France
       

CRUISING ON “LE PHENICIEN”

7 days $3290 per person

 
The 9-cabin “Le Phenicien” river barge cruises along the Rhone river and the tranquil waterways of the Camargue. It meanders through the Provence and the Languedoc-Roussillon regions of France, with thousands of years of culture, world-renowned wines, and gastronomic food in a surrounding of unspoiled nature that will charm you.
 

DAY 1
Transfer from Avignon downtown to Le Phénicien, followed by a short visit of the town and dinner on board.


DAY 2
After breakfast, start with a visit to one of the best cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with wine tasting, followed by a guided tour to the Palace of the Popes. This afternoon, sail down to Vallabrègues, a quiet and charming little port where you can play pétanque, the traditional game of Provence. Dinner on board.


DAY 3

This morning, choose between an excursion to the monumental Pont du Gard or a tour to the charming medieval village of Les Baux de Provence. After lunch, cruise down to Arles. Arles is a classified world heritage site and is often called an open-air museum thanks to its wealth of Roman and medieval monuments.


DAY 4
Enjoy a guided tour to Arles home of the famous painter Van Gogh. Head west on the Canal du Rhône and moor in Bellegarde, a typical village proud of its bull fights traditions.


DAY 5
After a guided tour to Beaucaire or Tarascon (twin towns separated by the Rhône River) and their famous castles dating back to the middle ages, set off for a visit to a famous Costières de Nîmes cellar. Learn how the ancient Romans made wine 20 centuries ago. Navigate the canal down to Saint Gilles, a city famous for its Christian pilgrimages.


DAY 6
This morning continue to the wild region of Camargue that links the Petit Rhône with inland seas. Visit a typical ranch where the local authentic cowboys show how they tend the herds of bulls on their superb white horses. End your excursion in Aigues-Mortes, a 14th century walled city rising from a flat landscape. This city was originally the port from which St Louis set sail on his Crusades and now hosts a perfectly preserved medieval fortress.


DAY 7
After breakfast, departure transfer to Aigues-Mortes downtown.

 

Package Price Includes:

 
  • 6 nights accommodation on “Le Phenicien”
  • Daily breakfast, daily lunch, daily dinner
  • All facilities of the boat and full open bar.
  • All excursions described in the itinerary with wine tasting
  • Hotel service & VAT
 

*Price is per person, double occupancy based on low season rates. Mid-season rate of $3500 per person/double and high season rate of $3990 per person/double. Rate subject to change due to currency exchange rate.

 
©2008 Art du Voyage