Colours of Provence

Arrive in Marseille and transfer to your river ship, docked in the heart of Arles.

This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner. Stay Seven Nights: Concerto River Ship (D)

Arrive in Arles and decide how your day unfolds. Choose a guided walking tour of the Roman ruins of Arles, enjoy a bike ride along the Rhone to the Langlois Bridge or discover Van Gogh's Arles on a walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. There are more sightseeing choices in the afternoon. Visit the Castle of Tarascon or explore the Carrieres de Lumieres, where you'll be treated to a presentation projected on the former limestone quarry walls.

Afterwards, choose to visit the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, or the medieval walled village of Aiges-Mortes. Back on board this evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around the city of Avignon. (B/L/D)

Avignon, named the ‘City of Popes', was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Choose from three excursions here this morning. Discover the city's history on a walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the medieval walls surrounding the World Heritage-listed town centre. Or visit venues around the city to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades.

This afternoon you might like to visit the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct. Alternately, pedal through the city on a bike tour. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Viviers, a charming town on the right bank of the Rhone. From here you'll travel to the magnificent hilltop village of Grignan. Enjoy some time to wander at your leisure before searching for the region's rare ‘Black Diamond' truffles with a farmer and his canine. (B/L/D)

Arrive at the hilltop village of Tournon and choose from four excursions. Take a train journey through magnificent landscapes along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthelemy le Plain where the train prepares for its return journey. Gourmands might want to visit Le Chateau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. Or, for a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage for a visit to a winery, or take a leisurely cycle through the French countryside. (B/L/D)

Tucked between the Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone wine regions is the town of Vienne. Discover its Roman past on a walking tour to see the Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, and St Pierre Abbey. If you're feeling active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet for spectacular views or a guided bike tour along a section of the ViaRhona bike route.

Continue cruising to Lyon, known as France's food capital. Begin your discovery in Fourviere Hill, where you'll see the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere before reaching the old town of Lyon. Enjoy a guided walk through the St Jean district and its covered walkways, known as ‘traboules' then sample delicacies on offer at the famous indoor market hall, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Another option is a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Leave the city for a journey into the spectacular Beaujolais wine region, known as the Pays d'Or or ‘Land of the Golden Stones'. Enjoy a wine tasting at a winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Return to Lyon for a free afternoon and evening. (B/L/D)

Your journey comes to an end after disembarking your ship this morning. Transfer to the airport. (B)