Romantic Rhone & Seine

Fly from the UK to Marseille. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship, docked on the Rhône River in Arles.

This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception where you’ll get to know your fellow guests and friendly APT Cruise Director.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Head to Les Baux-de-Provence for a tour of the castle ruins.

Then visit an olive mill and farm in Saint Rémy de Provence to discover the Provençal tradition of olive growing.

Alternatively, travel to nearby Camargue National Reserve, known for its wetlands and birdlife.

After your preferred activity, enjoy Arles on a guided walking tour.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing A local guide will take you on a discovery of Avignon, a city surrounded by impressive stone ramparts.

Pay a visit to the Palace of the Popes, the world’s largest Gothic palace which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world.

Otherwise, take in a round of golf. Or, visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that stands 50 metres above the Gardon River.

Enjoy your preferred activity before an afternoon at leisure.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Maybe join a local truffle farmer and his dogs to sniff out, then taste the rare and prized truffles before visiting Grignan Castle.

Alternatively, visit a family-owned nougat factory, or take an onboard French lesson.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Perhaps ride aboard the historic Ardèche Steam Train through the Ardèche Mountains. The scenery here in the Gorges du Doux region is spectacular, punctuated by rolling hills, forests and towering cliffs.

Alternatively, visit Maison Chapoutier for a wine tasting. You may also choose to take a guided bike ride, including a stop at Cite du Chocolat Valrhona –an interactive chocolate factory.

Tucked between the vine-covered hills of the Rhône Valley, Tournon sits on the banks of the Rhône opposite its twin town, Tain-l’Hermitage.

After your selected activity, re-board your ship and cruise to Belleville.

The charming town of Belleville, set on the glorious Saône River, is the ideal starting point for your discovery of the Beaujolais region today.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Perhaps ride aboard the historic Ardèche Steam Train through the Ardèche Mountains. The scenery here in the Gorges du Doux region is spectacular, punctuated by rolling hills, forests and towering cliffs.

Alternatively, visit Maison Chapoutier for a wine tasting. You may also choose to take a guided bike ride, including a stop at Cite du Chocolat Valrhona –an interactive chocolate factory.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE This evening, experience French cuisine at its finest during dinner at L’Abbaye de Collonges, a famous restaurant owned by acclaimed Michelin-starred French chef, the late Paul Bocuse.

Operating for more than 50 years, the main dining room ‘La salle du Grand Limonaire’, features an organ equivalent of a 110-musician orchestra.

Discover Lyon, a dynamic French city shaped by the two rivers that run through its centre, the Rhône and the Saône.

Tonight, enjoy your final delightful dinner with new-found friends.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Perhaps learn about the city’s historic areas, much of which are World Heritage-listed, on a guided tour, then visit a silk workshop.

Alternatively, learn why Lyon is considered the gastronomic centre of France on a culinary tour, visiting a fresh food market and enjoying tastings.

Or, perhaps enjoy a guided bike ride.

Leave your ship and jump on a train bound for Paris, where you’ll waste no time hitting those must-see sights.

On arrival, settle in for lunch aboard a glass-top boat while you take in Paris at a relaxed pace.

Later, your second vessel is waiting your arrival on the Seine.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing Get your fill of French food on a walking tour, soak up Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, or the Palace of Versailles may prove to be just too tempting.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing Arrive in Vernon and see one of Monet’s greatest inspirations, the water lilies at his house and gardens in Giverny.

Or take the scenic route, pedalling from the river all the way to Monet’s house.

Arrive in Le Havre and step ashore to experience Honfleur, a lovely little port town.

Later, savour your Signature Experience.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE After the Palais Bénédictine closes its doors to the public, slip inside for a private wander through the museum and distillery, before dinner in the Abbots Hall.

The old fishing village of Caudebec-en-Caux greets you with colourful buildings dotted along its harbour as well as a choice of sightseeing.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing Stay in Caudebec-en-Caux and explore, or head out on a World War II excursion to the beaches of Normandy.

You might like to taste the fruits of the Pays de Caux region with a visit to a unique cider farm, or linger on board for a calvados and cheese tasting.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing From Rouen, look back on World War I at the Somme Battlefields.

Otherwise stay in the city and see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, or play a round of golf.

Tonight, gather for a gala farewell dinner.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing See the ruins of Chateau-Gaillard, offering stunning views from below, then walk back down to your ship.

Otherwise, visit Château de la Roche-Guyon, or take an onboard impressionist painting class.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.