Portraits of Southern France

Viking Burgundy sails along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of the Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the famed Provençal cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!

Included in this Itinerary

Daily Shore Excursions	7 guided tours
All Meals	7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
Port Charges	Included on all Itineraries
Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers	Included when you purchase airfare with Viking

ADD AirFare Prices

Boston, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh	$1,495
Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Raleigh, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington DC	$1,695
Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle	$1,795

Upgrade to Business Class air from $3,200 per person. For personalized air travel accommodations, contact the Viking Air Plus Department at 1-877-523-0580. Hours of operation: Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Airfare includes all government air taxes/fees of approximately $160 and fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited and airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; consult your airline.

Price Guarantee

You pay in U.S. dollars—and once you have paid in full, your all-inclusive price is locked in, with no worries about airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges or new government taxes guaranteed.

Travel Protection

We now offer the Viking Travel Protection Plan for all departures. our program provides the most comprehensive coverage available, and gives you peace of mind knowing that whatever may arise—even a pre-existing medical condition—you retain 100% of your travel value.

International Airfare:
U.S. flights depart one day prior to cruise embarkation/hotel check-in date. If roundtrip airfare is purchased from Viking River Cruises, transfers between airport and ship/hotel are included. If air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately at an additional charge ($60 to $120 per person, per direction; varies by itinerary), and are available to guests whose flights arrive and depart on embarkation/disembarkation or hotel check-in/check-out day only.

• Chalon-sur-Saône to Avignon
• Avignon to Chalon-sur-Saône

Portraits of Southern France 2009 Itinerary

Viking Burgundy sails along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of the Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the famed Provençal cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!

DAY 1 Chalon-sur-Saône

Fly into Lyon. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship docked in Chalon-sur-Saône.* After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

DAY 2 Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour

After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hôtel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure with dinner aboard—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 Lyon

After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 Lyon & Vienne

The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of St. Maurice; your tour ends with a mini-train ride to the top of Mount Pipet for panoramic views. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 Tournon & Viviers

Awake in Tournon and take a ride to Châteauneuf-sur-Isère near Tain L’Hermitage. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musée de Tain L’Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 Arles

Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as beautiful Romanesque monuments such as Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 Avignon

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 Avignon

After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the Marseille airport for your return flight.* Or, discover even more of southern France with 3 nights in Nice and the French Riviera. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.

Viking Burgundy

Restaurant

The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats 154 guests at 24 tables which vary in size, accommodating 4, 6 or 8 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals.

Elevator

There is an elevator from the upper deck to the middle deck.

Reception/Lobby

The middle deck lobby area is a great place to get information or meet up with friends. Your Cruise Manager’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a small seating area, a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket, an onboard shop and restrooms. There is a PA system so the day’s events can be announced; there is also an Internet station in the lobby area, so you can check your email.

Observation Lounge/Bar

The Observation Lounge is a terrific place to meet old and new friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

Library

The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Sun Deck

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair—cushions are available. Some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge.

• Paris: 3-night pre-extension in Paris – $999 per person
• Nice & the French Riviera: 3-night post-extension in Nice & the French Riviera – $999 per person

Life Onboard the Viking Burgundy

Experience life on France’s great rivers. Viking Burgundy cruises the southern rivers Rhône and Saône, where passengers discover the vineyards of Burgundy, the gourmet city of Lyon, scenic Provence and the colorful villages and historic towns, frequently with Roman origins. Viking Burgundy was built in 2000 and offers the highest standards of safety and comfort. Viking Burgundy features a restaurant, a bar, a sun deck, a promenade outside the panorama lounge, and 76 spacious comfortable outside staterooms.

Fine Dining

Fine dining consists of early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests may choose between several courses during lunch and dinner.

Staterooms

Viking Burgundy features 76 comfortable outside staterooms each with telephone, television, air conditioning and in-room safe.

Life Onboard the Viking Burgundy

• Sun Deck with 360-degree views
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Souvenir shop
• Library
• Internet station
• 76 comfortable outside staterooms
• Walk-around, open air promenade deck
• Elevator from middle deck (Cat B) to upper deck (Cat A)
• Laundry service

Fine Dining Aboard the Viking Burgundy

Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections including eggs, cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Or maybe you prefer a made-to-order hot dish like an omelet or pancakes. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary—it is all part of experiencing the local culture.

Staterooms Aboard the Viking Burgundy

• Staterooms: 76 ( 48 deluxe / 28 standard)
• Deluxe Stateroom: (Cat A & B) 151 sq. ft.
• Standard Stateroom: (Cat C, D & E) 120 sq. ft.
• All staterooms are outside with river view
• Category A & B have large windows that open
• Category C & D have large windows that cannot be opened
• Category E has half-height picture window that cannot be opened
• Deluxe staterooms have 2 sofa beds
• Standard staterooms have 1 sofa bed and 1 Pullman bed
• All beds are equipped with a feather duvet (or hypoallergenic substitute on request)
• Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two postcards.
• The Daily Program for the following day will be delivered each evening to your room.