Some of us choose a river cruise because we love to explore some of Europe’s most historic cities. For others, the desire to sail is born out of a love of fine food and wines. If you belong to the latter group, you’ll appreciate this AmaWaterways special voyage: In Celebration of Wine President’s Cruise.
Departing March 29, 2012 from Arles, France, this unique itinerary will transport just 150 guests to some of the most historic and picturesque locations along the Rhone. Your home away from home will be the elegant and spacious MS AmaDagio, one of AmaWaterways popular “Sensation Six” vessels.
Of course, no wine-themed President’s cruise would be complete without some exciting guests. Sailing aboard AmaDagio for this one-of-a-kind journey will be AmaWaterways President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst. They will be joined by Carissa Chappellet of Napa Valley’s Chappellet Winery and Archie McLaren, founder of the popular Central Coast Wine Classic that takes place each year in California.
This voyage is also a momentous occasion for AmaWaterways and a great opportunity for passengers as they sail aboard the elegant MS AmaDagio, marking the first time the ship has made the journey down the historic Rhone River from Arles to Lyon, France.
AmaWaterways has put a great deal of time, preparation and planning into its “In Celebration of Wine” itineraries. The special features and events on these voyages include complimentary wine-themed shore excursions and winery visits, onboard lectures, wine tastings and wine pairings at meals.
Onboard this special President’s Wine Cruise, AmaWaterways treats its guests to even more, including visits to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Arles and Avignon, the picturesque villages of Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trevoux, as well as excursions to the famed Beaujolais wine region.
The full itinerary of this exciting springtime voyage:
| DAY | PORT | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arles, France | Embarkation; Welcome Aboard Cocktail & Dinner |
| 2 | Arles, France | Les Beaux excursion; Olive Farm visit; Arles Walking tour or Van Gogh tour. |
| 3 | Avignon, France / Viviers, France | Walking tour & Papal Palace or Pont du Gard excursion in Avignon; Grignan excursion and onboard nougat demonstration in Viviers. |
| 4 | Viviers, France / Tournon, France | Ghost walk in Viviers; Winery visit & tasting and chocolate tasting in Tournon. |
| 5 | Tournon, France / Vienne, France | Free time in Tournon; City tour or castle visit in Vienne. |
| 6 | Trevoux, France | Beaujoulais excursion |
| 7 | Trevoux, France / Lyon, France | Free time in Trevoux; City tour in Lyon |
| 8 | Lyon, France | Disembarkation |
This unique European voyage can be extended by adding an optional land program that includes three nights pre-cruise in Barcelona and a three-night post-cruise stay in beautiful Paris. Your journey to the French capital from Lyon will be via TGV Train. Breakfast is included daily on this optional land program, along with sightseeing tours and the services of an AmaWaterways cruise manager, who will accompany and assist you for your entire journey.
For more information on AmaWaterways and its impressive MS AmaDagio, be sure to check out our AmaWaterways line and fleet overviews right here on River Cruise Advisor.
