Depart From: Depart US for international flight to France

Arrive To: Arrive in Marseille and transfer to the program hotel in Aix.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, check in at your hotel to rest and freshen up. Then assemble with your fellow participants for an orientation meeting and a short walk around Aix-en-Provence to orient yourself to the area.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner at or near the hotel

Lodging: Grand Hôtel Roi René

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel

Morning: Enjoy a walking field trip around Aix-en-Provence to discover this historic city and heart of Provence. Discover the old religious and civil districts around the cathedral and the city hall, 17th- and 18th-century mansions' façades, typical squares with their fountains and the Cours Mirabeau.

Lunch: Lunch at a local bistro

Afternoon: During a field trip and on-site lecture you will follow in the footsteps of Cézanne. Explore the artist's studio and the landscape that inspired many of his paintings.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore the foods of Provence.

Lodging: Grand Hôtel Roi René

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel

Morning: Have a relaxing opportunity to explore under the plane trees of the Place Richelme where you will find the market of the producers of Aix and its surrounding region.

Lunch: Lunch in the old port area of Cassis

Afternoon: In Cassis you will discover the famous and unique Calanques (deep narrow bays). Learn about their geological history and how they determined the way of living in this little Provençal village. Then return to Aix along the scenic crest road as your guide discusses the Mediterranean environment and the impact of civilization on the landscape.

Dinner: Dinner at or near the hotel

Lodging: Grand Hôtel Roi René

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel

Morning: Today you will learn about the traditions and history of the Camargue, France's "Wild West." This morning start in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer with her mythical church and proceed away from the coast to better understand the Camargue's landscape and wildlife. At the Ornithological Park you will have a chance to glimpse the wealth of marine birds that call this area home and perhaps even sight the elusive pink flamingo.

Lunch: Lunch at a manade (the Camargue's version of a typical ranch or bull farm) in the heart of the Camargue serving local specialties

Afternoon: This afternoon you will explore the manade and learn about daily life on the ranch, with its roots in the traditions and history of the Camargue.

Dinner: In the early evening board the ship in Martigues. After checking in, enjoy a welcome cocktail and leisurely dinner and evening on the barge.

Lodging: MS Van Gogh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning, we coach to Arles to learn about the games enjoyed by the Romans in the amphitheater, a splendid and complex piece of architecture which still remains standing in the middle of the city.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: This afternoon you have time to explore Arles on your own and perhaps take a moment to appreciate the Romanesque architecture represented in Saint Trophime church. For those of you who prefer to remain with the group, you can join your expert local guide for a walking discovery of Arles, including some of the sites that inspired Van Gogh.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Van Gogh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Explore the medieval city of Avignon with your local guide. Then take some time for individual exploration of the town. Alternatively, you may remain with the group for a walking exploration of the austere and imposing Palais des Papes where we learn about the history of the papacy in Avignon. If time allows you can then individually visit the Saint Benezet Bridge, known as "Le Pont d'Avignon," made famous by a children's song.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: As you cruise northward on the Rhone your Group Leader will present a lecture on Provence through the centuries, revealing a melting pot of civilizations.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Evening: Enjoy an optional evening stroll in Viviers with your Group Leader.

Lodging: MS Van Gogh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning you have the opportunity to visit rural Provence and breathe in the country air at the beautiful family gardens of "Jardin aux abeilles" (Garden of bees) in Marsanne. En route to rejoin the boat in La Voulte you will stop in Cliousclat, a town specializing in traditional pottery.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon lecture focused on the history of the great wine regions along the Rhone. After arrival in Tain l'Hermitage you will walk with your Group Leader to a small wine cellar and taste some of the regional wines paired with local specialties.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Van Gogh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning the focus is on the Roman vestiges of the Northern Rhône. Explore the Saint Romain en Gal museum and archaeological site and learn about the everyday life of the ancient Romans. Then continue on to the Chaponost Aqueduct where you will marvel at the amazing beauty and technology created more than 2,000 years ago.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant on Fourvière hill in Lyon

Afternoon: This afternoon move ahead in time and explore Lyon of the Middle Ages. This UNESCO World Heritage city sits at the confluence of two great rivers, the Saône and Rhône, and has long been at the center of European trade because of its strategic location. Walk through Old Lyon and admire the architecture, hidden passageways and alleyways.

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MS Van Gogh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Your Group Leader will present a lecture on the history of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and the history of France from the fall of the Roman Empire to 1477.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: This afternoon you will explore the monastic city of Tournus and learn about the role of monasteries in the wine trade. Then travel to a family vineyard where you will have the opportunity to taste the great wines of southern Burgundy and talk with a Cellar Master about his work.

Dinner: Farewell dinner and evening celebration on board the barge.

Lodging: MS Van Gogh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: This morning leave your ship behind and head towards Paris, driving past some of the world's most renowned vineyards. Stop in Beaune for an educational stroll of the fortified city, capital of the Burgundy wine trade, and enjoy an on-site lecture at the famous Hospices de Beaune.

Lunch: Take this opportunity to have a quick lunch on your own before continuing on to Paris.

Afternoon: After lunch you will journey on to Paris and check in to your hotel.

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant in Paris.

Lodging: Villa Montparnasse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel

Morning: This morning, accompanied by an expert lecturer and Paris resident, you will explore Medieval Paris and the Île de la Cité.

Lunch: Today, lunch is on your own. It is your chance to be a Parisian for a day. Choose to eat on a terrace, in a cafe or just buy something from the local market and picnic along the Seine. Your Group Leader can assist you in making a good choice.

Afternoon: This is your chance to set your own schedule and expore the city on your own. Your Group Leader will provide suggestions for activities and general information.

Dinner: Tonight say goodbye to each other in style during a festive farewell dinner.

Lodging: Villa Montparnasse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel

In Transit: Transfer to Charles de Gaulle airport for international flights.

Meals Included: Breakfast