13-night La Belle Vie Cruise/Land Package: The Rhone, Geneva & the Riviera

Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours - — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
 
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
 
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
 
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
 
End of the tour at your ship 

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light

Package Include
-  Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
-  English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
 
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
 
Departure dates
All day, all year - except  during French Bank holidays - rate on request  for those dates
 

Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
 

 

Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
 

 

Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours - — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
 
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
 
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
 
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
 
End of the tour at your ship 

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light

Package Include
-  Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
-  English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
 
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
 
Departure dates
All day, all year - except  during French Bank holidays - rate on request  for those dates
 

Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
 

 

Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
 

 

Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours - — Optional Private Excursions

Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
 
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
 
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
 
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
 
End of the tour at your ship 

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light

Package Include
-  Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
-  English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
 
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
 
Departure dates
All day, all year - except  during French Bank holidays - rate on request  for those dates
 

Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
 

 

Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
 

 

Known for 'one thousand fountains' and intimately-shaded squares, Aix-en-Provence was an is an inspiration to artists and poets alike. Visit Atelier de Cezanne, Paul Cézanne's studio that has been preserved in its original form.

Destination Guide

Arles is a small town with a rich architectural past and exciting contemporary culture. An important Roman and Medieval center, Arles has also served as home and motif to some great modern artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, and Pablo Picasso. The city's many monuments play an important part in its cultural life. Its famous Arena, built to hold 24,000 spectators, is one of the most ancient in the Roman world and is used today for celebrating traditional, popular festivals. In the picturesque stone setting of ancient Roman Theater, covered with greenery, important shows take place. The city's old hospital, where van Gogh stayed in the late 1880's, is today a cultural center housing an international translation center, a media library, and exhibition rooms. Thanks to the National School of Photography and its international summer photography festival, Arles is known throughout Europe as capital of photography. Mediterranean Arles has many street-side cafes and restaurants, as well as markets with everything from antiques to Provence herbs and spices.

Destination Guide

Arles is a small town with a rich architectural past and exciting contemporary culture. An important Roman and Medieval center, Arles has also served as home and motif to some great modern artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, and Pablo Picasso. The city's many monuments play an important part in its cultural life. Its famous Arena, built to hold 24,000 spectators, is one of the most ancient in the Roman world and is used today for celebrating traditional, popular festivals. In the picturesque stone setting of ancient Roman Theater, covered with greenery, important shows take place. The city's old hospital, where van Gogh stayed in the late 1880's, is today a cultural center housing an international translation center, a media library, and exhibition rooms. Thanks to the National School of Photography and its international summer photography festival, Arles is known throughout Europe as capital of photography. Mediterranean Arles has many street-side cafes and restaurants, as well as markets with everything from antiques to Provence herbs and spices.

Destination Guide

The Camargue delta is for the most part a secluded plain of rough pasture, grazed by bulls and white horses, and vast wetlands inhabited by a rich variety of waterfowl, the most famous of which are flamingos. Most intriguing are the "cowboys" and wild west feel of the place, which is much to the appeal of visitors wanting a unique experience. Visitors can ride the native white horses or go bird watching.

Visitors to Avignon won't want to leave, and the town is too interesting to leave. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity. Just to "see" the town itself, a visitor could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls for days without tiring of them.

Destination Guide

The beautiful town of Uzes is an ancient Duchy much of which was built in the 15th and 16th century and earlier. With its teeming sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops, it hosts a Saturday Provencal market that must be amongst the most colorful and picturesque in Europe.

Visitors to Avignon won't want to leave, and the town is too interesting to leave. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity. Just to "see" the town itself, a visitor could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls for days without tiring of them.

Destination Guide

The village takes its name from the summer palace of Avignon popes, but neither the scant ruins of the fourteenth-century château nor medieval streets around place du Portail - the hub of the village - give Châteauneuf its special appeal. Rather it's the wines produced by the local vineyards, warmed at night by the large pebbles that cover the ground and soak up the sun's heat during the day, that are its real attraction. The rich ruby red is one of France's most renowned, but the white, too, is exquisite. The appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape does not come cheap, nor is there a center where you can taste a good selection from the scores of domaines . The casual Cave Père-Anselme has a Musée des Outils de Vigneron, plus free tastings of its wines. Otherwise, the tourist office or the Fédération des Syndicats de Producteurs can provide a complete list of producers, or visit an Association de Vignerons, such as Prestige et Tradition, who bottle the wine of ten producers.

A stroll along the quays of this sunny city reveals the natural beauty of the Saône river. See the Benedictine monastery of Cluny for a glimpse of the abbey’s former glory, view part of the Roman transept, the octagonal tower, the Chapelle de Bourbon and the monastery with its cloisters. Wine connoisseurs may journey to Mâconnais for a wine tasting at a local winery. Also see the rocks of Solutre, with the famous altar of Solutreen.

This lovely town in the heart of Burgundy is a start for excursions to Dijon. Historic sights in Dijon include the crypt of St. Benigne, the Notre-Dame quarter and the Palais des Ducs which today houses the City Hall and the Fine Arts Museum.

The beauty of Burgundy with romantic castles, churches and royal palaces comes to life in this lovely city. See the cloister of St. Philibert and the medieval city of Beaune. Visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu, which houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment. Taste wine at a château in the vineyards.

In Burgundy, waterways provide a leisurely means for a vacation and luxurious hotel-barges offer exquisite service, haute cuisine, and the best wines from Burgundy's vineyards. Regional cuisine includes famous boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and garlicky snails. Famous for fine wines, Bourgogne is home to "the best wines in Christendom". History buffs will thrill to the medieval city of Vézelay. Visit the Ste-Madeleine Basilica, finished in 878. In the center of Dijon is Palais des Ducs, which today houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Sometimes called "Le Petit Louvre" because of its extraordinary collections, it houses works ranging from medieval to renaissance to impressionist. For a view of Burgundy usually reserved for the birds, hop a ride with one of several hot-air balloon companies.

Destination Guide

Lyon, the natural crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region. 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city landscape. Lyon's rich heritage, passed down through the ages, tells the story of a great city. Lyon's rich historical heritage and its creative initiatives of all kinds find their expression in a multitude of establishments and prestigious events. The arts are represented in Lyon; from fine arts to performing arts, everyone will find their hearts' content. Every year finds sport increasing in popularity in Lyon. Lyon offers impressive facilities: some fifty sports fields and forty gymnasiums provide 550 clubs and associations with optimal training amenities. The City also knows how to make sport spectacular; every year it hosts events -like the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix and the Lyon Marathon - that draw top athletes. Though the mention of the word "Lyon" may conjure up images of fine dining, this is only the tip of the iceberg in a city proud of its diversity and quality image.

Destination Guide

Lyon, the natural crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region. 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city landscape. Lyon's rich heritage, passed down through the ages, tells the story of a great city. Lyon's rich historical heritage and its creative initiatives of all kinds find their expression in a multitude of establishments and prestigious events. The arts are represented in Lyon; from fine arts to performing arts, everyone will find their hearts' content. Every year finds sport increasing in popularity in Lyon. Lyon offers impressive facilities: some fifty sports fields and forty gymnasiums provide 550 clubs and associations with optimal training amenities. The City also knows how to make sport spectacular; every year it hosts events -like the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix and the Lyon Marathon - that draw top athletes. Though the mention of the word "Lyon" may conjure up images of fine dining, this is only the tip of the iceberg in a city proud of its diversity and quality image.

Destination Guide

The charming medieval Old Town of Annecy, France, boasts a stunning setting by a lake of the same name, amid the Alps of Haute Savoie.

Pastel-colored houses with bright flower boxes line the streets, and the most visible landmark, a turreted castle called the Palais de L'Isle is set on an islet in the Canal du Thiou. The Chateau d'Annecy, once home to the counts of Geneva, rises above the old town. It boasts a 12th-century tower, the Tour de la Reine.

A wonderful food market is held on the Boulevard Taine every Saturday 7 am-1 pm, and an antiques and flea market is held in town on the last Saturday of each month 8 am-5 pm.

The city is also worth visiting at any time for its canals, restaurants and beach. Take a boat trip around the lake, departing from the Quai Bayreuth and stopping at the delightful village of Talloires. From May to September, boats also sail across the lake to Menton St. Bernard.

Annecy is 30 mi/50 km south of Geneva and is accessible by train (Gare des Eaux Vives, 90 minutes), bus (Gare Routiere, 70 minutes) or car (Autoroute A41, about 45 minutes).

Destination Guide

Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. It is the central crossroads of Western Europe. Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. Geneva is a town of Arts and Culture. Its numerous museums and libraries, the Opera, the Orchestra of the Suisse romande have largely contributed, among others, to its development. For nearly twenty years they have been new cultural centers which have been created from old uninhabited buildings, some of which are now preserved as monuments, like the Halles de l’Ile, l’Usine, la Maison des Arts du Grütli.

Destination Guide

Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. It is the central crossroads of Western Europe. Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. Geneva is a town of Arts and Culture. Its numerous museums and libraries, the Opera, the Orchestra of the Suisse romande have largely contributed, among others, to its development. For nearly twenty years they have been new cultural centers which have been created from old uninhabited buildings, some of which are now preserved as monuments, like the Halles de l’Ile, l’Usine, la Maison des Arts du Grütli.

Destination Guide

Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. It is the central crossroads of Western Europe. Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. Geneva is a town of Arts and Culture. Its numerous museums and libraries, the Opera, the Orchestra of the Suisse romande have largely contributed, among others, to its development. For nearly twenty years they have been new cultural centers which have been created from old uninhabited buildings, some of which are now preserved as monuments, like the Halles de l’Ile, l’Usine, la Maison des Arts du Grütli.

Destination Guide