July 31, 2009   Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 7:55 AM. 

No plans for Paris at this time. Have had lots of suggestions for sights to see and plan to make the most of the next two days to see as much as possible. Expecting to be on the go most of the time to make the most of the next 48 hours before transferring to Chalon-sur-Saone to meet the ship.

 August 1, 2009: Paris Sightseeing

 

August 2, 2009: Transfer to River Royale via the TVG. 

Unpack and have dinner on the ship. The River Royale's maiden voyage was in 2006. The ship is 361 ft long and 37.5 ft. wide accommodating 132 guests. All river view staterooms are lavishly appointed with hotel-style beds, a vanity and make up mirror, generous built in closets, hair dryer (for Sue not me), safe and individual air conditioning, direct dial telephone, flat screen TV, bottled water and private bathroom. All this is in 140 square feet!

 

The ship also has a beautiful panoramic lounge, full-service bar, cozy library, and elegant restaurant along with a sun deck, fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, beauty salon, boutique with gifts and sundries and wireless internet access, elevator (The ship only has 3 decks), 24-hr specialty coffee and tea bar and complimentary us of bicycles. I've been biking at least 8 miles a day for the last two weeks!!!

 

Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Châlon is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, we will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel that has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. Founded in the 15th century, the Hospices were given some vineyards so they could make wine to auction off to support charities, and today the tradition still continues. Tonight is the Captain's Welcome Dinner

 

Julius Caesar founded the city about 2,000 years ago, and as a result, it has a wealth of Roman remains, as well as many impressive museums, renaissance architecture galore, and – of course – world-renowned cuisine. We will tour today with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town built at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers. We willl view Terreaux Square, the Fine Art Museum, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, we have free time to explore and perhaps rent one of the public bicycles to ride in the many parks and squares along the Rhône, walk through the renaissance quarter with its maze of medieval passageways, or simply relax with a glass of Beaujolais at one of the many taverns!

 

August 5, 2009: Tournon, Tain L’Hermitage, Viviers 

Nestled among the famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of chocolate and wine. WE plan to celebrate the region by indulging in some Côte du Rhone wines. We will then cross the Marc Seguin suspended bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. Later today we will discover the secrets of world-famous Valrhona chocolate during an onboard lecture and tasting arranged by the Valrhona School of Chocolate.

 

August 6, 2009: Viviers, Avignon 

Founded in the 5th century and located in a sheltered canyon, Viviers retains much of its ancient charm. Today we will do a guided walking tour of the village as we saunter down the 100-year old Sycamore Alley, where houses bear the watermarks of floods over the decades. We will wind our way towards the fountain square in the old town, which reflects an interesting combination of Roman, Christian and medieval influences. We wall see the Maison des Chevlaiers, a 16th century Renaissance-style house built by the nobleman Noel Albert. We will walk the Rue du Chateau up to the former clergy quarter to enjoy a spectacular view. We will also visit the 12th-century St. Vincent's Cathedral to hear an organ recital. Afterward we will walk back through the medieval streets of this charming village to find the perfect locale for lunch before taking off in the afternoon to a rare truffle farm and to visit the wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape.

 

We will be taken by motorcoach over the Rhone to truffle farm where the owner will explain how the combination of just the right elements produces the wonderful "black diamond of the Drome-Provencale" -- the delicious truffle. The farmer’s dog has been trained to use his sense of smell to spot the precise location under the oak tree where the delicious mushrooms wait to be picked. After tasting local farm foods flavored with truffles and accompanied by a glass of chilled rose' (everything in France includes wine I guess) we will ride to a wine estate in the Chateauneuf du Pape region.

 

The Avignon popes did a lot to advance the notoriety of French Wines. However, the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape, once known as the "wine of the Pope," were considered rustic and of limited appeal. Under the influence of wine critic Robert M. Parker, honorary citizen of the village, the appellation became world famous. During our visit to a local winemaker, the cellar master will explain the art of blending the grapes. We will sample various vintages and learn now to smell and taste the fragrances drawn from this rocky terrain. Back to the ship for an elegant dinner (Did I mention that Wine is included with dinner each evening) and an overnight cruise on the Rhone!

 

The city of Avignon is famous for its history, architecture, and annual international theater festival. After breakfast on the ship we will meet a local guide for a walking our that begins with the medieval city fortification wall. We stroll the main square Place de L'Horloge, with its cafe's, shops, and namesake clock tower dating back to the 14th century, now part of the city hall Hotel de Ville. Next it is on to the Pope's Palace square for an inside visit of the Palasi des Papes. The palace is an impressive piece of architecture built between 1335 and 1364. With walls more than 17-feet thick and sitting on a giant rock, the palace is virtually impregnable. We will need to climb approximately 100 steps during the tour!!! After a visit to the palace museum we will make our way through the old streets to the Place Pie and Les Halles covered market. We will then return to the Clocktower Square to enjoy one of the cafes or to shop. Lunch may be back at the ship followed by an afternoon bike ride. 

 

We may also partake in an optional tour to the Pont du Gard Aqueduct and uzes Village. Pont du Gard became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is a tri-leveled bridge that still stands proudly over the Gardon Valle, as it did during the Roman era. The aqueduct was constructed during the middle of the 1st century AD and was designed to carry water over the valley. It was constructed entirely without the use of mortar in a period of 3 years employing 1,000 workers. 

 

Arles, a friendly Mediterranean town known for its unique Provencal light, has been around since the 6th century BC, when the ancient Greeks referred to it as Theline. Vincent Van Gogh painted some his most famous painting here, including Night Care, The Yellow House, Starry Night over the Rhone, and L'Arlesienne. Today a local guide will conduct a walking tour downtown where we will stop for a view of the pier that Van Gogh immortalized in Starry Night. We will then proceed to Le Theatre Antique, the foundation of the Roman colony, and the Roman Amphitheatre, also know as Les Arenes, where gladiators used to fight in front of 20,000 people. The next stop will be the Town Hall Square, including City Hall and the St. Trophime Church, a Romanesque church built in the 12th century. It was here that St. Augustine was consecrated as the first Bishop of Canterbury during the 6th century. We will also visit Espace Van Gogh, the hospital where the artist once sought treatment, which is now a museum, all the while we will learn of the travails of the troubled genius as we stroll through the courtyard. Before returning to the ship we will visit a bountiful farmers market that shows how Provence is rich with produits du terrior. Fruits of the season vegetables, seasonings, medicinal herbs, and many more specialties of southern France are on colorful display along the main avenue. We will also have free time to shop, take pictures or do some olive tasting. As we near the ship we will pass by Forum Square before walking along the banks of the Rhone, gazing at Constantine's Roman baths. And that is just in the morning!!!

 

For the afternoon we once again board a motorcoach for a picturesque ride through the charming Provencal countryside to visit an Olive farm and the medieval village of Les Beaux de Provence. After arriving at the farm we will be hosted by the master olive miller and his family. We will walk through the groves and visit the mill to learn about the tradition of growing, harvesting and pressing the sacred fruit of the Mediterranean. Our host will offer samples of the olives, oils and tapenade, plus share some of their healthy secrets....... what no wine?

 

Leaving the farm we will go the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, perched on a prominent rock in the les Alpilles mountains. We will hear a history of the fortress erected by the templar's knights and lords of Les Baux, descendants of Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men, and family line of Grimaldi Prince of Monaco. We visit the village church and learn many of the local traditions. We will also have time to set out on our own to explore the art galleries, shopping arcades and cafe' terraces..........ah, wine I'm sure of it!!!

 

Dinner tonight is the Captains Farewell Dinner.

 

 

We will transfer from the ship to the TVG in Arles to our hotel near the Charles de Gaulle airport. No plans as we will be staying outside of Paris on our final night.

 

August 10th: Fly Home 

Direct flight from Paris to Philadelphia arriving around 2PM. Fly from PHL to PWM arriving in Portland around 5:30 PM, with Limo Service via Country Coach Charters!