and a lift which operates between upper and middle deck (cabin categories A and B). The A and B grade deluxe cabins are 14 square meters and situated on the upper and middle deck. These cabins have 2 bed settees and large panoramic window which can be opened. C and D grade cabins on the lower middle deck are 11 square meters with bed settee, foldaway bed and picture window. E standard cabins on main deck are 11 square meters with bed settee and foldaway bed and small window. All spacious outside cabins have shower/wc, air-conditioning, telephone, tv, hairdryer and safe.

A Deck Plan is available on request.

Price Includes:  British Airways economy class scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Lyon and from marseille to London Gatwick or vice versa, 7 nights full board accommodation aboard the MS Viking Burgundy, welcome cocktail reception and dinner, Captain's farewell dinners, 7 guided tours, Old World highlights: Port lectures, French wine-making demonstration and French food demonstration, all port and airport taxes, transfers as stated.

Not included: Travel insurance, optional excursions, gratuities.

Club Class flight upgrade : Upgrade £195 per person (Subject to availability).

Flight and Transfer Credit: If you wish to make your own flight and transfer arrangements, a reduction of £300 per person applies.

This cruise is operated on our behalf by Viking River Cruises UK Ltd ATOL3124