Road Scholar : Paris, Barcelona and Vineyards and Villages of the Rhone - Spain/France

Paris, Barcelona and Vineyards and Villages of the Rhone

Program Number:

20758RJ

Start and End Dates:


	4/15/2013 - 4/29/2013; 9/16/2013 - 9/30/2013;

Duration:

14 nights

Location:

Spain/France

Price starting at:

$5,673.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; River Boats

Meals:

29; 13 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Meal Options:

Gluten Free; Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian

Every day is a masterpiece on this voyage from Paris to Provence to Barcelona. Discover grand Parisian boulevards and artists� haunts, sail through legendary wine-growing regions, step inside castles and palaces, examine sprawling Roman ruins and experience the bold architecture and unique culture of Barcelona.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some cobblestones and unavoidable stairs.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Paris (France), 3 nights; aboard MS AmaDagio, 7 nights; Barcelona (Spain), 3 nights.

Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

Days 2-4: Arrival Paris (France):

An expert-led excursion takes you to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Champs-Elysees. Discover the arts district of Montmartre. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.

Days 5-6: Train to Lyon / embark MS AmaDagio:

A high-speed train whisks you through the countryside to Lyon. Explore this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7: Tr�voux:

Journey past the chateaux of the Beaujolais wine region to a small vineyard for a tasting and discussion.

Day 8: Vienne:

Examine the marvelously preserved Roman ruins and remains of Vienne, highlighted by the Temple of Augustus and Livia.

Day 9: Tournon & Viviers:

Experience French pastoral life in the village of Boucieu-le-Roi. In the small town of Viviers, residents share stories of the past.

Day 10: Avignon:

Step inside the Palace of the Popes, a Gothic edifice that was the center of the Catholic Church between 1309 and 1377.

Day 11: Arles:

Venture to Les Baux-de-Provence, a village situated spectacularly atop a mountain outcrop. Visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provencal tradition.

Days 12-15: Disembark / coach to Barcelona (Spain) / departure:

Journey through the Camargue marshland and visit the medieval town of Perpignan. In Barcelona, discover the architecture of Antoni Gaud� and walk through the Gothic Quarter. Discuss life in Barcelona and the Catalan identity with locals. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.

ms Amadagio

The ms Amadagio is a deluxe vessel that debuted in 2006. 360 feet long, it carries 148 passengers. Public areas include a restaurant with complimentary dinner wines, wellness area, sun deck with whirlpool, bicycles to be used to explore the towns visited. An onboard Infotainment system offers Internet access, TV and a satellite telephone.

Meals and Lodgings
	Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
		Paris, France	3 nights
	MS Amadagio
		MS Amadagio at sea	7 nights
	Hotel Barcelona Center
		Barcelona, Spain	3 nights

Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	The newly renovated Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel is situated in a leafy neighborhood less than a 5-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.
	Contact info:	20 Rue Jean Rey Paris Cedex 15, 75737 France phone: +33 (0)1 45 78 53 46 web: www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-2175-mercure-paris-centre-tour-eiffel/index.shtml
	Room amenities:	Each room features a minibar, air conditioning, hair dryer, iron and ironing board (upon request), in-room safe, phone, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary bottled water, television, and free Wi-Fi.
	Facility amenities:	This hotel features the Eiffel Lounge Restaurant which specializes in French cuisine, room service, a 24 hour fitness center with views of the Eiffel Tower, bicycle rentals, business-related amenities, laundry services, and complimentary high speed wireless Internet access in the public areas.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404.
	Check in time:	3:00 PM

MS Amadagio
	Type:	Cruise Ship
	Description:	AMAWATERWAYS has redefined the concept of luxury travel. From gorgeous contemporary artwork in the lobbies, to the inviting hallways, you will feel at home the moment you step onboard the MS Amadagio. The professional ship staff does their best to ensure that each day is filled with memorable experiences.
	Ship Information:	Built in Holland in 2006. Decks: 4 - Bottom to top; Piano Deck, Cello Deck, Violin Deck, Sun Deck Crew: 41 Passengers: 148 Registry: Switzerland Home port: Basel Length: 360 ft; Width: 38 ft Cabins: 71 Staterooms and 4 Jr. Suites.
	Contact info:	AMAWATERWAYS 21625 Prairie St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA phone: 800-626-0126 web: www.AmaWaterways.com
	Room amenities:	Deluxe down bedding, marble bathrooms w/multi-jet shower (bathtubs in Jr. suites), premium toiletries, plush terry bathrobes, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat screen TV, individually controlled air-conditioning, an Infotainment System and ample closet space.
	Facility amenities:	As one of Europe's most deluxe river cruise ships, the MS Amadagio has much to offer its passengers: an enhanced shore excursion program will give you an in-depth and authentic view of the cultures and histories of the cities you visit; a panoramic forward lounge with bar, piano and dance floor provide an elegant atmosphere in which to relax with friends and family; an aft lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi access; gratuitous specialty coffee station; open seating gourmet dining in our restaurant with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks; elevator connecting Cello and Violin Decks; fitness center, featuring exercise equipment, sauna and shower; beauty salon and Masseuse; walking track, whirlpool and bicycles for exploring on one's own. Laundry services are available onboard for a fee. Price lists will be available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned onboard.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Hotel Barcelona Center
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	This four-star hotel, the Hotel Barcelona Center, is located in the heart of the Eixample district. It boasts the perfect combination of an unforgettable location and high quality, modern accommodation complimented with the latest technological amenities.
	Contact info:	c. Balmes 103 - 105 Barcelona, 08008 Spain phone: +34 93 273 00 00 web: www.hotelescenter.com
	Room amenities:	Each room has a hair dryer, mini bar, safe box, telephone, TV, and wireless Internet access.
	Facility amenities:	The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, sauna, gym, Jacuzzi, lounge, air conditioning, wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, computer with Internet in the lobby, laundry facilities (for a fee), fax machine, and a rooftop terrace.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. 1-800-241-1404
	Check out time:	12:00 PM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Paris, France. Program begins at 4:00 PM in the hotel lobby. You will be staying at Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel that night.
	End of Program: Barcelona, Spain. Program ends on the last day after breakfast. You will be staying at Hotel Barcelona Center the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
	Parking availability: N/A

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	In flight
	Transportation to site:	Take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The cost is between 60 and 80 Euro and takes about 45 minutes.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Barcelona
	Transportation from site:	Take a taxi from the hotel to the airport. The cost is approximately 20 Euro and takes about 30 minutes.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

In Transit
(Monday, April 15)

Depart From:

Depart US/Canada on international flights.

Day 2:

Welcome Reception / Program Introduction
(Tuesday, April 16)

Morning:	Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax or explore the city.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:	At 5:00 PM welcome and introduction to the program at the hotel.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 3:

Paris, France
(Wednesday, April 17)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Enjoy the famous sites of Paris during a guided bus excursion which includes the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and concludes at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Take in a lecture about the City of Lights.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:	Free time to explore Paris.
Dinner:	Explore local fare on your own.

Accommodations:	Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Meals Included:	Breakfast

Day 4:

Paris, France
(Thursday, April 18)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Explore the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre during a guided field trip which includes Place du Tertre and Sacre Coeur.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:	Free time to explore.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5:

Paris / Lyon / Perouges / Embarkation
(Friday, April 19)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	After checking out of your hotel, you will be taken to Gare de Lyon station to board the TGV high speed train that will whisk you through the French countryside to Lyon.
Lunch:	Lunch on your own during the train ride.
Afternoon:	Nestled between the Saone and Rhone rivers, Lyon is one of France's most important cities and gastronomic capitals. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. Upon arrival, we take a bus to Perouges, a small, medieval village. After a guided excursion through the village, there will be the opportunity to try some medieval wines during a wine tasting. Transfer to the MS Amadagio.
Dinner:	Welcome dinner and cocktail party on board.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6:

Lyon, France
(Saturday, April 20)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Today your field trip of Lyon will take you to the Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the Place des Terreaux, with Bartholdi's Fountain and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourviere, part of the historic region designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Hill of Prayers, Fourviere is famous for its iconic white Basilica of Notre-Dame; ruins of a Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	This afternoon, you will have some free time to explore Lyon on your own. In the late afternoon, the ship will sail from Lyon to Belville.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Belville / Vienne, France
(Sunday, April 21)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	This morning's bus excursion will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d'Or or "land of the golden stones," named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. You will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt. You will also visit the winery and home of a local vintner, which will include wine tasting, a guided vineyard excursion, and explanation of the history of wine production in the region. Board the ship in Belville around noon.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	This afternoon we sail all afternoon in the direction of Vienne, meanwhile enjoying the beautiful scenery. Take in a lecture, on board, about the different styles of architecture that we will see during the program.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Vienne / Tournon, France
(Monday, April 22)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. This morning's excursion will take you through Vienne. Highlights will include the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theater and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	The ship will depart at midday for Tournon. Take in a lecture about the European Union.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Tournon / Boucieu-le-Roi / Viviers, France
(Tuesday, April 23)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	This morning, we will explore Comas, one of the premier producers of Cotes du Rhone wines. Taste the local wines, cheeses and pastries, and enjoy some free time to explore Tournon.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	This afternoon we cruise to Viviers.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	We will enjoy a unique view of the town's history and legends. Follow along on a "ghost walk" through this once-thriving medieval town, as fascinating and poignant stories of its past are brought to life by the town's current residents. The ship moors overnight in Viviers.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Viviers / Avignon, France
(Wednesday, April 24)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	This morning we leave the ship in St. Etienne de Sortes and transfer to St. Remy de Provence for a guided field trip. Take in a lecture on Vincent Van Gogh's life and work while he lived in the St. Paul Asylum. Afterwards, we will transfer to Avignon to meet our ship.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Home to the papacy from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was an important center of the Catholic Church. Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, which you will visit during your field trip. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards you will have some free time.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	The ship will cruise in the evening, allowing us to see the famous Pont d'Avignon lit up at nighttime.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Avignon / Les Baux / Arles, France
(Thursday, April 25)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	You will arrive in Arles and board a motor coach for an excursion to the village of Les Baux de Provence. This hilltop village and fortress was a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion until destroyed by Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu in 1633. At the castle, you will see examples of medieval siege weaponry.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	A walking excursion of Arles will take you in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, who spent his last years here. In addition to its association with Van Gogh, Arles is known for its Roman ruins. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and remains of the Baths of Constantine. See the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture, and stroll through town squares and cafes bathed in the Provencal light that inspired Van Gogh's most famous works.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Enjoy our musician for the last evening in the lounge.

Accommodations:	MS Amadagio
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

Disembarkation / Barcelona, Spain
(Friday, April 26)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Disembark your ship in Arles and transfer to Barcelona. Along the way, pass through the Camargue, the unique marshland that extends to the sea.
Lunch:	Stop in the medieval town of Perpignan, France, where you will have free time for lunch and some exploring on your own.
Afternoon:	We continue to Barcelona which we will reach around 5:30 PM.
Dinner:	Explore local fare on your own.

Accommodations:	Hotel Barcelona Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast

Day 13:

Barcelona, Spain
(Saturday, April 27)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	We begin with a lecture on Barcelona during a panoramic drive that includes passing the unique architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, like Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and La Sagrada Familia, the Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been under construction for over a century. We will appreciate the outstanding views of Barcelona from the top of Montjuic Hill. Continue along the waterfront to the Gothic Quarter, La Ribera, where we will start a guided walking excursion of this amazing medieval center of the city. Along the way, our expert will recommend you some places for a typical Catalan lunch and you can follow your afternoon with the self discovery of the famous Picasso Museum, or maybe decide to come back to the hotel and relax before going to explore the interior of Gaudi's buildings.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own around Las Ramblas.
Afternoon:	During this free afternoon take your chance to visit one of Gaudi's works, like Casa Mila or Casa Batllo or visit a museum. In the late afternoon meet your Group Leader and fellow participants at the hotel lounge, for a drink. Enjoy an opportunity to relax, while sharing the day's experiences and getting ideas for your dinner this evening. Also meet with young professionals and enjoy a Q&A about life in Barcelona & Catalan identity.
Dinner:	Explore local fare on your own, your chance to try Tapas.

Accommodations:	Hotel Barcelona Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast

Day 14:

Barcelona, Spain
(Sunday, April 28)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	This morning we will explore Parc Guell with our Gaudi expert. Built between 1900 - 1914, it is an ambitious and visionary project commissioned to Antoni Gaudi by Don Eusebio Guell as a housing estate furnished with paths, recreational areas and decorative monuments. You will have the opportunity to visit the Gaudi House Museum in the park. We follow with the discovery of Las Ramblas and the Cathedral square where you have the opportunity to see and join the locals for their Sunday dance of the 'Sardanas.' This walking excursion will take you to the most beautiful market in the city: La Boqueria.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:	Free time to explore Barcelona on your own.
Dinner:	Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Hotel Barcelona Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15:

Departures
(Monday, April 29)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Departures.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
MS Amadagio at sea	Bicycles The ship has plenty of bicycles with helmets and locks onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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