Excursion Packages

With this package you can enjoy six excursions:

• Mâcon and the Beaujolais
• Burgundy and Beaune
• Avignon and Papel Palace
• Walking tour of Arles
• Camargue Nature Park
• Grignan and truffle farm visit

An excursion package can be booked for an additional cost up to 42 days in advance of this cruise. If you wish to book an individual excursion, this can be done once on board. The duration, content and prices of some excursions may vary and excursions that can only be booked on board will only operate with a sufficient number of participants.

Mâcon Wine Theme Park

Mâcon is surrounded by vineyards and this excursion will take you into the heart of Beaujolais country, which is dotted with picturesque castles along the banks of the River Rhône.

Head to Hameau du Vin which is spread across 30,000 square metres and where you will learn all about one of the world's most popular wines and there will, of course, be tasting too!

Learn the secrets of the vineyards, how they were established and the techniques they use using state-of-the-art movies and exhibitions.

Walking Grade 2

Half day

Walking tour of Mâcon

Stroll through the historic streets of Mâcon where the picturesque Place aux Herbes hosts a regular open-air market and is also home to Maison de Bois (Wooden House). The upper facade of this 15th-century building is made entirely of wood and is adorned with numerous statuettes.

Another historic highlight of the town is the 11th-century St Laurent Bridge, located near the two towers of Old St Vincent cathedral.

Walking Grade 5

Two hours

Cluny Abbey

Cluny Abbey controlled several hundred monastic foundations throughout Europe. The third church constructed here was virtually destroyed during the French Revolution.

Today just a few ruins of the original abbey survive, but the present complex is home to a Museum of Art and Archaeology, set within a medieval town rich in Romanesque and Gothic buildings.

Walking Grade 3

Half day

Château de Pierreclos and wine tasting

Uncover 1000 years of château history during a guided tour of the castle, vaulted cellars, the armory, dungeon and watch towers.

From the south terrace, with its formal French garden, admire panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and look forward to sampling some of the produce during an included wine and cheese tasting.

Walking Grade 3

Three hours and 30 minutes

Beaune and Burgundy

Beaune is one of the most important wine centres in France. This beautiful walled city contains historic mansions, medieval half-timbered houses and pretty gardens. It is surrounded by prestigious vineyards and during your excursion, you'll learn about the region's wine heritage and enjoy a tasting at a famous old tavern.

You'll also visit the Hôtel-Dieu, a former almshouse dating back to the 15th century.

Walking Grade 3

Half day

Brancion and Cormatin

Journey back through time with a visit to the enchanting village of Brancion, which dates back to the fifth century and commands stunning views of the Provencal countryside. An ancient arch leads to medieval cottages, a castle and a hilltop church containing notable frescoes.

Continue to the Chateau of Cormatin through picturesque villages and meadows.

Walking Grade 3

Half day

Walking tour of Tournus and visit to St Philibert Abbey

Head out on foot to explore the narrow streets of the medieval heart of Tournus. Among the old stone houses and boutique shops are several historically important monuments, such as the 10th-century Benedictine Abbey of St Philibert de Tournus, entrance to which is included.

The Abbey has a Romanesque exterior and is believed to house the relics of St Philibert which were brought here in 875 by monks fleeing Viking raids on Noirmoutier.

Walking Grade 3

Three hours 30 minutes

Lyon guided tour

During this guided tour of the Roman 'City of Light', you'll view the ruins of the ancient theatre and odeon before reaching the Basilica of Notre-Dame. Then continue by coach downhill to the two main squares – Place Bellecour being one of the largest town squares in France.

Continue to Vieux-Lyon and enjoy a walking tour of its cobbled streets and hidden passages known as traboules.

Walking Grade 2

Half day

Tasting tour of the Market Hall of Paul Bocuse

Tantalise your taste buds with a tasting tour of this renowned indoor food hall, set across three levels with over 50 traders.

Browse a selection of stalls selling a variety of gourmet food from truffles and charcuterie, to spices, chocolates and wine.

Walking Grade 2

Two hours

Avignon city walk

This morning's guided walk starts with a stroll to the Place de l’Horloge in the city centre, a typical Provencal town square with open-air cafes and plane trees. From here you continue on foot to the Palace of the Popes, built on a rock above the city.

Please note that visiting the palace involves climbing approximately 150 stone steps.

Walking Grade 4

Half day

The Pont du Gard and Uzès

This optional excursion visits the Pont du Gard, an outstanding Roman aqueduct bridging the valley of the River Gardon in three impressive tiers of arches. Continue to the city of Uzès, famed for its truffles, medieval churches and a castle known as Le Duché.

Walking Grade 2

Half day

The Romans in Nîmes

Travel to Nîmes, which in Roman times was one of the most prosperous towns in Gaul. There are numerous well-preserved Roman remains, including an amphitheatre, built around the 1st century CE to seat 24000, and a temple dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, which now houses a collection of Roman sculptures.

The Tour Magne, set atop a hill on the outskirts of Nîmes, is the city’s oldest structure and was incorporated into the Roman wall in 16BC.

Walking Grade 4

Four hours and 30 minutes

Arles walking tour

Discover the city of Arles, with its Mediterranean atmosphere, live traditions and Roman architectural monuments. Visit Les Arènes amphitheatre and the Church of St Trophime.

Walking Grade 4

Two hours 30 minutes

Tarascon walking tour

Set off to explore this typical Provencal city, set beside the Rhone at the crossroads of the Alpilles, the Montagnette and the Carmargue. Among the city’s key attractions is the Chateau du Roi René, originally the castle of the Angevin Counts, it also served as a prison.

Within the city’s medieval centre St Marthe Royal Collegiate Church was built in honour of St Martha, who according to legend came to the city and tamed a fearsome creature known as the Tarasque that had been terrorising the local people.

An effigy of the monster can be seen beneath the arcades on the Rue des Halles. You’ll have time to browse the stalls of the weekly market.

Walking Grade 4

Three hours 30 minutes

The Camargue Nature Reserve

Around 5,000 pink flamingos make their home in the lagoons of Carmargue Nature Reserve, plus the park is the official residence of white Carmargue horses and jet black Carmargue bulls.

After the park, visit the historic capital of the Carmargue, Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer, where the delta of the Rhone meets the Mediterranean.

Walking Grade 2

Half day

Arles and Vicent van Gogh

Trace the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh through Arles. The Dutch Post-Impressionist painter arrived in Arles in 1888 and spent around a year creating over 180 paintings and drawings taking inspiration from his surroundings. Each spot within the city where the artist set up his easel is marked with a panel representing his paintings.

See the cafe which inspired the famous ‘Cafe Terrace at Night’ painting and visit the Foundation Vincent van Gogh Arles museum.

Walking Grade 4

Two hours 30 minutes

The Ardèche Valley

Deep inside a landscape of rugged mountains and thick forests lies the River Ardèche, a tributary of the Rhône that has been chewing its way relentlessly through limestone rocks for millions of years. The resulting cliffs and canyons provide some of the most dramatic scenery in France, culminating in a 19-mile section known as the Ardèche Gorges.

Here the rushing waters descend through towering limestone walls up to 300 metres high, leading to the region's most famous landmark – a natural, 60-metre stone arch spanning the river, known as the Pont d'Arc.

Walking Grade 2

Half day

Grignan and truffle farm

The medieval hilltop village of Grignan is dominated by it’s Renaissance castle. Combine a visit here with a tour of a local truffle farm, where you will have the opportunity to sample the unusual underground mushrooms.

Walking Grade 3

Four hours 30 minutes