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Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Arles

You are met at your choice of Paris hotel or station in Paris and transferred to Paris Gare de Lyon station, issued with your 1st Class TGV train tickets from Paris to local station and then transferred to Napoleon moored in Vallabregues for your cruise along the River Rhône. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. A late afternoon cruise from Vallabrègues to Arles is your first taste of Rhône River cruising. After dinner, take a walking tour of Arles, where Van Gogh spent much of 1888 and '89 painting.

Monday, Day 2 Arles to Avignon

Today, visit a traditional 18th century “Provencal Bastide” in St. Rémy for an olive oil tasting. Lunch onboard. Relax during the afternoon cruise to Avignon and watch the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. Cruise past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) before mooring-up at the quay facing the gate to the walled city. Visit the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.

Tuesday, Day 3 Avignon to St. Etienne des Sorts

A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by some time at leisure. Return to the barge where lunch awaits and an afternoon cruise. Visit Chateauneuf du Pape for a wine tasting before continuing your cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.

Wednesday, Day 4 St. Etienne des Sorts to Viviers

Visit Orange. This morning your guide takes you on a tour of Orange, an important Roman city dating back to 100 BC. The historical town contains two of the finest Roman monuments in Europe. Lunch back on board and continue the cruise to the mooring at Viviers. There's time for a leisurely stroll around this charming medieval town.

Thursday, Day 5 Viviers to La Voulte

Today's visit is to the typical Provencal village of Nyons, to visit a working lavender distillery and tour an ancient XVIII century olive mill. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant in the very scenic village of Grignan. In the afternoon, visit a truffle farm to learn all about the black diamond and taste this expensive and unusual mushroom. Rejoin the boat at La Pouzin, to continue the cruise to La Volte.

Friday, Day 6 La Voulte to Valence

This morning, the chef takes you to discover a traditional French market in La Voulte followed by a leisurely lunch on board. During this part of the cruise the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côte du Rhône and has a completely different perspective. Mooring in Tain or Tournon you are escorted to Mr Ferraton's winery for your last dégustation. Farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Valence to Paris

After breakfast disembark the Napoleon and transfer to Valance TGV train station for your 1st Class TGV train journey back to Paris Gare de Lyon

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.