Wines of the Rhone River Valley

May 20-27, 2027

Itinerary | The Ship | Pricing | FAQ | Reserve

There is no better way to see France than from the top deck of a 5-star vessel sailing down the Rhone River. Fantastic wine, ancient and modern architecture, outstanding cuisine, incredible history, and unspoiled natural beauty.

Northwest Winemakers Linn Scott of Sparkman Cellars, Ryan Seal of Sigillo Cellars, and Kenny and Allison McMahon of Arabilis Wines will co-host this 7-day, all-inclusive cruise program. Join the ship in Lyon, the culinary capital of France, visit Burgundy to the north, cruise down the Saone and Rhone Rivers through storied wine regions, and end in Arles, in the heart of Provence.

We’ll have the opportunity to sample wines from Burgundy, Provence, and points in between. Enjoy Scheduled evening discussions, cocktails or a glass of wine on deck, dining with friends in The Chef’s Table Restaurant, wonderful cuisine on and off the ship, and a wide selection of shore tours each day.

This specially chartered cruise includes accommodations on the luxurious AmaKristina as she travels from Lyon north to Arles, all meals, adult beverages, most shore excursions, taxes & gratuities. By chartering the entire vessel, we’re able to offer exclusive low rates to our guests and provide a unique educational and entertaining program on board.

• Sample vintages as we cruise the Saone and Rhone Rivers.
• Shore excursions in the villages on the river
• Dine with old and new friends
• Evening entertainment on board and ashore
• Wine discussion throughout the week

Itinerary

DAY 1, Thursday, May 20th: Lyon (Embark)
Arrive at the Lyon airport, where you will be met and transferred to the ship. You’re encouraged to come early to experience the hospitality of France’s capital of cuisine. The ship departs the dock at 7 PM this evening. Guests can board the ship as early as 1 PM. (D)

DAY 2, Friday, May 21st: Macon/Beaune Burgundy Wine Day
The ship will remain docked in Lyon with coach excursions to Burgundy with cellar tours and wine tasting in the town of Beaune and the surrounding countryside. Lunch options will be made available at two Michelin-starred restaurants. For those travelers wishing to see a little more of Lyon, you’ll have some tour suggestions in the city. (LD)

DAY 3, Saturday, May 22nd: LYON – VIENNE
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. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, Sunday, May 23rd: VIENNE – TOURNON
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. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, Monday, May 24th: TOURNON – VIVIERS
Take a steam 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. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former “residents” in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour is sure to bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine! (B,L,D)

DAY 6, Tuesday, May 25th: AVIGNON
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, where you will go in search of the highly prized
“Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, Wednesday, May 26th: ARLES
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. In the morning, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined
castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music.

Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of
Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 8Thursday, May 27th: Arles (disembark), transfer to Arles train station or onward travel on your own
Disembark the ship. See FAQ section for onward travel suggestions.

Your Cruise includes

• Seven nights aboard AmaKristina, cruising from Lyon to Arles through the beautiful Rhone Valley
• All meals aboard ship, including access to The Chef’s Table
• Soft drinks, Beer, Wine, and Spirits
• A selection of shore tours each day
• Evening entertainment and education, including local performers, and hosted wine presentations and tasting
• All taxes and shipboard gratuities
  Access to pre-cruise and post-cruise tours

Pricing

Your cruise costs (per person, based on double occupancy)

Cruise prices shown are for payment by Visa or MasterCard. (Sorry, no American Express) An additional discount is available to guests paying by check in lieu of credit card (Visa/MasterCard). Your discount (per person) is:
Category D/E-$140, CA/CB-$180, BA/BB-$220, AA/AB-$240, SS-$280, 3rd passenger-$80
Port tax of $250 per person is included in all pricing.

To reserve your stateroom:
An initial deposit of $1,000 per person is required to confirm your reservation. A second deposit of $2000 per person is due June 1st, 2026. Balance of payment is due January 10th, 2027. Deposits are non-refundable and it is suggested to protect your deposit from unforeseen circumstances by purchasing travel insurance. See details in the FAQ section.

A word about river cruising and accommodations.
The first thing to consider is how much time you’ll spend in your cabin. If you’re making the most of your holiday, the answer is very little time. You are literally steps away from the sun deck, ship’s lounge, restaurant, and the gangway to whatever small village we’re docked in. An upper level cabin will provide you with more room, though all the cabins are arranged for a maximum of space.

Booking Early has its benefits.
An early booking incentive is in place through the October 15th, 2025. Guests will earn a discount of $300 per person, provided their reservation is booked and deposited by that date.

Booking early will guarantee:

• Early booking discount
• Best choice of stateroom selection
• Priority for pre- and post-cruise tours
• Priority for limited-capacity shore tours

The Ship

AmaKristina Accommodations
To get a better sense of the cabin amenities and layout, visit this page at the Amawaterways site.

Suite SS

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

Balcony AA, AB

• Lavishly appointed river view suite (305 sq ft – 28.3 sq m) with an open-air balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® of England beds, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, flat screen TV with infotainment center, and safe
• Triple accommodation option available. The sofa converts into a comfortable bed to accommodate a third person
• Marble bathroom includes L’Occitane en Provence and Hermes bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers
• Uniquely decorated and additional amenities and services, including: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; free laundry service; and a special dinner in Bar du Leopard

Balcony BA, BB

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

French Balcony CA, CB

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

Classic Stateroom D, E

• In-room temperature control
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Desk and chair

Pre-cruise tour to Champagne

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ for 2027 in France

If you have enjoyed other river cruise companies, I guarantee you will love what AmaWaterways has elevated the experience to.

Air Transportation

Flight details for arrivals and departures:
Your cruise begins in Lyon and ends in Arles. Lyon has an international airport 45 minutes away from Lyon center. Delta, KLM, Air France, SAS, British Air, Lufthansa, Vueling, and EasyJet service Lyon.

My first recommendation for flights is to be aware of how much connection time you’re allowing via Airport such as Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London/Heathrow. Better to have 3-4 hours connecting and cool your heels in the terminal that try to make a 1-hour connection via Paris. If your inbound flight is even slightly delayed, you’ll have a tough time making that connection. Even if you get there, your bag may not.

The specific ship location will be communicated closer to departure, but the location is central.  Quai Claude Bernard is the likely spot.  If you’re not joining the pre-cruise tour to Champagne, the City of Lyon is well worth a few extra nights on your own.  I have no rooms held for pre-cruise guests at hotels in the city, but I’ve provided information and links to a couple properties that are nicely located and reasonably priced.  Look under Lyon in the FAQ section.

You will be able to board the ship anytime after 1:00 PM.  You probably won’t be able to occupy your cabin until after 3:00, but drop your bags, and enjoy some of the services provided aboard.  Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a market about 15 minutes on foot from the pier and is a great place to spend time and euros while your cabin is prepared.

I stress that Uber is the way to travel from point to point.  The fare is competitive, no messing about with currency exchange, and no worries that your cabbie is running up the fare on you.  Taxis are fine, but Uber is so convenient, that the taxi is a very distant second choice.

The cruise ends Thursday morning May 27th in Arles. Marseilles (MRS) is the closest airport to Arles.

It’s less than an hour travel time from the Arles rail station direct to Marseilles Airport.  The earliest departure from Arles arrives at the airport at 6:12 AM.  A ticket will cost about $25.  Alternatively, an Uber from the ship to Marseilles Airport will run about $175.

If you choose to extend your tour to Paris after the cruise, your train from Arles will take a little under four hours to the Gare de Lyon Station on the eastern side of the city. You can take le Metro from there to a station close to your hotel, or uber.  You’ll have to make a change of train, either through Nimes or Marseilles, which is a simple process. 

You can also reach Charles de Gaulle Airport via rail in a little over 4 hours from Arles, making afternoon flights home from Paris a good option for afternoon departures. Again, a transfer is needed.

Uber is the suggested transportation method from the ship to the rail station, with a cost of less than $20 per car.  It’s a short ride or long walk. 

Flights will range in price depending on schedule, carrier and class of service. Historically, you should expect to pay $1200 for flights into Lyon (LYS), returning from Marseilles (MRS) from Seattle or Portland. Fares are about $200 less from San Francisco.

Vancouver continues to be an excellent alternative to Seattle or Portland for discount travel to Europe. Comparisons made for May travel show Vancouver flights between $700-$800 round trip.

Google Flights and Kayak.com offer a feature that allows you to set price alerts on specific itineraries. I’ve found this to be beneficial in the past. Air schedules are generally posted by the airlines 330 days in advance, which is not to say that’s the best time to buy. Set up a tracker with these companies, which will alert you to the best time to buy.

Hotel suggestions for guests arriving early or staying later. Both cities are worth a few more days. Arriving early allows you to adjust to any jetlag or time change. It also guarantees that you won’t miss a departure due to delayed flights.

Arles: Two hotels selected that are well-rated and moderately priced. Either a medium walk or a short Uber to the ship.

Hotel L’Arlatan-Upscale property with distinctive style
Maison Volver-A little less expensive on a quiet street

Lyon: Both properties were suggested for guests with the group in 2022. There are no hotels that I can suggest close to the ship, so taxi or Uber is necessary.

Tour Extensions

Three-night pre-cruise tour to Champagne

Three-night Champagne pre-cruise (May 17th to May 20th) extension includes:

• Coach transportation from Charles de Gaulle Airport to our hotel in Reims*
• Services of a local guide in Champagne
• Three nights’ hotel in Reims at La Caserne Chanzy
• Burgundy wine tasting visit at Chassagne Montrachet with a light lunch en-route to Reims**
• 2 full days of touring and tasting the Champagne houses in the region
• Evening Champagne Dinner
• Coach transportation from Reims to Lyon to join the ship***

* Transportation will depart from CDG for Reims at 3:00 PM with an expected arrival at the hotel by 5:00 PM.

**We have two full days of touring producers in Reims and Epernay. The actual Champagne houses on the visitation schedule won’t be known until early 2027. Here is a sample list of some of the houses visited in prior years. Moët and Chandon, Taittinger, Mercier, Pommery, & Comtesse Lafond and a number of independent producers.

*** Our coach for Lyon will depart in the late morning with a planned stop halfway in Puligny-Montrachet for wine tasting and light lunch. We will arrive at the ship close to 5:00 PM.
Single price for this tour is $TBA. A discount of $TBA applies if paid by check.
Double price is $TBA per person. A discount of $TBA per person applies if paid by check. A deposit of $500 is due at time of confirmation. Balance is with cruise balance in January 2027.
Pricing and hotel details will be posted before year end, 2025

Post-cruise tour extension

At this time, there are multiple destinations under consideration to extend after the cruise ends. Barcelona, Corsica, Nice, and Morocco and among these. Details for this tour option will be posted here before year end 2025.

Aboard Ship

The order of the day is casual. There is no reason to pack any formal wear for your time aboard. The cruise line asks that you dress appropriately for dinner and evening time. There will be evening events scheduled both on and off ship. Our winemakers will discuss the regions at associated wines as we progress on our route.

You need not be concerned with motion during the cruise. River cruise ships are not subject to the same type of side to side motion common to ocean-going vessels.

There are three scheduled meals per day with table sizes ranging from two to ten guests. Seating is not assigned. Dine with a group of friends each evening or mix it up to enjoy your meal with friends met along the way. Wine, beer, and spirits are included with your cruise.

DRESS
If you choose to participate in one or more of the Michelin starred dining options off the ship, you’ll want to dress accordingly. Paul Bocuse restaurant in Lyon, for example, defines their dress code as “elegant casual.” Jackets and trousers are required.

It can be quite warm in the South of France in May. Shorts and tees are perfectly acceptable ashore for touring. Dinners aboard would like a higher standard with a ‘no shorts’ policy in the dining room.

Documentation
You’ll need a valid passport, which much have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry in France. No additional visa is needed for US or Canadian citizens (at least not yet).

Your stateroom

The AmaKristina was launched in 2017. She holds 152 guests in a variety of stateroom configurations and sizes. Some cabins offer picture windows, while others provide French or full-sized balconies. Determine what’s right for you by looking over the cabin descriptions above or visiting the web page at AmaKristina Staterooms.

Dining

The ship provides three meals a day, beginning with a breakfast buffet, plated lunch and dinner. Tables are not assigned. You’re free to dine with different group of friends each evening. The ship is able to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions and allergies.

Sightseeing

At least one shore tour per day is included in the cost of your cruise. These tours are supplemented by additional tours that are available as an option. Tours will include visits to Michelin restaurants, additional visits to wine producers, and a truffle farm experience. These tours will be announced about 5 months prior to the cruise. In the event that any of these tours are restricted to a certain number of participants, priority will be assigned based on the date your cruise booking was made.

I anticipate that additional wine visits will cost approximately $30-$45 each, mostly to cover transportation costs and tasting fees. Pricing for Michelin Experiences, including the restaurant of Paul Bocuse, will be determined by the menu and Euro exchange. In 2017, 2022, and 2024, lunches at these restaurants ranged from $150-$900 per person, depending on the restaurant. These events were so popular and sold out so quickly, that additional experiences will be added this year. Specific pricing will be available in early 2027. Early booking guests will earn priority in selecting these tour options, though participation may be limited to one per person until additional availability is determined.

Weather

May is an excellent time to visit the region. Summer tourists have not yet arrived en masse, and the weather is fairly moderate with average temperatures ranging from 60°-75° in Lyon to 63°-78° in Avignon. Both locations average about an inch of rain for the month. We’ll have over 14.5 daylight hours for touring in May as summer approaches. The month of May is also the best possible time for a European river cruise. Water levels are relatively predictable, so high or low water is less likely to alter our schedule.

Trains
I purchase European rail tickets online from trainline.com. Occasionally, I will go directly to the SCNF (French Rail) site to do this. There are first and second class options. I’ve found second class to be perfectly adequate on French trains. Usually schedules are posted 3 months out. Tickets purchased online can either be printed or saved to a phone. The French rail system is notorious for striking. They generally announce a strike schedule each month so that you can make adjustments. Here’s a link to monthly strike updates.

Deposit and payment schedule

Payments made to Northwest Travel Service are non-refundable. If you need to cancel, I will do everything possible to find someone to take your place. Cancellation insurance is an option to protect your deposit. Trip cancellation will cost between 6% and 10% of the total cost of your tour. I’ve had very good results with two insurance companies with links provided below.

An initial deposit of $1000 per person is required to confirm your reservation; a second deposit of $2000 per person due June 1st, 2026, and the balance due by January 10th, 2027.

Port or Starboard? Which side should I choose?

I’ve cruised this itinerary many times and the cruise line has confirmed my opinion that there is little to no beneficial “edge” of one side of the ship or the other. The ship may dock with either side to the shore and there is every possibility that you’ll either raft next to another ship or have a ship tie up next to you. Pick a cabin adjacent to your friends or choose one across the hall from yours so that you’ll always have a view. If you’re doing it right, you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway!

What if I need to cancel my cruise?

Because payments are nonrefundable, travel insurance is suggested. Both of the companies listed below have a policy rate calculator online. Enter the cost of your tour and personal data to receive a no-obligation cost estimate.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
There are a lot of insurance companies out there. I don’t sell insurance myself, but can suggest a couple places below that will provide no-obligation quotes. These are two that I have had relatively good luck on with payments of claims.

Generali Travel Insurance
Travelex Insurance

Make Your Reservation!

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact Brad Cilley at brad@nwtravel.com or by phone at 425 375 2676.

Complete the form below, which generates a booking request to Northwest Travel Service. Confirmation will be emailed to you within 24 hours with instruction on how and where to make your deposit. Questions should be directed to Brad@nwtravel.com.