Experience fine dining in multiple locations, both onboard and ashore. Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of the world, is a food-lover's heaven where you can enjoy its culinary riches in markets, bistros or restaurants. 

While on the ship, you’ll enjoy finely-crafted menus that feature exquisite locally-inspired cuisine. 

Each creatively prepared and presented meal is organic/sustainable and fresh from farm to table.

Not only will you enjoy wine tasting and pairing, but you will also have the opportunity to visit French wineries and meet the vintners.

While venturing through France on guided tours, you will meet featured winemakers who will offer tastings of their hand-crafted wines, and you will experience firsthand, up close and personal, how wines are made.

Through specially curated and guided excursions, you’ll learn all about the history and culture of how blacks lived in France, including Josephine Baker. 

You’ll learn her story and the stories of other extraordinary men and women of the roaring twenties, gaining knowledge and understanding so you can embrace your own story.

On the Soulful Epicurean Experience, you will have the opportunity to attend musical events that will enlighten your soul.

Embarkation and overnight in Arles

Your journey will begin in Arles, France.

Enjoy a full-day black heritage tour in the city of Marseille.

In the evening enjoy an evening cruise to illuminated Pont d'Avignon.

Depending on your interests, you have choices of excursions for the morning. 

Avignon, aptly named the "City of Popes," was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. This tour includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walks surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialities including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. 

Enjoy an evening jazz performance.

In Grignan, an enchanting Provencal town, you can go in search of the highly prized "Black Diamond" truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.

Take an exclusive private train ride past magnificient landscapes carved alone the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little state of Colombier le Viux-Saint Barthelemy le Plain. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Chateau de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate.

Later in the day cruise to Vienne

Enjoy an evening jazz performance while in Vienne.

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in it marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans.  

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 ViaRhona bike route.

Later in the day cruise to Lyon

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourviere Hill. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you be introduced to the city's unique covered walkways, known as "traboules."

Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind.

Travel to Beaujolais wine region - known as the land of the golden stones. Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard.

Disembarkation and transfer to Paris

Enjoy the ride through the French countryside to Paris. 

Enjoy your journey of Josephine Baker in Paris. This tour will introduce you to her extraordinary life as a community leader and more. 

Enjoy the Black History of Paris tour. Learn more about the intellectuals, artists, musicians and military in the early 20th century Paris. 

Until We Meet Again 

Bid a fond farewell to France.

• Pre-trip preparation call
  
  
• Accommodations onboard AmaKristina in an elegantly appointed riverview stateroom
  
  
• All fine dining in multiple venues on board, including the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant (while on the cruise)
  
  
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner (while on the cruise)
  
  
• Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour (while on the cruise)
  
  
• A variety of included excursions each day, such as guided hikes, bike rides and tasting tours
  
  
• Complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi (while on the cruise)
  
  
• Transfer to your hotel in Paris from the ship by high-speed train
  
  
• A 3-night stay at the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe hotel in Paris with daily breakfast
  
  
• Specially curated Josephine Baker excursion and Black History of Paris city tour
  
  
• The services of one of AmaWaterways’ wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
  
  
• Taxes and port charges

Note: Accommodations and schedule are subject to change

• Flights
  
  
• Gratuities (can be added and paid in advance)
  
  
• Travel insurance
  
  
• Alcoholic beverages not listed, laundry, incidentals, spa services, personal phone calls or other activities not mentioned
  
  
• Souvenirs and shopping sprees

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

• Experience the City of Lights from the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe hotel located just few steps from the great Parisian monuments such as the Champs-Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum or Sacré Coeur.