Vienne today to find a treasure trove of Roman ruins to check out on a walking tour and during free time in town – including a temple erected by the Emperor Claudius; the remains of roads, ramparts, aqueducts and a theatre; and the pyramid-like Plan de l’Aiguille, which one legend says may have served as Pontius Pilate’s tomb! There are also hilltop castle ruins, Romanesque churches and a Gothic cathedral to see. Your riverboat sets off this afternoon to Avignon. Meals BLD
Day 6 – A Palace Fit for a Pope in Provence For centuries, school kids have sung a song about dancing on the bridge of this walled medieval city that served as the headquarters for several popes in the 1300s. A walking tour takes your family through the fortress-like home the pontiffs built for themselves, the formidable Palais des Papes; the popes enjoyed the fruit of the vine and cultivated the local wine industry (Châteauneuf-du-Pape). Visit another bridge just as famous tonight – the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct 160 feet high with three sets of arches spanning the River Gardon. Join us for a festive Provençal-style dinner featuring regional wines, cuisine and entertainment set against the backdrop of this ancient engineering marvel. Meals BLD
Day 7 – Picture-Perfect in Roussillon, Arles & More Roussillon, in Provence’s Luberon region, sits in the middle of one of the world’s largest deposits of ochre, surrounded by richly colored cliffs and quarries blazing against the azure sky; if you like, take a hike through this lovely region. Nearby is Abbaye de Sénanque, an austere 12th-century Romanesque abbey church; check out the abbey and the lavender fields surrounding it, tended by the monks who still live here. Back in Roman times, Arles was a pretty happening place, a key port with an arena, circus and triumphal arch. By the time Vincent van Gogh found it in 1888, it was a sleepy Provençal backwater... but it was a perfect place to paint; take a guided walking tour of this town that inspired van Gogh to create more than 200 paintings here! Or join us for an excursion to La Camargue in the Rhône Delta; visit a working farm for a private demonstration by local cowboys with the black bulls they raise and the region’s famous white horses. Cruise to Viviers. Meals BLD
Day 8 – Medieval Moments in Viviers 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. Get a sense of what life was like nearly a thousand years ago as you and your family stroll through time – and Viviers’ ancient cobblestone streets – on a walking tour, dominated by its 12th-century cathedral. Your riverboat, ms Swiss Emerald, winds its way through the sun-dappled landscapes of Provence past the medieval châteaux and steep vineyard-draped hills of the ancient towns like Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain-l’Hermitage this afternoon. While you cruise, enjoy onboard commentary by your Tauck Director; weather permitting, your day also includes a demonstration of the popular Provençal ball game of pétanque. Meals BLD
Day 9 – Savory Secrets of the Rhône Valley Tournon-sur-Rhône is a medieval town made for walking; wind your way up to a vantage point and admire the views of the river and lush Côtes du Rhône vineyards. After lunch, journey to Valence for an education in epicurean delights. At an award-winning restaurant and cooking school in town, the whole family can learn how seasonal ingredients, contrasting
62 French Waterways & Vineyards
flavors and time-tested techniques create local specialties that have been making mouths water for centuries – and do a little cheese tasting. Take a walking tour of Tain-l’Hermitage, known throughout Europe for its chocolate; sample some on a tasting during your visit. Save an appetite for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner this evening during the boat’s return trip to Lyon, marking a joyful final celebration! Meals BLD
Day 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 a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B
10 Days / 9 Nights from $4,590 plus airfare (9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners) Departure Dates: June 21; July 23 For up-to-the-minute space availability, go to
www.tauck.com
Price Per Person – Aboard ms Swiss Emerald June 21
Double Single Triple
Category 1 $5590 $7826 $6140 Category 2 $5840 $8176
N/A
Category 3 $6440 $9016 $6990 Category 4 $6740 $10,784 N/A Category 5 $7340 $12,478 N/A Category 6 $8040 $13,668 $6426
July 23 Double Single Triple
Category 1 $4590 $6426 $5140 Category 2 $4840 $6776
N/A
Category 3 $5440 $7616 $5990 Category 4 $5740 $9184
N/A
Category 5 $6340 $10,778 N/A Category 6 $7040 $11,968 $5760
Quad
$4590 N/A
$5440 N/A N/A
$5120
Note: Children under 18 must be booked in a cabin with at least one adult; exceptions may be granted under certain circumstances with parental consent. Triple and quadruple accommodations in Categories 1 and 3 consist of two adjacent, but not combining, double cabins. Triple and quadruple accommodations in Category 6 consist of a double-bedded suite featuring a full-sized pull-out couch and are not available for more than two adults, aged 18 or older, sharing a cabin.
Gratuities to Tauck Director, local guides, drivers & ship staff included.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). Departure tax is not included and is additional.
Recommended age: 8+
Your family’s comfort is important to us. Ask us about booking an additional hotel night before or after your journey and be sure to consider our Cruise Protection Product. See General Information for details.
Itinerary Changes. Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays.
Fine Hotels / Great Locations Night 1,2 Night 3-9
Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris – Paris, France
Aboard ms Swiss Emerald Cruising the Rhône River
#1 IN GUIDED FAMILY TRAVEL Quad
$5590 N/A
$6440 N/A N/A
$5620
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