Seven nights cruising Burgundy and Provence rivers during Christmas, discovering French châteaux, wine regions and festive riverside towns
Seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence during holiday season
Visit Roman history, châteaux, and charming medieval towns with seasonal decorations
Three nights in Nice with access to Monaco and Monte Carlo
Trip Details
Departs
Thu 9 Dec 2027
Returns
Thu 16 Dec 2027
Embarks
Port of Dijon
Disembarks
Arles
Ship
AmaCello
Operator
AMA Waterways
Indulge in the local flavors of Switzerland, France and Monaco during the holiday season 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 river cruise. Experience the festive spirit as you glide along the Rhone and Saone rivers, stopping at charming towns adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. 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 Europe during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations during the holiday season 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.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaCello
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 9 Dec
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 10 Dec
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 11 Dec
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 12 Dec
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 13 Dec
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 14 Dec
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 15 Dec
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. Enjoy free time to wander its quaint Christmas Markets. Alternatively, 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 16 Dec
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.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Historic City tour.
Beaune walking tour.
Scenic cruising.
Chalonnaise wine tasting.
Chalon-Tournus bike tour.
Tournus city tour and Abbey of Saint Philibert visit.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCello.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E
Single
Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Smithsonian Journeys) 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 Nov 2027 and 30 Dec 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.
