Bespoke Journeys - 10 Day Rhone River Cruise
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- Bespoke Journeys
10 Day Rhone River Cruise
Rhône-Alpes and Provence Alpes-du-Sud are linked by one of Europe’s greatest waterways - the Rhône. This broad, handsome river, bordered by vineyards, sunflowers and fields of lavender, has inspired artists such as Van Gogh and Renoir. Join Bill Peach Bespoke Journeys onboard the boutique Napoléon barge by Orient-Express to uncover the beauty of the Rhone and the romance of Paris on this gastronomic journey.
As always, your seamless travel experience includes private luxury concierge transfers on arrival and departure, as well as experienced and knowledgeable local guides in Paris, Arles, Avignon, Orange and Nyons, as well as a chefs market experience in La Voulte, and private wine tasting.
Highlights
- Enjoy the intimate luxury of the Napoléon barge with only 6 cabins, you will enjoy a truly personal river cruise experience
- Explore the main facets of the Rhône River from quaint villages, to extraordinary locks that connect the regions from Province to Lyon
- Savour the traditions of French cuisine, this is truly a culinary journey that will delight the connoisseurs of fine food and exquisite regional delicacies
- The Napoléon offers the perfect vehicle to accommodate all travellers; for the active traveller there are opportunities to cycle or wander at leisure through the local villages; for those looking for a quieter pace the barge’s luxury coach is on hand to transport you throughout the countryside
Day
1
1
ARRIVE PARIS
A private transfer awaits to transport you from the international terminal to your luxurious hotel in the heart of Paris. The day is yours at leisure to simple relax or take a stroll through the magnificent Tuileries Garden that borders the Seine River and Place de la Concorde.Overnight: Mandarin Oriental or similar
Day
2
2
PARIS
Paris is a city of beauty, cuisine, culture, fashion and art. This morning enjoy an orientation tour of this magnificent city, view the Eiffel Tower, Champs de Elysee and Grand Palace. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy one of the nearby museums or walk the Champs de Elysee.Overnight: Mandarin Oriental or similar (B)
Day
3
3
PARIS - AVIGNON
Transfer to Gare de Lyon to board the TGV to Avignon, the first class seating on board these super fast trains provide the perfect vantage point to view the magnificent French countryside. On arrival at Avignon you will be met by our crew from the Napoléon and transferred through to the barge which will be your home for the next six nights. The Napoléon was converted into a luxurious péniche-hôtel from the hull of a Belgian commercial freight-carrying barge built in 1963. She was one of the last commercial barges to have been built. Today she is one of Europe’s finest boutique river cruisers; the Napoléon combines the luxury of a hotel by Orient-Express with the friendly ambience of a country inn. A late afternoon cruise from Vallabrègues to Arles is your first taste of Rhône River cruising. After dinner, take a walking tour of Arles, famous for it’s Roman ruins and also where Van Gogh spent much of 1888 and ‘89 painting.Overnight: Napoléon (B D)
Day
4
4
VISIT ST RÉMY. CRUISE TO AVIGNON
Today visit the picturesque village of St Remy. The old Gallo Roman interior of the village is circled by the remnants of a 14th century wall and the protective circle of buildings. Located on the plains at the northern edge of the Alpilles, 20 km south of Avignon, this is where Van Gogh painted Starry Night, Nostradamus was born and Dr Albert Schweitzer was prisoner. The visit this morning will include a traditional 18th century “Provencal Bastide” in St. Rémy for an olive oil tasting. Return to the Napoléon for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruise to Avignon. Cruise past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d’Avignon) the famous medieval bridge built in the 11th century, over the centuries it has been destroyed numerous times from flooding and was finally abandoned in the 16th century. Today the bridge’s last remaining 4 spans stand as a testament to the past. After mooring-up at the quay facing the gate to the walled city, disembark the boat to visit the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes. Return to the boat for drinks on the deck, followed by a wonderful dinner.Overnight: Napoléon (B L D)
Day
5
5
CRUISE TO ST-ETIENNEDES- SORTS. VISIT AVIGNON
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 free time to enjoy some shopping or perhaps, to take a drink in a pavement café and watch the world go by. Return to the barge where lunch awaits and an afternoon cruise. Visit the world famous Châteauneuf du Pape, summer home of the popes from Avignon, for a wine tasting before continuing your cruise to the small village of St. Etienne des Sorts.Overnight: Napoléon (B L D)
Day
6
6
CRUISE 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 town is renowned for its Roman architecture and its Roman theatre is described as the most impressive still existing in Europe. The arch, theatre and surroundings were listed in 1981 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Lunch back on board and continue the cruise to the mooring at Viviers. This afternoon we pass through the lock of Bollene, one of the largest locks (Ecluse) in Europe with a drop of approximately 23 metres. On arrival to Viviers there is time for a leisurely stroll around this charming medieval town, starting in the streets around the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, which is the centre of the old town. Dating back from the 12th to 18th century the cathedral has some fine features including the belltower and campanile. There is quite an extensive warren of narrow streets, with buildings that are sometimes very carefully renovated, other times rather derelict looking, all however are interesting to explore.Overnight: Napoléon (B L D)
Day
7
7
VISIT NYONS. LUNCH IN GRIGNAN. CRUISE TO LA VOULTE
Today’s visit is to the typical Provencal village of Nyons, set up high in the hills, 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, filled with small alley ways, famous for its wild roses and with a medieval Château at the top of the town. 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 Voulte.Overnight: Napoléon (B L D)
Day
8
8
CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE / TOURNON DÉGUSTATION
This morning, the chef walks you over to discover a traditional French market in La Voulte where you have the chance to pick out some local produce to enjoy back on board during a leisurely lunch. 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. We enjoy a private tour and wine tasting just minutes from the boat. Meanwhile the chef is busy back on the boat preparing a farewell gala dinner.Overnight: Napoléon (B L D)
Day
9
9
TAIN L’HERMITAGE - PARIS
After breakfast disembark the Napoléon and transfer through to the station to board the TGV to Paris. On arrival in Paris, a private transfer awaits to take you to your luxury hotel. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore this romantic city. There are a number of exquisite dining options available to celebrate your final evening in Paris, don’t hesitate to contact Bill Peach Journeys for suggestions.Overnight: Mandarin Oriental or similar (B)
Day
10
10
HOMEWARD BOUND
Transfers have been organised to take you to the airport for onward international flight connections. (B)Dates & Prices
| Tour Code | Days | Departs | Returns | Price $AUD | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 24th May 2013 | 2nd June 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 7th June 2013 | 16th June 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 5th July 2013 | 14th July 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 19th July 2013 | 28th July 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 2nd August 2013 | 11th August 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 16th August 2013 | 25th August 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 30th August 2013 | 8th September 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 13th September 2013 | 22nd September 2013 | $8,995 | |
| BFR300 | 10 | 27th September 2013 | 6th October 2013 | $8,995 |
Single Supplement: $5,995
Please note that this Journey runs in both directions.
BFR300 After 2 nights in the Mandarin Oriental, Paris, you will cruise from Avignon to Tain, and conclude in Paris. The dates for this Journey are shown above.
BFR301 runs in the opposite direction, commencing in Paris, cruising from Tain to Avignon, and concluding in Paris.
Please refer to the list below for Journeys operating on this alternate reversed itinerary.
BFR3001 17th April 2013 26th April 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 3rd May 2013 12th May 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 17th May 2013 26th May 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 30th May 2013 8th June 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 14th June 2013 23rd June 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 26th June 2013 5th July 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 12th July 2013 21st July 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 26th July 2013 4th August 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 9th August 2013 18th August 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 23rd August 2013 1st September 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 6th September 2013 15th September 2013 $8,995
BFR3001 20th September 2013 29th September 2013 $8,995
WHAT IS A BESPOKE JOURNEY?
- Tailor made travel experiences that combine a superb rail or river experience with private concierge transfers, accommodation and touring to complement the journey
- Flexibility for travellers to choose a time to travel that will fit within your own busy schedule, with most journeys offering departure dates throughout the year
- Private concierge travel arrangements prior to the commencement of the rail or river cruise, ensuring that all the planning and travel arrangements have been taken care of before you leave home
- Luxurious pre and post accommodation has been chosen and included as part of the Bespoke Journey, providing the perfect position to explore the city at your own pace
ABOUT THE NAPOLEON
The Napoléon is Europe’s finest river cruiser and is owned and operated by Orient-Express combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. The Napoléon can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests on three spacious levels. A sun deck with Jacuzzi and exercise equipment is located on the top deck. The main deck contains the salon, dining room and one state cabin. The boat is air conditioned throughout. The comfortable cabins are all located above the water line and have individually controlled airconditioning. The beds are king size doubles, which can be arranged as twins if desired. En-suite bathrooms, beautifully appointed with hand-made Provencal tiles. Wining and dining are some of the highlights of the cruise and the fivecourse candlelit dinners are a special treat.
Please note that this journey runs in both directions, enabling us to offer you a greater flexibility in dates. The itinerary is exactly the same, however when booking, please note which direction your barge journey takes - i.e. Avignon to Tain, or reverse, Tain to Avignon. Both trips are splendidly the same, include the same inclusions, dining and accommodation.
INCLUSIONS
- Three nights accommodation at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental situated in the heart of Paris.
- Six nights on the beautifully renovated Napoléon Barge designed for intimate relaxed cruising, with just six comfortable cabins on board. All meals and all drinks throughout the cruise on board the barge sampling the finest of regional cuisine and wines. This is truly a gourmet journey for the lovers of fine food and wine
- Services of a local English speaking guide throughout the journey
- All ground excursions for the duration of the cruise
- Private concierge transfers to and from Charles de Guille airport
-
Included meals as specified in the itinerary - Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) & Dinner (D)
EXCLUSIONS
- This journey does not have a Journey Director
- This journey does not include International Airfares
- The journey does not include any additional touring
- All additional touring, meals, non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are not included
Price $8,625 per person.
Single supplement: $6,595Days: 10
Max Group Size: 2-12
Activity Level: Easy Going
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