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Chateau de Rully with vineyards, Burgundy, France

ESSENCE OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE with DICK AND LESLIE WEST – 2025

from $4,839

GENEVA TOUR START: JUNE 23, 2025

CRUISE DATE: JUNE 26, 2025
 This is a Special Wine Cruise

CRUISE DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

EMBARK:  DIJON, FRANCE

DISEMBARK:  ARLES, FRANCE

SHIP:  AMA CELLO

CRUISE ONLY FROM: $4,839*
GENEVA TOUR + CRUISE FROM: $6,369*

*Including Port Charges

Downlaod Brochure

All about the ESSENCE OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE with DICK AND LESLIE WEST – 2025.

JOIN DICK AND LESLIE WEST FOR ANOTHER FABULOUS ADVENTURE! Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing wine cruise itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!

OUR BURGUNDY WINE CRUISE is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board. Guided by their passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.

Sip, Savor, and Enjoy

During this immersive river cruise journey, you will be treated to specially curated wine tastings, visit historic cellars and vineyards. Join us for an unforgettable Wine Cruise and delight in one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine, and elegant cuisine.

COUNTRIES VISITED: FRANCE, SWITZERLAND*
RIVERS: RHONE, SAONE

*Begin your journey with a  3-night tour of Geneva ($1,530 per person).

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The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
  • COMPLIMENTARY 3-NIGHT GENEVA TOUR WHEN BOOKED BY MARCH 31, 2024
  • Choice of included Shore Excursions in every port
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Port Charges

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive included tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Air fare
  • Gratuities
  • Beverages, other than with Lunch or Dinner and Cocktail Hour
  • Pre- or Post-Cruise arrangements, except as noted

  1. Day 1 ARRIVE GENEVA

    Arrive Geneva – Check into your Geneva hotel for the beginning of your Essence of Burgundy & Provence pre-cruise land program.

    We recommend you plan to arrive at least one day early to  avoid problems associated with travel delays Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. (B,D)

  2. Day 2 GENEVA  - “The Peace Capital” city tour

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    GENEVA ITINERARY –

    Get acquainted with Geneva, the “Peace City,” and gateway to the Swiss Alps, on your guided walking tour. With traditions in both watchmaking and chocolate making, this beautiful city has a rich history, which you will glimpse during your excursion. (B)

     

     

     

  3. Day 3 GENEVA - “Pearl of the French Alps” Annecy excursion - Chillon Castle visit

    Venture south to the “Pearl of the French Alps,” Annecy, on your morning excursion. Home to beautiful castles, including the Château d’Annecy, home to the Counts of Geneva, and natural green spaces with bike trails winding through along the lake. Later in the day, visit Chillon Castle, a picture-perfect medieval island fortress with three formal great halls, a chapel and beautifully arched underground rooms that once served as a prison. (B)

     

  4. Day 4 GENEVA TO DIJON- DIJON CITY TOUR - EMBARKATION

    Transfer from Geneva to Dijon, France and enjoy a walking tour through the wonderfully picturesque capital of the historic Burgundy region. Renowned for its traditional mustard, Dijon also boasts one of the best-preserved medieval centers in France, with postcard-perfect architecture, including its cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon grand Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy. Spend free time at your own leisure for lunch. Later, board your ship in preparation for your 7-night cruise. (B,D)

  5. Day 5 CHALON­-SUR-SAÔNE -­ TOURNUS

    Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or sample the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur- Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

  6. Day 6 TOURNUS ­- MACON

    Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B,L,D)

  7. Day 7 MACON -­ VILLEFRANCHE­-SUR­-SAONE ­- LYON

    Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a beautifully tiled roof. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saône, later choosing between scenic cruising or a tasting of Beaujolais wines. During the evening, enjoy a special Illuminations cruise – a highlight of your river cruise – as you enter the city of Lyon. (B,L,D)

  8. Day 8 LYON ­- VIENNE

    Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière.  Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Later in the day, sail to Vienne, which boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. (B,L,D)

  9. Day 9 VIENNE -­ VALENCE

    Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Valence, a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. If you prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines. (B,L,D)

  10. Day 10 AVIGNON - ARLES

    Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater; or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town. (B,L,D)

  11. Day 11 ARLES

    Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

    ADD a 3-night land extension in Nice for an additional $1,455 per person

AmaCello

AmaCello


Decorated in a palette of gold and orange that reflects Europe’s brilliant autumn foliage, the AmaCello is a floating delight. The glorious Sun Deck offers a soothing whirlpool, giant chess set and recliners from which to drink up the extraordinary scenery. Inside, enticing aromas waft from the beautiful Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, each previewing a masterfully plated dish created by an expert chef using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. And after just one bite, you’ll understand why the AmaCello, like all our European ships, was inducted into the internationally renowned culinary society known as La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs! Keeping with the French theme, most staterooms feature a French balcony as well as amenities that include Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe. A fitness room, sauna and massage room are also available for your enjoyment on board this incredible river ship.