International Retreats
Colors of Provence
August 7-14, 2025
A Seven Night France River Cruise
CRUISE FROM: LYON TO ARLES
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Consider flying in early to the incomparable City of Lights,
Paris. Then transfer to Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.
You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. Explore Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums, and historic charm. Lower the drawbridge of your fantasies in Arles, where you will trace the steps of famous artists, including Van Gogh and Picasso.
Colors of Provence
AT A GLANCE
You will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. They always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Lithinerary
Day 1. Lyon
EMBARKATION
Day 2. Lyon
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City tour
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Or Les Halles Market tour
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Or Lyon bike tour
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Free Time
Day 3. Lyon
Beaujolais Tasting
Day 4. Vienne
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Vienne "Footsteps of Ancient Romans”
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walking tour
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Or Mount Pipet hike
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Or ViaRhôna bike tour
Day 5. Tournon
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Steam train ride
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Or Red wine and chocolate tasting
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Or TTain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tastingain-Hermitage hike and wine tasting
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Viviers Evening Ghost Walk
Day 6. Avignon
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Walking tour and Papal Palace
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Or Tastes of Avignon
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Or Avignon bike tour
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Pont du Gard
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Or Grignan Truffle farm visit
Day 7. Arles
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Les Baux de Provence
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Arles walking tour
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Or Bike tour
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Or Van Gogh walking tour
Day 8. Arles
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DISEMBARKATION
The Ship: AmaKristina
This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive Twin
Balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar,
complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. LYON – EMBARKATION
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Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise. (D)
Day 2. Lyon
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th- century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on 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.”
Alternately, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, enjoy free time in Lyon. Pop into an outdoor café for an authentic French meal or visit one of the city’s many amazing museums. (B,L,D)
Day 3. LYON – VIENNE
Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard. Once back on board, take in the views during a scenic cruise to Vienne, where you will have time to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 4. VIENNE – TOURNON
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well- preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5. TOURNON
Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines. (B,L,D)
Day 6. AVIGNON
Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center 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 on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades or you can enjoy a bike tour. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternately, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, where you will go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)
Day 7. ARLES
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence, where you can enjoy your choice of three different excursions. Experience 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. You can also visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. The master olive miller will lead you on a walk through the grove and explain how olives are cultivated, harvested and pressed to produce the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Alternatively, explore Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. Later in the day, join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. (B,L,D)
Day 8. ARLES – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your flight home. (B) Please note: the port of Arles may be changed to Avignon on select early season departures in 2023; guests will be notified of this potential change prior to departure. Arrival airport will not need to be changed.
What is included:
7- Night Cruise
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
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7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
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Internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed
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Desk and sitting area
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Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
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Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and onshore.
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cruise and land programs Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both
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Internet and Wi-Fi access
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Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
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Fitness room, massage services, and hair salon
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Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
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Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
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All onboard dining in a variety of venues
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Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
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The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
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Welcome cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner,
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Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
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La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
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Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
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Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
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Tapas, sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
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Immersive tours in every destination
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Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options
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Bike tours and hikes
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Two-three gentle yoga classes by Sally
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Special Interest Tours
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Knowledgeable guides
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Personal headset for easy exploration
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Optional pre-trip Paris excursion available
Price Per Person Double Occupancy:
Pricing below includes the port charges of $231 and the current offer EBR (Early Booking Rewards 20% off) plus a group discount of $250 off per person valid for our group until December 31, 2023. If you book after this year, you will not receive the 20% EBR, but rather only the group discount of $250 off per person.
This is live inventory and subject to change.
Option 01.
Category: SS
Description: Suite - French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Available: 4
DBL – PP(USD): $6,829.40
Option 02.
Category: AA
Description: French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Available: 8
DBL – PP(USD): $5,789.40
Option 03.
Category: AB
Description: French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Available: 10
DBL – PP(USD): $5,629.40
Option 04.
Category: BA
Description: French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Available: 12
DBL – PP(USD): $5,469.40
Option 05.
Category: BB
Description: French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Available: 15
DBL – PP(USD): $5,309.40
Option 06.
Category: CA
Description: French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Available: 14
DBL – PP(USD): $4,829.40
Option 07.
Category: CB
Description: French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
Available: 4
DBL – PP(USD): $4,509.40
Option 08.
Category: D
Description: Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Available: 7
DBL – PP(USD): $3,949.40
Option 09.
Category: E
Description: Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Available: 2
DBL – PP(USD): $3,710.20
Payment Schedule:
Deposit of $400 per person, half of which is nonrefundable 7 days after booking. Reminder, to receive the 20% off, booking must be made by 12/31/23.
Final payment due 90 days prior to sailing.
Contact Ashley Lancer at ashleyl@vwti.com / 317-847-7105
Ashley Lancer
Executive Travel Designer
Ashley became a Travel Consultant of Valerie Wilson Travel in 2012, specializing in leisure and celebration travel. In 2022, Ashley became an Associate at VWT focusing on high-end leisure travel for individuals, couples, families, multi-gen trips, honeymoons, milestone celebrations, and much more. She grew up in the travel industry, with her father as an airline pilot and her mother running a multi- million dollar travel club. She has traveled to over 67 countries, all 7 continents, and counting! I am blessed with a wonderful husband who supports my passion/addiction to travel the world, and two beautiful daughters who I try to take everywhere with me. Those who know her best would describe me as a Pink
Mary Poppins. She is positive and outgoing, while & exceeding expectations”.
Sally Bassett
Trip Leader
Sally Bassett/Trip Leader - Ph..D., E-RYT, Founder and President of Peace through Yoga
Sally’s passion toward life, creative nature, and spiritual approach have been keys to her success. She has led groups to over 130 countries as a result of her 40+ year career in the travel industry where she went from flight attendant to CEO.
Sally has been teaching yoga for close to two decades, even as a corporate CEO, through her 12-year ownership of two yoga studios before selling the studios in 2014. Sally’s yoga journey has also included teaching yoga basics and philosophy as an adjunct professor at Butler University for seven years and co-founding the Yoga and Spirituality program at Christian Theological Center in Indianapolis, IN.
Peace through Yoga Foundation developed and supports two Girls for Success programs, one in the rainforest of Costa Rica and one in the rural area on the island of Dominica., a preschool in Dominica, and a women's shelter in Morocco. Sally teaches at Blooming Life Yoga in the village of Zionsville, IN and leads adventure trips around the world. Her favorite quote is by Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”