Flavors of Provence by Luxury River ShipItinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Day 2: Arrive in Lyon, France – Embarkation
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Upon arrival to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the river ship.

The Amadeus Provence is a masterpiece of luxury cruising. This floating haven features spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms and impeccably designed public spaces. As embarkation begins, take time to unpack and become familiar with your accommodations.

Before dinner gather with fellow travel companions for a welcome cocktail, toasting to the journey ahead.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (D)

Day 3: Mâcon
Thursday, October 8, 2026
After breakfast disembark in Mâcon to discover the idyllic village of Fleurie nestled in the heart of the Beaujolais wine region. During a guided walking tour, see the Madonna—Fleurie’s most famous site—a stunning chapel with a beautiful stone façade perched on a nearby hill overlooking town. Quaint architecture and cobblestone roads lead to the village square, a focal point of activity surrounded by inviting cafés and boutiques.

Continue to Château Portier, a wine estate situated near the historic Moulin-à-vent windmill. Learn the property's history and sample a few varietals during a tour and tasting.

Returning to the ship, delight in a gourmet dinner crafted from locally sourced ingredients, expertly paired with exquisite wines.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (B,L,D)

Day 4: Chalon-sur-Saône | Tournus
Friday, October 9, 2026
This morning take a scenic drive along Route des Grand Crus (the Burgundy Wine Route) to Beaune. Admire the lush scenery as you pass through some of the most well-known vineyards in the world including Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, and Côtes de Nuits.

Beaune is home to one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments, the Hôtel Dieu. A symbol of philanthropy and community welfare, this landmark is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of Burgundy. For centuries, the Hôtel-Dieu played a crucial role in providing healthcare, food and shelter to the less fortunate. The hospital functioned until the early 20th century, showcasing a remarkable continuity of service.

The Hôtel Dieu covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, fifteenth century bastion and cellars. Specific winemakers have been delegated to tend to the property's vineyards that span 148 acres and produce 85% premier cru or grand cru wines.

Next visit Caves Patriarche, considered the largest cellar in Burgundy. Over three million bottles of wine are housed within the three-plus mile cellar network beneath the town. During a tour, a sommelier of the estate will introduces a variety of red and white wines representing the region.

After lunch, continue to the prestigious Castle of Cormatin for an inside tour. Surrounded by wide moats, the castle exudes power and prestige through its imposing turrets, gun ports and drawbridge. Abandoned for many years, the castle was purchased in 1980 and restored with the full respect of its authenticity.

Today's final highlight includes a tour and tasting at a Mâconnais goat farm. Here, the 150 resident goats are tended to with the utmost care and produce a range of raw goat milk cheeses including Cabrin, Clochette and Tome de Lys.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (B,L,D)

Day 5: Lyon
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Returning to Lyon, take the opportunity to become deeply acquainted with this beautiful city during a half-day tour—a sensory and visual journey through history, art and gastronomy. Lyon's architectural gems have been well-preserved, providing an abundance of ancient Roman ruins and early Christian sites to explore.

Descend into the heart of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved Renaissance buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and traboules—secretive and mysterious passageways linking buildings by vaulted corridors with ribbed, decorative ceilings and interior courtyards with Renaissance galleries.

A gentle climb to Fourvière Hill provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lyon and the convergence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The Basilica atop the hill is an architectural marvel with stunning views over the city and prime photography opportunities.

Continue to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a Mecca of culinary excellence. Named in honor of the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, this colorful three-story indoor market is a foodie's haven, offering a treasure trove of premium artisanal products and gourmet delights. Bocuse's influence is evident in the emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and the celebration of Lyon's rich gastronomic traditions. Explore the variety of vendor stalls spanning more than three acres—cheesemakers and bakers, pastry chefs and gardeners, and butchers and fishmongers.

This afternoon embrace leisure time on board while sailing to Avignon. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment (fees apply), take a dip in the pool, unwind in the lounge, or simply relax on deck to capture the panoramic landscape passing by.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (B,L,D)

Day 6: Avignon
Sunday, October 11, 2026
This morning join a professional baker at a local boulangerie (bakery) for a hands-on baking class to experience the art of making traditional French baguettes. Learn trusted methods French bakers have used for generations. (Space is limited. Reserve your spot while on board the ship.)

Alternatively, join a guide for a panoramic city tour of Avignon. See The Palace of the Popes, the largest surviving Gothic palace in Europe. In all, seven popes ruled from here, making Avignon the center of Christianity for nearly 100 years. While largely empty today, its interior features original wall paintings, an elegant Gothic chapel and beautiful floor tiles.

Continue by the impressive symbols that influenced the Church and the western world in the 14th century, including Pont d’Avignon, the square in front of the palace where the Baroque façade of the former mint is visible, the Petit Palais Museum, and the Cathédrale des Doms with its ramparts and gardens.

This afternoon travel to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an enchanting village in the Côtes du Rhône region. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is synonymous with exceptional wine, and a visit would be incomplete without partaking in a wine tasting. Learn about the winemaking process, the grape varietals used, and the artistry that goes into producing these highly esteemed wines.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (B,L,D)

Day 7: Avignon | Arles
Monday, October 12, 2026
After breakfast disembark for a full day to explore the Alpilles—a region of mineral-rich mountain chains and overwhelming beauty.

Travel by motor coach to the top of the Alpilles for panoramic views stretching from Mont Ventoux to the Cévennes, and from Sainte Victorie Mountain to the Camargue. These mountains are the source of the white limestone extracted from quarries to construct the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Enjoy a brief stop in the tiny, hilltop village, officially classified as one of the country's "most beautiful" before a three-course lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward visit the olive oil mill at the foot of the Château des Baux where the owners have combined centuries of experience with passion, rigor, technique, and respect for the olive trees. Sample various oils and gain appreciation for the flavor of Alpilles and the skill of the millers.

Les Baux-de-Provence is known for its high quality red and rosé wines made predominantly from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. During a tasting, a wine steward will select wines and discuss characteristics that represent the region.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside as you return to the ship in Arles.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (B,L,D)

Day 8: Châteauneuf-du-Rhône | Le Pouzin
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
After a scenic drive through mountain vistas and fields of lavender, arrive at a truffle farm surrounded by the plains of Grignan where the treasures referred to as “black diamonds” are abundant.

Greatly appreciated by gourmets, the truffle is a mushroom that grows underground in limestone soil, ideally at the foot of an oak tree.

During a tour learn about the canines specially bred to sniff out these black and white delicacies, and watch a demonstration of the seeking and retrieval methods. Conclude the visit with a truffle oil tasting.

Continue to Grignan, a medieval village perched on the edge of Provence. During a tour of its Renaissance castle, travel through history to learn the connection the structure has with a Parisian aristocrat who was also a prolific letter writer.

The final evening on board, gather together in celebration for a special Captain's Gala Dinner to commemorate your time exploring this beautiful region of France.
Overnight: Amadeus Provence (B,L,D)

Day 9: Lyon – Disembarkation | Depart for U.S.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Following breakfast guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Tour days typically flow at a relaxed pace. Some activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for moderate periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain, including cobblestones or unpaved pathways. Guests should be able to walk up or down slight slopes as elevators are not always available at stops and accommodations. There also may be variations in altitude and/or temperature. Guests should be able to board transportation and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance.

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests can enjoy two hours or more of walking, are sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and can walk up and down stairs without assistance. Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle, and sometimes it is not possible for your motor coach to drop you off at site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited. Also, dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in the cooking lesson is not necessary, but adds to the enjoyment of this program.