AmaWaterways Essence of Burgundy & Provence Wine Cruise with All-Inclusive Dining & Pre & Post Stays
Unveil southern France’s storied wine country on this weeklong Saone and Rhone river cruise aboard the stately AmaCello. Indulge in award-winning all-inclusive dining, a selection of premium wines, a Chef’s Table dining experience and pre- and post-cruise stays to extend your journey.
Begin on 15 July 2025 with a two-night stay in breathtaking Marseille – founded by the Greeks in 600BC, this portside city is the perfect launch pad for your medieval and culinary exploration of Burgundy and Provence.
Set off from Arles and explore Van Goghs lasting legacy, cruise past the illuminated Pont d’Avignon and relax en route to 16th-century marvels in Viviers. During days onboard, take advantage of the ship’s complimentary bicycles with the option to embark on daily bike rides at every destination. Then, retreat to the sun deck for your sumptuous nightly cocktail hour.
Your tantalising journey includes a diverse program of handpicked shore excursions – opt for a tasting tour of Avignon’s cheese, wine and tapenades, sample your way through the quayside Vieux Lyon, join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Macon and rejuvenate with AmaCello’s complimentary wellness programs. Round out your journey with one night of post-cruise accommodation in Dijon, known for its mustard and Merlot.
Your journey takes you to: Marseille – Arles – Avignon – Viviers – Vienne – Lyon – Macon – Tournus – Chalon-Sur-Saone – Dijon
AmaCello – AmaWaterways elegance on Europe’s enchanting river systems
Sail through France’s enchanting Saone and Rhone river systems in style aboard the AmaCello. Designed to immerse guests in the essence of France’s great cities, a sophisticated tone is set the minute you enter the stunning lobby clad in polished wood, with subtle brass details and hand-crafted balustrades.
As the ship sets sail, make use of fabulous onboard facilities. The onboard dining venues are an ode to French cuisine, recognised by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Inclusive dining offers intimate Chef’s Table experiences with multi-course meals and complimentary local wines, as well as beer, fresh juices, and a variety of snacks and meals throughout the day.
Level out your indulgences in the well-equipped fitness room, bliss out by the Sun Deck pool or relax with yoga and stretch classes facilitated by your Wellness Host. In addition to the expansive public areas, the AmaCello features spacious suites, and every stateroom promises enchanting views across the river.
The Staterooms – Luxury at all corners of the ship
Plush spaces onboard the AmaCello offer deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, large bathrooms with jetted showerheads, spacious wardrobes and on-demand entertainment for cosy nights in.
Category E & D: Your river escape offers ample space for you to relax and unwind, and features homely amenities, a spacious ensuite with multi-jet showerheads and small windows, located on the lower Piano Deck.
Cetegory C & B: Following in the theme of French opulence, Category C and B room features romantic French balconies for spectacular river views and is located on either the Violin or Cello Deck.
Category A: Boasting a prime location on the favoured upper Violin Deck, these rooms with French balconies offer the best vantage point for views of France’s ancient landmarks and scenic rolling valleys.
Dining
- Main Restaurant
- The Chef’s Table
- Main Lounge & Bar
Activities
- Sun Deck pool
- Whirlpool
- Massage and hair salon
- Fitness room
- Reception
- Gift shop
- Walking track
- Complimentary bicycle hire
- Onboard entertainment
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your journey begins in Marseille with a two-night pre-cruise stay at Crowne Plaza Marseille - Le DôME, an IHG Hotel (or similar), and ends in Dijon, France, with a one-night post-cruise stay at Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon - MGallery (or similar). Transfers from your pre-cruise stay to the ship are included, please meet your transfer at 11am for departure. No other transfers are included in your journey.
Your cruise departs Arles on Day 3 (boarding time advised closer to departure) and returns to Dijon on Day 10.
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Day 1 & 2: Marseille, France
Bonjour! Welcome to your first stop in France. Marseille is a cultural hub of culinary, architectural and historic treasures. This portside jewel of southern France has landmarks dating back to 600BC, including formidable Romanesque-Byzantine churches and ancient cathedrals.
Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation and enjoy two nights at your leisure before you set sail.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Marseille - Le Dome, an IHG Hotel (Standard Room), or similar
Day 3: Arles, France
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your transfer at 11am to head to the River Port of Arles for embarkation.
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Arles – Avignon
Renowned as one of France’s most beautiful cities, Arles has so much to explore. Opt to join an expert guide on a tour of the city’s landmarks including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheatre. Delve into Van Gogh’s life in Arles on a walking tour with a stop at the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. Or, take advantage of your ship’s complimentary onboard bikes with a guided cycling tour.
Later, head to Avignon, known as the “City of Popes,” where a walking tour will take you to the Papal Palace and the city’s medieval walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or, opt to take your palate on a journey and taste some delicacies of the region, visit three local spots to sample treats like macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to see the illuminated Pont d’Avignon bridge shining in the night.
Included Excursions:
- Guided Arles walking tour OR Van Gogh Life in Arles walking tour OR a guided bike tour
- Guided Avignon walking tour and Papal Palace visit OR local food tour
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Viviers, France
Today you’ll dock in Viviers, a beautifully preserved medieval town known for its lasting monuments dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries. Opt for a guided morning ride through the charming streets, or, head to the stunning hilltop village of Grignan. After exploring this Provençal gem, join a local farmer and his trusty dog on a hunt for the coveted “Black Diamond” truffles. For avid adventurers, enjoy a hike with breathtaking views over Viviers. Later, the Renaissance is reimagined on a walk led by a guide in period attire. They will walk you through the streets while former ‘residents’ reenact legends of the past.
Included Excursions:
- Guided Viviers walking tour OR Grignan truffle farm visit OR Viviers hike OR a bike tour
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Vienne – Lyon
Your stop in Vienne is steeped in bountiful Roman history, evident in its remarkably well-kept ruins. Explore on a guided walking tour or take your bike out for a ride along the ViaRhôna cycle path. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike from the port to the Monastery at Mount Pipet.
Later you will arrive in Lyon and begin with a visit to Fourvière Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the 19th-century Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica. From there, stroll through Lyon’s old town and enjoy a guided walk in the St. Jean district, where you’ll discover the city’s distinctive covered passageways, known as “traboules.” For food lovers, a tasting tour through Vieux Lyon offers the chance to sample local delicacies.
Included Excursions:
- Guided Vienne walking tour OR Mount Pipet hike OR ViaRhona bike tour
- Guided Lyon walking tour OR Vieux Lyon tasting tour OR Lyon bike tour
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Macon, France
Explore the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon with a guided tour, where you’ll discover its rich vineyards, museums, and historical landmarks. For a different adventure, take a trip to Cluny, renowned for its vast abbey. Once the largest church in the world, Cluny Abbey, built between the 4th and 12th centuries, is a remarkable example of early Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, delve into the 16th-century Gothic beauty of the Royal Monastery of Brou. Later, relax on the Sun Deck and take in the views as you sail towards Tournus, or embark on a bike ride from Mâcon to Tournus. You can also opt to indulge in a tasting of the region’s celebrated Mâconnais white wines.
Included Excursions:
- Guided Macon walking tour OR Cluny Abbey visit OR Royal Monastery of Brou visit OR bike tour
- Scenic cruising OR Beaujolais wine tasting OR Maconnais wine tasting
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Tournus, France
Today offers several exciting excursions to experience Tournus. You might join a guided tour through the town, which includes a visit to the stunning Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Alternatively, you could explore the Château de Cormatin, a moated castle from the early 1600s, known for its immaculate gardens. Another option is to visit the medieval village of Brancion, where you’ll find a well-preserved gate, church, and market hall. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise towards Chalon-Sur-Saône, or, for a more active option, embark on a bike tour.
Included Excursions:
- Guided Tournus walking tour and Abbey of Saint Philibert visit OR Château de Cormatin visit OR Medieval Brancion city visit
- Scenic cruising OR Tournus to Chalon-Sur-Saone cycling
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Chalon-Sur-Saone
Tucked away in southern Burgundy, Chalon-Sur-Saone lies at the centre of the Cote Chalonnaise wine region, where its medieval history comes to life during a guided city tour. You’ll also visit a local market to sample some regional delicacies. Alternatively, you can venture to Beaune, a charming walled town in the heart of the Cote d’Or vineyards. Here, wander the cobbled streets and admire the 15th-century Hotel-Dieu de Beaune, famous for its striking mosaic roof. Later, indulge in a tasting session of Chalonnaise wines to round off the day.
Included Excursions:
- Guided Chalon-Sur-Saone history tour OR Beaune walking tour
- Chalonnaise wine tasting
Accommodation: AmaWaterways AmaCello
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: Dijon – Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon
Today your luxury river cruise comes to an end, after breakfast, disembark the ship and make your own way to your post-cruise stay so you can savour one last night in France. This palatial hotel is the perfect backdrop to a day of exploration – discover Gothic and art-deco architecture, gorgeous antiquities and gastronomic flair garnished with the city’s namesake mustard.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon - MGallery (Classic Room), or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Depart Dijon
After breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Burgundy and make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast