Colors of Provence (Christmas)

ARLES – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)

ARLES. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who 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. In the afternoon, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. (B,L,D)

AVIGNON. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. 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. You will also have time to enjoy the lively Christmas markets with their cheerful atmosphere and delicious regional specialties. Those looking to indulge in local cuisine can You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades, along with a visit to the Christmas Markets. More active guest can enjoy a bike tour through the city. In the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. (B,L,D)

VIVIERS. Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel 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. Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, set out on a peaceful hike along the trails outside Viviers, culminating in a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley below, or join an active bike tour along the Rhone river. (B,L,D)

TOURNON. Lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. You’ll also have many opportunities to taste the Provence’s regional specialties, including its traditional 13 desserts of Christmas throughout your journey. (B,L,D)

VIENNE – LYON. Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Later in the day, cruise to the old town of Lyon and get to know the city at your own pace. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French midday meal or visit one of the city’s many amazing museums during your leisurely afternoon in Lyon. (B,L,D)

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

LYON. 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.” Your time in Lyon also includes time to browse the Lyon Christmas Markets and watch the city sparkle in festivities and tradition. You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later, travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones." While there, indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery. (B,L,D)

LYON – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

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AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional, Western offerings. At breakfast, sip sparkling wine as you partake fresh pastries, or opt for something made-to-order from the menu. Stop by the Main Lounge for a light lunch, or head to the restaurant for full menu service and high-quality regional wine or beer. Dinner is a delectable, multi-course affair with wine recommendations that accompany visually stunning, delicious dishes. Try local favourites — like goulash while cruising through Hungary, bratwurst and sauerkraut after returning to the ship from Vienna, or Camembert cheese while on the Seine — or something more familiar, like a sandwich. No matter what your preference, your taste buds are sure to be impressed.

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Join a few of your fellow travellers at The Chef’s Table, where the kitchen — usually hidden — becomes part of the entertainment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special multi-course meal right in front of you. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes served with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river.

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With AmaWaterways, you have the option of exploring Europe’s amazing sights like the locals do. We were the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centres. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise. Here are a few examples:

• Bike along the beautiful Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk in Austria’s Wachau Valley
• Tour Cologne’s Old Town and Cathedral along the Rhine River
• See the medieval city of Rouen in France’s historic Normandy region, near the Seine River
• Take in wooded hills and beaches of poplars along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau
• Go on a guided bike ride in Vienna, where you’ll visit Klosterneuberg Abbey and enjoy cake and coffee

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The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breath taking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations.

• Trek up to the Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany for incredible views over Old Passau
• Make your way up to Dürnstein Fortress, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart was once held captive
• Hike up the Philosopher’s Path to a panoramic view of Heidelberg and the Necker River
• Journey from the ship to the Old Town in Strasbourg, France

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We realise that our guests have different tastes, so we’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours.

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Every year, we seek out new opportunities for our guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination. Here are just a few examples:

• Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp
• Try your hand at knotting a bretzel (German for “pretzel”) in Wertheim
• Go to a bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg
• Discover hidden treasures on a tour of Vienna’s secret spots and sights
• Sample Bavarian specialties like pralines in Regensburg

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Make the most of your long-awaited vacation by adding our optional land packages before or after your sailing for an all-encompassing river cruise and land journey. Indulge your wanderlust and we’ll whisk you away between your ship and hotel, plus take you on specially curated guided tours with just the right amount of leisure time to explore the art, history or culinary delights in sought-after cities around the world.

Why Add a Land Package?

There are many benefits to adding a land package before or after your sailing. One of the simplest reasons is the convenience of making all your future travel plans in one step. Our concierge services allow you to reserve your river cruise, flights, airport transfers and land packages all at once. No need to call and research multiple providers – just contact your travel advisor and we’ll take care of it all. But the value of adding a land package doesn’t stop there.

World-Class Hotels

Whether you wish to rest and recover from flights or pamper yourself before returning home, you’ll find no better respite than the trusted, 4- and 5-star hotels we have carefully selected for you. Each luxurious property is centrally located near the major sights, such as Turkey’s Istanbul at Sultanahmet, just steps from the magnificent Blue Mosque. If you should wish to extend your vacation even further, your travel advisor can conveniently arrange extra hotel nights through AmaWaterways as well.

Our land packages include transfers between your hotel and river cruise ship, portage service and daily breakfast at the hotel. In addition, fascinating guided city tours and excursions are included, so you can:

• Discover breathtaking Mont St. Michel, France, the artistic inspiration for the movie Tangled
• Join a tasting of Czech beer while learning about the beverage’s long and illustrious history
• Visit Transylvania’s infamous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle
• Board a boat for a scenic ride along Italy’s Lake Como to the stunning lakeside village of Bellagio
• Rise with the sun at Cambodia’s UNESCO-designated Angkor Archaeological Complex

What's Included in Your Land Package

• Overnight stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Guided city tours
• Convenient transfers to and from the ship
• The services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your river cruise and land stay – unique in the industry

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With fewer passengers on board, guests can enjoy the luxury of space — our public areas, like lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.

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Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.

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Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.

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Are you looking for a way to stay fit on holiday? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

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Lighter options are always available during meals as well as gluten free, vegetarian and low-sodium options. Discover the infused detox and gemstone water at our Hydration Station.

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Stateroom Features

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

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Stateroom Features

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

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Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
  
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  
• Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
  
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  
• Desk and chair
  

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Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

-

Stateroom Features

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

-

Stateroom Features

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
  
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  
• Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
  
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  
• Desk and chair