Cruise · AMA Waterways · 7 nights

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

Accommodation aboard AmaCello with multiple stateroom categories
Historic city tours, wine tastings and Abbey of Saint Philibert visit included
Choice of excursions at each port including bike tours and guided walks

$7,414 pp twin share

7 nights

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Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Smithsonian Journeys)

Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Smithsonian Journeys) - route map

When & how much

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12 departures

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

River cruise through Burgundy and Provence with included tours, wine tastings and visits to historic châteaux and abbeys

Seven nights aboard AmaCello river ship through France
Wine tastings in Burgundy and visits to châteaux and abbeys
Included choice of guided tours, bike tours and hikes at each port

Trip Details

Departs: Thu 6 May 2027
Returns: Thu 13 May 2027
Embarks: Arles
Disembarks: Port of Dijon
Ship: AmaCello
Operator: AMA Waterways

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!

This river cruise journeys through France, calling at Port of Dijon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Macon, Lyon, Vienne, Avignon and Arles.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCello.

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.

$7,414

pp twin share

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Life in transit

AmaCello

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaCello

Deck plans: 4

AmaCello · 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
Port of Dijon
Thu 6 May
PORT OF DIJON - EMBARKATION. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. Please be advised the ship will be docked in Saint-Jean-de-Losne and is located approximately 30 minutes’ walk from the train station. Purchasing one of our transfer options between Dijon and Saint-Jean-de-Losne is strongly recommended for guests embarking on our 7-night cruise without a pre-cruise land package.
2
Chalon-sur-Saône
Fri 7 May
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE – TOURNUS, FRANCE. 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.
3
Tournus
Sat 8 May
TOURNUS – MÂCON, FRANCE. 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.
4
Macon
Sun 9 May
MÂCON, FRANCE. 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.
5
Lyon
Mon 10 May
LYON – VIENNE, FRANCE. 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.
6
Vienne
Tue 11 May
VIENNE - VIVIERS, FRANCE. 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 or join an active walk and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. 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. 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!
7
Avignon
Wed 12 May
AVIGNON - ARLES, FRANCE. 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.
8
Arles
Thu 13 May
ARLES – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home. B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.