14-Day Provence to Spain

Seemingly worlds apart in culture and tradition, France and Spain make a wonderful combination as touring destinations. Starting in Paris, this 14 day tour winds through the fabulous French countryside, taking in all the major attractions of France along the way, before finishing in the vibrant and sunny Spanish city of Barcelona. 

Accommodation:  Accommodation at its Best  
Tour Duration:   14 
Style :   River Cruises of Europe, Russia and Egypt 
Finest Dining:    Includes 26 Meals
Tour Highlight:14 Days Luxury Cruising and Touring

*Notes:
   Southbound—From Paris to Barcelona
   Northbound— From Bacelona to Paris 
   Part charges—add $155 per person
   Arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of the tour—–add $150 per person.
   Gratuities not included for cruise or land touring.

Itineray

Day 1. Arrive Paris.
On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in the gorgeous city of Paris, where you will spend the next three nights.
Three Night Stay: Paris.

Day 2. Paris Sightseeing.
Discover the French capital’s famous sights during our guided tour and learn first-hand why Paris is one of the world’s most loved cities. Visit the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the unique Louvre Museum with its extensive collection of artworks, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe for views over Paris’ magnificent boulevards, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the sights.

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Day 3. Paris.
A full day at leisure in the amazing City of Light. Perhaps stroll along the boutique-lined boulevards, visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, sip coffee in the bohemian Latin Quarter, go shopping at Rue Mouffetard or take a walk along the banks of the Seine River. Tonight you have the opportunity to select from any number of the city’s amazing restaurants.

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Day 4. Paris – Lyon, Embark Ship.
This morning journey in style aboard the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Lyon, where we board the luxurious ms Swiss Pearl. Tonight gather for Welcome Dinner and Drinks.

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Day 5. Lyon – Trévoux.
Marking the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France. This morning, a tour of the city includes a visit to Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere for stunning panoramic views of the entire city. You’ll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon. Later return to the ship for lunch, and cruise north along the Saône to the town of Trévoux. Enjoy free time this evening to explore.

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Day 6. Trévoux – Vienne.
Today a morning tour takes you behind the village walls of Trévoux through Beaujolais. Enjoy a visit to a local wine maker along the way and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship and continue cruising south from the Saône to the Rhône River, towards Vienne. This evening take a stroll through this pretty rural town.

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Day 7. Vienne – Tournon.
Located between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a strong Roman history. During a walking tour here, see the Roman Temple of Augustus and the churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre. Then cruise to Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, twin towns that face each other across the Rhône River. Here, enjoy free time to perhaps visit the 16th century castle, or visit the chocolate shop and taste the confections once produced in Tournon’s famous factory. After dinner enjoy wine tasting on board.

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Day 8. Tournon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
This morning travel by steam train from the vineyards of the valley to the woods of Ardêche along the Doux River. Then return to your ship and enjoy lunch back on board as we cruise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

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Day 9. Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon.
Origin of its world-famous namesake wine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also home to the remains of the fortress which gives the village its name. A tour of the city will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Enjoy wine tasting before returning to the ship for the scenic cruise to Avignon, where the ship will moor overnight.

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Day 10. Avignon – Arles.
Arrive this morning in Arles, a Mediterranean city situated at the mouth of the Rhône delta. On a walking tour, bathe in the Provencal morning light as you imagine how Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue. While Van Gogh’s homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired his works ‘Starry Night’ or ‘Terrace de café le Soir’ as you pass Constantine’s Baths, the Romanesque Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre, which is still in use today. This afternoon board a coach and journey to the villages of St Remy and Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colours and amazing views from these villages perched on the hill.

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Day 11. Arles, Disembark Ship – Carcassonne – Barcelona.
This morning disembark the ship and transfer to the Spanish capital, Barcelona. Along the way, pass through Camargue on the southern coast and trace the ancient trade route linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. As we approach the Pyrenees, you will stop in the medieval city of Carcassonne, which is surrounded by a double ring of walls, a World Heritage-listed site, complete with 52 towers that stretches for more than two miles around this strategic import city. Enjoy free time here before arriving in Barcelona.
Three Night Stay: Meliá Barcelona Hotel.
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Day 12. Barcelona Sightseeing.
Today tour to the top of Montjuic Hill to catch views of the city below, including the National Palace and the Olympic Complex. Next, tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and centre of Barcelona life. Later, see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí which is still incomplete. Enjoy a tour of the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King’s Square and Tinell, the Royal Palace.

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Day 13. Barcelona.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Barcelona or join us in the morning for an optional tour of Parc Güell, some of Gaudí’s most captivating sculptures and architectural structures. Later, with time still at leisure, perhaps take part in an optional dinner show featuring flamenco dancers (both own expense).

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Day 14. Barcelona – Home.
Your discovery of France and Spain ends today after breakfast.

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