2026 Enchanting France with optional Rhone River Viking Cruise

Late this afternoon, we report to the airport and join the flight to Dubai.

We arrive in Dubai early this morning and after clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a two-night stay. There is time to rest up after the flight until mid-afternoon when we visit the Museum of the Future. One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the museum takes pride of place along the city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Termed a ‘living museum’, it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future’s limitless possibilities. Visitors have the chance to engage with this game-changing technology. Each floor of the museum is designed like an expansive, interactive movie set, brought to life by expert storytellers, technologists and visionary artists. There is time for exploration before we return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

An early morning transfer to the airport where we join the 7-hour flight to Paris. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3-night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening.

Our day begins with a panoramic tour of Paris aboard our private coach, offering a sweeping introduction to the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the grand Champs-Élysées, the elegant Place de la Concorde, and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, every turn reveals a masterpiece of architecture and culture. Along the way, glimpses of the Seine River, charming bridges, and bustling Parisian life create an unforgettable tapestry of the city’s beauty.

Following time for lunch, we visit the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Home to priceless treasures like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the museum’s vast halls invite visitors to immerse themselves in centuries of art and history. As the perfect ending to our day, the evening features a dinner-cruise on the Seine. Gliding past illuminated landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame, we will dine on exquisite French cuisine while toasting to the beauty and elegance of Paris. The soft glow of the city lights reflecting on the water creates a magical atmosphere, ensuring a truly memorable evening in the City of Light.

In the morning, we leave Paris for Chantilly to visit Chantilly castle. Upon arrival, a guided visit of the Château de Chantilly reveals opulent interiors, priceless art collections, and the fascinating legacy of the French nobility. We will explore the Grand Stables, a magnificent 18th-century structure housing the Living Museum of the Horse, offering insight into the town’s deep equestrian traditions. Our day’s touring concludes with a leisurely ride on the little train, winding through the château’s stunning park and gardens, designed by the legendary André Le Nôtre. We then return to Paris with the rest of the day and evening at your leisure.

After checking out of our hotel, we make our way to Tours, in the heart of the Loire Valley. Upon arrival, there will be free time for lunch before we enjoy a guided tour. Strolling through the historic Place Plumereau, we see timber-framed houses and lively cafés. A visit to the majestic Saint-Gatien Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic façade and intricate stained glass, highlights the city’s artistic and architectural splendour. We enjoy dinner together this evening.

Today, we journey to Chambord. Here we step into the grandeur of the Château de Chambord, one of the most magnificent castles of the Loire Valley. A guided visit unveils its breathtaking Renaissance architecture, the iconic double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, and the vast estate that once served as a royal hunting lodge. Wanough its opulent halls and expansive grounds, visitors experience the sheer extravagance of French royalty. We then visit a local videring thrnery in the Loire Valley for a cellar visit and wine tasting before returning to our hotel in Tours.

After breakfast, we continue our journey towards the region of Normandy. On our way we will stop at the city of Le Mans for lunch and free time to stroll through the old city.  We will continue our journey to Honfleur with dinner included tonight.

The day begins with a guided city tour of Honfleur, a picturesque port town where half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and a bustling marina create an atmosphere straight out of a painting. We explore the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor), admire the wooden Sainte-Catherine Church, and soak in the maritime charm that has long inspired artists. Following time for lunch, we visit a local orchard, where we learn about Normandy’s cider-making tradition, followed by a delicious tasting of locally made cider and artisanal Norman cheeses, a perfect pairing of the region’s flavours.

Today we journey to Giverny, where the enchanting world of Claude Monet comes to life. Upon arrival, visitors step into the Monet House and Gardens, a masterpiece of colour and harmony that inspired the artist’s most famous works. Strolling through the lush flower gardens and the iconic Japanese water garden, with its lily-covered pond and arched bridge, feels like stepping into an Impressionist painting. After time for lunch, our journey continues to the Champagne region. Dinner is included this evening.

After breakfast, we depart by coach meandering through rolling vineyards and quaint villages, where half-timbered houses and church steeples dot the countryside. Passing through historic towns and winding country roads, we will catch glimpses of grand châteaux and traditional wine estates, hinting at the rich viticultural heritage of the region. Upon arrival in Aÿ, the heart of Champagne country, we visit a Champagne Cellar with lunch and pairing.

This afternoon, we continue to Reims, the coronation city of French kings, where history and grandeur unfold at every turn. A visit to the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece adorned with intricate stained glass and soaring spires, offers a glimpse into the past, where monarchs were once crowned.

Today we continue our tour towards Eastern France with a 2-hour journey to Nancy. Upon arrival, we have some free time for lunch and then a city tour led by a local guide. Learn about the magnificent buildings from the art-deco period that Nancy is famous for. Art-deco was an artistic style movement in many European cities, but Nancy had its own “school of Nancy” movement that left an important heritage in the city. We will visit the most emblematic art-deco buildings from outside.  We will see Stanislau’s square, named as one of the most important in Europe. We will also have some free time to enjoy the city.  This evening dinner is included in a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we journey to Strasbourg. This city is full of history and culture, and we enjoy a full day touring today. The tour begins in the heart of the city at Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s lively central square, before heading to the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with intricate stone carvings and an astronomical clock. Visitors marvel at its towering spire and can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city. Entrance is not included, if you choose to climb the 330 stairs to the top, this will be subject to weather conditions and ticket availability.  Strolling through the charming streets of La Petite France, we can admire the district’s half-timbered houses, picturesque canals, and medieval bridges, all reflecting Strasbourg’s enchanting Alsatian character. The tour continues along the Ill River, passing the historic Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam, offering stunning panoramic views. Finally, our tour concludes in the European Quarter, home to the European Parliament and Council of Europe, highlighting Strasbourg’s role as a political and cultural hub.  We then continue on to Colmar and check in to our hotel.

After breakfast, we embark on a charming tour of Colmar aboard the tourist train, winding through the town’s cobblestone streets and past its colourful half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and historic landmarks. A delicious lunch follows, where we savour Alsatian flavours in a cozy local setting. There is some free time, perfect for exploring hidden corners, visiting boutiques, or simply soaking in Colmar’s fairy-tale ambiance. We take a scenic journey through vineyards, rolling hills, and charming medieval villages. As we tour through Alsace with timber-framed houses and lush countryside setting the stage for Colmar’s fairy-tale charm, with its pastel facades, flower-lined canals, and old-world ambiance. We will stop in one of the typical Alsatian villages of Obernai or Riquewihr that seem to be taken out of a fairytale. A short orientation tour before returning to our hotel in Colmar.

After breakfast, we drive to nearby Basel for a taste of Switzerland. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a city tour of Basel: old town with stone cobbled streets, city hall and Cathedral mingling with first class modern architecture. After lunch, visit an antique Roman archaeological park, unique in this part of Europe “Augusta Raurica” where entrance is included. We will see a Roman amphitheatre, Baths and the Museum.

This morning, visit “Jakob Basler’s” the most antique cookie factory in Europe, and the oldest in Switzerland where we will learn the old art of biscuit making. During the one hour visit we will learn about the history, enjoy a historical overview of the development of the Lackerli (biscuits), a tour of the factory and a tasting of Lackerli recipes from three centuries. At the end of the tour, you can prove yourself as a packer and pack your own biscuit. In the afternoon, we continue to Dijon, one of France’s most appealing cities – filled with elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings that hark back to the city’s 14^th and 15^th century heyday as the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. With its compact and pedestrian-friendly centre, lively street scene and aesthetically pleasing ensemble of half-timbered houses and polychrome tile roofs, it is a wonderful city to explore with our local guide. We will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner together this evening.

After breakfast, we make our way to Château Marsannay located at the gates of Dijon city, in the heart of the vineyards, offering a magnificent view of the Clos de Jeu plot. We enjoy a tour of the cellars and a tasting of six wines to discover the complexity of the climates from Côte d’Or.  We continue to Beaune for a delightful lunch in Beaune offers a taste of the region’s renowned cuisine, paired with local wines. We will visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Hospices de Beaune, where we can marvel at its stunning Flemish architecture and rich history as a medieval charitable hospital, before enjoying a tour of the Fallot Mustard Mill, providing a deeper dive into Burgundy’s culinary heritage. We return to Dijon, where we overnight.

After breakfast, we drive towards Switzerland for the second time. This time, to visit a more cosmopolitan city of Geneve. From the French valley we will drive through the lush green hills and lakes to reach one of the most known cities of Switzerland. Upon arrival, we will do a Geneve city tour and enjoy the unique ambient the city offers. We will see the famous “Jet d’eau” fountain by the Geneva Lake, Geneve’s most prominent landmark followed by the old city, and the see of United Nations (Palais des Nations). On completion, we will drive to our hotel in Annecy.

After breakfast, we will do a short orientation tour of Annecy to enjoy its unique ambience ashore of the lake. You will have time at leisure for lunch and to explore the town on your own.

This afternoon, we will drive to a nearby village to visit Paccard Foundry Museum where bells have been fabricated since 1796. It will give you a unique opportunity to learn everything about a handicraft that has existed for more than 4000 years. We enjoy a farewell dinner together this evening.

After breakfast, we proceed to Lyon. For those who have opted to do the Viking Rhône cruise, you will be transferred to the port for embarkation.

Those passengers travelling home, will be transferred to the airport in time to join the afternoon flight to Dubai. Arrival time is midnight, and overnight accommodation is reserved at the airport.

Time for the last leg of our journey on our flight home.

Arrival time is mid-morning.

After breakfast, we proceed to Lyon where we embark our river ship, which will be our home for the next 7 nights.  Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Lyon straddles the Rhône and Saône Rivers. After Paris, it is considered the country’s most significant cultural. Amid a cityscape of red-roofed buildings, tree-lined boulevards and riverside promenades, the cobblestone streets of Old Lyon host a rich collection of Renaissance architecture and intimate traboules, unique passageways through buildings that connect adjacent streets, all of it overlooked by the grand basilica atop Fourvière Hill. The city also boasts a wealth of outstanding museums, cultural treasures and excellent Lyonnaise eateries.

Lyon is known as the food capital of France. It is not uncommon for well-heeled Parisians to travel to Lyon for dinner. The city is surrounded by towns and villages that produce excellent fresh produce, and gastronomic outlets are plentiful here. The great chefs of Lyon enjoy celebrity status, whether they prepare classic recipes the traditional way or elevate them with their own signature touches. Their delicious meals may be paired with a glass of light, fruity Beaujolais from the north or a bold Rhône red from the south.

During our included excursion, we see the magnificent highlights – beginning with a drive to the Basilica of Notre Dame, at the top of Fourvière Hill. After exploring the interior of this spectacular church, enjoy sweeping views of the red roofs of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) and the narrow peninsula of land between the rivers comprising the atmospheric Presqu’île shopping district. Next, drive through town past the flamboyant Gothic St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice, stopping at the city’s famed Painted Houses, a breathtaking collection of outdoor murals depicting some 30 of the city’s famous figures. Then, continue with a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, where the city’s famous traboules, unique hidden passageways made for busy merchants in medieval days, wend through buildings and courtyards. Later, you can shop for souvenirs, perhaps purchasing some of the fine silk for which Lyon is world famous.

One of Europe’s densest concentrations of urban Renaissance buildings, Old Lyon is pure pleasure to explore. The dwellings of this UNESCO site date back to the city’s silk weaving success during the 15th century, when Italian merchants and bankers put their profits into building town houses; today some of their elegant residences house museums. St. Jean Cathedral lies in the heart of Old Lyon and is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It has weathered periods of political turmoil and religious wars and is now one of the city’s most prominent symbols.

On our included excursion today, we discover why Beaujolais is one of France’s most beloved wine regions. It is larger than any single district of its neighbour, Burgundy. Vineyards stretch for four miles along the Saône, and the granite soils and warmer climate make it ideal for growing grapes that produce a light flavour. We join a local guide for a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep. Then, stop at a local village and enjoy a stroll as we learn about the art of winemaking. We also stop at one of Beaujolais’s famous cellars to enjoy a tasting with a wine expert.

Situated in France’s Côtes du Rhône region, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon’s countryside. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with a history that can be traced through its architecture. Among its Roman remains and artifacts, the Roman Temple of Augustus & Livia dates back to the 1st century AD. Its Roman amphitheater, nestled in the hills of Mont Pipet, is one of the best preserved in the nation. Vienne also boasts remarkably preserved medieval buildings and market ruins. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-André-le-Bas. Get to know Vienne and its rich Roman past during a leisurely included walking tour.

The lure of fine cuisine, charming villages and breathtaking vistas is never-ending along the Rhône River. Journey along this graceful waterway, meandering past vine-clad banks, and incredibly preserved echoes of medieval times and the days of the Roman Empire. The several locks through which the ship passes have helped to tame its waters, once unnavigable because of rapids, shallows and whirlpools. Today, a voyage along this stretch is a pleasant, gentle experience, surrounded by the hills and soaring mountains of the Rhône Valley.

Tournon lies secluded between the river and the vineyard-blanketed granite slopes that nurture fine vintages. An ancient castle, built snugly into a rock, overlooks the riverside setting. A settlement has perched on this hill since Celtic times, but the stunning views from its overlook have never changed. The name of its neighboring wine-producing region, Tain-l’Hermitage, comes from the hermit who planted vines here after returning from the Crusades. Today, his vines are awash in sunshine and produce a port-like wine and some stellar whites. On our included excursion, wet raverse one of France’s most picturesque corners during a train excursion into the wilds of the Doux Valley. After lunch, we arrive in the sleepy town of Viviers, founded during the 5th century. This former Roman settlement became a bishop’s seat, and conflicts during ensuing centuries required the town to be fortified. With the Renaissance came a more stable period of wealth that allowed many new houses to be built, including a fine example of the era that still stands, the Maison des Chevaliers. Some buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and time seems to stand still along the cobblestone streets of its Old Town, dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral with its beautiful windows. On our included excursion, we join a local guide who knows the town intimately for a delightful stroll that brings out its peaceful ambience. Amble along its picturesque sycamore-lined avenue, linger for a spell in the Place de la Roubine and see the Maison des Chevaliers, or Knights’ House, a Renaissance treasure that stands as the oldest house in town. Along the way, you will also see the smallest cathedral in France, the 11th-century St. Vincent Cathedral, standing meditatively in the town square.

Experience the celebrated city of Arles, where Roman ruins and vibrant colours have inspired artists. On our included excursion, we will explore by foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in this energetic city of diverse architecture at the edge of Provence. Begin with a stroll to the massive Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheatre able to seat 20,000. Continue to the Antique Theatre, peering inside as you pass. This 1st-century wonder stood three stories tall and seated 10,000. Follow the Rue du Cloître to the Place de la République, a bustling square that once hosted the ancient Roman Circus. Here, you will see the 15th-century Church of St. Trophime, a Romanesque triumph named for a 3rd-century bishop. A walk down the Rue de la République delivers you to the Espace Van Gogh, the local hospital that treated the artist and today serves as a cultural centre.

When the Catholic Church acquired Avignon during the 1300s, it quickly transformed the quiet riverside village into a major religious and cultural centre. Evidence of the makeover is everywhere. In addition to the enormous palace, the church constructed a wall around Avignon and provided mansion-like residences to its cardinals. Avignon Cathedral was dwarfed by its neighbour, the Palace of the Popes. Centuries after the papacy returned to Rome, the Vatican called for a gilded statue of Mary to be placed atop the cathedral; her golden gaze still welcomes visitors today. We’ll join a local guide on our complimentary excursion and follow the historic centre of narrow streets to the Place de l’Horloge, the city’s central square, a scene of balconies, elegant facades and shading trees. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour, before we return to our ship in the afternoon.

It’s time to disembark this morning and farewell captain and crew. Transfer to Nice where you will board the flight home via Dubai.

Time for the last leg of our journey on our flight home.

Arrival time is mid-morning