Christmas traditions and Santons along the canals of Provence

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Enjoy a "Christmas traditions”-themed evening.

Join us for a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. We'll then head to the Halles market(1) to discover the regional holiday treats. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and cruise towards Tarascon. Enjoy a Christmas-themed evening on board.

This morning, join us for an included excursion: A visit to the imposing, immaculate, 15th-century Château de Tarascon. The magnificent medieval Château de Tarascon sits on the banks of the Rhône. Built by two Dukes of Anjou in the 15th century, many consider it one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. During our tour of the château, we'll visit more than 30 rooms, discover the apothecary jars from the former city hospital, and enjoy the exceptional view of Provence and the Rhône River from the immense patio above. After our excursion, we’ll return to the ship and cruise to Arles.

Included excursion this afternoon: The International Satonniers Trade Show at the Cloître Saint-Trophime and the charming village of Le Paradou.(2) The International Satonniers Trade Show is a must-see for anyone who loves the French santon crèche figurines. Created in 1958 by santon craftspeople who wanted to showcase their work, the trade show welcomes more than 100 exhibitors and artists each year at the beautiful Cloître Saint Trophime.(2) Afterwards, we'll continue on to the Petite Provence du Paradou, an exceptional work of santon artistry. Thousands of santon craftspeople have dedicated more than 8,000 hours of work to create a miniature Provençal village where scenes from days gone by come to life.

Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.

We'll spend the morning cruising to Aigues-Mortes. This afternoon, join us for a visit ofthe city by coach. We'll finish our tour with a tasting of the traditional sweet fougasse: a delicious light, flat brioche with a subtle orange blossom flavor. Enjoy some free time to explore the town before heading back to the ship. This evening, revel in our festive Christmas Eve dinner and evening. Midnight mass.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Coach transfer to Avignon. End of our services.