Burgundy & Provence

Fly, arrive and board SS Catherine for your 7-night cruise

The fortified town of Avignon sits on the Rhone River and has a rich history. Tour the historical centre with its cobbled streets and shops, before admiring the hilltop Palais de Papes, Cathedral Notre Dames des Doms, and stunning views over the famous 'Pont de Avignon'. Gaze in awe at the paintings of Botticelli, Carpaccio and Giovanni de Paolo at Musee de Petit Palais. Relax with a coffee as you take in the views of the 19th-century City Hall and Opera in Place d'Horloge. Travel to the nearby town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard to admire the impressive Le Pont du Gard three-level stone aqueduct bridge.

Viviers, a small walled city, is situated in Ardeche in southern France and is bounded by two rivers; the Rhone and its canal, and the Escoutay. The city is most renowned for its pale-stone buildings. The cathedral of Saint-Vincent is in the heart of the city and features an impressive structure. The House of the Chevaliers will take your breath away with its fine carvings dating back to the 16th century, or view the Pont Romain Bridge which has 11 impressive arches; it dates from the 3rd century. Explore the city on foot to discover a glimpse of its layered history, from medieval times to the Renaissance and beyond.

Tournon nestles in a valley near the towering slopes of France's third largest mountain range - Le Massif Central. Stroll through Tournon, taking in sights such as the 16th-century castle, Roman remains, Collegiate Church of Saint Julien, Rue du Doux, Pierre gourde Tower and the Hospital Tower. Visit the idyllic surrounds of Eden Parc or venture further afield to the Japanese-style Jardins Erika Borja in nearby Beaumont-Monteux. The local area also boasts a long tradition of wine making, with the famous wine-growing centre at Tain L'Hermitage easily accessible across the river.

Lyon is France's third largest city and sits at the conference of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Take a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fouviere hilltop church for stunning town-wide views. Travel past the Roman amphitheatre and meander through the cobbled streets and secret alleyways of the gastronomic Old Town. Join an excursion to the medieval town of Perouges.

Step ashore in the Macon wine region - gateway to the Beaujolais vineyards. Walk the Heritage Trail from Old Saint Vincent to the General Hospital buildings, half-timbered house and Soufflot Chapel, maybe stopping en-route to sample local wines at one of the town's many tasting displays. Visit the Old Cathedral of Saint-Vincent and the newer neo-Romanesque Cathedral of St Vincent. Step back in time at the Museum of Ursulines and Memorial Citoyen or visit Lamartines Chateau - birthplace of the renowned 19th-century French poet Lamartine. You can also join a trip to the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny.

Today your cruise comes to an end. Disembark and be transferred to the airport for your flight home.