Bask in the tranquil beauty of rolling hillsides dotted with legendary vineyards, medieval villages, and scenic landscapes that have inspired artists from Cézanne to Van Gogh as we cruise through Provence and Burgundy during Our State’s seven-night river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Provence.
Renowned for rosé and red wines, Provence is a geographical region of southeastern France, which extends from the left bank of the lower Rhône to the west to the Italian border to the east; it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
The area is also known for its Mediterranean climate with intense blue skies. The culture and traditions of Provence stem from ancient rulers. The Greeks brought olives and wine, the Romans built aqueducts, bridges, and amphitheaters, and the Christians built cathedrals and monasteries. At nearly every turn, the past is an invigorating part of the present.
October 28–November 5, 2025
Package Includes:
Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport (pricing may differ per airport)
- International air taxes/fees & port charges
- Seven-night cruise with an outside cabin aboard the MS Amadeus Provence
- 20 meals: seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- Hand-selected wines and beers with dinners
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Tour director
- Our State host
- All sightseeing and excursions as listed
- Wi-Fi onboard
- Baggage handling at the ship
- Round-trip ship transfers
*Gratuities not included
Itinerary Highlights:
- Seven-night cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Provence
- Beaune tour with Hotel-Dieu and Burgundy wine-tasting experience
- Mâcon & Beaujolais Wine Museum and wine tasting
- Lyon city tour
- Ardèche tour
- Avignon walking tour and Palace of Popes
- Arles walking tour with Roman amphitheater
Note: Activity Level 3 — Excursions require moderate walking with some stair climbing possible.
About the MS Amadeus Provence
The innovative 140-passenger MS Amadeus Provence offers all the amenities of a floating five-star hotel. Launched in 2017, this premium cruise ship features the most modern furnishings that blend masterfully with the architecture of the ship and a luxurious design that is the hallmark of the Amadeus fleet.
The restaurant and the Panorama Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes. The outdoor River Terrace and sun deck allow you to relax in the open air. The attentive, English-speaking onboard service staff will see to your comfort with typical European hospitality.
Three meals daily are served graciously in the exquisite restaurant and feature local and international specialties. All dinners are four courses and served with included hand-selected wines, beers, and soft drinks. While dining, you have splendid views of the passing scenic landscapes through large picture windows. Enjoy afternoon and/or late-evening snacks in the lounge based on the daily schedule.
The cabin design plans are forward-thinking, bright, and modern, all part of a premium focus with 62 large staterooms and eight suites. The beauty of river cruising is that the most interesting destinations come to you. This Provence charter features English-only onboard commentary with inclusive sightseeing excursions balanced with the choice to simply relax onboard, enjoy a spa treatment, or add sightseeing with optional excursions.
After boarding, unpack once. All staterooms are larger than traditional river cruise cabins and offer excellent river views. The Mozart Deck features eight suites with walk-out balconies. The other 16 staterooms on the Mozart Deck and 30 staterooms on the Strauss Deck feature an innovative panoramic drop-down window. Staterooms on the Haydn Deck have a large fixed window. All staterooms are equipped with comfortable and modern furnishings, including a flat-screen TV and large private bathrooms with shower.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart U.S.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Board your overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2: Arrive in Lyon, France • Board Ship
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Arrive in Lyon and meet your Premier World Tour Director. Transfer to the MS Amadeus Provence for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard. The ship departs north in the late evening.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Paris–Brest Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery
Day 3: Mâcon
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Mâcon has a Mediterranean feel with its red tiled roofs. Enjoy an included tour featuring a wine museum and wine tasting of the Mâcon & Beaujolais historic wine regions that produce some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world. The excursion features beautiful wine country scenery and a visit to the Hameau Duboeuf Wine Museum, featuring the history and production of Burgundy wines and a wine tasting. The afternoon is at your leisure in Mâcon or onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Hôtel-Dieu Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery
Day 4: Beaune
Friday, October 31, 2025
Travel to Beaune to explore this walled town at the center of the Burgundy winemaking region in France. Surrounded by the Côte d’Or vineyards, the cobbled town is renowned for an annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu. Recognized by its colorful, geometric-patterned tile roof, this former hospital is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum and remains one of the finest examples of French 15th-century architecture. After the tour, enjoy a wine tasting experience to sample the local product of the Burgundy wine region. In the afternoon consider an optional tour of Medieval Brancion and Cormatin.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Célestins, Théâtre de Lyon Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery
Day 5: Lyon
Saturday, November 1, 2025
This morning, explore Lyon while on a city tour, including a visit to Old Town. Lyon, a city in France’s historical Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a history dating back to ancient Roman times. Lyon has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as the city boasts France’s oldest ancient ruins, medieval quarters, and fine Renaissance houses. In the afternoon, the ship departs Lyon and heads south towards Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Pont d’Avignon Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery
Day 6: Avignon
Sunday, November 2, 2025
This morning, enjoy an Avignon walking tour, including a visit to the Palace of the Popes. Avignon is nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Your Avignon walking tour includes a stroll through the historic center, the picturesque Pont d’Avignon, and the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church, and palace. This afternoon, choose to explore Avignon at your leisure or go on the optional Pont du Gard and Uzès excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Arles Amphitheatre Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery
Day 7: Arles
Monday, November 3, 2025
This morning includes an Arles walking city tour with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre. Arles is the site of some impressive ruins, including Les Arènes, a Roman amphitheater that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and striking quality of light, which have inspired many artists. This afternoon is at your leisure in Arles or take the optional excursion to Camargue Nature Park, famous for its white horses.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Day 8: Relax onboard • Optional excursions to Ardèche Gorge and Le Pouzin
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Today is a day to relax onboard. In the morning, an optional tour to Ardèche Gorge is available. With its towering limestone cliffs, Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe. Midday, stop in Le Pouzin, a charming town on the banks of the Rhône. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amadeus Provence
Day 9: Departure • Begin optional extension
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Transfer to the Lyon Airport to fly home, or join the Paris post-cruise extension.
Eiffel Tower Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery
Paris by Rail: Optional two-night post-cruise extension
Day 9: Disembark • Train to Paris
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Disembark and board the TGV Train to Paris, “The City of Light,” for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast (on ship)
Overnight: Paris
Day 10: Paris city tour
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Paris, the “City of Light,” is the world’s most visited capital. Enjoy a Paris city tour to see the beloved landmarks that line the Seine including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Also see the majestic Arc de Triomphe and ride along the Champs-Élysées. During your afternoon at leisure, maybe visit the Montmarte District, the Louvre, or wander the historic banks of the Seine, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Paris
Day 11: Departure
Friday, November 7, 2025
Transfer to the Paris airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
Regular rate: Tour rates start at $5,495 per person (based on double occupancy), but the actual cost is based on stateroom selections. Please click here for a detailed look at what’s available and single rates.
Paris Optional Post-Cruise Extension:
Regular rate: $950 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $1,400
Extension includes: Two nights accommodations in Paris, Paris city tour, PWD tour director, two breakfasts, TGV Train from Lyon to Paris, transfers to Paris Airport (CDG)
Please note: Due to group air policies, outbound air on November 7 could be a different schedule than the rest of your group for Paris extension passengers. • Paris extension is based on a 20 passenger minimum.
For Reservations & More Information:
Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com
For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.