Tournus –  A Jewel of Southern Burgundy

Our first stop is the charming town of Tournus where relaxation seems to be promised on every street. Join a private group tour to be immersed in the town’s historic wonders. Share in the experience of discovering the town’s monastic heritage and visiting the impressive Romanesque abbey, one of the oldest and most important in the region. Did someone say, “wine tasting?” After lunch, take an optional guided group excursion to explore the nearby wine cellars of Chardonnay, where you can taste and purchase wines from the region. All the history buffs are invited to take an optional visit together to the Castle of Cormatin, a stunning Renaissance castle that offers a glimpse into the past. End the day with a relaxing cruise along the Saône River, taking in the enchanting scenery and enjoying a glass of wine. As the evening approaches, we will gather on board for an interactive Wine and Cheese pairing workshop, learning how to pair different cheeses with wines from the Burgundy region.

Lyon – Adventures in Food and Wine

Welcome to the “Capital of French Gastronomy”. Upon arrival, everyone is encouraged to explore Lyon’s old town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wind your way through the local food markets and learn about traditional French ingredients and delicacies. Discover the city’s rich culinary heritage and taste the local specialties such as the traditional “Quenelle” or “Quenelle de Brochet.” Indulge with your friends at a local bouchon, a traditional Lyonnais bistro and taste the local dishes such as “tablier de sapeur” or “poulet à la lyonnaise.” Learn about the city’s wine culture and taste some of the local wines from the region.

The rest of the day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third-largest city. One option for active travelers is a bike ride from the ship to explore even more local produce markets and parks. For those who want a more leisurely pace, take a walking tour of over 100 murals around the city. We recommend everyone visit the famous silk district of Lyon, where you can learn about the history of silk production and even purchase silk fabrics and scarves as souvenirs.

Back on board, our overnight stay in Lyon will include an informative evening lecture about WWII & the French Resistance.

Lyon – Where Seconds Are Encouraged

A second day in Lyon is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the onboard amenities. For those who want to explore the town further, there is still so much to see and do. Book a bike tour of Lyon’s architectural district, riding over bridges and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Or book a more casual walking tour through the charming streets of the city’s historic district, including the Fourvière Hill, where you can see the impressive Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Be sure to be back on board to enjoy dinner and evening entertainment.

Tournon-Viviers – The Breathtaking French Countryside

Experience the beauty and history of the French countryside on the Tournon-Viviers leg of our river cruise. You’ll be treated to picturesque vineyards and stunning castle views, with plenty of opportunities to explore Tournon and Viviers, two of France’s oldest medieval cities.

There are so many options for large and small group excursions. Hike through the vineyards, taking in the breathtaking views from the hills. Take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon, where you’ll see its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. After lunch, sail to Viviers, a charming French country village. Take a late afternoon guided walking tour to explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers, including its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town, with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

In the evening, we’ll cruise to Avignon, where we’ll stay overnight.

Avignon – The City of Popes

Avignon, a picturesque city in Provence, offers a unique blend of art and history. This is the City of Popes, where you can start your day with a guided tour of the Papal Palace. It is a magnificent 14th-century palace, which was once the residence of the Popes during the 14th century. Stroll through the charming streets of Avignon’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the famous Avignon Bridge, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, and the impressive Saint-Bénézet bridge.

For those who want to explore deeper, there is the nearby village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for its wine production. There, immersion in local wines and the stunning Châteauneuf-du-Pape Castle await. Back on board for dinner, we will gather on the deck to marvel at the evening sights as we cruise to Arles.

Arles – A Jewel Inside Roman Walls

Arles is beloved for its well-preserved Roman and Romanesque monuments and picturesque streets. Our first day here offers a painting workshop to learn the techniques of Vincent van Gogh. If you prefer, there will be a guided walking tour of this captivating city of the Provence region, where we will visit the Roman Amphitheater.

There is nothing better than an afternoon stroll through the charming streets of Arles’ Old Town. Discover its many historical sites, including the Church of St. Trophime, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, and the Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis dating back to the 1st century AD. Also, we offer an optional group tour to the nearby Camargue region, known for its wild landscapes, traditional culture, and famous white horses. The evening is yours to explore the city. Put together a small group and take a leisurely stroll in the old town. Make sure to stop at Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine.

Arles – Au Revoir

Join us on board for a farewell breakfast, where we’ll have the opportunity to reflect on our wonderful memories during the trip. After breakfast, we encourage everyone to take one final stroll through the charming streets of Arles. Take in its intangible magic that has been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers. We’ll then disembark from the ship and help you with your luggage. Our itinerary may have ended, but we know the journey continues through the friendships and experiences we’ve shared on this wonderful river cruise.

If you would like to extend your stay in Paris or the French Riviera, the Source Journeys team is available to arrange everything.