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LYON & PROVENCE 8 day cruise with 7 guided tours DAY 1 Lyon, France Fly to Lyon. Transfer from the airport to your ship. After boarding, take free time to explore this vibrant city. (D) DAY 2 Lyon, France After breakfast, tour the city of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), where you'll have free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world famous. Abbey of Cluny Visit the picturesque Burgundy town of Cluny, known for its magnificent medieval abbey ruins. (B, L, D) DAY 3 Lyon & Beaujolais Wine Tour, France After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep. See the legendary Moulin-à-Vent, the windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region, learn about the art of winemaking in a small museum and enjoy a tasting in one of the Beaujolais's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D) DAY 4 Vienne & Tournon, France This morning take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Roman amphitheatre and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice; then spend some time discovering more of this engaging riverside town on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy the rolling vine-clad banks of the river, as you sail through its wide meanders to Tournon. Romans in Vienne Witness the lives of ancient Romans during this fascinating excursion that peels back layers of history. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Tournon & Viviers, France All aboard the Train de l'Ardèche this morning for a locomotive ride through the deep gorges of the Ardèche plateau, cut by the Doux River. You'll return to your ship and enjoy lunch aboard as we cruise to Viviers, an engaging little town in a mountainous setting. After dinner, join your Program Director for an evening stroll through Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. (B, L, D) DAY 6 Avignon, France This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed "City of Popes" because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic centre, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de l'Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. Pont du Gard Aqueduct See the magnificent three-tiered structure built without mortar by Romans 2,000 years ago. (B, L, D) DAY 7 Arles, France Disembark after breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city's vibrant colours and striking quality of light that have inspired so many accomplished artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Unspoiled Camargue See the wetlands and farms of the untamed Camargue and visit two of its celebrated historic towns. Return aboard for lunch followed by an afternoon on your own to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. (B, L, D) DAY 8 Avignon, France After breakfast, disembark and proceed to Marseille airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with three nights in the French Riviera. (B) LY O N , F R A N C E Key Example of Optional Shore Excursion 120 For complete itinerary details and videos, visit vikingcruises.com.au