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A Culinary Cruise Through France
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A Culinary Cruise Through France

Switzerland, France11 days

The journey

Overview

It’s no secret that the wines and cuisines of France have been regarded among the world’s finest since time immemorial. Nowhere is this legacy of excellence more entrenched than along the banks of the Rhône. After whetting your appetite with a pre-cruise stay in Lausanne, cruise the Rhône and Saône with stops in the culinary enclaves and wine regions of Lyon, Burgundy and Provence, sampling all the finest along the way.

Highlights

  • Explore Lausanne’s Chillon Castle and sample fine Swiss wines within its historic walls
  • Sample your way through Lyon’s market halls and taste a curated selection of Burgundy wines
  • Explore medieval Brancion and stroll the gardens of the Château de Cormatin
  • In the French Alps enclave of Annecy, sit down to a traditional Savoyard lunch at a mountain farm
  • A classic Land Rover transports you through the vineyards of Beaujolais to meet the locals and gather for a winemaker’s lunch
  • Ride a vintage Citroën 2CV through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, stopping for photos and tastings along the way

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Lausanne, Switzerland

Arrive in Geneva, and then drive to your hotel in Lausanne. This jewel on the shores of Lake Geneva thrills with swoon-worthy Alpine scenery, medieval architecture and a rich cultural scene of museums, theaters and festivals, as well as the cachet of serving as home to the International Olympic Committee.

Day 2

Lausanne - Swiss Traditions

Begin your exploration of Lausanne with a walking tour that includes a chocolate tasting, followed by lunch in town. In the afternoon, head to nearby Chillon Castle. Rising from the waters of Lake Geneva, the imposing castle’s walls once held Richard the Lionheart prisoner. Cap off your day with a curated tasting of local Chasselas and pinot noirs within the castle itself.

Day 3

Annecy, France - Alpine Splendor

Cross the French border to Annecy, the “Venice of the Alps.” Here, explore the cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-painted houses of the old town, the medieval Château d’Annecy looming above. A nearby Alpine farm offers a remarkable setting for a traditional mountain lunch. Continue to Lyon, a colorful city widely regarded as the culinary capital of France. Join local chefs this evening for

Day 4

Lyon - French Culinary Capital

Continue your exploration of Lyon amid the market halls of Les Halles de Paul Bocuse Lyon, a temple to all things gourmet. Sample the market specialties, capping things off with a tasting of Burgundy wines. Then, board your riverboat and settle in with a welcome cocktail and dinner on board.

Day 5

Mâcon - Into the Vineyards

Awake in Mâcon, gateway to the Beaujolais wine region. Set out in a vintage Land Rover to visit several local wineries for a day full of fine food, wine, anecdotes, architecture and landscapes.

Day 6

Chalon-sur-Saône - Riverside Life

Dock in picturesque Chalon-sur-Saône, where a local guide reveals this riverside town’s finest delicacies. After lunch on board, visit the medieval enclave of Brancion and stroll the gardens of the 17th-century Château de Cormatin.

Day 7

Lyon - Historic Old Quarter

Return to Lyon to walk the hidden passageways of Croix-Rousse Hill, visit a silk weavers’ workshop and explore the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This evening, enjoy a private cocktail party followed by a Chef’s Highlights dinner, an Worldway Travels x A&K exclusive.

Day 8

Avignon - Design Your Day

The former seat of the Catholic Church, Avignon’s dove-white Palais de Papes stands as a testament to the city’s papal legacy. Delve into this enchanting palace or explore further with these **Design Your Day** options:

Day 9

Arles - Cooking and Art

Step ashore in Arles, a charming riverside town with ties to the famed post-impressionist master, Vincent van Gogh. Here, stand in the exact spot where the artist set up his easel to paint Café Terrace at Night. In the nearby countryside, a cooking workshop introduces the secrets of Provençal food and wine. At nearby Saint Paul-de-Mausole, visit the asylum where Van Gogh painted some of his last m

Day 10

Viviers - Local Pastimes

In Viviers, mix with locals over a game of pétanque, perhaps paired with a glass of local pastis. This afternoon, cruise back up the Rhône and enjoy a fine farewell dinner aboard.

Day 11

Depart Lyon

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

What's included

  • Expert local guides & seamless transfers
  • Carefully selected luxury accommodations
  • Selected meals & signature experiences
  • Private arrival & departure transfers

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas where applicable
  • Gratuities & personal expenses

Accommodations

  • Beau-Rivage Palace
  • Lyon
  • InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
  • Amadeus Provence
  • Mâcon
  • Tournus

Frequently asked questions

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