Depart USA
Relax on your overnight flight to southern France.

Nice
Arrive in Nice and transfer to our hotel for an exclusive two-night pre-cruise stay. Tonight, get to know your fellow cruisers over a rooftop welcome reception.

Nice
Welcome to the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera). Today is yours to explore the pebbly shores and beautiful city streets of Nice.

Nice to Avignon (Embark)
This morning after breakfast we’ll take a scenic bus ride through the French Riviera to Avignon with lunch en route. Later, board the S.S. Catherine for your first overnight stay.

Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon)
Explore one of two sun-drenched Provençal towns today on a walking discovery tour. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles has existed since the 6th century BC when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. Long renowned as one of the region’s most attractive cities, it lured artist Vincent van Gogh, who painted hundreds of works here. A short distance from Arles is the ancient and charming town of Tarascon. Its many medieval sites include a 12th- century church and a 15th-century castle that is rich with tales of a beloved ruler and a ferocious dragon. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Avignon
The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France, with a host of historic gems to explore—including the fortress residence of rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. From a distance, the picture-perfect city center looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of a history book, but all you need to do is step inside its medieval walls to discover the prosperous heart of contemporary Avignon. Today you have your choice of two walking discovery tours, with the Palace of the Popes or the Pont du Gard. You’ll also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct on the Gardon River.

Viviers
Meet some new friends today in the village of Viviers. No matter whom you get to know—a pottery maker, a dance teacher or a local homeowner—you’ll enjoy an authentic experience, encounters that get at the heart and soul of the French people. At one time, Viviers was divided along religious lines; the clergy lived in the upper part of the town, the laity in the lower part. Your “Village Day” exploration will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.

Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage)
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Take a guided stroll or opt for a more vigorous vineyard hike and taste the local specialty, wines made from Syrah grapes.

Lyon
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and with roots stretching back over 2,000 years to the days of Julius Caesar, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. Today you have your choice of two walking tours; sample Lyon’s world–famous culinary riches with a visit to its peerless market hall or follow the footsteps of the silk weavers in the old quarter. For a more active option, see the city from its extensive bike paths on a guided “Let’s Go” Lyon peninsula bicycle tour.

Mâcon (Beaune)
The pace of life is decidedly more relaxed in Burgundy, where endless rows of grapes hang heavy on the vine. The capital of the region’s wine trade, Beaune, is renowned for its history, beauty and highly prized wine. Located in the southernmost part of Burgundy, Mâcon, a Saône River port, is your gateway to Beaune. Today you can explore this charming region on a Burgundy wine landscapes, Beaune, Hospices de Beaune tour or a Mâcon walking discovery tour.

Lyon (Disembark)
Today we’ll disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport for your flight home or if you’re combining the President’s Cruise and Tour, take the train to Paris and meet the group for the next part of your French adventure.