Gay Group Trip: Luxury Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at the Boscolo Lyon Hotel, followed by a city tour to discover Lyon’s historic architecture, including Fourvière Hill’s panoramic views and the Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica. Explore ancient Roman theaters and vibrant riverbanks before delving into the Peninsula’s cultural landmarks. Conclude with a stroll through the Old City’s hidden traboules and Renaissance courtyards.

Later, board the luxurious Amadeus Provence, where you’ll enjoy welcome cocktails, a sumptuous dinner, and LGBTQ+ friendly entertainment as you set sail toward Mâcon.

Arrive in Mâcon, a historical hub in southern Burgundy, and explore its 2,000-year-old architecture and renowned vineyards. Enjoy a guided tour of the Côte Mâconnais, including the “Hameau Duboeuf“ wine museum, with insights into Burgundy wines and a tasting session.

In the afternoon, choose between visiting the ancient Cluny Abbey or the romantic Château de Pierreclos with its wine cellars and vineyard.

Explore Chalon-sur-Saône in the Burgundy wine region, known for its half-timbered houses and vibrant art scene. Enjoy a scenic morning drive through Burgundy, stopping in Beaune for a wine tasting and a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu.

After lunch, relax on board or join an afternoon excursion to the medieval towns of Brançion and Cormatin, featuring the impressive 17th Century Château de Cormatin with its beautiful French gardens.

Return to Lyon, celebrated for its architectural beauty and culinary excellence. Explore the renowned food market of Paul Bocuse to taste local delicacies, or independently discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Renaissance Vieux Lyon. The ship departs Lyon at midday.

Discover Avignon’s historical charm with a guided tour, including the majestic Palace of the Popes and Pont d’Avignon. Post-lunch, visit Uzès and the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct.

Enjoy dinner with local music entertainment before departing for Arles in the evening.

Explore the charming Old Arles, a town that inspired Vincent van Gogh. The morning tour highlights its rich history, including its renowned Roman amphitheater.

In the afternoon, experience the tranquility of the Camargue’s salt marshes, a habitat for local wildlife including Camargue bulls, wild white horses, and flamingos. The day concludes with your vessel cruising along the Rhône River.

Choose between a guided tour of the Ardèche Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” with its stunning limestone cliffs – or explore the intriguing world of black truffles with a farm visit and tasting.

After rejoining the ship in Le Pouzin for lunch, relax onboard as you cruise through the waterways of Provence. The evening brings a celebratory Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Enjoy breakfast on board before you disembark.

Spanning 172 sq. ft., these cabins feature a panoramic window (fixed), offering a choice of a double or twin bed setup, enhanced with a flat-screen TV and infotainment center for your leisure.

Individual climate control ensures your comfort, while the en-suite bathroom, equipped with a shower, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, and in-room safe, adds to your convenience and security.

Immerse yourself in 188 sq. ft. of meticulously designed space in the B-1 cabins, where a drop-down panoramic window invites the outside in, complementing the mini-bar and spacious walk-in wardrobe. These have a choice of a double or twin bed setup, alongside a flat-screen TV and infotainment center for endless entertainment.

The cabin’s climate is at your fingertips with individual controls, ensuring a perfect environment day or night. The en-suite bathroom, equipped with a shower/WC, along with a hairdryer, direct dial telephone, and in-room safe, completes your haven of luxury and privacy aboard the AMADEUS Provence.

At 284 sq. ft., the AMADEUS Suites offer a blend of luxury and comfort, highlighted by a walk-out exterior balcony, mini-bar, and a spacious walk-in wardrobe. Bed options include either a double or twin setup, catering to your preference for a peaceful sleep.

Entertainment is at your fingertips with a flat-screen TV and infotainment center, complemented by individual climate control for personalised comfort. The suite’s en-suite bathroom comes with a shower/WC, alongside conveniences like a bathrobe, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, and an in-room safe, ensuring a refined stay aboard the AMADEUS Provence.

Nightly Entertainment Extravaganzas
Every night on board features an ever-changing lineup of spectacular entertainment. Stellar Signature Entertainers are sure to dazzle you with their world-class talent, ensuring every evening is a showstopping affair.

Onboard Fiestas and Festivities
While immersive sightseeing and social connection take center stage, you can also expect a fun-filled atmosphere on board. Get ready to let loose at themed deck fiestas sprinkled throughout the cruise. Whether you choose to join the electric atmosphere or simply take in the infectious energy from the sidelines, these memorable soirées add an extra dose of fun to your journey.

Sun Deck & Pool
Bask in the sun or make a splash on the AMADEUS Provence’s stunning sun deck, which boasts a generous swimming pool – the perfect complement to the invigorating onboard activity programs.

River Terrace
Unwind at the ship’s exclusive “River Terrace” open-air lounge located in the bow, where specially designed glazing provides an incomparable view of the everchanging riverside scenery while protecting you from wind and rain.

AMADEUS Club
As the day winds down, retreat to the elegant AMADEUS Club to relish a glass of wine while sharing stories of your adventures. Let the gentle melodies of live jazz or classical music provide the ambient soundtrack to an evening of relaxation among fellow travellers.

What are the passport and visa requirements?
While some European countries require only three months of remaining passport validity, others mandate six months – even for transit. To be safe, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your final travel date.

Non-EU citizens visa-exempt for short EU stays will need to obtain ETIAS for entry, including U.S. residents. Check entry requirements with consulates for each country on this itinerary.

What if I have dietary requirements (allergies, religious restrictions, or preferences)?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

What are pre-paid gratitudes?
Gratuities for included services have been pre-paid to ensure excellent service. Additional tipping is at your discretion.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
Most excursions are in groups of 25 with expert English-speaking guides utilising wireless audio systems compatible with hearing aids. Excursions are rated 1/5 (very easy) to 5/5 (strenuous) based on terrain, elevation changes, and total distance. Please advise us if you need any accommodations.

Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code – just avoid extremes like thongs/mankinis in dining areas. We’ll advise if specific clothing is needed for climates or cultural sites.

Will there be smoking areas?
For guest comfort and safety, smoking is not permitted in suites or indoor public areas onboard. Designated smoking areas are available on the sun deck and at land properties.

What weather can I expect from this trip?
June in Burgundy/Provence means early summer temperatures reaching the high 70s or low 80s during the day, with evenings generally in the 50s.