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Colors of Provence -
Taste of Christmas
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Colors of Provence – Taste of Christmas
The south of France at Christmas is a particular kind of pleasure, and AmaWaterways‘ Colors of Provence Taste of Christmas River Cruise puts you on the Rhône for seven nights to make the most of it. The itinerary runs between Lyon and Arles, or in reverse, taking in the Beaujolais vineyards, the Roman ruins of Vienne, the Hermitage wine country around Tournon, Avignon’s Papal Palace and Christmas markets, and a finale at Les Baux-de-Provence that includes the Carrieres de Lumieres, a dazzling large-scale art show housed in the village’s ancient limestone quarries.
4.64
from
201 reviews
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Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ships: AmaKristina -
Duration: 6 Nights
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Departure: Nov - Dec
Colors of Provence – Taste of Christmas Prices
Colors of Provence – Taste of Christmas Gallery
Colors of Provence – Taste of Christmas Itinerary
Lyon to Arles, or Arles to Lyon, with the Rhône Valley’s wine estates, Roman history and Christmas markets filling every day in between.
Day 1
Lyon
You board in Lyon, with a welcome dinner this evening to start the journey.
Day 2
Lyon
A full day in Lyon, with a city tour taking in Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the traboules of the UNESCO-listed old town, with Christmas market time included. A bike tour of the city is the alternative for those who’d rather be outdoors.
Day 3
Lyon
A third day based in Lyon, with an excursion into the Beaujolais region for a wine tasting and an introduction to local winemaking from the vintners themselves.
Day 4
Vienne
Vienne is one of the most significant Roman sites in France, and the walking tour follows the footsteps of that history through the city’s temples and cathedrals. For a more active day, consider the Mount Pipet hike above the city or the ViaRhona bike tour along the river.
Day 5
Tournon
The steam train ride through the dramatic gorges is a memorable option, while the red wine and chocolate tasting at Chateau de Tournon pairs two of the region’s strengths in one sitting. Those who’d rather work up an appetite first might prefer the Tain l’Hermitage hike with wine tasting. The evening brings an optional ghost walk through Viviers, where costumed locals bring centuries-old stories to life.
Day 6
Avignon
Avignon is excellent value for a single day: the Papal Palace, Christmas markets and a walking tour of the city bundled into one excursion is the main option, or a Tastes of Avignon tour for those who want to eat and drink their way through the morning is also available. For something further afield, consider seeing the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct or try a truffle farm visit, both available as excursions. A bike tour of the city is the active option.
Day 7
Arles
The final day offers three excursions, all of them worth considering. Les Baux-de-Provence includes the Carrières de Lumieres, a large-scale immersive art show projected across the walls and ceilings of ancient limestone quarries. The Arles walking tour covers the city’s Roman heritage. The Van Gogh walking tour follows the locations which inspired the artist during his time in the city. A bike tour is also available.
Day 8
Arles
Disembark in Arles.
Day 1
Arles
Board your ship in Arles and set sail along the Rhône River.
Day 2
Arles
The final day offers three excursions, all of them worth considering. Les Baux-de-Provence includes the Carrières de Lumieres, a large-scale immersive art show projected across the walls and ceilings of ancient limestone quarries. The Arles walking tour covers the city’s Roman heritage. The Van Gogh walking tour follows the locations which inspired the artist during his time in the city. A bike tour is also available.
Day 3
Avignon
Avignon is excellent value for a single day: the Papal Palace, Christmas markets and a walking tour of the city bundled into one excursion is the main option, or a Tastes of Avignon tour for those who want to eat and drink their way through the morning is also available. For something further afield, consider seeing the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct or try a truffle farm visit, both available as excursions. A bike tour of the city is the active option.
Day 4
Tournon
The steam train ride through the dramatic gorges is a memorable option, while the red wine and chocolate tasting at Chateau de Tournon pairs two of the region’s strengths in one sitting. Those who’d rather work up an appetite first might prefer the Tain l’Hermitage hike with wine tasting. The evening brings an optional ghost walk through Viviers, where costumed locals bring centuries-old stories to life.
Day 5
Vienne
Vienne is one of the most significant Roman sites in France, and the walking tour follows the footsteps of that history through the city’s temples and cathedrals. For a more active day, consider the Mount Pipet hike above the city or the ViaRhona bike tour along the river.
Day 6
Lyon
A third day based in Lyon, with an excursion into the Beaujolais region for a wine tasting and an introduction to local winemaking from the vintners themselves.
Day 7
Lyon
A full day in Lyon, with a city tour taking in Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the traboules of the UNESCO-listed old town, with Christmas market time included. A bike tour of the city is the alternative for those who’d rather be outdoors.
Day 8
Lyon
Disembark in Lyon.
COLORS OF PROVENCE – TASTE OF CHRISTMAS SHIPS
COLORS OF PROVENCE – TASTE OF CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS
Rhone River Cruise Deals
Provence at Christmas, from the Beaujolais vineyards to the limestone quarries of Les Baux-de-Provence. Browse our latest AmaWaterways sailings and find the departure that works for you.
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Colors of Provence – Taste of Christmas Review
Colors of Provence – Taste of Christmas FAQs
Are flights included in the fare for this cruise?
No. This is a cruise-only itinerary, and the fare does not include flights or transfers. Prices are in euros, per person, based on double occupancy of an entry-level stateroom. If you need help arranging flights, Crui.se can advise when you enquire.
Is this itinerary available in both directions, and does it matter which way you sail?
Yes, sailings run both Lyon to Arles and Arles to Lyon across November and December. If Les Baux-de-Provence and Arles are the days you’re most looking forward to, the Lyon-to-Arles direction saves them for the end of the week. If you’d prefer to open with them, the Arles-to-Lyon direction delivers them early. Both are included in the fare.
What is the Carrières de Lumieres, and what does the Les Baux excursion involve?
Les Carrières de Lumieres is an immersive art show housed in the limestone quarries of Les Baux-de-Provence, where large-scale projections of artworks are cast across the walls, ceilings and floors of the ancient stone chambers. The AmaWaterways excursion on day seven combines a visit to Les Baux-de-Provence with the Carrieres de Lumieres show.
What is the ghost walk in Viviers on day five?
The evening ghost walk in Viviers is an optional excursion in which costumed local performers bring centuries-old stories from the town to life in a seasonal setting. It’s offered on day five of the Lyon-to-Arles itinerary alongside the steam train ride, the red wine and chocolate tasting and the Tain l’Hermitage hike.
When is truffle season in Provence?
Provence is one of France’s main truffle-producing regions, and the black Perigord truffle season runs roughly from November to March, meaning the November and December departures on this itinerary fall within the season.
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