Set sail on a journey through the heart of Provence, where history, culture and breathtaking landscapes unfold at every stop. Begin in Arles, a town straight out of a storybook with its Roman amphitheater, Van Gogh inspirations and enchanting Provençal villages. Explore Avignon, the “City of Popes,” where grand medieval architecture and exquisite local flavors await. Wander the charming lanes of Viviers, uncover the secrets of truffle hunting in Grignan, and savor the romance of the Rhône with wine, chocolate and vineyard hikes in Tournon. In Vienne, marvel at remarkably preserved Roman ruins before arriving in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated as the gastronomic capital of France. From ancient wonders to world-class cuisine and unforgettable scenery, this river cruise offers an enticing blend of discovery and delight.
Sailing aboard the AmaKristina is as much about the journey as the destinations. This stylish, 152-passenger river cruise offers an inviting blend of elegance and comfort, with spacious staterooms, gourmet dining at multiple venues, and a sun deck complete with a heated pool and swim-up bar. On this river cruise, most of your shore excursions are included, so whether you take a guided tour to learn about the history, architecture or flavors of some of these amazing cities, or stay active with guided bike rides and hiking excursions, your days will be filled with beautiful sights and incredible knowledge. Onboard, choose to relax with a massage, a glass of wine, and evening entertainment showcasing local culture. With immersive shore excursions, attentive service and local cuisine, a cruise on the AmaKristina delivers a seamless blend of relaxation, discovery and indulgence along Europe’s most scenic waterways.
Add to this our celebrated Amazing Journeys touches such as onboard events and parties, a lively group of Jewish Singles from around the globe, group shore excursions, group dining, and all fully escorted by our Amazing Journeys Group Coordinators. Are you ready to treat yourself to an incredible river cruise experience?
And to make your vacation as hassle-free as possible, we have bundled everything together, so the price you see is the price you pay. The rates on our Pricing tab include daily shore excursions, all taxes, gratuities and fees, all meals onboard, many beverage options, happy hours, parties, wi-fi and much more. With all of these additions, our cruise is virtually all-inclusive!
For those who want to begin with a few extra days in the French Riviera or stay and explore Paris, we’ve got pre-cruise and post-cruise options for you!
Watch the preview video of Picturesque Provence: Southern France River Cruise!
We hosted a Launch & Learn session to share some information about our Southern France River Cruise. If you want to watch the recorded session, click here.
Your value-added cruise package includes:
- 7-night river cruise in your choice of stateroom
- 21 meals – 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Captain’s Welcome Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner
- Several themed dinners
- Afternoon tea served daily
- Transportation and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
- English speaking Tour Manager and local tour guides
- Amazing Journeys Onsite Travel Coordinator
- All river cruise gratuities including tour manager, crew and for shore excursions guide and drivers
- All port taxes, service charges and government fees
- Daily shore excursions with English speaking guides as offered for all guests (a few options are available at additional cost however, most are included)
- Use of Quietvox headsets while on tour
- House spirits, local beer, cappuccino, espresso and soft drinks included all day in addition to coffee, teas, iced tea and bottled water
- Wine included with lunch and dinner
- “Sip & Sail” Happy Hour most evenings, featuring specialty drinks
- Dinner at specialty restaurant, Chef’s Table
- All entertainment onboard ship
- Exclusive onboard group events
- Bottled water provided in each cabin
- Shabbat service onboard
- AJ Desk onboard
- Use of bathrobes and slippers in each cabin
- Heated pool and walking deck onboard
- Complimentary use of bicycles
- Complimentary use of internet onboard (subject to availability)
- Baggage handling throughout
- Amazing Journeys gift for each participant
- Amazing service throughout
What’s Not Included:
- Optional tours and entrance fees not listed on the itinerary
- Flights
- Transportation to and from the ship (unless on pre- or post-cruise)
- Travel protection
- Beverages not mentioned above
- Incidentals
- Cost for passport or visas
Thursday, October 29 – Arles
Embark AmaKristina – Our cruise and your Amazing Journey begins today. Board our home-away-from-home for the next 7 days, the AmaKristina. We’ll get to know our new river cruise, then gather together for our Welcome Event and group ice breaker. A group dinner onboard will follow. (D)
Friday, October 30 – Arles
Depart at 6 pm – Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles including 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, 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. We’ll 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. 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. This evening, join together for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat services, followed by dinner. The ship will set sail for Avignon, arriving around 10 pm. (B,L,D)
Saturday, October 31 – Avignon
Depart at 9:59 pm – 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. Depending on your interests, we’ll give you three choices of excursions in the morning. 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. Or, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike tour through the city. During the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. We’ll gather together for a group dinner and taste some of the local flavors of France. (B,L,D)
Sunday, November 1 – Viviers – Tournon
Arrive Viviers at 6:30 am, depart at 12:30 pm – Arrive Tournon at 8 pm – Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. You can also explore Viviers on a guided walking tour, where you’ll see iconic sights such as Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Alternatively, see the sights on an active walk through town and up towards a belvedere with a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley below. You may also set off on a guided bike tour, exploring the beauty of Southern France as you ride along the Rhône River. This afternoon, we set sail traveling north towards Tournon. Onboard, there will be a number of activities to participate in, or you may just enjoy watching the scenery go by as we travel along the Rhone. (B,L,D)
Monday, November 2 – Tournon – Vienne Sainte-Colombe
Depart Tournon at 2:30 pm – Arrive Vienne Sainte-Colombe at 9:30 pm – This morning, 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. Lovers of wine and chocolate will want to spend their time visiting Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. Feeling a little more active? 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. We’ll gather together onboard our ship for some games, a drink and fun times with friends. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, November 3 –Vienne Sainte-Colombe – Lyon – Quai Claude Bernard
Depart Vienne Sainte-Colombe at 12:30 pm – Arrive Lyon at 3:30 pm – 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. Come back onboard for lunch as we sail towards Lyon, one of France’s most vibrant cities, full of history, food, culture and charm (B, L, D)
Wednesday, November 4 – Lyon – Quai Claude Bernard
Start the day with a walking tour that starts 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.” You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. In the market, sample the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheese mongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Those who want to ride will have the chance to join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard. Plus, enjoy a tasting of their specialty. We’ll come together this evening for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event, followed by dinner onboard. (B,L,D)
Thursday, November 5 – Lyon – Quai Claude Bernard
Disembark – Soak in the last of your French experience as we head home, taking with us new friends and memories of a fabulous vacation. Or, stick around for a few more days and take in the sights, sounds and flavors of Paris with our three-night post-cruise option! (B)
Please Note:
This itinerary is subject to change.
| Rates |
Twin* |
Single |
| French & Outside Balcony Stateroom (view cabin) |
$5650 |
$8850 |
| Large French & Outside Balcony Stateroom (view cabin) |
$6250 |
$9450 |
| Suite with French & Outside Balcony (view cabin) |
$6950 |
$11950 |
A deposit of $950 is due with your reservation.
Final payment is due on April 23, 2026. Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.
*Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net. We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.
Stateroom options:
- French & Outside Balcony stateroom is approximately 210 square feet and located on the middle deck or the upper deck. The French Balcony is a floor-to-ceiling glass window that opens and the Outside balcony is a separate glass door that opens to a seating area.
- Large French & Outside Balcony stateroom is approximately 235 square feet and located on the middle deck or the upper deck. The French Balcony is a floor-to-ceiling glass window that opens and the Outside balcony is a separate glass door that opens to a seating area.
- Suite stateroom is approximately 350 square feet and located on the upper deck. This stateroom has a French Balcony with a floor-to-ceiling glass window that opens and an Outside balcony is a separate glass door that opens to a seating area.
Prices are subject to change based on availability. Cruise staterooms are assigned at time of registration. Those who sign up first receive priority stateroom location.
Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All staterooms onboard the ship and hotel rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until October 28, 2025, there is a $250 penalty for cancellation. From October 29, 2025 – February 23, 2026, there is a $675 penalty for cancellation. From February 24, 2026 – April 23, 2026, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit for the cruise, pre-cruise and post-cruise packages and for any additional pre-/post-nights reserved. From April 24 – July 24, 2026 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the cruise, pre-cruise and post-cruise packages and for any additional pre-/post-nights reserved. From July 25 – August 26, 2026 the cancellation penalty is 75% of the cost of the cruise, pre-cruise and post-cruise packages and for any additional pre-/post-nights reserved. From August 27, 2026 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the cruise, pre-cruise and post-cruise packages and for any additional pre-/post-nights reserved. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase a travel protection plan. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Proof of Citizenship: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If the name on your passport differs from the name on your registration form, a name change fee may be incurred. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, please note that beginning sometime in the fall of 2026, travelers will likely need an ETIAS waiver to travel to Europe. More information can be found here: ETIAS Visa. If you are from a country other than those mentioned, please check with the Embassy of France to find out if a visa is necessary. Please note that visa information is subject to change at any time and it is up to the individual traveling to stay current on visa requirements.
This trip is for you: This trip is for you if love to discover off-the beaten path destinations, and walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal. All travelers should be able to walk at a moderate pace, covering several miles, hills and uneven surfaces and can easily climb stairs. You can navigate hills and uneven/wet ground independently, climb up and into various modes of transportation including boats and trains and can handle changes in elevation as high as 2000 feet. Some tours are “active”, including hiking and biking opportunities. In some ports, a tour may be offered for those who prefer to move at a slower pace. You can expect several early mornings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. You must be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices.
Dining Onboard: Our ship offers open seating for dinner at 7:00pm. In addition to the main restaurant, there is a specialty restaurant and themed-night dinners. Daily afternoon tea with tea, coffee, sandwiches and desserts are served. There is an early risers Coffee & Croissants served, festive lunches and a Captain’s Gala and Farewell Dinner.
Vaccines & Precautions: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend visiting a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: Center for Disease Control. Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and therefore are unable to give specific information on vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.
Taxes, Fees & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for all river cruise staff including the Cruise Manager, local guides, specialty guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.
Flights: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a Confirmation Letter from Amazing Journeys. Flights for this itinerary will be available beginning in December.
- Pre-Cruise Package: Land at the Nice Airport (airport code NCE) before 3:30pm on October 26. Our first pre-cruise program will begin that evening with a Group Welcome Dinner.
- Cruise (without Pre-Cruise Package): Land at Marseilles Airport (airport code MRS) on October 29 in advance of the AmaWaterways optional transfers so that you can easily get to the ship. Transfer times and costs are listed below or you may instead choose to arrange for your own transportation. Our first program will begin at 7:00pm with a Group Welcome Dinner.
- Return from Cruise (without Post-Cruise Package): Fly home from Lyon (airport code LYS) or Paris (airport code CDG) on November 5 at the time suggested by AmaWaterways if using one of AmaWaterways optional transfers (see below for details and pricing) or you may choose to arrange for your own transfers.
- Post-Cruise Package: Depart from Paris (airport code CDG) any time after 9:00am on November 8.
Transfers: Transfers between the airports and hotels/ship are not included. For those travelers on our French Riviera Pre-Cruise Package, a transfer is included from our Pre-Cruise to the ship. For those travelers on our Paris Post-Cruise Package, transfers are included between the ship in Lyon and our hotel in Paris, including the TGV train ride.
For those not taking an Amazing Journeys pre-cruise or post-cruise package, transfer pricing from AmaWaterways is as follows. An opportunity to purchase transfers will be offered closer to the date of sailing.
- Marseilles Airport to Ship in Arles on October 29, $130
- Set departure times from airport at 11:30am or 3:30pm
- This is approximately a two-hour transfer
- Ship to Lyon Airport on November 5, $45
- This is approximately a 30-minute transfer
- Ship in Lyon to Paris City Center on November 5, $299
- This is a full-day transfer and includes a transfer from the ship to the Lyon train station with a French Market visit enroute, free time for lunch followed by an early afternoon two-hour TGV train ride to Paris, then transfer to the AmaWaterways hotel where you will make your own arrangements to the Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation or switch to a Single accommodation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and the cruise line adjusts the rate of the cruise or tour costs accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the cruise/tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.
This cruise is operated by AmaWaterways
