2016 - TM Europe River Cruising

67 Day 3. Barcelona. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the sensational, vibrant city of Barcelona. Perhaps explore more architectural wonders, including the enthralling Gothic Quarter, Park Güell or the Palace of Catalan Music. B Day 4. Barcelona, Carcassonne, Arles. Bid farewell to Barcelona as you board your coach to Arles. Along the way, stop at the fortified city of Carcassonne, with its medieval castle of sheer walls and turrets resembling a scene from a children's storybook. Occupied since the Neolithic era, Carcassonne links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Massif Central to the Pyrénées. Its strategic importance was quickly recognised by the Romans, who occupied its hilltop until the demise of their western empire, and was later taken over by the Visigoths in the 5th century, who founded the city. In Arles, 18 Day guests (EUTCJRAP18) join the tour. Board your ship this evening for the first of your two spectacular cruises along the Rhône and Rhine rivers. Settle into your well-appointed stateroom and begin to acquaint yourself with the luxurious surrounds of your stunning river ship. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers as you enjoy a Captain's Welcome Reception. Stay (Seven Nights): MS Excellence Rhône. BD Day 5. Camargue National Reserve. Explore the luscious green landscapes of the Camargue National Reserve today. Nestled between the Mediterranean and two arms of the Rhône delta, the area is home to over 400 species of birds and one of the few European habitats for the greater flamingo. The reserve covers more than 13,000 hectares in the Camargue region, making it one of Europe's largest wetlands reserves. Back on board, enjoy a tantalising Gala Dinner. BLD Day 6. Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon. After a delicious breakfast this morning, enjoy an enthralling sightseeing tour of Arles. Admire an array of ancient monuments, such as Constantine's Baths and the Roman Amphitheatre. Set on the mouth of the Rhône delta, the Provençal light of this Mediterranean city captured the imagination of Vincent Van Gogh. Here, you'll be able to glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired many of his famous works. Afterwards, head to a beautiful hilltop village in Les Baux de Provence. A Taste of France – enjoy a visit to an olive mill and farm for a tour and tasting of some of the exquisite olives. Back on board, get to know your delightful crew and fellow travellers as you enjoy a delicious dinner later this evening. BLD Day 7. Avignon. This morning, explore the rich history of Avignon on a guided tour. Still surrounded by impressively preserved stone ramparts, this stunning World Heritage-listed city offers a host of grand monuments and architectural treasures. Meander along cobblestones and visit the world's largest Gothic palace, the 14th-century Palace of the Popes that dominates the city. See one of the world's most iconic bridges, the marvellous Pont d'Avignon. Enhance Your Journey: Perhaps explore the ancient Roman bridge, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour (see page 118). BLD Day 8. Viviers, Grignan. Cruise past Viviers and pass by delightful lavender farms, admiring the stunning landscapes. A Taste of France – at a truffle farm, head out with the dogs in search of truffles before a tasting. Afterwards, traverse the picturesque Rhône-Alpes region to the village of Grignan and explore its labyrinth of beautiful, winding streets and pretty squares on a guided tour. This delightful Provençal village also boasts literary fame, made famous through the correspondence of Marie de Rabutin-Chantal and Marquise de Sévigné. Later, enjoy some free time to wander the village before returning to your ship for dinner. BLD SWITZERLAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY FRANCE BELGIUM SPAIN 3 Grignan Les Baux de Provence Cochem Amsterdam Avignon Carcassonne Lyon Arles Camargue National Reserve Viviers Tournon Paris Barcelona Basel Breisach Black Forest Speyer Heidelberg Rüdesheim Bonn Coach Cruise No. of nights stay MS Excellence Queen 7 MS Excellence Rhône 7 Rhine River Rhine River Rhône River Moselle River 3 SPAIN – visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to Paris 3 NIGHTS BARCELONA – 7 NIGHT RHÔNE CRUISE – 7 NIGHT RHINE CRUISE – 3 NIGHTS PARIS

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