Must book through Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards directly to join group. Click link at bottom of page for more information.

Join Mike Lewellen on this fabulous 7-night cruise to indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing 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. 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!

DAY 1: Port of Dijon - EMBARKATION
Board the ship for our Essence of Burgundy and Provence cruise. (D)
Ship is docked in Saint-John-de-Losne and is located a 30 minute walk from the train station. Purchasing AMA's transfer option between Dijon and Saint-John-de-Losne is strongly recommended for guests embarking on the cruise without a pre-cruise land package. Can be added later.

DAY 2: Chalon-sur-Saône and Tournus
Historic City tour OR Beaune walking tour in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Scenic cruising OR Chalonnaise wine tasting OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour in Tournus
Scenic cruising in Budapest. Mohacs: Pécs excursion OR Szekszárd wine tasting OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube
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. 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. 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.(B,L,D)

DAY 3: Tournus and Macon
Tournus city tour and Abbey of Saint Philibert visit OR Château Cormatin OR Medieval Brancion in Tournon.
Scenic cruising OR Mâconnais wine tasting OR Tournus-Mâcon bike tour in Mâcon
Vukovar City tour OR Osijek Tour OR Vukovar bike tour. Croatian wine tasting OR Vucedol Museum
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 Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Macon
“The South Burgundy City” Mâcon tour OR Cluny Abbey visit in Macon.
Scenic Cruising OR Beaujolais wine tasting
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. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: Lyon and Vienne
“France’s Culinary Capital” city tour OR Vieux Lyon walk and tasting tour OR Lyon bike tour in Lyon
Vienne walking tour OR Mount Pipet hike OR ViaRhôna bike tour in Vienne
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 Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: Vienne and Viviers
Scenic cruising. Viviers walking tour OR Grignan truffle farm visit OR Viviers active walk OR Bike tour in Vienne
Evening “Ghost Walk” of Viviers
Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Viviers, a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th century monuments. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city or join an active walk and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former “residents” in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine! (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Avignon and Arles
Walking tour and Papal Palace OR Tastes of Avignon in Avignon
Arles walking tour OR Van Gogh walking tour OR Arles bike tour in Arles
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. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: Arles - DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Pre-extend in Geneva and/or post-extend in Nice.

Click for AMAWaterways terms and conditions - choose 2027: https://www.amawaterways.com/terms-conditions

Click here for more information or to book.

California Seller of Travel. Expedia Cruises #2154552-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.