Paris, France
Lyon, France
Fly to Paris, France
After your overnight flight, arrive in the “City of Light.” Guests who booked their air with YMT will be greeted at the airport and transported to their hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included welcome dinner at your hotel; the remainder of the night is at leisure. (D)
Hotel Apogia Paris or similar
Full Day Sightseeing in Paris
This morning your Tour Director will take you on a half-day panoramic tour of Paris. See the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the center of the Etoile, or star, where 12 avenues come together in a big traffic roundabout; marvel at Montmartre, with the Cathedral Sacre Coêur; and learn all about the rive gauche and rive droite sides of Paris during your tour. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city on your own or join one of our optional tours. (B)
Hotel Apogia Paris or similar
OPTION: PARIS ILLUMINATION TOUR & FRENCH DINNER:Enjoy dinner at the renowned “Les Noces de Jeannette” followed by a panoramic tour through the illuminated city. $119 p/p.Please add this option at time of booking.
Paris to Dijon
This morning you are invited to the Court of Versailles, where the Sun King once reigned and Marie Antoinette held court. Take a self-guided audio tour through the palace and see the Hall of Mirrors and the Grand Apartment. Then it is off to Dijon, with its elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings, your home for the night. You may choose to enjoy an evening stroll on your own and find the lucky owl at Notre Dame de Dijon. Legend has it that the owl’s touch will make your wishes come true. (B, D)
Hotel Mercure Dijon Centre Clémenceau or similar
Dijon and Beaune to Lyon
A short drive this morning leads to the beautiful village of Beaune, where two highlights of Burgundy await. Explore the astonishing world of France’s favorite condiment—the Dijon mustard. Visit the family-owned Faillot mustard factory to learn all about the many varieties of the original. Then, visit the Hotel Dieu. Arguably one of the finest Renaissance buildings in the world, it is also one of the most fascinating historic museums of Europe. In addition, it is still a working hospital where everyone receives care despite their ability to pay. Sparked by the idea of modern tax deductible charity of its time, it was once a hospital, pharmacy, and almshouse at the same time. Throughout the years, it became a wealthy trust that, amongst other things, counts the most expensive vineyard in Burgundy among its assets. Then, on to Lyon where the A-ROSA Stella awaits you. Get settled in your cabin and explore the ship a bit before dinner, or perhaps take a stroll around Lyon for a glass of wine or coffee at a local bar. In the evening, the Stella will leave the port and take you on a panoramic cruise of Old Town Lyon. (B)
Viviers (1:00 PM–7:00 PM)
After enjoying cruising on the river overnight and this morning, your first stop is picturesque Viviers. Located in the Rhône Ardeche region where the two rivers briefly merge, the beautiful walled city is home to a cathedral dating back to the 12th century, and an ancient bridge dating back to the 3rd century. The flat area is an ideal starting point for a guided bike tour that you can book onboard or an excursion to a nearby grotto and lavender farm.
Arles (3:30 AM–2:00 PM) and Avignon (Arrive 6:00 PM)
Wake up in Arles, the southernmost point of your cruise. Even if you have never been here before, you’re sure to recognize pictures of it. Vincent van Gogh painted Arles in 187 of his works. Long before Van Gogh, the Romans had discovered Arles’ beauty and built the impressive amphitheater, one of the main attractions today. In the afternoon, continue northbound. In the early evening, we will arrive in Avignon where the brightly-lit monuments and the famed bridge will astound you. “On the bridge of Avignon, we all dance there,” the words of a 15-century folk song pay tribute to the unbridled joie de vivre at the foot of the Palace of the Popes—a zest for life that is still very much alive today.
Avignon (Depart 12:00 PM)
Ringed by incredibly preserved 800 year old stone ramparts, graceful Avignon’s turn as the seat of papal power bestowed upon the city a treasury of magnificent art and architecture. The ramparts were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent Middle Ages. Enjoy a leisure morning in town and marvel at its history before leaving at lunch time.
Vienne (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM) to Lyon (Arrive 1:00 PM)
A quick stop in Vienne lets off guests who choose to partake in shore excursions from here, then it is off to beautiful Lyon, where you will have ample time to explore. The old town “Vieux Lyon” features Renaissance houses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its high quality silk products and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which sits above the city; you can discover both with an optional organized city tour.
Disembark in Lyon and Depart for Home
Say goodbye to the crew of the Stella and return home from Lyon Airport. Your YMT Cruise Host will assist with your transfer arrangements, which are included for guests who have booked air with YMT.
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.
See Dates & Prices
156 sq. ft. outside stateroom on the main deck with two large portholes (cannot be opened), European double bed (2 separate mattresses at 38×75 inches each) sitting area, desk space, flatscreen TV, Bathroom with standup shower and vanity
Click to enlarge +
156 sq. ft. outside stateroom on the middle deck with French Balcony, European double bed (2 separate mattresses at 38×75 inches each) sitting area, desk space, flatscreen TV, Bathroom with standup shower and vanity
Click to enlarge +
156 sq. ft. outside stateroom on the upper deck with French Balcony, European double bed (2 separate mattresses at 38×75 inches each) sitting area, desk space, flatscreen TV, Bathroom with standup shower and vanity.
Click to enlarge +
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
The Douro River Valley has been home to a thriving wine industry for over 2,000 years—sail through this stunning region, one of Europe’s most appealing vacation destinations.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Visit Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France on this relaxing river cruise of the scenic Rhine. Explore ancient cities, delightful museums, sprawling flower gardens, and more.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Delight in the scenery, spirit, and robust culture of 5 Central European countries as you enjoy a leisurely cruise down the dazzling Danube River.
Join our mailing list and be the first to see our weekly hot deals, the latest blogs and our newest tours.
By clicking “Sign Up” you confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy and consent to our use of your info.