top of page
provencespain_FRANCE_Provence_ss_145666070_hero.jpg

Please Go Away Experience:
Cedar Creek Color of Provence Wine Cruise

March 19th - April 2nd, 2023

Join Please Go Away Specialist Barb Wright for a hosted experience with AmaWaterways like no other.  A complete trip including 3 nights in Barcelona, a 7-night river cruise, and a 3-night extension in Paris with rates starting at $13,206 per couple.

About your Wine Cruise

A complete trip with 3 nights in Barcelona, a 7-night cruise, and a 3-night extension with Barb in Paris starts at $13,206 per couple.

 

Cruise deposit of $400 per person to start your adventure on the River.

​

Deposit of $450 per person to save your spot in Paris/Champagne.

​

Pricing guaranteed until March 30, 2022; final payment due 12/23/2022.

​

*Airfare and Travel Insurance is extra - Amawaterways has discounted airfare for those who wish to take advantage of it.

cruise_ship_30.jpg
Cedar Creek Wine day to day itinerary
shutterstock_1576415170.jpg

Trip Itinerary:
Day One: Overnight Flight from Kansas City to Barcelona

Today you will fly from Kansas City to Barcelona.

​

*Other departure cities are available upon request.

Day Two: Welcome to Barcelona!

Transfer from the Barcelona Airport to the Renaissance Hotel Barcelona for a 3-night stay.

GettyImages-1085317916_54_990x660.webp
i_hc76631abdd0762454c780b062719292934041a02.jpg

Day Three: Best of Barcelona Tour

Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is an artist’s, architect’s, foodie’s, historian’s and culturist’s dream. Tour the cobblestoned lanes of the Gothic Quarter in the medieval city center and Las Ramblas. See some imaginative architectural creations, highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudi,” including La Sagrada Familia.

Day Four: The Mountains and Abbey of Montserrat

Join an excursion to the mountain Montserrat, which is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, located about 30 miles from Barcelona. Once there, you’ll ride a scenic funicular to the top of the mountain and experience an indescribable view of the Catalonia landscape. The monastery, officially founded in 1025, soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin Mary. The whole of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the Black Madonna in the Basilica. While here, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna sculpture, which sits at the back of the church, above the altar area. The stairway leading to the statue, plus the room and altar in which the statue sits are ornate, golden and pay tribute to the wonder that is the Virgin herself.

i_h79f78123f45430d37ff2119d7e17bfe2b1b64c4b.jpg
98143496_colorsprovence_lyon_arles_map_2020 (1).jpg

Day Five: Off in Avignon

After breakfast in your hotel, meet in the lobby for to catch the TGV to Nimes and transfer to Avignon.  Embark the AmaKristina in Avignon.

​

Amid a backdrop of France’s most regal castles, historic ruins and vineyard-laced hills, enjoy a wonderful River Cruise experience all the while tasting world-class wines sourced from the very spots you’re traveling through.

 

Wine hosts and sommeliers will share their passion for viticulture through discussions and wine tastings onboard. Onshore, the insightful wine host—always a professional winery owner, winemaker, wine instructor or certified sommelier from a renowned North American winery—will lead guests through discussions and wine tastings on board, accompanying you to local wineries and vineyards where you'll learn first-hand from regional European experts.

 

And all of this comes at no extra cost. Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own home wine cellar, this is the perfect chance to indulge in one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine. From romantic cities to foodie havens, AmaWaterways will bring you into the very heart of some of France's most exciting and legendary vineyards.

 

 Included Excursions

  • Walking tour and Papal Palace

  • OR Tastes of Avignon

  • OR Avignon bike tour

  • Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit

  • OR Pont du Gard

  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting

Day Six: Tarascon - Arles

TARASCON - ARLES. Provençal town Tarascon is known for its medieval architecture and charming tales – especially the legend of the Tarasque monster. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, you’ll visit the enchanting medieval fortress, the Castle of Tarascon – a fortress designed to protect but surprises all with its elegant interior, fit for royalty. Or venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence and then delve deeply into the Carrières de Lumières, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound and history projected on the former limestone quarry walls of caves. In the evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around Avignon.

​

Included Excursions: 

​

  • Arles walking tour

  • OR Van Gogh walking tour

  • OR Arles bike tour

  • Tarascon Castle Visit

  • Illuminations Cru

i_ha80d45970750a46afd5e2fda737900bebeb79486.jpg
i_h35b7440d227539ed8e95903a916b5d051560cdf8.jpg

Day Seven: Avignon

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternately, you can enjoy a bike tour through the city.

Day Eight: Viviers

Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.

i_h0eac8d6ea00a0a0bdb41b2250b6c78b7fa782a23.jpg
caption.jpg

Day Nine: Tournon

Take an exclusive private train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines.

 

Included Excursions:

​

  •  Hermitage wine tasting

  • OR Exclusive private steam train ride

  • OR Tain-l'Hermitage hike and wine tasting

Day Ten: Vienne - Lyon

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. Later in the day travel to Lyon, considered the “Food Capital of France.” Take a walking tour that starts in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind

​

Included Excursions:

​

  •  "Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour

  • OR ViaRhôna bike tour

  • OR Mount Pipet hike

i_hc0dd9f8aa5e52bedcf90c071f38af15b87a8536f.jpg
f08c2337-26e3-4363-ac70-f21ce9a6d59d.webp

Day Eleven: Villefranche

Visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard. Plus, enjoy a tasting of their specialty.

​

 Beaujolais excursion and tasting Free evening.

Day Twelve: Lyon

Private Transfer from Lyon to Paris Left Bank Hotel.

​

Evening at Leisure to explore Paris.

*I can make dinner reservations or tours if desired for you*

​

Check-in at Hôtel Des Saints Peres or a similar hotel

​

The Hôtel des Saints Pères, behind its beautiful 17th-century classical façade, is located in the street of the same name, in the direct vicinity of the Bon Marché, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the mythical Café de Flore and the designer boutiques.

i_hd7850fe54e2e1786ccdfb99b7d8ffcdce0dfea3c.jpg
Aube-en-Champagne-Tourism-Flûtes-Route-du-Champagne-en-Fête-©Olivier-Douard.gif

Day Thirteen: Champagne Tour and Tastings from Paris

After breakfast in the hotel, embark on a scenic and sparkling drive through the region of Champagne. Champagne is home to the most delightful of sparkling wines. According to legend, it was monks who bought the method for making sparkling wine up from the Languedoc, in the south of France. The climatic conditions in Champagne produced a bright bubbly wine that took the name of the region. Enjoy the cellar visits and champagne tastings and learn everything about the procedure of elaboration and their history. Begin your visit exploring of the deep cellars of Reims, the crayères, spread over 120km of galleries, which have earned a worldwide reputation. You will visit two of the world-class champagne houses Veuve and Tattinger and enjoy tastings of this unique sparkling wine in splendid decor. 

​

Lunch on your own in Reims.

​

Evening on your own to enjoy Paris.

Day Fourteen: Farewell Dinner at Vagenende

Add Day at Leisure; Join your Host, Barb & Terry Wright for a Farewell Dinner at Vagenede.

​

Housed in a 19th-century former patisserie, Vagenende was created in 1904 as one of the Chartier restaurants, a chain of brasseries founded by brothers Edouard and Camille Chartier. Fortunately, the brothers took care of the décor and a superb Belle Epoque style reigns throughout with mirrors and beautiful woodwork. 

​

In 1983, the establishment became a listed building and its present owners, Monique and Marie Egurreguy, have made protecting this Belle Epoque treasure their first priority.

12188298743_2a99cfe5ee_k.jpg

Pricing Details

 

 If choosing to book the river cruise only, the below pricing includes daily listed excursions, accommodations, and all onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

 

Room Category CA - French Balcony - 170 square feet on Violin Deck or Cello Deck - $7,866 per couple (airfare is not included)

Room Category BB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 210 square feet on the Cello Deck - $9,066 per couple (airfare is not included)

Room Category AB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 235 square feet on the Cello Deck - $9,866 per couple

Room Category SS - Suite with French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 350 square feet on the Violin Deck - $12,866 per couple

**Additional room categories available**

 

Barcelona 3-night package PLUS Paris 3-night Extension Inclusions:

  • Transportation from Airport to Hotel in Barcelona

  • Three (3) Nights in Barcelona

  • Daily Breakfast in Barcelona

  • Noted Tours in Barcelona

  • Train and Transfers from Barcelona to Avignon for embarkment

  • Private Transfer from Lyon to Paris

  • 3 Nights in Paris Hotel

  • Daily Breakfast at Paris Hotel

  • Day Trip to Champagne with Tours & Tastings at Two Champagne Houses

  • Farewell Dinner on Left Bank at a local restaurant

 

Cost - $5,553 per couple additional to cruise pricing listed above

Pricing is guaranteed until March 30, 2022.  The final payment due date is December 23, 2022.

 

Airfare and optional travel insurance are not included in the above pricing.  Rates are available upon request.

Payment Requirements:

 

$400 per person required to confirm river cruise only

$881.95  per person required to confirm full program including Barcelona, river cruise, and Paris

PGA Perks

Wine, Champagne, History

shutterstockRF_108818438.jpeg
Cedar Creek Wine pricing details
115927606.jpg

Day Fifteen: Check out at Hôtel Des Saints Peres

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your homeward flight. Transfers to Airport are not included.

bottom of page