Napoleon

In the afternoon, you will be met in the lobby of your Paris hotel by a transfer agent and chauffeured to the Gare de Lyon Train Station. Your cruise includes round trip First Class train tickets between Paris and Provence. As you alight at the Avignon TGV Station, a member of Napoleon crew will be on the platform and will chauffeur you to the barge moored at the Avignon gates. After the traditional welcome and introduction to crew, Napoleon sets sail to the country mooring of Aramon. Enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners.

The adventure begins with croissants and coffee. This morning, your Tour Guide accompanies you to the ancient Roman city of Arles, a site of great historical importance under the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Mingle with locals as you walk ashore in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh and marvel at the impressive remains of the Arles Amphitheatre. Return to Napoleon for a leisurely afternoon cruise. Upon mooring, a visit to the Roman ruins of the Pont du Gard precedes a sumptuous dinner served onboard.

France's beauty and bounty come into full focus today. This morning, your Tour Guide introduces the walled city of Avignon. A walking tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by free time to explore this charming town. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Upon mooring, enjoy a private tasting in the iconic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Swirl, sip, and savor the exceptional elixirs made from these most pampered of grapes. Back onboard, socialize over cocktails and canapes while Chef puts the finishing touches on tonight's delicious dinner.

This morning's cruise goes through the famous Bollène-écluse, which is the deepest lock on the Rhône River and indeed in France. An engineering marvel of epic proportions, the impressive Bollène lock is a highlight of any trip on the Rhône. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide accompanies you on a walking tour of Viviers, a preserved Medieval village where the oldest cathedral in France is still in use. The day's pleasurable adventures are rounded out by a visit to a local lavender farm. Return to the barge for an epicurean evening of drinks and dinner.

This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you on a scenic drive to Grignan. This fortified medieval village, nestled at the foot of its castle, houses an exceptional collection of ancient roses, whose abundant flowers adorn the old walls with floral finery. After lunch in a local auberge, it’s on to a truffle farm. Discover and taste this world-renowned delicacy. Return to the barge for a late afternoon cruise as the sun sets over the enchanting waterway. Cocktails and canapes are served while Chef puts the finishing touches on tonight's dinner.

A market visit with Chef this morning is a highlight for foodies and Francophiles. Shop with Chef for the seasonal produce and locally made products to be used in that day's multi-course luncheon served onboard. During this afternoon's final cruise, the river valley is flanked by the rolling vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, offering an intimate perspective of France's natural beauty. Upon mooring, freshen up, as a private tour and special tasting at a boutique winery awaits. Tonight's Farewell Feast onboard ends your cruise in memorable style.

Checking out no later than 9:00am, you will be chauffeured to the Valence TGV Station and provided with First Class tickets to a late morning train back to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station. As you alight, a representative of Napoleon will be on the platform and will help you to the taxi line or to your pre-arranged private transfer. Estimated arrival time back to Paris is 2:00pm. The services of the Napoleon end at the Gare de Lyon.