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Andre's

Travel Blog

Travel BlogAndre’s Travel blog highlights unique travel destinations, travel tips & current trends in the travel industry. Our world is changing rapidly & not necessarily always for the better. I enjoying using my travel blog as a platform to address the causes and challenges, which directly affect tourism. Not only does this blog inform travelers about what is happening in the world of travel, but it also gives me the opportunity to offer sage advice. I will help you navigate the changes & travel better.

Sincerely,
Andre’ Leavitt

Reconnect, Rejoice and Return to Europe via a River Cruise

We are so excited to announce our plans to resume sailing starting the first week of July. You can now sail the Rhine River with all exclusive experiences that bring you closer to the world – and the people you’ve missed. Reconnect, rejoice and return to the Heart of the River.

Colors of Provence

7 - night cruise

CRUISE FROM : Lyon to Avignon

From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Embark in Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and enjoy an evening illumination cruise. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Lumiéres before your return flight home.

Day 1 Lyon - Embarkation

Board the ship for your Colors of Provence cruise.

Day 2 - Lyon City tour, Bike tour and Free afternoon
Discover dynamic Lyon, starting 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.” Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the afternoon, enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure to explore the city.
Day 3 Villefranche-sur-Saone - Beaujolais excursion and tasting & Free evening
Travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard.
Day 4 Vienne - "Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour
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.
Day 5 Tournon - Exclusive private steam train ride
You have a choice of three excursions. 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.
Day 6 Tarascon - Arles tour, Tarascon Castle Visit and Illuminations Cruise
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, 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. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to explore the medieval, walled village of Aiges-Mortes. Then, you'll drive to the beautiful Camargue National Park, a protected natural territory that lines the Mediterranean Sea south of Arles. Afterwards, venture to the medieval hilltop village, Les Baux de Provence. In the evening, enjoy an illuminations cruise around Avignon.
Day 7 Avignon - Tour and Papal Palace, Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit
Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions for the morning. 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. 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. You can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades or you can enjoy a bike tour. 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 go 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.
Day 8 Avignon - DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Avignon and prepare for your flight home.

Below please find our featured destinations in 2021 - all of which are now available for reservations. Space is limited, Contact Time Travels Today or Request a Quote

PORTUGAL

Countries: Portugal, Spain

Rivers: Douro

Renowned for its rich culture, inspiring art and architecture, unspoiled natural scenery, enticing cuisine and Port wine, Portugal has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. And there’s no better way to discover its heart than from the river that breathes life into its Old-World villages and picturesque cities: the Douro.

FRANCE

Countries: France, Spain

Rivers: Garonne, Dordogne, Seine, Rhône, Saône

From the legendary wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Côtes du Rhône to historic châteaux to the exceptional worlds of artists such as Monet and Van Gogh, AmaWaterways’ river cruises on the Seine, Rhône, Saône, Garonne and Dordogne rivers will help you discover your joie de vivre. Say bonjour to France on one of four incredible itineraries.

DANUBE RIVER

Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic (by land), Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia

Journey through thousands of years of storied history, where castles were built, and kings and queens were crowned. The quintessential experience for first-time river cruisers, the Danube River has inspired countless artists and musicians for centuries. Our river cruises take you to grand capitals and charming villages alike – and invite you to find your own inspiration on this legendary waterway.

RHINE, MAIN, AND MOSELLE RIVERS

Countries: Czech Republic (by land), France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland

The fairytale Rhine River is renowned for its UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 historic castles line the riverbanks. Its two main tributaries are the Moselle River, the “best-kept secret” in river cruising, which flows past dramatic vineyard-clad landscapes and medieval towns, and the Main River, which cuts through storybook villages and is home to the impressive Main-Danube Canal.