Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland Avignon to Amsterdam

Begin your journey in the medieval city of Avignon, known as the 'City of Popes'. After settling into your stateroom, explore the city's narrow streets lined with remarkable medieval buildings. Visit the massive church-fortress, Palais des Papes, a testament to Avignon's papal history, and the ruins of the 12th-century Pont d’Avignon.

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.

Arrive in the sleepy town of Viviers, founded in the 5th century. Explore its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. Visit the Maison des Chevaliers, a fine example of Renaissance architecture, and experience the timeless charm of this fortified town.

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.

Travel to the serene region of Burgundy, home to some of the world's most expensive wines. Follow the Route des Grands Crus, and sample the region's sublime wines. Later, arrive in Basel, a city where Swiss, German, and French traditions blend. Explore its old-town buildings and more than 40 museums of art and culture.

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.

Explore Cologne, a city revealing its Roman heritage in its layout and ancient ruins. Visit the city's 14th-century cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the city's modern plazas, shops, restaurants, and cologne boutiques.

Travel to Kinderdijk, a village community known for its 18th-century windmills. Explore this corner of South Holland, shaped by Rhine Delta waters, and learn about the land reclamation process. Visit the legendary windmills, a symbol of Dutch ingenuity in water management.

Arrive in Amsterdam, a city of charming canals and elegant gabled houses. Explore the city's 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. Visit the Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands' grand repository of art and cultural history. After breakfast, disembark your ship and prepare for your journey home.