September 0615, 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.
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