Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland Avignon to Amsterdam

Travel to Arles, the capital of Roman Gaul, boasting numerous Gallo-Roman ruins. Visit Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheater still in use today, and immerse yourself in the town's vibrant energy. Explore the town's rich artistic heritage, which inspired the legendary Impressionist Vincent van Gogh.

Spend another day in Avignon, exploring its religious and cultural significance. Visit the Avignon Cathedral, dwarfed by the neighboring Palace of the Popes. Marvel at the gilded statue of Mary atop the cathedral, a symbol of the city's enduring connection to the Vatican.

Discover Tournon, nestled between the river and vineyard-blanketed slopes. Visit the neighboring wine-producing region of Tain-l’Hermitage, known for its port-like wine and stellar whites. Later, travel to Vienne, one of the oldest towns in France, boasting Roman remains and remarkably preserved medieval buildings.

Arrive in Lyon, France's second most significant cultural center. Explore the city's red-roofed buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and riverside promenades. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Lyon, home to a rich collection of Renaissance architecture and unique passageways known as traboules.

Spend another day in Lyon, known as the food capital of France. Sample the city's gastronomic delights, from classic recipes prepared the traditional way to innovative dishes with signature touches. Pair your meal with a glass of light, fruity Beaujolais or a bold Rhône red.

Visit Breisach, a gateway to the fabled Black Forest region. Explore the town's warmest parts, home to Europe's largest cellars. Don't miss the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a prominent landmark visible throughout the city and from the Rhine.

Arrive in Strasbourg, the cultural center of France's Alsace region. Explore the well-preserved Old Town, enclosed by the little Ill River. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Enjoy the Alsatian café culture amid lovely half-timbered houses.

Explore the quiet German town of Speyer, known for its Romanesque imperial cathedral. Learn about the town's historical significance, from its Celtic origins to its role in the Protestant Reformation. Later, travel to Rüdesheim, the center of winemaking in Germany's Rheingau region. Wander along the famed Drosselgasse, a cobblestone street lined with taverns.

Arrive in Koblenz, a traditional German city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Explore its cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and the 'German Corner', where the statue of Prince William I stands. Visit the Basilica of St. Castor, the city's oldest building, dating back to 836.