Sail along France's scenic Saone and Rhone Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, "City of the Popes." Learn about the region's time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon. C'est magnifique!
Day 1 Chalon-sur-Saone
Fly to Lyon. Transfer from the airport to your ship docked in Chalon-sur-Saone.* After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2 Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France's Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hotel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, take an optional excursion to the picturesque Burgundy towns of Tournus and Macon. Return aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Lyon
After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourviere Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Lyon & Vienne
The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice; then spend some time discovering more of this charming riverside town on your own. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Tournon & Viviers
Awaken in Tournon. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region's winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musee de Tain l'Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Arles
Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city's vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trophime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Avignon
This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed "City of Popes" because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de l'Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Avignon
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Marseille airport for your return flight.* Or, discover even more of southern France with 3 nights in Nice and the French Riviera. (B)
The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
For more information call Toll Free: (877) 394-8130 and mention offer: #1029 OR, click a button below for quick, convenient online assistance.
Viking Neptune Sister ship to the Viking Europe, Spirit & Pride
The Viking Neptune cruise ship has 75 total cabins, 12 standard cabins, 63 deluxe cabins. All spacious outside cabins, featuring bathroom with shower, air conditioning, telephone, TV, hairdryer and safe. Public space include the restaurant, lounge and bar, library, sun deck, promenade deck, souvenir shop, laundry service, voltage 220V, 2 plugs and 115V (razor outlet).
With Scandinavian-designed interiors, Viking Neptune provides passengers with the level of comfort, elegance and service you would expect to find in a fine hotel. All outside cabins guarantee passengers picturesque river views, and the ship's 150-passenger capacity ensures intimate and personalized service for all guests. Viking Neptune, built in 2001, is a sister ship to the cruise line's Viking Pride, Viking Spirit and Viking Europe.
It received the Cond Nast Traveler Readers Poll Best Small Ship rating.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
Sold Out - This category is no longer available on this date and no further reservations are being taken for this category.
Wait List - This category is no longer available on this date. However you may join a waitlist where you'll be offered this category/price as previous confirmed reservations are cancelled or changed. To guarantee travel on this date, you must reserve an available category AND waitlist your preferred category.
Guarantee - The cruise line will assign the specific stateroom, sometimes as late as the day of sailing. You are not able to select a specific stateroom or location. You are guaranteed a stateroom in the selected cateory and if all staterooms in the selected category sell out, you will be upgraded to a higher category.
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