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Departing April 29, 2020
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Easy Tours are accessible for all travelers. There will be limited periods of standing or walking during sightseeing excursions as pre-booked transportation will take passengers between destinations.
Enjoy this uniquely beautiful cruise along the French rivers of Rhone and Saone. On this 08-day river cruise, you will experience picturesque villages, world famous wine producing regions, unforgettable landscapes in the regions of Provence and Burgundy, and be immersed in the impressive and historic cities, monuments and culture. Your cruise will make a round trip route from Lyon to Macon, where some of the world’s most expensive wines are made. Enjoy Chalon Sur Saone and Tournus and see the half-timbered houses and picturesque countryside landscapes. You will sail to Avignon, where its legacy can be seen in the massive Pope’s Palace. View the beauty of Arles, the town that inspired many of Van Gogh’s paintings. You can experience the magnificent Ardeche Gorge, a natural wonder in this region of southern France that has been carved out of limestone over time. Return to Lyon, the third largest city in France where you will disembark the cruise.
Cruises and shore excursions
Prices for this tour are based on per person, on twin/double room sharing basis.
Board your flight. Overnight on board your flight.
On arrival transfer to the port. Check-in begins at 4:00 pm. This afternoon you embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially prepared Welcome Dinner.
Overnight onboard
After breakfast today you will have the day in Macon, located in southern Burgundy. This is a wine producing region that makes some of the world’s most expensive wines. You can spend the morning exploring the city, and perhaps you will join the optional shore excursions to the wine museum that is dedicated to the history and production of Burgundy wines. Another optional excursion is a trip to the Cluny Abbey which is dedicated to St. Peter and was once home to over 10,000 monks. This afternoon is perfect for you to experience medieval Europe
Overnight onboard
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Macon with Wine Museum tour
With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the winemaking process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling, and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Guided tour to Cluny Abbey
The Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy was the center of a major monastic movement in the Middle Ages. Its church was the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica was rebuilt in Rome in the 16th century. Although most of the great Abbey of Cluny is in ruins, you can still see remnants showing the size and glory the abbey possessed at its zenith and imagine it as it once was. Today, one transept of the 12th-century abbey church remains, along with the 15th-century abbots’ residences and 18th-century convent buildings. The site also includes beautiful gardens and a museum with Romanesque artifacts. Your guide will show you around the ancient Benedictine abbey. This church, with its unusual dimensions, was completed under the abbacy of Pierre the Venerable and consecrated in 1130. Its principal architect was Hézelon de Liège. The idea for its construction is said to have originated from a monk’s dream.
Today you can continue to explore the famous wine region with a half day stop in Chalon Sur Saone. Here you can find half-timbered houses that overlook the town square, local art galleries, specialty shops, and even a museum dedicated to photography. In the countryside, you can find famous vineyards such as Pommard and Puligny, a true delight to wine lovers. After returning to the ship you will sail towards Tournus and enjoy a brief stop to soak in the scenic landscapes surrounded by medieval towns of Brancion and Cormatin which you can visit and tour if you choose to join the optional excursion.
Overnight onboard
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Burgundy excursion to Beaune with wine tasting
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times. The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Excursion to Brancion and Cormatin
We leave Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Brançion for a short photo stop before continuing to the Castle of Cormatin. Behind its understated exterior lies inestimable splendor. The castle is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous castles in Burgundy, and, in addition, it boasts a Renaissance garden. The sculpted yews break up the symmetry as you enter this moated château. The rich, colorful interior reflects the French and more particularly, the Parisian fashion during the reign of Louis XIII. Built between 1605 and 1629 by the du Blé family, it chronicles the history of the arts at this time in France. The formal Renaissance garden has the “fountain of life” at its center. Beyond this is a maze with a charming wrought-iron aviary. From the top of this, you can get an overview of the parkThis morning you will wake up in Lyon, the third largest city in France that is at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage city that is well known for its cuisine and historical and architecture landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere and Old Lyon. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon onboard as the vessel sails through the picturesque countryside.
Overnight onboard
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: City tour of Lyon
Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. It's rich, ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. The city tour begins with a coach trip to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The well-known pilgrimage church stands on a hill, offering an unforgettable view of the city. After you’ve had a look around on your own and enjoyed a drive along the banks of the Sâone, with views of various sights including the Cathedral of St. John and the Palace of Justice, you will have the opportunity to explore Lyon’s Old Town. 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.
Today you will have a full day in Avignon, a Provencal city that is home to the Papal Palace which was once the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Perhaps you will choose to further explore this landmark which was home to six papal conclaves before it returned to Rome on an optional excursion. This area is also known for the Pont du Gard which is a three-level aqueduct that was constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans, and even today it is known as an ancient architectural masterpiece.
Overnight onboard
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Avignon walking tour with Papal Palace
Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church, and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Excursion to Pont du Gard and Uzes
The Pont du Gard is the greatest surviving stretch of a fifty-kilometer-long (thirty-one mile) aqueduct, built by the Romans in the middle of the first century to supply fresh water to the city of Nimes. With just a seventeen-meter difference in altitude between beginning and end, the aqueduct was quite an achievement for its time. Some miles further on, near the start of the aqueduct, lies the city of Uzès. This lovely old town perches on a hill above the River Alzon. Half a dozen medieval towers rise above its tiled roofs. The most fetching is the windowed, Pisa-like Tour Fenestrelle, tacked onto the cathedral. The narrow lanes are lined with Renaissance and Neoclassical houses which were once the residences of the 17th- and the 18th-century bourgeoisie, who had grown rich on textiles.
Today you will be able to spend the day in Arles, a city on the Rhone River that is famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh. You walk through the town; many settings may seem familiar as some of Van Gogh’s best-known pieces reflect the same beauty that you will experience and be inspired by. An optional excursion today can take you outside of town, to the Camargue Nature Park. This is a park that spans over 86,000 hectares and is known for its unique flora and fauna, including semi-wild bulls and white Camargue horses.
Overnight on board
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Arles walking tour
Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Excursion to Camargue Nature Park
The Camargue is like its own little country. Once you’re a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the unique atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads crisscrossing the marshes and farmlands. For the protection of the exceptional fauna and flora, part of the Camargue was listed as a nature reserve as early as 1927. In 1970, the whole Island of Camargue (the delta of the Rhône River) was listed as the Regional Nature Park of Camargue. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including the renowned Camargue bulls and horses that live in semi-freedom, and many hundreds of species of birds. You will also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhône joins the ocean. This village is steeped in history and boasts stunning beaches which meet the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
This morning you have an opportunity to view the Ardeche Gorge, a natural wonder of the area where the gorges are a canyon that has been hollowed out of the limestone plateau- a truly remarkable site. The vessel will remain for a short time in Le Pouzin and you will have the chance to explore the Ardeche Gorge on an optional excursion. As you return to the vessel this evening you will enjoy a Gala Dinner with the Captain.
Overnight on board
OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Excursion to the Ardeche Gorge
The Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, its spectacular limestone cliffs tower up to 1,000 ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to the Ardèche Gorge is through the famous Pont d’Arc near Vallon which, at 192 feet is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, “the largest natural bridge in Europe”. You will take the famous Gorge Trail, from which you can see the harmonious meanderings of the river. Beautiful viewpoints such as the Pont d’Arc and Serre de Tourre offer the greatest views onto the canyon and the river Ardèche.
Enjoy breakfast on board before you disembark this morning. Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight back home.
This vessel is the newest addition to the Amadeus fleet which travels exclusively along the Rhone and Saone, two of France's most beautiful rivers. Onboard you will find a restaurant and Panorama-Bar, both offering divine views of the passing riverscapes. The glass shielded outdoor River Terrace allows you to relax regardless of the weater while the pool and outdoor bar area lets you relax in the sun. Other amenities include a fitness room, spa and retail shops. Over 4 decks, there are 70 cabins to accomodate a maximum of 140 passengers. There are elevators on board to assist passengers between the decks.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
France
Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.
Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.
We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.
For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
France
How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?
You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.
How do I create an Indus Account?
Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours!
If I don't remember my password, how do I log in?
Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.
How do I view my invoice?
You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.
How do I make payment online?
Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform.
What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?
We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.
Where do I mail a cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada
When is my final payment due?
Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, the final payment is due 90 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier (All tours including cruise final payment is due 120 days before departure).
How much is my final payment?
The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.
Can I send a bank cheque or money order?
Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.
To whom should I write the cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.
Can I pay with a debit card?
No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.
How do I know if Indus received my payment?
You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online
When will I receive my e-Documents?
Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.
Can I get paper documents?
Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.
How do I access and print my documents?
Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History.
Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?
Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
How do I know where to find my airline ticket?
With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.
If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How do I obtain a visa?
A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How much does a visa cost?
There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.
You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.
What are optional sightseeing tours?
Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website.
When can I add optional tours?
Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.
Can I purchase optional tours locally?
Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.
Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.
What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?
For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.
When can I purchase Travel Insurance?
American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.
When is Travel Insurance active?
Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.
I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?
Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour?
Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.
Can I reserve a seat assignment?
For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.
Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?
In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.
Should I check-in online?
It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.
Can I request a special meal on the flight?
Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.
Can I use my frequent flier miles?
Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.
What is required when I check-in?
Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.
What is required with International travel?
An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.
