Adonica Worley

Destinations Travel Solution, LLC

Soulful Epicurean River Cruise 2024

Jun 13, 2024 to Jun 23, 2024
South of France - Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon, Paris


SOULFUL EPICUREAN DESTINATION RIVER CRUISE '24

Another Bucket List item marked off!  A river cruise has been on my "to do" travel list for a long time.  I am so glad to take you with me on a Soulful Epicurean Experience.  Join AmaWaterways and Elite Excursionists aboard the award-winning AmaKristina in Arles as we sail through the South of France along the Rhône River to Lyon. Explore the cultural history of Marseille, enjoy live performances on board and on shore and conclude our journey in Paris, where many Black artists, writers and entertainers made their mark.

Enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. You will have an unforgettable 10 days and 11 nights on this luxury South of France River Cruise. We will spend 7 nights on the River and end the cruise in Lyon.  We will take the high speed train from Lyon to Paris to a luxurious 5 star hotel for a 3 night stay. 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Let's talk EPICUREAN: "Epicurean" is used to describe someone related to the enjoyment of fine food and drink. An Epicurean person is someone who is fond of and knowledgeable about good food and wine, and who enjoys the pleasures of the senses. The word "Epicurean" comes from the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, who believed that pleasure was the highest good in life and that happiness could be achieved through simple pleasures such as good food, friendship, and a peaceful life. In modern usage, "epicurean" often refers to a love of refined or gourmet food, wine, and dining experiences.  Are you an Epicurean person? If the answer is a resounding YES, then this cruise is for YOU and you don't want to miss it.  It will truly be an experience that will keep you coming back to the river. So embark with us on a gastronomic journey, elevated with luxury and personalized service.  Get ready for an amazing culinary adventure and prepare to indulge in the most mouth-watering cuisine, prepared by top chefs, in a setting that will blow your mind. This is the perfect time to create unforgettable memories.
 
 
 
 
Made in Athens - Dining Area
 
 

Black History of Paris Tour:

Together we will discover centuries worth of Black history as you venture to several sites in and around Paris during this exclusive full-day tour. You will see the iconic Arc de Triomphe and the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery as your guide shares the history of the Code noir, a decree passed by King Louis XIV in 1685 defining the conditions of slavery. From there, you will drive past Montmartre, learning about the cabarets and famous jazz musicians who made their mark here before walking through the African district, renowned for its African food and street vendors, and visiting Little Africa, a gallery space and cultural initiative in La Goutte d’or district. Your full-day tour also includes a panoramic tour of the left bank of Paris, the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square, where renowned US-born Black entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker was inducted in November 2021.

 

 
 

 

5 Advantages of Taking a River Cruise

  1. Better Value: It is a luxury cruise ship! All amenities/excursion in the package price are included including Paris and this can allow for a more inclusive experience...remember you can do up to 5-6 excursion per day
  2. More cozy and personal: River cruises are known for having fewer passengers and smaller ships than ocean cruises, which means you'll have a more intimate and cozy experience. You'll get to know your other travelers and the crew, and feel more at home.

  3. Gorgeous routes and hidden gems: With river cruises, you get to sail through some of the most beautiful and picturesque regions, with opportunities to visit smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports of call that are less touristy and ocean liners can't reach. This gives you a more immersive and authentic travel experience.

  4. More time on land: Because river cruises don't cover as much distance as ocean cruises, you'll get to spend more time exploring ports of call and less time at sea. 

  5. Cultural immersion: Because river cruises often sail through smaller and more remote regions, you have the opportunities to interact with local communities and experience their culture firsthand. This can be a great way to broaden your horizons and learn about new ways of life.

 

 

What's Included in Your Luxury River Cruise and Land Package

  • Colors of Provence River Cruise and Land Package:
  • 7-night river cruise on the luxurious AmaKristina in an elegantly appointed riverview stateroom
  • Welcome cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • All fine dining in multiple venues on board, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Breakfast and lunch buffets featuring regional cuisine; multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
  • Complimentary hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals plus daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour plus bottle water replenished daily
  • All-day tapas, sandwiches and snacks menu and afternoon tea; 24-hour coffee station
  • Panoramic Lounge with bar, piano and dance floor
  • A variety of included excursions each day, such as guided hikes, bike rides and tasting tours (up to 6 per day)
  • Nightly entertainment, including jazz performances
  • Complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi
  • Wellness program with daily fitness activities led by a dedicated Wellness Host
  • Walking rack, heated pool with swim-up bar, fitness and bicycles for in-port exploration
  • Transfer from the ship to your hotel in Paris by High Speed Train
  • A 3-night stay in a 5 star hotel in Paris* with daily breakfast
  • Specially curated Josephine Baker excursion and “Black History of Paris” city tour
  • The services of one of AmaWaterways wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
  • *Hotel subject to change
 

What's Excluded:

  • Flights are NOT included but can help facilitate a flight (a group flight will be provided if there is enough interest)
  • Personal expenses
  • Any optional tours
  •  Tipping for guide, driver and Cruise Staff and Cruise Manager
  •  Anything not mentioned in Inclusions
  • Travel Insurance 
  • All other expenses not already mentioned in the itinerary as included
  • Transfers from the airport 
 
 
Itinerary Highlight & Overview

Day 1
Board the ship in Arles. Nestled between two nature parks and the Rhône River, picturesque Arles will absolutely delight any traveler to the south of France. Situated near Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur région, Arles boasts small town charm and its architectural treasures have been heavily influenced by the city’s role as an ancient Roman capital.  Arles’s innate natural beauty has become an inspiration and haven for artists and lovers of art alike.
 
Day 2
Arles Walking tour or Bike tour or Van Gogh walking tour.  Evening cruise to illuminated Pont d'Avignon
 
Pont St-Bénézet | Avignon, France | Attractions - Lonely Planet
 
Day 3
Avignon is located on the Rhône River, and is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' is a breathtaking must see. Then hike the Parc de Rochers des Doms for a beautiful panoramic view of Avignon and the Rhône River Valley. You will have a few choices for morning excursions:
1) Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour inclusive of the Papal Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
2) Get a Taste of Avignon with regional specialities: macarons, wine & cheese and tapenades or
3) Enjoy a Bike Tour through the city. During the afternoon you will have additional tours to select from and then settle in for an evening of Jazz Music.
 
 
Day 4
Viviers It is situated on the right bank of the Rhône River and has a population of around 3,000 people. One of the main landmarks in Viviers is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent. The town is also known for its wine production, particularly the Côtes du Rhône wine, which is made from grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards. Truffles are so elusive that neither man nor machine can locate them on their own, relying on dogs keen sense of smell to find the fungus, which grows underground. The tours for this day will include the Grignan Truffle Farm or Boulangerie Tasting Tour or the Viviers Hike
 
 
 
Day 5
Tournon, France is a picturesque town south of Lyon. Despite its small size, this French ville is instantly charming. You can look forward to a Steam Train Ride or Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting or Hermitage Hike  & Wine Tasting at the local winery
 
 
Day 6
Vienna is situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Cô du Rhône lies Vienne. Enjoy a Roman Ruins Walking Tour, or a Mount Pipet Guided Hike or maybe you would prefer ViaRhôna Bike Tour.  Later in the day, travel to Lyon, the "Food Capital of France," where you will enjoy free time.
 
 
Day 7
Lyon is the metropolitan center of southeastern France, vibrant Lyon abounds with stunning architectural masterpieces, gastronomic delights, and immersive museums.  When you finish wandering through these carefully curated exhibits, stop to savor Lyon’s highly lauded culinary scene, where numerous Michelin starred restaurants serve some of the best food in all of France. Taste everything from coq au vin, quenelles, andouillette, and salade lyonnaise, and relish in the city’s flavorful gourmet paradise. Take a Lyon City Tour, A Les Halles Market Tour, a Lyon Bike Tour or a Beaujolais Excursion.  The Beaujolais wine region is the perfect home for any traveller who likes to indulge in the finer things in life. Come to Beaujolais and experience both the finest wines and wonderful scenery. 

 
 
Day 8
Disembarkation
Enjoy tasting some local Lyon specialities before boarding your High Speed Train to Paris and Hotel check-in (breakfast included)
 
How To Have A Five Star Paris Experience Without Staying In A Luxury Hotel
 
Day 9
Josephine Baker Tour
Josephine Baker, the famous American dancer and singer who became a French citizen and fought for civil rights

 
 
 
Day 10
Black History of Paris Tour
is a walking tour that focuses on the history and contributions of people of African descent in Paris. The tour takes visitors through various neighborhoods in the city to explore the legacy of Black Parisians throughout history, from the 1800s to the present day.
 
Day 11
Check-out of Hotel and fly back home
 
 
This itinerary will awaken all your senses with visits to romantic cities, foodie havens, and artistic epicenters.
DAY DESTINATION ACTIVITIES
1 Arles RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION
2 Arles Marseille Full-Day Black Heritage Tour
Avignon Evening cruise to illuminated Pont d’Avignon
3 Avignon Morning walking tour and Papal Palace
OR Tastes of Avignon
Pont Du Gard
OR Avignon bike tour
Evening jazz performance
4 Viviers Grignan excursion and Truffle Farm
5 Tournon Steam train ride
OR Red Wine and Chocolate
OR Hermitage hike and wine tasting
Vienne Evening jazz performance
6 Vienne
Roman ruins walking tour
OR Mount Pipet hike
OR ViaRhôna bike tour
Lyon Lyon city tour
OR Les Halles market tour
OR Lyon bike tour
7 Villefranche Beaujolais excursion
8 Lyon RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION
Paris Check into your hotel
9 Paris Exclusive Josephine Baker excursion
10 Paris "Black History of Paris" tour
11 Paris Return flight home
 
Pricing
$500 early booking credit through June 20, 2023 will be taken off of the invoice once a deposit has been paid...adjustments will be made on the backend.

All pricing includes port charges and taxes 
Pricing includes river cruise and land package

 

 

Transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the packages but may be purchased, for an additional charge, for guests with air schedules that coincide with the cruise-land departure and arrival dates. Guests that purchase AmaWaterways airfare plus land package will receive transfers provided there are no deviations from the published cruise-land schedule. Transfers for deviated air schedules may be available for an additional charge.

Special Requests
Please advise, at the time of reservation, of any special dietary or services requests you may have so that every effort can be made to accommodate you as best as possible .

Travel Documents
Only after receipt of full payment, Digital Travel Documents (including airline confirmation information, if applicable) will be sent via email, approximately 3-4 weeks prior to

 
Covid Testing

Covid testing is not required to travel to Paris.

Covid testing is no longer required to return back to the US for vaccinated and unvaccinated Travelers 
 
Flights
  • Flights can be arranged directly through AmaWaterways through Elite Excursionists
  • A group flight may be provided if there is enough interest
  • The arrival airport is Marseille Provence Airport  (MRS) and the departure airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG)
 
 
Passport & Travel Insurance
Please make sure your Passport is valid  for at least 6 months from the date of completion of your travel.  That would be December 23, 2024
TRAVEL INSURANCE:  STRONGLY SUGGESTED. Travel Insurance to cover issues such as trip cancellation fees, medical and accidental emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage loss and/or damage is highly recommended, and covid quarantine.  By making your deposit or payment for this trip, you acknowledge that you have read this statement and understand that insurance is available and will be offered.

Important Notes:

A single supplement applies if you don't have a roommate.  It will be added to the invoice if you do not select a roommate that has paid their deposit.

 
 
Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of travel arrangements due to any reasons–we must be notified in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the time/date we receive your intentions to cancel in writing.  

 

The above policy also applies to the guest who cancels due to positive covid test, health issues or any other reason.  All refunds will be processed 30-45 days after receiving the cancellation request.  To ensure a full return of all monies paid, please purchase Travel Protection.

 

More than 121 days prior to departure - $200

120-90 days $400 penalty

89-60 days prior to departure - 35% of cruise/land price 

59-30 days prior to departure - 50% of cruise/land price

29-7 days prior to departure - 80% of cruise/land price

6 days prior to departure - 100% or cruise/land price

 

 

Reinstatement of Reservations: If your travel reservations have been canceled, and you notify us within 14 days that you want to reinstate your reservations, a service reinstatement fee of $100 ($200 for international tours) will be added to your invoice and must be paid in advance in order to apply for reconfirmation of services. Exceptions are at the sole discretion of Elite Excursionists

 

Important Points to Note:

* Full payment must be received NLT March 1, 2024

*It is highly advisable to buy travel insurance ensuring that the coverage is adequate to cover even severe conditions including cancellation charges & covid policy as well as quarantine period expenses if you test positive for covid



In case of human or computer error, Elite Excursionists reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price of the product or service. 
 
BOOKING EXCEPTIONS
Double occupancy wanting 2 separate invoices (which allows you to pay separately) then follow the below steps:
  1. Each person should book separately
  2. Select 1 Traveler
  3. You will see the higher single occupancy rate appear (don't worry it will be corrected later on the backend)
  4. Proceed to complete information form to check out
  5. You will be charged the deposit for 1 person
  6. Send an email or call to provide roommate information and at that time the two bookings will be merged into a double occupancy booking
  7. The price will reduce and now reflect a double occupancy booking rate showing that the deposit was paid
  8. Single or triple occupancy accommodations are available and are very limited.  There is an additional charge for a single cabin.  Please send an email to destinations.dts@gmail.com for pricing and more information if there are any questions or call 816-607-1099

 
Please know that if there is any error on the invoice in terms of roommates, I will correct it on the backend, just let me know.
 
Destinations Travel Solution Terms and Conditions...click below:
 
 
 

Available Packages

Category E, Piano Deck, Fixed Windows
Unavailable as of March 1, 2024

Starting At: $5,223.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads
  • 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
 
 
 
 

Category D, Piano Deck, Fixed Windows
Unavailable as of March 1, 2024

Starting At: $5,522.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads
  • 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
 
 
 
 

Category CB, Violin Deck, French Balcony
Unavailable as of March 1, 2024

Starting At: $6,122.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • 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
 
 
                                                                                                                                                   
 
 

Category BB, Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony (Double Balcony), 210 sq. ft.
Unavailable as of March 1, 2024

Starting At: $7,122.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • 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
 
 
 

Category AB, Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Unavailable as of March 1, 2024

Starting At: $7,522.00
Deposit: $200.00 per person

Standard room with beautiful views of the sea, you will have everything you need for a comfortable stay and a good night’s sleep. 
 
 
 
 
 

Suite, Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Unavailable as of March 1, 2024

Starting At: $9,022.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads
  • 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