Colors of Provence with Barcelona and Paris (Christmas)

Check into your Barcelona hotel for the beginning of your Colors of Provence pre-cruise land program.

Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist's, architect's, foodie's, historian's and culturist's dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudi,” including La Sagrada Familia, and enjoy Barcelona's well-known and classic Christmas Markets, illuminating the streets and squares with festivities. (B)

Excursions:

• "The Best of Barcelona" tour and Christmas Markets

Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you'll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you'll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself. (B)

Excursions:

• "The Mountains and Abbey of Montserrat" excursion

Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)

Excursions:

• TGV to Nimes
• Transfer to Arles

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, join a guided walking tour where you'll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who 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.

In the afternoon, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Arles Walking Tour OR Bike tour OR Van Gogh walking tour
• Les Baux de Provence

Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. 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. You will also have time to enjoy the lively Christmas markets with their cheerful atmosphere and delicious regional specialties.

Those looking to indulge in local cuisine can You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, along with a visit to the Christmas Markets. More active guest can enjoy a bike tour through the city. In the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Walking tour, Papal Palace, and Christmas Markets OR Tastes of Avignon and Christmas Markets OR Avignon bike tour
• Pont Du Gard

Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel 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. Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, set out on a peaceful hike along the trails outside Viviers, culminating in a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley below, or join an active bike tour along the Rhone river. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Grignan Truffle Farm OR Viviers walking tour OR Viviers hike OR Viviers bike tour

Lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you'll sample some of the wines. You'll also have many opportunities to taste the Provence's regional specialties, including its traditional 13 desserts of Christmas throughout your journey. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Red Wine & Chocolate tasting OR Tain l'Hermitage Hike & Wine Tasting

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Later in the day, cruise to the old town of Lyon and get to know the city at your own pace. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French midday meal or visit one of the city's many amazing museums during your leisurely afternoon in Lyon. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Roman ruins walking tour OR Mount Pipet hike OR ViaRhôna bike tour
• Free time

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.” Your time in Lyon also includes time to browse the Lyon Christmas Markets and watch the city sparkle in festivities and tradition. You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l'Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant.

There you'll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later, travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d'Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Lyon City Tour and Christmas Markets OR Les Halles Market Tour OR Lyon Bike Tour
• Beaujolais wine excursion and tasting

Disembark the ship and enjoy tasting some local Lyon specialties before boarding your high-speed train to Paris and checking into your hotel. (B)

Excursions:

• Tastes of Lyon
• TVG high-speed train to Paris

Enjoy taking in the signature sites of Paris in your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll see Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. You'll have plenty of time to visit the Christmas Markets and enjoy a Parisian holiday experience. (B)

Excursions:

• “City of Light” tour and Christmas Markets

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d'Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city's premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You'll be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

Excursions:

• Evening Montmartre and illumination tour

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)