7 Night Cruise sailing from Chalon-sur-Saone to Avignon aboard Viking Neptune.

A river cruise allows you to go places an ocean cruise can't - you'll not only visit large cultural centers, but the small villages that give each country its distinct character.

A river cruise also allows you to take your mind off the "work" of travel. From the second you step aboard the "Viking Neptune" everything will be taken care of for you. You'll settle into your floating hotel for the duration of the cruise, unpacking just once. The crew speaks excellent English, so you'll never worry about making yourself understood. You'll spend your time between ports visiting with other passengers or watching the scenery go by - it really does feel like the destination has been brought to you, rather than the other way around.

Portraits of Southern France:
Sail along France's scenic Saone and Rhone Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, "City of the Popes." Learn about the region's time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon. C'est magnifique!

Day 1 Chalon-sur-Saone
After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France's Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hotel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard as you set sail through Burgundy. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Lyon
After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvicre Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Lyon & Vienne
The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice; then spend some time discovering more of this charming riverside town on your own. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Tournon & Viviers
Awaken in Tournon and take a ride to Châteauneuf-sur-Iscre near Tain l'Hermitage. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region's winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musee de Tain l'Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Arles
Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city's vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arcnes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trophime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Avignon
This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed "City of Popes" because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de l'Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Avignon
After breakfast, disembark (B)