Welcome to our third guest blog installment from AMA Waterways cruiser Natalie Ford, in which she enjoys a delicious breakfast and embarks on a fascinating tour of Lyon.

Day 2

I don’t think that I sleep as well as I do on-board an AmaWaterways ship anywhere else when I am travelling. I certainly needed a good night’s sleep after the long day yesterday. I decided to go to the main restaurant for breakfast this morning but learned that there is also an option for early risers pastries in the main lounge if I felt like something lighter.

Breakfast was beautifully presented. In the centre of the restaurant there was an island with a hot buffet selection available including bacon, eggs, beans, tomatoes and sausages and on the other side, fresh fruit, yoghurts, granola and a continental selection. There was a great selection of fruit juices available, fresh smoked salmon and sparking wine was perfectly laid out with bagels and there was a wide array of different breads, pastries and cakes and condiments. As if I wasn’t offered enough choice, there was also a menu where you can order from the kitchen which included eggs benedict, porridge, waffles or even the A+ breakfast – a full English breakfast including steak! I opted for some fresh fruit and freshly-squeezed orange juice.

After breakfast, it was time to set off for our Lyon city tour. We departed the ship at 09:30 by coach with a local guide who was able to provide us with the expert knowledge of the city. Lyon is the third largest city in France, the birthplace of the cinema and historically known as an important area for the production of weaving silk but in more modern times now has a reputation for being the capital of gastronomy in France. We arrived at our first stop, Fourviere Hill – an amazing viewpoint that spans the skyline of Lyon. We toured the 19th century Basilica which had the most incredible intricate detailing in the stained glass windows and the wall mosaics, then proceeded to look at La Tour Metallique – a mini Eiffel Tower which was built by the owners of land where it stands to rival the real thing. It is the highest point in Lyon and because of its position on the hill is actually higher than the Eiffel Tower.

We continued our tour to the charming old town of Lyon called St Jean. En route, we were able to stop and admire the attention to detail of some of the painted walls in Lyon – there are almost 100 mural frescos painted on the facades of buildings. We arrived in St Jean where we were guided through the narrow cobbled streets and traboules. It is thought that the first examples of the traboules were built in Lyon in the 4th century. It is a beautiful town with lots of small boutique stores and restaurants. After free time, we headed back to the ship to be welcomed by warm hand towels and fruit punch.

Make sure you visit RiverVoyages.com on Thursday to read the next installment.