Europe: Provence and Spain European Tour

Your European tour begins as soon as you arrive in this romantic city, spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the "City of Lights."

Begin your European tour with a morning excursion to some of the most famous sights of Paris, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the famous Louvre Museum, the majestic Arc de Triomphe, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of today's European tour is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that Paris has to offer.

Enjoy a free day on your European tour to travel around one of the most romantic cities in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuilleries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at Musée D'Orsay or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste on the European tour.

Travel in style with the high speed TGV train to Lyon, where the ship awaits you. Gather this evening on board the European tour ship for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner.

Lyon is at the heart of French gastronomy. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites and this morning's European tour includes a panoramic view of the city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière which is perched on top of Fourvière Hill. You will also experience the Renaissance charisma of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobblestone streets. Return to the ship for lunch as your European tour heads north along the Saône River to the small town of Trévoux. Here we take a guided tour of this historic village which is overlooked by the château ruins. Enjoy free time this evening on your European tour.

See behind the village walls of Trévoux as you travel through Beaujolais, the Pays d’Or or ‘land of the golden stones’. Walk along ‘la route de vin’ and sample exquisite wines such as the regional and world famous Beaujolais Nouveau. Your European tour continues south on the Rhône River to Vienne.

The city of Vienne is immersed in significant history which can be witnessed in the walls of the first century Roman Temple of Augustus and the striking churches that are en route of this morning’s train tour. Later on the European tour we drift past stunning scenery to Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage which lies on the opposite side of the River Rhône. After some wine tasting there is plenty of free time to explore or visit the Hermitage Gallery. Spend the evening of your European tour on board the ship sampling more delightful wines.

This morning’s European tour adventures begin with a trip to a working farm which nuzzles between the beautiful Ardéche Mountains before enjoying the valley’s pristine landscape on a scenic excursion. Before returning to the ship for lunch, discover the charming village of Boucieu-Le-Roi and meander around its bustling market place. We sail to Viviers in the afternoon of the European tour and following evening dinner, we take a ‘ghost walk’ through its medieval streets that are mostly deserted.

Today we cruise to Avignon where you will have the choice of two excursions. On the European tour you can admire the Gothic architecture of the Papal Palace which is encased by medieval walls and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site or if you prefer, visit the renowned Pont du Gard. This incredible Roman aqueduct is an engineering masterpiece and is well worth a visit. Explore the Provençal town of Uzès and marvel at its medieval streets and pretty square which is enveloped by archways. Spend the afternoon of your European tour indulging your senses in the colourful shops which line the side streets.

Today on the European tour we join a coach trip to Les Baux which looks out from the top of a rugged plateau, offering outstanding views of the countryside below. The historical architecture has been lovingly restored throughout the years and boasts an impressive 22 listed buildings. On a European tour you can tantalise your tastebuds at a flourishing olive farm prior to an afternoon walking tour of Arles where Vincent Van Gogh once lived. The Constantine Baths and Roman Amphitheatre, which is still in use today and is one of the city’s most prominent sites, are worth visiting on a European tour.

Today on your European river cruise you will transfer to Barcelona, capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, via the Camargue on the southern coast. As you approach the Pyrénées, stop in the medieval city of Carcassone which is surrounded by a double ring of walls. This World UNESCO Heritage Site is complete with 52 towers that reach for more than two miles around the city. Here you will have free time for lunch and you can explore at your own pace before rejoining the European tour.

Today your European tour in Barcelona begins with a drive to the top of Montjuïc Hill where you will catch glorious views of the city below, Palau Nacional (the National Palace) and the Olympic Complex. Next, tour Placa Catalonia and Las Ramblas, the promenade and centre of Barcelona life. Later, see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família which was designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudí and is still unfinished to this day. Complete today’s European tour with a walk around the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King's Square, and Tinell, the Royal Palace.

Your last day in Barcelona is yours to enjoy as you wish. Join us in the morning for the optional European tour of Gaudí's Parc Güell, where you will see some of his most captivating sculptures and architectural structures, then return on your own to the markets of Las Ramblas or visit one of the many museums. In the evening of the European tour you can enjoy an optional dinner show featuring Flamenco dancers or venture out independently, perhaps across the port for seafood in Barceloneta.

Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight as your European tour concludes.