Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Nice for Jazz Lovers (Northbound)

Welcome to Nice, the gateway to the spectacular French Riviera. Spend your first day at leisure, exploring the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast that stretches from Toulon to the Italian border. Soak in the beauty of the azure sea, golden beaches, and glamorous resorts that make this region a world-renowned vacation destination.

Today, delve into the heart of Nice, often referred to as the 'Queen of the French Riviera'. Embark on a guided tour through the narrow, winding streets of Vieux Nice, the city's old quarter. Marvel at the baroque churches and timeless architecture that has remained largely unchanged since the 1700s. After the tour, enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café.

Bid farewell to Nice as you board a motorcoach for a scenic transfer to Arles. Upon arrival, check into your Avalon Suite Ship, your floating hotel for the next leg of the journey. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner onboard and prepare for an overnight docking in Arles.

Start your day with a power walk in Arles, a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage. Attend a painting workshop to learn the techniques of Vincent van Gogh and create your own masterpiece. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, visiting the Roman Amphitheater and other historic sites. Take some free time to relax at Le Café Van Gogh before sailing to Avignon. In the evening, unwind with live jazz entertainment onboard.

Today, explore the fortress city of Avignon, known as the 'City of Popes'. Embark on a guided sightseeing tour, visiting the imposing Palace of the Popes and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Optional excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a trip to the renowned wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers, a charming French village known for its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town. Choose between a guided walking tour of the village or a hike up to the cathedral with your Adventure Host. Later in the afternoon, set sail for Tournon, where you'll dock for the night.

Explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities, with a guided walking tour or a morning hike with your Adventure Host. Discover the city's 16th-century castle and Roman ruins nestled between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Sail to Vienne in the afternoon, enjoying jazz entertainment onboard. In Vienne, join a guided walk through the charming hill town and attend the renowned Vienne Jazz Festival in the evening.

Today, journey to Lyon, the gastronomy capital of France. Take a guided sightseeing tour, exploring the city from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches and the maze of medieval alleyways in the Old Town. Don't miss the lively cafés, monuments, and the famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. In the evening, enjoy the strains of Gypsy Jazz onboard as you sail to Tournus.

Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region, renowned for its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards. Learn about the wines produced here and attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to Chalon-sur-Saône for an overnight docking.

Your unforgettable French adventure concludes with breakfast this morning. Please arrange for flights to depart from Lyon airport after 8 am. We hope you've enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure.