them later and we are talking major
bucks), where we engaged in a lively
debate on what was the best song of
all time, since we had found out the
answer at game night.
4. The Portraits of Southern
France Itinerary can’t be beat
Admittedly, they had a lot to work
with on this one, so it would be
really hard to mess up. What
self-respecting foodie, wine
onnoi
r hi tory ff art o r
or just all-round Francophile
wouldn’t love this eight day cruise
that starts in the historic city of
Avignon, crisscrossing the Rhone and
the Saone Rivers, then ending nine
destinations later in Chalon-surSaone. Stops include three UNESCO
World Heritage Sites; Roman ruins in
Arles, wine-centric Tain-l’Hermitage,
a n th
in a ita o
r n y an yon on o th
all-time great food destinations.
At least one complimentary guided
tour was included each day, as well
as optional shore excursions that
were available for an additional
fee. These were all led by friendly,
knowledgeable guides. I loved that
th y a ay off r on
nt r
walk for those who wanted to take
their time without delaying less
patient peeps like me, and also the
high-tech audio headsets, so you
22
Superb Lyon Guide
shows us Bocuse
trompe l’oeil
could hear everything the guide was
ayin
n i yo
an r off
slightly. Since our ship always docked
right in town, we usually opted to
take one tour to get our bearings
and then would wander about on
our own, often staying in town
to try a local restaurant.
Sampling of Daily Highlights:
Day 1 Avignon- the “City of Popes”
This was an at-your-own-pace
orientation day, since guests were
arriving throughout the day. We
strolled down the cobblestone lanes,
stocking up on Provencal lavender
gifts, including infused honey,
cookies, soaps and fragrant sachets,
which helped eliminate our jetlag
when tucked under our pillows. We
took a quick peek at the exterior of
the humongous Papal Palace, since
we knew we were coming back later.
Our ship was docked close to the
famous ‘Pont de Avignon’. I had to
teach Joan the song lyrics to “Sur le
Pont d’Avignon.” Little did she know
that a t r th r t in
a
t
making up French sounding words!
Day 2 Arles
This UNESCO World Heritage Site
i
ith o an r in th
o t
impressive is the beautifully
preserved Les Arènes, a 20,000-seat
amphitheater, where gladiators once
fought to the death. Arles is also
known for having welcomed Van
Gogh during a particularly turbulent
period in his life. Inspired by the
distinctive landscape, strong
sunlight and bright colors, he spent
hi na y ar h r
ro
in
hat
any riti
i
r hi n t