River cruise through Provence's vineyards, Roman ruins and artistic heritage with included guided tours
Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wine tastings in legendary vineyards
UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Papal Palace and Roman aqueduct
Trace steps of Van Gogh and Picasso through Arles and artistic cities
Trip Details
Departs
Thu 13 May 2027
Returns
Thu 20 May 2027
Embarks
Arles
Disembarks
Lyon
Ship
AmaKristina
Operator
AMA Waterways
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Begin your cruise in Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and 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 and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. Explore Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. Lower the drawbridge of your fantasies in Arles, where you will trace the steps of famous artists including Van Gogh and Picasso.
This river cruise journeys through France, calling at Lyon, Lyon, Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Avignon, Arles and Arles.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaKristina.
On our river cruises, 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.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaKristina
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaKristina
Deck plans
4
AmaKristina · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Lyon
Thu 13 May
LYON – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise.
2
Lyon
Fri 14 May
LYON. 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, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, enjoy free time in Lyon. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French meal or visit one of the city’s many amazing museums.
3
Lyon
Sat 15 May
LYON – VIENNE. 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.
4
Vienne
Sun 16 May
VIENNE – TOURNON. 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.
5
Tournon
Mon 17 May
TOURNON - VIVIERS. Take a steam 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. 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!
6
Avignon
Tue 18 May
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 a magnificent hilltop village, where you will go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.
7
Arles
Wed 19 May
ARLES. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. Later in the day, 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.
8
Arles
Thu 20 May
ARLES – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
City tour.
Les Halles Market tour.
Lyon bike tour.
Free Time.
Beaujolais Tasting.
"Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaKristina.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category CA
Category CB
Category D
Colors of Provence (Wine Cruise) stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 18 Mar 2027 and 25 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
