Essence of Burgundy & Provence
From Dijon, France to Arles, France - July 16th to July 23rd, 2026
Hosted by Megan Love - Share the Magic Travel
Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime! During this special mid-July sailing, you’ll also be able to witness the beautiful lavender and sunflower fields— the heart of the inspiration for some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings.
COUNTRIES: France
RIVERS: Rhone, Saone
CRUISE WITH MEGAN FROM : Dijon, France to Arles, France
-
Essence of Burgundy & Provence - At a Glance
On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
By joining us on this July 2026 sailing, you’ll get to experience the “essence of Provence” alive with vibrant colors of blooming sunflowers and fragrant lavender— a specialty of this region that only happens once a year.
-
Our Exclusive Group Rates
Exclusive “Triple Summer Savings” discount available for this cruise, through December 31st, 2024:
- Early Booking Discount included in pricing, plus $250pp group discount; deposit is $400 per person, with final payment due 90 days prior to sailing.
-$2,000 cruise savings per stateroom
-Complimentary stateroom upgrade within same category
-$50 per stateroom onboard credit
-Additional $200OBC for guests who book by December 31st, 2024
Cruise fares for our group start at $3,799 per person for category E staterooms.
Past guest AMAWaterways discount available to add on to exclusive savings!
——-
Single Supplement for Cruise 50% of twin price; A+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Bedding Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size). -
3 Nights Geneva Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Nice Post-Cruise
LAND PROGRAM
Indulge in the local flavors of Switzerland and France on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Discover Geneva and Annecy, the “Pearl of the French Alps” before embarking your 7-night Port of Dijon to Arles cruise. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon.
Then, get ready to spend three nights in Nice taking in the top sites, as well as breathtaking Monaco and opulent Monte Carlo. While you’ll get more than a taste of Switzerland, Burgundy, Provence and Nice during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!
Land Package Includes
-Stays at world-class 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
-Daily breakfast at the hotel
-Convenient transfers and portage service between your hotel and river cruise ship
-The services of one of our extraordinary Cruise Managers throughout your journey
-Enriching city tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides
Land package pricing: $3,180 per person
Essence of Burgundy & Provence - Land Package Extensions
Experience AmaWaterways’ breathtaking land packages in Geneva, Switzerland, and the French Riviera
What’s Included with AmaWaterways?
Spacious Staterooms
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
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, 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
Roundtrip Airport Transfers
When you book your airfare with AmaWaterways, roundtrip airport transfers to and from the ship will be provided at no extra cost.
The Itinerary
-
Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (D)
-
Chalon-sur-SaôneHistoric City tourOR Beaune walking tour
TournusScenic cruising
OR Chalonnaise wine tasting
OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour
Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
-
TournusTournus city tour and Abbey of Saint Philibert visit
OR Château Cormatin
OR Medieval Brancion
MaconScenic cruising
OR Mâconnais wine tasting
OR Tournus-Mâcon bike tour
Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B,L,D)
-
Macon“The South Burgundy City” Mâcon tour
OR Cluny Abbey visit
OR Royal Monastery of Brou visit
OR Bike Tour
Scenic Cruising
OR Beaujolais wine tasting
Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, explore the architecture and history behind the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône. For those traveling by ship, enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wines while sailing towards your next stop. (B,L,D)
-
Lyon“France’s Culinary Capital” city tour
OR Vieux Lyon walk and tasting tour
OR Lyon bike tour
VienneVienne walking tour
OR Mount Pipet hike
OR ViaRhôna 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.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)
-
VienneScenic cruising
ViviersViviers walking tour
OR Grignan truffle farm visit
OR Viviers Hike
OR Bike tour
Evening “Ghost Walk” of Viviers
Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Viviers, a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th century monuments. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. 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. Or, go on a scenic hike and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former “residents” in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine! (B,L,D)
-
AvignonWalking tour and Papal Palace
OR Tastes of Avignon
ArlesArles walking tour
OR Van Gogh walking tour
OR Arles bike tour
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. Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you 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. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B,L,D)
Ready to learn more about traveling with AmaWaterways on this hosted sailing?
Contact me for your personalized quote today!