Burgundy & Provence France
All-Gay River Cruise 2022

September 06–15, 2022
Lüftner Cruises MS Amadeus Provence

10-day all-gay adventure starting in cosmopolitan capital of France - Paris! Next travel to Lyon, capital of the Rhone-Alps region where you will board Amadeus Provence for 7 night all-gay cruise.

Your adventure begins in the city that has it all – Paris. The cosmopolitan capital of France is the center of European fashion, art, gastronomy, architecture and much more. Whether this is your first time to Paris or 50th , the “City of Lights” has something new for everyone. As Audrey Hepburn said, "Paris is always a good idea".

Next travel to Lyon, capital of the Rhone-Alps region where you will board Amadeus Provence for this 7 night all–LGBT cruise. During this journey, you are sure to enjoy the sightseeing of Arles, the wildlife of Camargue Nature Park and the breathtaking vineyards of Burgundy. This cruise vacation has it all-historic sites, charming towns, world-class wine, gourmet cuisine and more!

The Ship

The MS Amadeus Provence is new addition to the Amadeus fleet. On this premier cruise ship you can expect the generous interior planning and design provides comfortable room for 140 passengers on this floating 5-star hotel.

The extensive restaurant and the Panorama-Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the outdoor, glass-shielded River Terrace allows you to relax in the open regardless of the weather.

The luxurious layout and fittings of the cruise ship are rounded off by our attentive on-board service. The crew will see to your comfort and attend to your every wish with typical Austrian hospitality, ensuring that your experience on the MS Amadeus Provence is an unforgettable one.

Travel Itinerary

Tuesday, September 06, 2022
Paris, France
Welcome to the Paris! Our representatives will greet you at the Charles De Gaulle airport and transfer you to our host hotel, the Hilton Paris Opera Hotel for your included two-night stay.
Tonight we gather for a festive welcome dinner cruise on the Seine river to see the lights of Paris. The dinner cruise begins at 6:30pm, so we suggest you plan to arrive to Paris before 4pm. (Dinner)

Included: Welcome Dinner

Wednesday, September 07, 2022
Paris, France
Following breakfast, you’ll have your choice of two half-day guided excursions, the price of which are included in the total trip cost:

Option A – Versailles: You have probably heard about Versailles, read about it, and have seen Sophia Ford Coppola’s movie “Marie-Antoinette” that was shot in the Versailles Palace and gardens.

Just a 40 minutes drive, during which our guides will tell your guests everything about Versailles, it’s construction, the traditions, King Louis XIV also called the Sun King, Marie-Antoinette, his wife and the fascinating 17th century “Royal” life….with not only historical facts but lots of anecdotes and funny stories, you will reach this impressive Chateau.

Versailles Palace stands as a witness to the power, splendor and romance of The Golden Century in France. Then step outside the palace into the beautiful French-style Gardens, designed by Le Nôtre.

Option B - Hidden Passages of Paris with Wine Tasting: Built from late 18th to mid-19th century, the covered passages are truly hidden gems, not much known even by Parisians, full of picturesque discoveries: small bookshops, old toy stores, stamp collectors, tea rooms, etc.

Quiet and off the touristic track, they offer an alternate vision of Paris, a more intimate image of how the city looked like 150 years ago.

During this tour, guests discover one of Paris’ hidden treasures: the Palais Royal Gardens but also some of the most beautiful galleries and arcades. A wine tasting will be offered to conclude the tour.

Following your morning excursion you will have the afternoon to continue exploring the “City of Lights” at your leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thursday, September 08, 2022
Paris / Lyon (Embarkation)
After breakfast, a leisurely morning in Paris before your transfer to the Amadeus Provence.

Mid-day, we will board the high speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) to Lyon for embarkation. Once on board, you will be able to settle in, explore the ship, and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Friday, September 09, 2022
Tournus / Macon
After breakfast, explore the medieval towns of Brancoin and Cormatin. The fortified city of Brancoin gives you a glimpse of France in the 13th to 15th centuries. Also we will visit Cormatin, the old fortified house that controlled one of the roads of Cluny. At the beginning of the 17th century, the fortress was dismantled by Antoine du Blé. The castle displays the sober and rigorous principles of the French “rustic style”.

This afternoon the vessel arrives in the town of Mâcon, located in southern Burgundy. This wine-producing region produces some of the most expensive wines in the world. Spend the morning exploring the city, and perhaps visit the wine museum, dedicated to the history and production of Burgundy wines. Near the city of Macon is the Cluny Abbey, dedicated to St Peter. This afternoon offers the opportunity to visit the ‘spiritual heart of medieval Europe’. Founded in 910 by Guillaume d’Aquitaine, the abbey is comprised of three abbey churches. At its height, it was home to over 10,000 monks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Saturday, September 10, 2022
Lyon
At the confluence of the Rhone and the Saône rivers, sits the third-largest city in France. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its cuisine as well as historical and architectural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) which is the Renaissance area along the bank of the Saône.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sunday, September 11, 2022
Lyon
Take a gentle stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the famous Roman theatre and buildings showing the influence of the Italian Renaissance. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. After a morning to explore Lyon at your leisure, we sail to Avignon.

This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing scenic cruise of the Rhone River.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Monday, September 12, 2022
Avignon
The Provencal city of Avignon is home to the Papal Palace, once the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. The Papal Palace, was home to six papal conclaves but became obsolete when the papacy decided to return to Rome.

The area of Provence is also home to the Pont du Gard, a three-level aqueduct constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans and is one of the architectural masterpieces of the ancient world. Your vessel remains in Avignon this evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Arles
Arles captured the imagination of the brilliant Impressionist painter, Van Gogh. Walking through the town, many of the settings may seem familiar as some of Van Gogh’s best known pieces, which reflect the beauty of the town.

Outside of Arles, the Camargue Nature Park covers 86,000 hectares and is known for its unique flora and fauna as well as semi-wild bulls and white Camargue horses.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Tournon / Tain L'Hermitage
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.

Enjoy a guided walk of Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Thursday, September 15, 2022
Lyon (Disembarkation)
Disembarkation day. Transfer to the Lyon Airport (LYS) for your flight home or to your next adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Paris, France
Hilton Paris Opera Hotel
This vacation package includes two nights at the Hilton Paris Opera hotel.

lassified as a Historical Monument for its magnificient Haussman-style façade, beyond the hotel has been totally and beautifully redesigned. Opulently decorated, the hotel is the perfect reflection of the history, style and enchantment that surrounds it. Immersed in the vibrant Opera Quarter, this architectural gem is within easy reach of the most iconic sights and attractions of the city: shopping, department stores and the Opera House are within walking distance.

Hilton Paris Opera is a luxurious hotel situated in the heart of Paris, just 800 m from the Opéra Garnier. Innovative French cuisine is served in the on-site restaurant, and you can enjoy cocktails in Le Grand Salon bar.

Designed in a classic Parisian style, the air-conditioned rooms have a minibar, USB port and a flat-screen TV. Free WiFi is provided in all rooms, and some rooms also include bathrobes and slippers. The private bathroom has heated flooring.

Breakfast is served daily at the property. Guests can also access the Executive Lounge, which offers complimentary refreshments, newspapers and WiFi for an additional cost. Hilton Paris Opera features a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk and meeting rooms.

Saint Lazare Train and Metro Station is only 80 m from this hotel, while the famous department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are a 5-minute walk away.

Additional Pre Night(s):
Single - $480 ; Double - $263, per person, breakfast included.

Highlights and Sightseeing

• Paris – explore the hidden passages of Paris or take a trip to beautiful Versailles.
• Macon – includes a visit to a Burgundy wine museum to sample local wines.
• Cluny Abbey – Benedictine monastery that was the largest in the world in medieval times.
• Arles – famed for its Roman heritage and the place which most inspired Vincent van Gogh.
• Pont du Gard – the triple-tiered aqueduct constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans.
• Palais des Papes – Gothic fortress built from the area’s local limestone.
• Chateauneuf-du-Pape – home to the world-famous wine which has been cultivated there since Pope Clement V.
• Lyon – UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its cuisine as well as historical and architectural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon).

Included Features

• Airport transfer from Paris airport to host hotel.
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Paris, including daily buffet breakfast.
• Private Seine River Dinner Cruise including welcome cocktail, 3 course dinner, and select wines.
• Transfer via the high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) from Paris to Lyon
• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, most with French balconies.
• State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board the Amadeus Provence.
• Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise.
• COMPLIMENTARY FREE-FLOW SPIRITS, WINE, BEER AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES THROUGHOUT THE CRUISE
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily.
• Brand g signature entertainment.
• All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted on the Sun Deck only)
• Post cruise transfer to Lyon airport or train station

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips You Need To Know Before Your Cruise
To help prepare you for your vacation, we will email a booklet prior to your cruise, which contains helpful tips and advice in preparing for your vacation. We encourage you to read this information carefully and to bring it with you as a reference during your travels. While traveling, please keep in mind that patience, understanding and the flexibility to adapt to a changing environment will enhance your vacation experience. Despite careful planning, unavoidable circumstances may require last minute changes to your itinerary. However, we have discovered that these deviations often reveal unexpected discoveries.

Entry Documents
A valid passport is required for this trip; your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return. Entry visas are not required for citizens of the EU, USA and Canada. Citizens of all other countries should check with their home country’s French consulate or embassy to determine if visas are needed. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and to secure any required visas. In the event that you lose your passport while traveling, we recommend you photocopy the first pages of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and/or birth certificate to simplify and expedite the process of replacing lost documents. Keep the originals separate from the copies. This will make replacement easier if you lose them en route. It is also useful to carry spare passport photos. You may wish to scan your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers and email them to yourself as attachments, so you may download copies to assist in obtaining replacements.

What To Wear
Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and on board. Jackets, ties and gowns are never required. Shorts and t-shirts are generally fine for daytime wear and jeans or dressier shorts and nice shirts are fine for evenings, however you may wish to bring something a bit dressier for one or two dinners. You will find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support, as well as head covering to protect from the sun. At some sites, you may also be required to have knees and shoulders covered. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) for unpredictable rain and cooler temperatures.

Special Diets
Please advise us at least 30 days prior to departure if you have any special dietary requirements. We will make every effort possible to accommodate your requests, however, please note that local conditions and seasonality can restrict our ability on occasions.

Settling Your Bill Onboard
The day before your cruise ends you will be given an invoice for any onboard charges you may have made. Please check the invoice to make sure all items are accounted for before payment/closing of the account. All onboard charges will be in Euros. Payment is accepted in cash (Euros) or by credit card. Your bank/credit card company will convert this into your card currency at their own exchange rate. Some bank/credit cards may charge a separate fee, as well.

Who travels with Brand g?
All of our vacations are created for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) travelers, along with straight allies, who enjoy innovative escorted vacations to international spots. None of our current trips are designed for participants under the age of 21.

What can I expect on Brand g travel program?
All of Brand g Vacations will have at least two trip escorts. Depending on the size and location of the program, we will also include signature Brand g entertainment, including cabaret artists, DJs and comedians. The true stars of any Brand g travel program are the travelers themselves. Whether you’re traveling with a partner or interested in making new friends, our trips provide excellent opportunities to explore the world with others that share similar values.

Do you offer a single supplement or a roommate sharing program?
We do offer a single supplement on all of our travel programs; however, it may vary depending on the destination. Our goal with roommate matching is to help facilitate an introduction with other solo travelers prior to your vacation to see if there is compatibility to share a room.

I am traveling by myself; will I be the only single traveler?
Not at all, depending on the trip, anywhere between 15 to 40% of the group will be solo travelers!

Should I buy travel insurance?
Brand g Vacations strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances that might prevent you from traveling with us or unfortunate circumstances during your trip. Travel Insurance is an excellent way of protecting your vacation investment. We recommend Travel Guard, however you are welcome to shop and compare plans from other companies to find the best fit for you.

Is it hard meeting others?
Even the shyest among us end up in group hugs by the end of our cruises. The intimate size (generally 60-150 passengers) provides an opportunity for people to get to know each other in a way not at all possible on large ocean cruises. Countless guests have commented that they aren’t outgoing, and did not anticipate meeting anyone on their cruises, yet made extraordinary new friends – and, in some cases, partners – onboard.

What does all-inclusive vacation mean?
All-inclusive can never mean every single thing; but at Brand g, we come as close as possible. Our trips almost inevitably include pre-cruise hotel stay, all transfers, unlimited wine and beer at lunch and dinner onboard, guided walking tours in every port, etc. When we say “inclusive”, we mean it! The specifics for this vacation are listed above.

Will I be the youngest onboard?
Mainstream river cruises sometimes have the perception that all the guests are well past retirement age. Brand g cruises, on the other hand, host a wide range of ages, from 20’s-80’s. The average age is mid-50’s, but on any given cruise there are a number of much younger and older guests. Brand g’s entertainment offerings onboard – from shows to parties – make our cruises, in the words of countless cruise staff, “the most fun group we’ve ever had on this ship”.