Essence of Burgundy Wine Cruise (Port of Dijon to Arles)

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Essence of Burgundy Wine Cruise (Port of Dijon to Arles)



Tour Description:

Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing wine-themed itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. Treat your palate to Mâconnais, Cornas and Chalonnaise wines as you journey along the Rhône and Saône rivers. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board – all included in the price of your Wine Cruise. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!

Map for Essence of Burgundy Wine Cruise (Port of Dijon to Arles)
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Dates & Pricing

Thursday 26 Jun 25 — Thursday 03 Jul 25Starting at $4,839Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 10 Jul 25 — Thursday 17 Jul 25Starting at $4,839Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 21 Aug 25 — Thursday 28 Aug 25Starting at $4,939Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 09 Jul 26 — Thursday 16 Jul 26Starting at $5,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 06 Aug 26 — Thursday 13 Aug 26Starting at $5,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 20 Aug 26 — Thursday 27 Aug 26Starting at $5,149Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Day 1
EMBARKATION – PORT OF DIJON, FRANCE. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise.

Day 2
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE – TOURNUS, FRANCE. Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour.

Day 3
TOURNUS, FRANCE - MACON, FRANCE. Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon, or instead join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Macon and meet the ship in the latter. If you chose to cruise, you can later enjoy a tasting of Mâconnais wines.

Day 4
MACON, FRANCE - VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-SAÔNE - LYON. Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône, or instead cycle from Mâcon to this Pays Beaujolais castle. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of Mâconnais wines once you arrive. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon.

Day 5
LYON – VIENNE, FRANCE. Discover 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. Continue 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.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, sail 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.

Day 6
VIENNE – VALENCE, FRANCE. Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines.

Day 7
AVIGNON - ARLES, FRANCE. Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town.

Day 8
ARLES – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.