Palais des Papes, the fortress-like home of the pontiffs that reigned here. And along with the 14th-century bridge mentioned in the song, you’ll visit another one just as famous – the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct spanning the River Gardon – and enjoy a special dinner featuring celebrated regional wines and cuisine, set splendidly against the backdrop of the ancient wonder. Meals BLD
7. VAN GOGH’S ARLES & ROUSSILLON The ms Swiss Emerald arrives in Arles overnight. Back in its Roman days – as the city of Arelate in Gaul – Arles was a pretty happening place. It covered nearly 100 acres, had an amphitheatre, circus and triumphal arch, and served as a key port on the Rhône. In contrast, the Arles that Vincent van Gogh found in 1888 was a sleepy Provençal backwater... but with its lush fields, plentiful Roman ruins and extraordinary light, it was a perfect place to paint. And paint he did, creating hundreds of works here. That’s the Arles you’ll fall in love with, as you explore its treasures on a walking tour and on your own. After lunch on the riverboat, take an excursion to Roussillon in the Luberon region of Provence. Color is what Roussillon is all about – red, yellow and brown ochre cliffs... lush green pines... fields of purple lavender... a vivid blue sky. Sitting in the middle of one of the world’s largest deposits of ochre – used to make pigments for paints – Roussillon is surrounded by richly colored cliffs and quarries which blaze against the azure Provençal sky. Their deep hues are echoed in the ochre facades of the houses, enhanced by brightly painted doors and shutters, and in the village’s colorful maze of winding pathways, streets and squares. Not far away is Abbaye de Senanque, whose striking Romanesque abbey church has stood since the 12th century; on your visit, you’ll see its arched cloisters and – depending on the time of year – the lavender fields tended by the monks who still live in this ancient retreat. Tonight, your riverboat sets off for Viviers. Meals BLD
8. MEDIEVAL VIVIERS / CRUISING THE RHÔNE The little walled city of Viviers, nestled between the banks of the Rhône and the hills beyond, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns you’ll ever visit. It’s easy to gather a sense of what life was like nearly a thousand years ago as you stroll through Viviers’ ancient streets, dominated by its 12th-century cathedral, on a walking tour; its authenticity will delight you! As ms Swiss Emerald winds its way from the dreamy landscapes of Provence to return to ancient towns like Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain-l’Hermitage, you might consider just how much life this river has seen – and how special it is to slow down and savor it all... while you enjoy your riverboat’s many amenities. Meals BLD
9. TOURNON & VALENCE COOKING SCHOOL Begin the day with a walking tour of Tournon-sur-Rhône, with its Pont Grand; completed in the 16th century, this medieval stone bridge spanning the River Doux was once among the longest bridge arches in the world. Spend some time exploring Tournon as you please before returning to the riverboat for lunch. This afternoon, you’re off to the town of Valence for yet another gastronomic experience to remember – a visit to an award-winning restaurant and cooking school for a cooking demonstration featuring renowned Rhône Valley cuisine... along with tastings of locally produced olive oil, cheeses, chocolate – wine, of course – and other regional favorites that have been making mouths water for centuries. Please join us aboard ms Swiss Emerald this evening to cap your extraordinary cruise with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner. Meals BLD
10. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Lyon, France. Disembark ms Swiss Emerald in Lyon; fly home anytime. A transfer from the riverboat to Lyon Airport is included; allow 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B
Along with the epicurean destinations you’ll visit, life aboard your riverboat will delight you, too... as you’ll savor wonderful Provençal and Rhône Valley wines, distinctive cuisine, and entertainment by local performers throughout your cruise aboard ms Swiss Emerald.
Cruise to vineyard-ringed towns like Tain-l’Hermitage on the upper reaches of the Rhône 28
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44