With AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Kristin Karst serving as AmaKristina’s Godmother, you know you’ll have a distinctive experience aboard this phenomenal, award-winning river ship. Both a French and outside balcony in most staterooms allow you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. In the marble bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads, soothing bath and body products, cozy robes and hair dryers. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. The AmaKristina also includes a massage and hair salon, gift shop, specialty coffee station, heated pool with swim-up bar, fitness center, sun-deck walking track and a fleet of onboard bikes. Her Main Restaurant is a taste of the outdoors, with vines and branches infused in the décor, and expert chefs preparing our signature exquisite cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients—both in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table.
COLORS OF PROVENCE
CRUISE FROM : LYON TO ARLES
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Embark in Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and enjoy an evening illumination cruise. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Lumiéres before your return flight home.
Cruise Price Includes:
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
EXCLUDES
Port charges of $210 per person (paid with final payment)
Optional Tours
Meals unless listed in itinerary
Tips & Gratuities
Travel Insurance
International flight, international transfers, seat selection
Cruise price ranges from $3,149 to $5,849 USD per person double occupancy
*Single room rate and children rates available on request.
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1
Lyon
EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)
DAY 2
Lyon
Beaujolais excursion from Trevoux
Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. (B,L,D)
DAY 3
Lyon
City tour
OR Les Halles Market tour
OR Lyon bike tour
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the afternoon, enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)
DAY 4
Vienne
“Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour
OR Mount Pipet hike
OR ViaRhôna bike tour
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. (B,L,D)
DAY 5
Tournon
Exclusive private steam train ride
OR Red wine & chocolate tasting
OR Tain-l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting
Take an exclusive private train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)
DAY 6
Avignon
Walking tour and Papal Palace
OR Tastes of Avignon
OR Avignon bike tour
Pont du Gard
OR Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit
Evening cruise to illuminated Pont d’Avignon
Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades or you can enjoy a bike tour. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to the Pont d’Avignon, illuminated against the night sky. (B,L,D)
DAY 7
Arles
Arles walking tour
OR Bike tour
OR Van Gogh Walking Tour
Les Baux and Carrières des Lumières
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, you’ll venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence and then delve deeply into the Carrières des Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. (B,L,D)
DAY 8
Arles
DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. (B)
All passengers are strongly urged to purchase travel insurance to protect them against cancellation due to illness or any reason prior to or during travel. In the event a traveler becomes ill during a tour and has not purchased insurance, all hospital and medical expenses are the traveler’s responsibility and they shall not be entitled to any refund, either total or partial, of passage money paid.
PRICES:
All prices quoted for this trip are based on a group size of 55 cabins and all deposits submitted are a confirmation that the passenger will complete all necessary cabin payments. All attendees should secure insurance just in case they have any last minute need to cancel or change of plans.
FORCE MAJEURE:
We shall not be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment, of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond our or our supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labor disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, earthquakes, weather conditions, floods or acts or restraints imposed by government authorities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Travel Rush – Cruises & Tours Unlimited act only as agents for the clients in all matters pertaining to travel. They assume no responsibility nor liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor or other conveyances which may be used, either wholly or in part, in the performance of its duty to the passenger; neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle or through the neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers, conversely refund will be made to the passengers if any saving is made. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger.
