Savor the Exquisite Flavors, Colors, Culture, and More of Provence

Your journey along the Rhône starts in Lyon, the hometown of legendary chef Paul Bocuse whose face graces murals around town. In France, culture and gastronomy are forever linked. And Lyon, which has more restaurants per capita than any other French city, is considered the country’s culinary capital.

Upon landing, you’ll be transferred to the ship and settle into your accommodations aboard the award-winning AmaKristina. Most of the ship’s spacious staterooms have AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies to enjoy the scenery along the Rhône. You’ll also find multi-jet shower heads, soothing bath and body products, and cozy robes inside the marble bathrooms. Suites feature even more expansive bathrooms with a bathtub and separate shower. And throughout the ship, you can take advantage of amenities like a massage and hair salon, a heated pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness center, and a fleet of onboard bikes.

The following day, you’ll discover Lyon on a guided tour of the Les Halles Market. You’ll savor rich cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh breads. St. Marcellin, a local cow’s-milk cheese said to be King Louis XI’s favorite, has a nutty flavor and runny texture.

Or you could join a city tour that begins at historic Fourvière Hill, home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. From there, you’ll head to the Old Town and the St. Jean district, passing through an example of Lyon’s unique covered walkways called “traboules.”

A guided cycling tour of this very bike-friendly city is also an option.

Visit a traditional winery in the famous Beaujolais region—known as the pays d’or, or “land of gold”—to learn about the history and techniques used at the vineyard. You’ll also get to taste the wines, of course. Then return to the ship to set sail for Vienne.

You’ll arrive this morning in Vienne, a historic city between the illustrious wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. During the reign of Julius Caesar, Vienne was a major urban center of the Roman empire. You can see the famous ruins during the “Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour, where the first stop is the Augustus and Livia Temple. Originally built to honor Caesar Augustus, it has been used as a church, museum, and library over the centuries and was restored during the 19th century.

Another stop on the walking tour is the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic-Romanesque church that took more than 500 years to build. As a result, the structure is a blend of many styles. Its most notable features are the stained glass windows, a collection of Flanders tapestries, and the remarkable façade with stones carved to represent biblical characters.

Those looking for a more active excursion can join a heart-thumping hike from the ship to the Mmonastery at Mount Pipet. You’ll get panoramic views of the Old Town, the entire Rhône Valley, and the surrounding countryside. You may even see Mont Pilat in the Alps on a clear day. For something active but a bit less strenuous, join a guided bike tour along a portion of the famous ViaRhôna bike route that stretches more than 500 miles from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.

As AmaKirstina anchors in Tournon, a town with a history that dates to 817, you’ll notice the imposing Château de Tournon looming above. The area is also renowned for producing a range of culinary treasures like high-quality cheese, honey, and traditional charcuterie.

It’s fitting, then, that food enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice regarding the day’s activities. You may visit the splendid 16th-century castle for a presentation on pairing red wine with chocolate. A local expert will also guide you through a tasting that will surely be unforgettable.

Those looking to pair exercise with a gastronomic experience can join a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, across the river from Tournon. See how grapes for Hermitage wine are grown atop the hill of the same name in the space of only about 320 acres. This full-bodied and rich Appellation d’Origine Controlée (AOC) is made from both red and white grapes. After the hike, you’ll have a chance to sample this exceptional wine at a local winery.

Guests who instead join the steam train ride will marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery along the Gorges du Doux.

Today you’ll have a chance to explore the flavors of Avignon, the so-called “City of Popes,” on a food tour to taste regional specialties like macarons, cheese, wine, and tapenades. Or you can delve into Avignon’s fascinating history during a guided walking tour of the medieval walls and the Papal Palace, which was the center of the Catholic Church during the 14th century. You can also elect to explore Avignon’s top attractions on a guided bike tour.

Then, you’ll head to a beautiful truffle farm in the afternoon. But the first stop on the excursion will be the hilltop village of Grignan, a Provençal town with red-tiled roofs, winding streets, open-air cafes, and colorful markets. You’ll also have free time to wander through the town’s art galleries and shops.

After visiting Grignan, you’ll search for the highly prized “black diamond” truffles with a farmer and his canine companion. The elusive truffle lives underground, so specially trained dogs with a keen sense of smell are needed to root out the fungus. Fortunately, the walk tends to be quite lovely since truffles usually grow near oak trees and fragrant lavender fields. Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon admiring the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct and wonder of ancient engineering.

Kick off the day with a rousing journey up to Les Baux-de-Provence, where you’ll discover the ruins of a 13th century castle that overlook the charming old town and its boutiques and cafes. Art is also a calling card of the village and among its many art galleries, you’ll also find the Carrières de Lumières, an extraordinary experience built into the town’s former quarry. Visitors here can enjoy an immersive, historical spectacle of art and sound projected onto the excavated limestone walls.

From here, you’ll head to an olive farm to taste the local product and learn how the local artisans have made such magic over the course of centuries. Speaking of magic, with a visit to nearby Saint Rémy de Provence, you’ll be able to explore the village from which Vincent Van Gogh produced Starry Night among several other of the painter’s Impressionist masterpieces.

Once you’ve paid your respects to the master, you might partake in a guided tour of Arles’ Roman ruins, taking in the Romanesque architecture of the Church of Saint Trophime and the well-preserved, ancient Amphitheater. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to fully embrace the memory of Van Gogh, you might take a lovely bike ride around town, following the Rhône until you reach the Langlois Bridge, which served as his subject on several occasions. To cap off your tour of the artist’s Arles, take a walking tour through the heart of the village, where you can visit the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation, an important cultural center which honors its namesake in perpetuity while also showcasing the work of many contemporary artists.

This morning it’s time to bid adieu to France. You’ll enjoy breakfast aboard AmaKristina one last time before your transfer to the train station or Marseille airport. If traveling one of Europe’s most legendary rivers has left you wanting more, there’s consolation in knowing more phenomenal AmaWaterways itineraries await.