Rhône Route Classique 2022 - A-ROSA STELLA - BASIC

Chalon-sur-Saône in southern Burgundy is a charming riverside town in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region. It is the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce, who invented photography and took the first photograph ever. A museum has been dedicated to him in Chalon-sur-Saône, which you will pass on your walk. Through the picturesque alleys with their old half-timbered houses, you will pass by various monuments from the Middle Ages and learn interesting facts about the history of St Laurence Island. Your tour of discovery will take you to Place Saint-Vincent, where you can stroll through the weekly market.

The ‘Route des Grands Crus’ will take you through gently rolling vineyards to Dijon, the capital of the historical duchy of Burgundy and the capital of the Côte-d’Or département today. Back in the 14th and 15th centuries a mighty empire was ruled from the imposing Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Powerful dukes such as Philip the Bold supported the arts by acting as patrons – and their generosity is still evident in many places today. After enjoying some free time, you’ll return to the ship.

This tour takes you to a truly historic place. Today one can hardly imagine that about 1,000 years ago Cluny was the religious centre of Europe. Until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was finished, the cloister of Cluny was the largest church in Christianity. Visit the remains of the five naves of this stunning church and discover the fascinating way of life of the monks.

The Hameau Dubœuf wine park near Mâcon is dedicated to wine and winemaking. Founded by the leading wine producer in the Beaujolais region, it has become famous around the globe for its unique collection of wine-related artefacts. Demonstrations and audio-visual shows make winegrowing come alive for visitors – and there’ll be an opportunity for you to sample some of the wines too, of course.

The indoor food market of Lyon is named after Paul Bocuse – and with good reason. This star chef was based in Lyon and so he often shopped here. There are plenty of tasty specialities for you to sample here. But France’s second-largest metropolis has a lot more to offer beyond that. Your tour will continue through the city centre, where you’ll take in some wonderful sights.

Your guide will be waiting outside the ship to show you how to use your segway. In a small group you will explore the old town of Lyon with its impressive sights and the French lifestyle. After the tour across the peninsula you will return to the ship.

Join us on the trail of one of the best chefs of the 20th century. Paul Bocuse was the most important pioneer of nouvelle cuisine and internationally known like hardly any other French gastronome. In the centre of Lyon is the Halles Bocuse, one of the most famous markets in Lyon, where locals also go to enjoy the displays on offer.  Feast your way from stall to stall and enjoy the French delicacies. For example, excellent cheese and delicious white wine at Mons, where over 100 different types of cheese are on offer. Of course, the tasting of oysters, French charcuterie (delicatessen meats), chocolate and macarons is not to be missed.

What better way to get to know French cuisine than with a private cooking class? Discover French delicacies up close with us! Near Bellecoure, your chef is waiting for you. Once you arrive at the restaurant, you will start preparing the dishes and learn about the specialities of French cuisine and how to prepare them. Discover your passion for French cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!

Would you like to explore the old town privately with a tour guide and enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Presqu’Île, the city’s peninsula? Your guide will show you around and provide lots of valuable insights. After all, Lyon has so much to offer – and that applies to its cuisine too. Find out where to get the best coussins de Lyon – a sweet speciality made in the city – and much more.

Lyon is a multifaceted city brimming with cultural and culinary delights. It’s up to you to decide what you want to see: the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the old town with its legendary traboules (small secret passageways) or perhaps the famous facade paintings on the Presqu’Île, the city’s peninsula. Your driver will take you wherever you’d like to go – and your personal guide will then show you the city’s hidden treasures. You can book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.

Through narrow alleys and past the numerous small city palaces, chapels and churches, this excursion will lead you to the famous Palais du Pape. In the beginning of the 14th century Pope Clemens V settled here, followed by further popes and cardinals. The visit of this fortified site takes you to the great halls, to the chapels, to the private chambers of the Pope and to the terrace with magnificent views of Avignon and the Rhône. Each year in July, one of the largest theatre festivals in the world takes place around the palace. After visiting the palace you will pass the church of St. Agricol and to the ruins of the famous Pont d’Avignon.

In the market hall you will experience the daily life of the locals. Even the country's top chefs are often seen here. After a ten-minute walk through the city's cosy lanes, your A-ROSA chef will take you to the huge building with its uniquely planted outside facade. Your chef will put together the best delicacies for you to taste.

The 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard is an extraordinary ancient structure. It proudly overlooks the tortuous Gardon Valley, bearing eternal witness to the power of the Roman Empire. Even today, it’s impossible to take in its breath-taking size and impressive architecture without feeling completely awestruck. After a short drive you’ll reach this imposing natural site and visit the impressive aqueduct first. You’ll then have plenty of time to look around the museum, where there is lots to see and discover – even for our youngest guests.

Discover and observe numerous bird species in their natural environment. The Parc Ornithologique covers 60 hectares and is home to the birds of the Camargue. Walk through the park, enjoy the birdsong and hundreds of pink flamingos. Then set off by jeep on a wonderful adventure across the Camargue. The Camargue is an Eldorado for nature lovers and freedom lovers. Say hello to the white wild horses and enjoy the unique nature and beautiful landscapes.

Meet Chef Erick and start your private cooking experience with a walk to the Arles food market. There are several stalls on site selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and fish. Together you will stroll through the market and get all the ingredients you need for your cooking class. Afterwards, the cooking can begin. Wield the wooden spoon and prepare a delicious lunch with the help of Chef Erick. We wish you bon appétit!

The Camargue is a paradise not only for the white wild horses, but also for riders. The Mas Saint Germain, a typical ranch in the national park, awaits you and takes you on a one-hour tour through the magnificent landscape. Of course, you will also prepare the horse for your ride and bring it back to their pasture or stable afterwards.

Your private English-speaking guide will pick you up in front of the ship and show you Arles according to your wishes. Stroll through the most beautiful city in France, at least that's what the French say. Discover the city centre with its numerous Roman buildings or take a look at the amphitheatre. Let the Roman era pass by and experience the city where even Vincent van Gogh spent a year creating numerous masterpieces.

Up to 300 metres deep, the Ardèche has carved out the typical limestone, forming one of the most beautiful landscapes in France. This includes the fairy-tale grottos. Along the river you will drive to one of the numerous grottos of the area, such as the Grottes des Madeleines with its subterranean halls. Continuing your trip to one of the lavender producers in the Ardèche-area, you will be shown the different types and species of lavender, as well as their usage in medicine, decoration and perfume production.