Delightful Le Phénicien floats lazily along the waterways
of the Camargue, meandering its way through the
Languedoc wine region. Observe the daily lives of
residents, and visit a ranch to see local cowboys tend to
their horses and bulls. Visit the medieval clifftop village
of Les Baux-de-Provence and Pont du Gard, the famed
ancient Roman aqueduct. Taste award-winning wines at
Châteauneuf-du-Pape and explore the historic Palais
des Papes in Avignon.
Meet in Avignon and transfer to Le Phénicien. Enjoy a welcome reception, followed by your first gourmet dinner on board.
Day 2 - MONDAY
In Avignon, visit the Palais des Papes that served as a fortress as well as a palace. With walls that are 13 feet thick in some places and defensive towers reaching to 165 feet, the Palais des Papes remains a symbol of the time when Avignon was the fortified center of the Christian world. Then, visit one of the best cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a guided visit and wine tasting.
Day 3 - TUESDAY
After breakfast, cruise to historic Villeneuve-lès-Avignon for a guided excursion to the Pont du Gard. This masterpiece of Roman engineering is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an informative museum showcasing the historic significance of the magnificent tri-level aqueduct. Back aboard, Le Phénicien passes through the 36-foot-high lock at Beaucaire en route to Aramon, where a lively game of pétanque awaits.
Day 4 - WEDNESDAY
Today, visit medieval Les Baux-de-Provence, dramatically set atop a rocky plateau of the Alpilles.
Day 5 - THURSDAY
An unforgettable cruise takes you to the Roman city of Arles, the "open-air museum" of Provence. Join your guide to explore the haunts of Vincent van Gogh, who painted a myriad of canvases here in 1888.
Day 6 - FRIDAY
Cruise to the Camargue this morning, heading east on the Canal du Rhône à Sète that links the Petit Rhône with the étangs (inland seas) dotting the Mediterranean coast. Moor in the quiet village of Gallician before visiting a prestigious manade (ranch), where local cowboys on white horses demonstrate how they tend their herds of bulls. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner to mark your last evening on board Le Phénicien.
Day 7 - SATURDAY
After breakfast, disembark in Aigues-Mortes and transfer to Nîmes, where your journey ends.