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Cruise · AMA Waterways · 7 nights

Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Taste of Christmas)

  • Included excursions with choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest options
  • Accommodation aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCello with multiple stateroom categories
  • Guided tours of Papal Palace, Roman ruins, abbeys and UNESCO-listed sites throughout journey
From
$5,031 pp twin share
7 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

2 departures

  1. Thu 16 Nov 2028 → Thu 23 Nov 2028 7 nights · Port of Dijon → Arles · AmaCello Outside $5,175 Balcony $7,476 Suite $10,066 from $5,175 pp twin share Select
  2. Thu 14 Dec 2028 → Thu 21 Dec 2028 7 nights · Port of Dijon → Arles · AmaCello Outside $5,031 Balcony $7,332 Suite $9,922 from $5,031 pp twin share Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

Seven nights cruising Burgundy and Provence's rivers during the festive season, discovering châteaux, wine regions and historic towns

  • Seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence aboard AmaCello
  • Wine tastings, châteaux visits and Roman history across charming French towns
  • Festive holiday season atmosphere with seasonal markets and twinkling lights

Trip Details

Departs
Thu 14 Dec 2028
Returns
Thu 21 Dec 2028
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

AmaCello

AmaCello
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaCello
Deck plans
4
AmaCello · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaCello — Piano Deck deck plan

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. 1

    Port of Dijon

    Thu 14 Dec
    PORT OF DIJON - EMBARKATION. Settle aboard your elegant ship in Dijon, a city that blends historic grace with modern French life. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of your ship as you prepare to toast the season with scenic landscapes, charming towns, and festive cheer.
  2. 2

    Chalon-sur-Saône

    Fri 15 Dec
    CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE – TOURNUS, FRANCE. Wander the cobblestone streets of Chalon-sur-Saône or the festive walled town of Beaune, where history and holiday spirit mingle. Explore local markets brimming with seasonal treats, then cruise or cycle along the Saône to Tournus, sipping the region’s crisp Mâconnais wines and soaking in the charming winter scenery.
  3. 3

    Tournus

    Sat 16 Dec
    TOURNUS – MÂCON, FRANCE. Delight in Tournus’ Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert or the elegant Château de Cormatin, or visit the quaint medieval village of Brancion. Cruise or bike to Mâcon while enjoying tastings of local wines, and let the season’s cozy ambiance enhance your exploration of Burgundy’s storied towns.
  4. 4

    Macon

    Sun 17 Dec
    MÂCON, FRANCE. Discover the vineyards, museums, and historical landmarks of Mâcon, or explore the Romanesque Cluny Abbey or Gothic Royal Monastery of Brou. Relax on deck with a light lunch and enjoy Beaujolais wine tasting as the winter landscapes of Burgundy glide by, adding seasonal cheer to every sip and view.
  5. 5

    Lyon

    Mon 18 Dec
    LYON – VIENNE, FRANCE. Explore Lyon’s UNESCO-listed old town, Fourvière Hill, and hidden traboules, or join a festive foodie tour sampling local delights. Continue to Vienne, where Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals, and picturesque streets shimmer with holiday spirit, perfect for a stroll or an invigorating bike ride.
  6. 6

    Vienne

    Tue 19 Dec
    VIENNE - VIVIERS, FRANCE. Cruise to Viviers and enjoy a stroll or bike ride through its charming streets lined with historic monuments. Visit the hilltop village of Grignan for a holiday truffle hunt, then join a playful historical walking tour with guides in Renaissance costume, bringing seasonal stories and traditions to life.
  7. 7

    Avignon

    Wed 20 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; 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. 8

    Arles

    Thu 21 Dec
    ARLES – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to France and prepare for your journey home
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Historic City tour.
  • Beaune walking tour.
  • Scenic Cruising from Chalon-Sur-Saône to Tournus.
  • Chalonnaise Wine Tasting.
  • Chalon-Sur-Saône City Tour.
  • City Tour & Tournus Abbey.
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
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 16 Nov 2028 and 21 Dec 2028, 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.

Enquire about this cruise
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