October 2 - 10 / 9-day river cruise /Starts at $2,595 per person based on double occupancy, plus airfare This trip is shared with other associations on an exclusively chartered vessel / Maximum Trip Capacity: 140 / AAUM Size (max): 30 Trip Type: Lecture |  |
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Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in the fascinating history, rich artistic legacy and splendid culinary heritage of France's Rhóne River Valley while cruising along tranquil waterways past vineyards, untouched villages and elegant châteaux.
- Witness the pomp and majesty of the medieval papacy while visiting Avignon's immense Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest châteaux-forts ever built in Europe.
- Enjoy a private wine tasting and piano recital in the historic Château de Montmelas.
- Admire the elegant Gothic and Renaissance mansions of Lyon, gastronomic capital of France.
Day 1: US
Depart the US for Lyon, France.
Day 2: Lyon, France
Arrive in Lyon and embark the MV Princesse de Provence.
Day 3: Tournus
Journey to Tournus, a beautiful town on the Saône River and one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in France. Visit St. Philibert's Abbey which was built in the 10th century and is one of the earliest and finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Burgundy.Later see the Musee Greuze, dedicated to the renowned 18th century painter and Tournus native Jean-Baptiste Greuze.
In the afternoon choose a walking tour of Beaune which has long been the epicenter of Burgundy's wine trade or return to the ship for leisure time.
The Captain's Welcome champagne reception is this evening.
Day 4: Cluny / Beaujolais
Travel to Cluny for a morning tour of the massive Cluny Abbey, once the largest structure in the Christian world. Set amid the vineyards of the famous Pouilly-Fuissé region, Cluny was a great center of medieval Christianity. Indeed, the immense influence exercised by the Cluniac Order on the religious, intellectual, political and artistic life of the Western World led Pope Urban II to tell its members in 1095, "You are the light of the world." Only a fraction of the 11th-century abbey complex remains, as a consequence of the revolutionary upheavals of 1793. Yet these beautiful and austere remnants still provide a fascinating glimpse of what was, until the construction of St. Peter's in Rome, the largest Christian basilica in the world. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through Beaujolais wine country and a visit to the Château de Montmelas for a visit with Madame Blandine de Sonis, whose family has lived at the château since 1566. Local wines, cheeses and sausages will be served, and accomplished pianist Marcia Hadjimarkos will give a concert.
Day 5: Boucieu-le-Roi
Enjoy the walking tour of the quaint and charming village of Boucieu-le-Roi, famous for its beautiful 15th-century bridge spanning the Doux River. Our visit includes a reception at the convent founded by Father Pierre Vigne, the legendary 18th-century missionary beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004. The reception, hosted by the mayor and the sisters of the Convent of the Blessed Sacrament, offers a unique opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and quaint charm of a typical French village. This evening, join the ship's head chef for a presentation about the preparation of French cuisine.
Day 6: Arles
Begin the walking tour of Arles, an archetypal Provençal city, to two majestic Roman monuments, the Amphitheater and the Theater, both built in the 1st century BC. The Amphitheater is the largest constructed in France and second only to Rome's Colosseum in magnificence and grandeur. Arles' other primary attraction, the 12th-century Cathedral of St-Tróphime, is a fascinating Romanesque basilica with tranquil cloisters. Arles is also associated with Vincent van Gogh, who lived here between 1888 and 1889; the subject of his famous "Night Café" is still open on the lively Boulevard des Lices. Before the tour, longtime Arles resident and guide Janice Lert presents a lecture titled "Arles and Provence: the Importance of the River Rhône."
Day 7: Avignon
Set out by foot on a tour of Avignon. Throughout the 14th century, Avignon was the center of Western Christendom after Pope Clement V fled the turmoil of Rome in 1309. In the relative safety of Avignon, the next six pontiffs built the city into one of the richest and most powerful in Europe before a schism with Rome in 1379 led to the eventual end of the Avignon Papacy in 1405 and the gradual decline of the city's power and prestige. The immense Palais des Papes (papal palace), one of the largest château-forts ever built in Europe, is the primary testament to Avignon's golden age and one of the most famous landmarks in France. Nearby, the Garden of the Popes and the Rocher des Doms offer splendid views of the Rhóne River Valley. At the river's edge stand the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d'Avignon–one of the most beautiful engineering constructions of the Middle Ages. Discuss local issues at the specially arranged village forum. Attend the captain's farewell reception this evening.
Day 8: Lyon
Set out on a half-day tour of Lyon, former capital of the Roman province of Gaul and the present-day capital of French gastronomy. Located at the confluence of the Rhóne and Saóne rivers, this vibrant city of red-roofed houses spreads out beneath lofty Fourvière Hill, crowned by the ornate 19th-century Basilica of Notre Dame. Almost 300 elegant Gothic and Renaissance mansions, built from the wealth of Lyon's long-standing silk industry, grace Vieux Lyon. In the ancient quarters of St-Jean, St-Paul and St-Georges, streets are linked by traboules, narrow, covered pedestrian passageways. A visit to a silk studio is included.
Day 9: Return to the US
Disembark in Lyon. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US.
Optional Lyon Pre-Program
Optional Aix-en-Provence Post-Program
Note: Program itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions.
Offered by Gohagan & Company
Vendor Profile and Terms & Conditions
Please contact True Blue Travel at truebluetravel@umich.edu for more information.
