LIVE THE GOODLIFE - SOULFUL EPICUREAN EXPERIENCE - FRANCE 2025

Airport Transfer to Ship in Arles

AmaWaterways AmaKristina

Ship Information With AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Kristin Karst serving as AmaKristina’s Godmother, you know you’ll have a distinctive experience aboard this phenomenal, award-winning river ship. Both a French and outside balcony in most staterooms allow you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. In the marble bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads, soothing bath and body products, cozy robes and hair dryers. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. The AmaKristina also includes a massage and hair salon, gift shop, specialty coffee station, heated pool with swim-up bar, fitness center, sun-deck walking track and a fleet of onboard bikes. Her Main Restaurant is a taste of the outdoors, with vines and branches infused in the décor and expert chefs preparing our signature exquisite cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients—both in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table.

.Deck Plans

Summary of Excursion

Follow in the footsteps of legendary Black artists such as Josephine Baker, Claude McKay, and Alexander Dumas as you explore Marseille, the oldest city in France. Take a motorcoach ride from your ship to Marseille, where you will explore La Jolie Joliette, the site of France’s historic Port of Entry. Witness the beauty of Joliette Plaza, the site of several scenes from McKay’s 1929 novel Banjo. From there, tour other iconic locations such as the Chateau d’lf, the touchstone of Dumas’s famous tale, Count of Monte Cristo; Le Panier, the oldest residential neighborhood in Marseille; and the breathtaking La Vieille Major Cathedral. After the tour, enjoy some free time on your own to immerse yourself in this historic city before meeting again for more group sightseeing. Once your tour is complete, board your motorcoach once more to return to your ship for dinner on board.

Excursion Time: Full Day Duration: 8 hrs 30 mins Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Evening cruise to illuminated Pont d’Avignon

Sail around Avignon for evening views

Avignon (Overnight)

Morning: Guests may select Tour A or Tour B

Morning | Walking Tour & Papal Palace (Tour A)

• Carrier: AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

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; in fact, the papacy relocated here from Rome from 1309 to 1377. On your guided tour, discover its amazing history and culture, including how Avignon belonged to the papacy for over 400 years until the French Revolution restored the city to France once again. Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, which you will visit during your tour. You will also see well-preserved medieval city walls, sycamore trees shading sidewalk cafes, peaceful passageways, elegant homes and quaint boutiques. Definitely a walk not to be missed!

What you will see: UNESCO World Heritage Site – “Historic Centre of Avignon”

What you will visit: Papal Palace

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Walking Tour: 2 hrs Duration: 2 hrs

Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Morning | Foundation Blachere & Alpilles (Tour B)

Carrier: AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Visit the foundation established by businessman Jean-Paul Blachère, which has promoted the work of contemporary African artists since 2004. Traveling extensively to Africa, Blachère invites artists in residence from Africa to showcase their work for temporary exhibits. Wander amongst the sculptures, paintings and photographs all created by visionary artists thousands of miles away.

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Walking Tour: 2 hrs

Duration: 5 hrs

Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Afternoon: Guests may select Tour A or Tour B

Guests may select Tour A or Tour B

Viviers | Truffle Farm Visit (Tour A)

• Carrier

  AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Truffles are a highly prized delicacy sometimes referred to as “the diamond of the kitchen.” No man or machine can locate them, only specially trained dogs. This morning excursion will introduce you to truffles and their revered place in French gastronomy.

What you will visit: Truffle Farm

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Bus Ride: 2 hrs Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins Duration of Walking Tour: 1 hr Level of Difficulty: 2

Viviers | Viviers Bike (Tour B )

• Carrier

  AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Explore the beauty of Southern France as you ride along the Rhone river by bicycle.

What you will see: House of Knights, Robinet Bridge, Donzere Dam

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Bike Tour: 2 hrs

Duration: 2 hrs Distance: 14.00 Kilometers / 8.50 Miles Level of Difficulty: 4

By MOSSOT - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11737242

Evening: Tournon | Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting

• Carrier

  AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit this beautiful villa for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate, discovering how pairing the right chocolate with the right wine can be a match made in heaven.

 What you will visit: Villa Caroube

Excursion Time: Evening Duration of Walking Tour: 30 mins Duration: 1 hr 30 mins

Level of Difficulty: 3

Tournon (Overnight)

Guests may select Tour A or Tour B

Morning: Steam Train Ride (Tour A)

• Carrier

  AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Take an exciting and nostalgic steam train ride through the 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.hat you will see: Gorge du Doux

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Bus Ride: 30 mins Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins Duration of Train Ride: 1 hr Level of Difficulty: 1

Morning: Tain L'Hermitage Hike & Wine tasting (Tour B)

• Carrier

  AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Hike through the steep vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage and visit a local winery’s tasting room to learn about wine making and the area’s unique wine heritage. You'll also be treated to a special wine tasting that invites you to savor the distinct aroma and flavor of the region’s celebrated Hermitage appellation.

What you will visit: Hermitage Winery Tasting Room

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Walking Tour: 1 hr 15 mins Duration: 3 hrs Distance: 4.00 Kilometers / 2.50 Miles Level of Difficulty: 5

HISTORY OF JAZZ LECTURE

Join us in the lounge for an exciting lecture about the History of Jazz by the founder of "Jazz in Vienne" festival. This world- famous festival attracts over 200,000 music lovers every year through its true blend of old and new styles, creating an authentic musical fusion unlike any other.

Guests may select Tour A, Tour B or Tour C

Morning | Jazz and Wine Experience (Tour A)

• Carrier AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Venture to Ampuis, renowned for its more than two centuries of winemaking prowess. There you will be treated to a live concert performed by local jazz musicians. Plus, sample three wines from the region: Condrieu, a dry wine typically offering notes of sweet peaches, honey, apricot and flowers; Hermitage, a spicy red wine made from Syrah grapes; and CôteRôtie, known as the world’s “ultimate Syrah,” which offers a hint of smoky flavor akin to bacon.

Excursion Time: Morning  Duration of Walking Tour: 30 mins Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Morning: Footsteps of Ancient Romans Walking Tour (Tour B)

• Carrier: Ama Waterways

Summary of Excursion

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, built in honor of Caesar Augustus, son of Julius Caesar, and his wife, Livia. Vienne was also an important religious center in medieval time, a legacy still evident in the Saint-Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build.

What you will see: Temple of Augustus, Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Ancient Theater

Excursion Time: Morning  Duration of Walking Tour: 1 hr 45 mins Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Mount Pipet Hike (Tour C)

• Carrier: AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Before hiking up to Mount Pipet, you'll walk through Vienne seeing the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple and the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build. Afterwards, hike up to Mount Pipet in the center of Vienne. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary and a statue, built in the 19th century, now stand on the hill, the best place for a view across the rooftops of Vienne and the surrounding countryside.

What you will see: Temple of Augustus, Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Panoramic Views from Mount Pipet

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Walking Tour: 2 hrs Duration: 2 hrs 

Distance: 3.00 Kilometers / 1.80 Miles Level of Difficulty: 5

Lyon (Overnight)

• Carrier:AmaWaterways

HISTORY OF THE FRENCH COLONIES LECTURE

The history of France and the colonies is an extremely rich subject. Join us in the lounge for a moving lecture about the triangular trade, abolition of slavery, prisons, Catholic missionaries from Lyon to Africa and current events that are a reflection of the past.

Special Interest Tour: Lyon Tasting Tour

• Carrier: AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

During your time in the culinary city of Lyon, indulge in a distinctive tasting tour of Les Halles Market. Delight in special delicacies brought to the city from North Africa such as special stuffed peppers, unique pastries, hummus and more. After trying these tastes, enjoy some free time in the market before returning to the ship.

What you will visit: Paul Bocuse Les Halles

Excursion Time: Morning  Duration of Walking Tour: 2 hrs Duration: 2 hrs 45 mins

Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Taste of Chasselay and Beaujolais Wine Tasting

• Carrier: AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Begin your afternoon tour by riding to Chasselay, a small town outside of Lyon. While in this quaint town, you will see the tata, Wolof for “sacred land.” Inspired by Sudanese architecture, this cemetery built to commemorate the 196 infantrymen from nations across West Africa who were killed in a confrontation with the German army outside of Lyon in 1940. After learning about the history laid to rest at the tata of Chasselay, journey past the Châteaux, fields and vineyards of the Golden Stone region, dotted with beautiful honey-colored houses on your way to a traditional Beaujolais winery. Join a specialist from the winery as they share with you the history and techniques of their vineyard, techniques often passed down from generation to generation, before sampling their flavors for yourself.

Excursion Time: Afternoon Duration of Bus Ride: 2 hrs Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins Duration of Walking Tour: 1 hr Level of Difficulty: 1-2

Lyon (Overnight)

Disembarkation

• Carrier: AmaWaterways

Bid farewell to the  AmaKristina and as you prepare for your onward journey to the beautiful city of Paris.

Lyon to Paris TGV Transfer

• Carrier

  AmaWaterways

Summary of Excursion

Sit back and enjoy your ride of the TGV, a high-speed train that travels at speeds up to 190 mph, as it whisks you through the French countryside to the capital city of Paris.

Excursion Time: Full Day Duration of Bus Ride: 2 hrs Duration: 8 hrs 15 mins Duration of Walking Tour: 1 hr Level of Difficulty: 1 Duration of Train Ride: 2 hrs 15 mins

Check in at Paris Arc De Triomphe Hotel

Location

Centrally located in Paris, this urban hotel offers for business travelers as well as families an ideal setting and plenty of options for entertainment. A number of shops are just minutes away, and public transportation is also nearby.

Facilities

The hotel has an elevator and features 11 rooms. The reception desk is open around the clock. A baggage storage service, a safe, room service, a laundry service and a coin-operated laundry are available. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on vacation. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Complimentary newspapers are available.

Josephine Baker Tour

Summary of Excursion

Follow in Josephine Baker’s footsteps as you trace her legacy throughout Paris. Visit Théâtre des Champs Elysées, where she held many breathtaking performances, and the refined La Coupole, an elegant restaurant the actress frequented near the square that now bears her name. You will also enjoy the Place du Pantheon, where she was the first performing artist, first Black woman, and first American to be inducted into the nation’s mausoleum of heroes in 2021. Continue into Madeleine Church, the site of her funeral.

Excursion Time: Morning Duration of Bus Ride: 1 hr 30 mins Duration: 4 hrs Duration of Walking Tour: 2 hrs 30 mins Level of Difficulty: 2-3

Overnight in Paris

Paris Black History Tour

Summary of Excursion

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 Josephine Baker was inducted in November 2021

Excursion Time: Full Day Duration of Bus Ride: 2 hrs 30 mins Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins Duration of Walking Tour: 5 hrs Level of Difficulty: 2-3

Check out from the hotel

Departure 

Airport Transfer

 Ausden Clark AU65 DEN Scania Irizar i6 in Black and Pink Livery Domd94 (talk | contribs)

𝗛𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀! Have you heard about the groundbreaking voyage that recently set sail? The one that's more than just a cruise but a powerful movement in the travel world? Let's talk about AmaWaterways' inaugural Soulful Epicurean Experience, the first-ever Black Heritage River cruise, as covered in this eye-opening article by Travel Weekly Magazine.https://bit.ly/3QgAZzB

1. What's Included In Your Ama Waterways River Cruise And Land Package?

Sail on a 7-night  river cruise  from Arle to Lyon along the Rhone river through the heart of Provence, France. Then spend 3 nights in Paris.

• All excursions included
• Experience a luxurious all-inclusive river cruise in France
• Enjoy 3 nights post-cruise in Paris at the Paris Arc de Triomphe (or similar)
• Daily breakfasts at hotel
• Black Paris city tour
• Josephine Baker Tour
• 7-night river cruise in an elegantly appointed riverview stateroom
• All fine dining on board and two shoreside dinners
• Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Welcome Dinner, Captains Cocktail, and Gala Dinner
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• Well-equipped fitness room
• A variety of included excursions each day, historic walking tours, guided hikes, and tastings of Port and local delicacies
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Cruise Manager accompanies you throughout your river cruise and land journey
• Daily cocktail hour
• Walking, hiking and biking tour options
• Airport Transfers with the purchase of Air by AmaWaterways

2. Are Flights Included?

Flights are not included. You are free to book your own airfare. However, you can book thru us. We have access to competitive airfares based on contracted carriers' flight and seat availability.

3. What Are Entry And Visa Requirements?

For cruises in France, guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter France.

All guests must consult the appropriate consulates regarding travel entry requirements. Obtaining required travel documentation and assuring these are complete and correct in all ways, is the sole responsibility of each participant. Cilla Travel will provide support advising travelers on travel requirements they need. 

3. Do I Need Travel Insurance?

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel protection to guard against unforeseen situations and to protect your travel investment. Travel Insurance information. will be provided at the time of booking. 

4. Are Gratuities Included With the Fare?

Onboard gratuities are not automatically added to your account by AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways leaves gratuities up to your discretion and ultimately, your experience.

5. What Amenities Are Available In The Staterooms?

Stateroom and suite appointments include white-on-white plush bedding, cotton bathrobes, slippers, high-quality bath and body products, hairdryer, safe and water replenished daily. Suites include added enhancements, such as larger sitting areas and expansive bathrooms with both a shower and bathtub. Entertainment-On-Demand center in all staterooms and suites with complimentary high-speed internet access, movies, an extensive music library, and English-language TV stations. Note: Items of a personal nature are not included.

6. What's Not Included

• Airport transfers. 
• Gratuities
• International air
• Things of a personal nature
• Travel Protection
• Meals not started
• Premium alcohol

7. Flights to France

International airfare is not included in the cost of this trip. However, we can book your air for you for an additional fee. 

8. Airport Transfers

Airport Transfers are Complimentary with the purchase of air booked through AmaWaterways. To book air contact [email protected] 

9. Travel Guard Cruise Protection Plan

Reserve your next River Cruise with Peace of Mind That's right. Cover your trip investment from those unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. The Cruise Protection Plan provides valuable coverage at an affordable price. This plan provides protection for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses, COVID-related conditions, emergency evacuation, trip delay, and baggage delay.

Ask your Travel Advisor, Cilla Travel LLC email [email protected]  about our new Travel Waiver Plus. 

10. Financing

There are three ways to pay for your trip. You may pay in full, with our payment plan or financing from our partner Uplift. Our partner, Uplift, offers access to great interest rates. There are no late fees and no pre-payment penalties. Pay over up to 24 months. You can even include your airfare Trip costs can be up to $15,000 and as low as $500 (not including travel insurance). If interested you can receive a decision in less than one minute on your device. For more information on Uplift, click here. or send an email to [email protected] 

11. Refunds

Deposits are non-refundable. Any payments that we receive are paid to our travel suppliers. We can not guarantee refunds or credits from entities that are not under our control. In order to receive a refund for your payments, you must purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance will reimburse you for the refundable portion of your payments for "covered reasons".

12. Terms and Conditions 

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change at any time without notice.

Paris hotel may change based on availability. Solo travelers in a double occupancy must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any eligible discounts. Upgrades, port charges, airfares, optional land programs, visas, and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information, and terms & conditions, please contact your Cilla Travel LLC. 

13. Payments and Cancellation

• Deposit: A deposit is due at the time of reservation. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. All reservations (except where specified) will require a deposit and will be clearly noted the amount due and the monthly payment plan. In cases where the full balance is paid upfront, the no refund policy will still apply.
•  Cancellation: Once reservations have been made; cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email your cancellation request to [email protected] with your full name, and date of travel. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please call 843-593-8474 to ensure your information was received. As refunds are not available travel insurance is highly advised and recommended throughout the registration check-out process. For the full cancellation policy click here

14. Cancellation Charges

In the unfortunate event, a participant must cancel travel, notice must be made to AmaWaterways during standard business hours or via email to [email protected], which must include writing stating clearly and correctly each guest’s name, ship name, start and end date of the cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. To view the complete cancellation policy click here 

©Cilla Travel LLC 2024 | Summerville SC 29483 | [email protected] | www.cillatravel.com | (855) 263 1231  | Privacy Policy | Terms And Conditions

Ask About AmaWaterways Air Plus when you book your River Cruise Consult: Click to schedule.

The AmaWaterways Air Team is dedicated to ensuring peace of mind when preparing for your river cruise journey. And, with the AirPlus promotion they are offering: 

• Economy Air at a fixed rate of $899 per person
  Premium Economy Air at $2,299 per person
  Business Class Air for $4,299 per person

  With included scheduled transfers on select 2024 and 2025 Europe sailings.

  AirPlus is applicable to all Europe sailings within 330 days prior to departure with a current retail promotion and on all Europe sailings outside of 330 days of departure.