French Riviera Pre-Cruise

Your value-added pre-cruise package includes:

• 3 nights at a property in the heart of Nice
• 4-5 Meals – 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner, 1 lunch for those on the Foodie Tour
• Tours and transfer to the cruise pier
• All taxes, gratuities, service charges and government fees
• Complimentary Wi-Fi at hotel
• Amazing Journeys Onsite Group Coordinator

What’s Not Included:

• Optional tours and entrance fees not listed on the itinerary
• Flights
• Travel protection
• Beverages
• Incidentals
• Cost for passport or visas

Monday, October 26

Welcome to Nice!  Upon your arrival, make your way to our group hotel.  Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, blends Mediterranean charm with vibrant city life. Known for its stunning Promenade des Anglais, pebbled beaches, and pastel-colored Old Town, Nice offers a perfect mix of relaxation and culture. This evening, enjoy our first meal together as we indulge in typical Niçoise cuisine. (D)

Tuesday, October 27

This morning, choose how you explore the French Riviera – you can either experience Old Nice on a Walking Tour or explore Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Cannes.

Nice, where history, flavors, and sea breezes meet. Your journey begins at Place Masséna, with its elegant red façades, checkerboard paving, and graceful arcades.  Stroll through the Jardin Albert I and along the Promenade du Pavillon. Between lush lawns, fountains, and sculptures, you’ll feel the city gently guide you toward its most charming quarter.  Step into a maze of narrow, cobbled streets where sunlight filters through colorful shutters. You will come across the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral with glowing stained glass and beautiful Baroque façade, and ascend the Castle Hill to enjoy the city’s most breathtaking view with panoramic vistas stretch across the Bay of Angels, the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town.  Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to take in the beautiful architecture, museums, and coastal beauty of Nice.

Alternatively, spend the morning in one of France’s most picturesque medieval towns, Saint-Paul-de-Vence.  Perched high above the Côte d’Azur, where stone ramparts, winding lanes, and breathtaking views set the scene. Follow the cobbled streets where Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso once walked. Discover hidden galleries, artisan workshops with soaps, linen and olive oil.  Perhaps you’ll spend some free time at a café in the main square to enjoy a coffee or glass of local wine while watching a game of pétanque. Continue to Cannes, the city of stars. Start off your exploration with the famous La Croisette – a palm-lined boulevard framed by luxury boutiques, grand hotels, and soft golden beaches. At the Palais des Festivals, stand on the iconic red-carpet steps where the world’s most famous actors arrive for the Cannes Film Festival and walk it. Climb the historic hill, Le Suquet, wandering the narrow, winding streets of the old quarter. From the hilltop, take in a full panorama of sweeping views of the bay and the bustling harbor. (B)

Wednesday, October 28

Today, will you explore the delicious side of Nice on a Foodie Tour or will your visit a gorgeous villa and exciting Monaco?

Savor the unique flavors of Nice on our Foodie Tour.  Taste your way through local specialties, feel the flavors of Niçoise cuisine, and also the unique history and culture of Nice.  We’ll discover places few visitors would see and taste food you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere in France.  Whether you’re a real foodie or someone who enjoys food, our foodie walking tour will give you an out of the ordinary culinary experience.  Tasting regional foods such as sweet candied fruits, the humble side of Riviera wine, and Socca – the only true Niçois fast food – and many more, you’ll experience the delicious side of Nice.

Or, you may choose to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, perched on the exclusive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, as it welcomes you with its delicate pink façade and sweeping sea views on both sides. The villa was built by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, the only heiress of two Rothschild lines, English and French, in the early 1900s. Being a devoted follower of the 18th century fashion, the Baroness turned a villa into a true treasure trove of 18th-century furniture, rare porcelain, tapestries, costumes, decorative and fine art of this period. Each room tells a story of the aristocratic refinement. Stroll through nine themed gardens – from the formal French parterre with its dancing fountains, to the exotic cactus garden and the serene Japanese landscape. Every terrace offers a postcard-perfect view of the Mediterranean. Continue on to Monaco – the world’s most glamorous principality, where the Mediterranean sparkles against a skyline of luxury yachts and Belle Époque architecture. Explore Monaco-Ville, perched on a rocky promontory. Stroll its narrow lanes to the Prince’s Palace, watch the daily Changing of the Guard, and visit the stunning Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace rests. In the glitzy district of Monte Carlo, one could marvel at the ornate Casino de Monte-Carlo and the opulent Hôtel de Paris. The square buzzes with supercars, designer boutiques, and elegant cafés. Follow parts of the famous Grand Prix circuit and enjoy sweeping views over Port Hercule, lined with some of the world’s most impressive yachts.

After an exciting tour, spend the rest of your day meandering the picturesque streets of Nice or along the Promenade des Anglais.  (B, L on the Foodie Tour)

Thursday, October 29

This morning, we will depart our hotel and head toward the heart of Provence as we enjoy a guided tour through Aix-en-Provence.  This sun-soaked Provençal town is known for its elegant charm and artistic soul. Nicknamed the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” it offers graceful boulevards, lively markets, elegant 17^th and 18^th century mansions, and tree-lined squares filled with the scent of lavender and fresh pastries.  Wander down the Cours Mirabeau, the city’s most famous avenue, where bustling cafés spill onto the sidewalks and artists sketch beneath the shade of plane trees.  With its blend of Roman history and timeless beauty, Aix captures the essence of Provence in every sunlit moment.

We will continue on to Arles, a historic treasure bursting with charm, color and culture, where we will board the AmaKristina, our home away from home for the next 7 nights.  (B)

Please Note:
This itinerary is subject to change. We must have a minimum of 15 participants to operate this tour.

A deposit of $350 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.

Prices are subject to change based on availability.

Pre-Nights: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotel. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present, nor will there be programming on these days.  Rates listed are per night and include taxes and breakfast daily. A deposit of $50 is due with your reservation of a pre-night.

Nice (October 25)
Twin* – $185 per person
Single – $325

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