French Châteaux, with the Loire Valley, the Dordogne, and A Rhône River Cruise

From Paris, we make our way to the private garden of Jardin de Bois Richeux, which boasts an impressive collection of medieval plants. Then arrive in the beautiful Loire Valley, where we spend the next three nights in a French château.

Accommodation
Three Nights: Loire Valley, Domaine de la Tortiniere or similar

• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Today, visit Villandry, one of the most famous gardens of the Loire Valley. Afterwards, we stop at the museum at Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci. Later, visit Château Chenonceau, known as the ‘Ladies Château’, for the women who designed and owned the property.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

See the superb garden displays created by teams of artists, landscape architects and designers at Chaumont Sur Loire Garden Festival.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

This morning, depart the Loire Valley and travel south to the Dordogne. Along the way, we stop in the city of Limoges. Visit the famous Porcelain Factory and enjoy a sightseeing tour before continuing to the beautiful Dordogne region.

Accommodation
Three Nights: Sarat-la-Canéda, Hotel de Selves or similar

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Today, visit Eyrignac Gardens, which is typical in style of a French formal garden. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Dordogne’s culinary capital, Sarlat-la-Canéda, which also features an abundance of honey-coloured buildings.

• Breakfast

Location
Veigne , France

Visit the fairytale Jardins de Marqueyssac, with its topiary garden and around 150,000 boxwood trees pruned to resemble their surrounding rolling hills. Then visit Les Jardins de Sardy, which exhibits Italian style, in harmony with its English-garden feel.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Depart the Dordogne to travel to the Rhône region of France. Along the way, we visit Clermont-Ferrand, a university city in central France, which is bordered by the volcanic Chaîne des Puys mountains. Enjoy time for lunch, then take a short walking tour to see the Gothic Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral, whose imposing edifice is constructed from lava stone. The interior of the nearby Romanesque Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port is lavishly decorated with mosaics. Arrive in Lyon this afternoon to board the AmaKristina river ship for our cruise of Provence.

Accommodation
Seven Nights: AmaKristina

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

This morning, discover the dynamic city of Lyon, beginning from Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is also home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to the Old Town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as ’traboules’. You may prefer to indulge in the rich cheeses, fresh breads and charcuterie available at Les Halles Market. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the private garden La Bonne Maison to see its magnificent collection of roses. Bid Lyon adieu and set sail for Vienne.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Travel to the Beaujolais wine region, known as the Pays des Pierres Dorées, or ’Land of Golden Stones’. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne, whose Roman past can be seen in its marvellously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of ancient Romans during a walking tour and see the well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build. St. Pierre Abbey is one of France’s oldest surviving churches and is now an Archaeological Museum. Afterwards, take a tour of the majestic Jardin de Plantes with your Botanical Guide. For those wishing to be more active, you can instead take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

This morning, visit Le Jardin Zen d’Erik Borja Garden, a Japanese and Mediterranean-inspired garden, designed according to the principles of feng shui. Return to the ship for lunch before spending the afternoon sailing towards Avignon. Enjoy a special lecture by our Botanical Guide on board the ship or simply relax and watch the world sail by.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

A choice of excursions awaits today, depending on your interests. You may like to embark on a full-day visit to see three fascinating gardens, including l’Abbaye Saint Andre, whose collection of old roses and Mediterranean natives are set among the remains of a Romanesque-style church. Next, visit Château de Brantes, where we see a garden inspired by Tuscany. Close by, Jardin des Confines impresses with its beautiful perennial garden. Alternatively, take a morning walking tour of Avignon, aptly named the ’City of Popes’. This was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, when its ’Palais des Papes’ was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon during a guided walking tour that includes a stop at the Papal Palace, as well as the well-preserved medieval walls that surround the historic centre of town. Visit three venues around Avignon to taste their regional specialties, including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon visit to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, where we go in search of the highly prized ’Black Diamond’ truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles was formerly a Roman centre of trade with an enchanting history. Today you may choose to visit two remarkable gardens, including La Louve, created by Hermes designer Nicole de Vesian, and the gardens of Château Val Joanis, which were created to provide fruit and vegetables for the vineyard. Alternatively, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the ‘old village’, its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history, projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry, set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Vincent van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. Later in the day, join a guided walking tour, visiting the Roman ruins of Arles, such as its Roman Amphitheatre and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Veigne , France

Bid farewell to Arles today, as we transfer to Marseille in preparation for your flight home.

• Breakfast

Location
Veigne , France