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Luxury Provence Cruises

Details:

MV Princesse de Provence

MV Princesse de Provence is a deluxe vessel built in 1992 and completely refurbished in 2000. She has a light and airy ambiance and is distinguished by staterooms on her upper deck featuring full length French doors which open (cabins on the lower deck have large windows). Original works of art can be found throughout the vessel. She has a total of 70 cabins, all of which are outside, configured as twins and identical in size. Each is beautifully appointed and features built in closets, desk, shower and toilet, telephone and 3 channel radio. Hairdryer and terry robes are available upon request. Bedding is European style duvets with feather pillows and eider downs (synthetic materials available upon request).

The vessel features six meals daily (Breakfast, Morning Bouillon, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner and Midnight Snack). All meals are single seating with evening meals up to nine courses on selected nights. Additionally, there is a Panorama lounge, 2 bars, gift shop, beauty salon, library, safe-deposit boxes as well as an infirmary with a qualified doctor on board. The Sun deck offers plenty of deck chairs and blankets if needed. There are also conference facilities on-board. Captain's Welcome and Captain's Farewell Receptions are provided as well as nightly entertainment and dancing. There is one crew member for every 2.5 passengers providing about the best crew to passenger ratio of any river vessel. This allows for a high level of service as well as sumptuous food, served course by course for the evening meal. English language announcements, menus and daily programs are provided.

Leisurely cruises on Europe's great rivers have never been more popular and therefore there is now a large choice of vessels. However, as carefully as you would choose your hotel on land, you should be just as selective when choosing your floating hotel. Peter Deilmann River Cruises offers you the highest quality selection afloat, accentuated by elegant furnishings, beautifully appointed public areas and a stunning art collection.

Each de luxe vessels has been designed to reflect the unique ambience of the region through which is cruises.

Dining & Entertainment

Dining aboard our vessels is one of the great pleasures of our cruises. Hearty breakfast buffets are perfect for sightseers.

Mid-morning bouillon and delectable five-course luncheons (instead of buffets as with most other vessels) are the rule. Traditional afternoon tea offers a variety of sweet, delicious pastries.

Every evening, savor international gourmet cuisine and local specialties served at one unhurried sitting in beautifully decorated restaurants. Enjoy fabulous dinners (up to nine courses!) prepared by our master chefs, and the perfect complement ~ a fine selection of vintages from wine-growing regions along the rivers. With advance notice, every effort will be made to accommodate special requests such as birthday and anniversary celebrations or a favorite dish.

After the day trips ashore, that are highlights of these cruises, return to the ease of your river vessel,without the burden of packing and unpacking. Settle into a cozy lounger on deck and watch as ancient castles, storybook villages and magnificent cities appear before your eyes. Relax with fellow passengers in the lounge or enjoy a convivial cocktail at the bar. The Peter Deilmann vessels enjoy the best passenger to staff ratio of all vessels in Europe with no more then 2.5 passengers for each staff member. These extra staff allow for an extremely high level of cuisine, care, attention and individual service.

A romantic candlelight dinner is a wonderful prelude to the evening's activities. The vessels intimate lounges and bars are perfect for conversation. On certain evenings, enjoy music recitals, dancing or local entertainment such as Hungarian gypsy bands or folk dancers and singers. And finally, before retiring, be tempted by such delightful treats as crepes at midnight.

Relaxing

You will find your cabin perfect for relaxing, with large picture windows or full length French doors for spectacular river views. Designed for privacy and comfort, all cabins feature air-conditioning, a private bathroom with shower, intra-vessel telephone and four channel radio.

Extra touches include hair dryers and soft terry bathrobes on request. Before retiring, a chocolate on your pillow welcomes you to the plush comfort of continental duvets and crisp white linen.

Cabins aboard our five star vessels are among the largest of any river vessel and additionally include a mini-bar and television.

Facilities

Cabins

• Cabins: 70 Outside Double Cabins (31 with full length French Doors ) including Outside Triple Cabins

• Cabin Size: 128 sq ft Cabins

• Bathroom with Private Shower / Toilet

• 4 Channel Radio

• French Doors/Pictures Windows

• Intra Vessel Telephon

• Hair dryer available on requeste

• Full Length French Doors on Upper Deck.

Standard: First Class

Built: 1991 refurbished 2000

Dimensions: Length 363 ft x Width 36ft

Capacity: 140 passengers

Languages: English & German

Staff: European; 1 crew member for each 2.5 passengers, best staff to passenger on any river vessel

Decks: 3 - Air Conditioned
Dining Room: Luxurious Single Seating

Daily Itinerary

Date Port Optional Tour Information
Saturday Lyon Embarkation - begins 3:00pm
Sunday Tournus - Chalon sur Saone Macon Wine Country
See Beaune
Monday Macon
Trevoux
Cluny
Maconais Country
Beaujoulais Country
Tuesday Tournon Steam Train Le Mastrou
Wednesday Arles
Avignon
Horses of the Camargue, Footsteps of Van Gogh
Thursday Avignon Papal Palace & City Walk, Pont du Gard and Colors of Provence
Friday Vienne
Lyon
Lyon City Tour
Re sembark City Tour
Saturday Lyon Disembarkation from 8:30am

2008 Route & Fares

7 nights Lyon / Lyon

Start End Cruise Season
31 May 07 June 811 high
07 June 14 June 812 high
14 June 21 June 813 high
21 June 28 June 814 high
28 June 05 July 815 high
05 July 12 July 816 mid
12 July 19 July 817 mid
19 July 26 July 818 mid
26 July 02 August 819 mid
02 August 09 August 820 mid
09 August 16 August 821 mid
16 August 23 August 822 mid
23 August 30 August 823 mid
30 August 06 Sept 824 high
06 Sept 20 Sept 825 high
20 Sept 27 Sept 827 high
27 Sept 18 October 828 high
18 October 25 October 831 low
25 October 01 November 832 low
01 November 08 November 833 value
08 November 15 November 834 value
   
  2008 Per Person Cruise Fares Dbl Occupancy
 
7-Nt Value 7-Nt Low 7-Nt Mid 7-Nt High
A2 - Deluxe Twin - A Deck
£909 £1,179 £1,359 £1,429
B2 - Classic Twin - B Deck
£705 £895 £1,009 £1,009
C2 - Twin - - B Deck
£575 £725 £ 819 £869
   
 

Inquire for Single and Triple Occupancy

Shore excursions are not included in the cruise fare and are optional at an additional cost.

Route Map

rhone saone cruise map

Boat Layout

boat layout double room layout triple room layout

On Board Service

Air Conditioning
All cabins and public rooms on board are fully air-conditioned. The temperature in the cabins can be regulated individually by the passengers.

Bar
The bar is located on the Verdi-Deck. Please note that alcoholic beverages may not be brought on board for consumption.

Boutique
The boutique is located on the Verdi-Deck. You will be able to purchase accessories, perfume, film and other everyday articles

Cabin Service
In addition to the contents of the minibar you can also ask for bottles to be sent to your cabin. Please ask your cabin stewardess. Please note that alcoholic beverages may not be brought on board for consumption.

Clothing / Wardrobe
Clothing can be casual and comfortable during the day. In the evening, dress is semi formal (shirt and tie for the man, casual elegance for the lady). On two formal nights dark suits and cocktail dresses are recommended. You can find further information on this subject in the daily program.

Currency / Payment on Board
The currency on board is the Euro. Traveler's checks, US Dollars and Eurocheques will also be accepted for settlement of your final account, as well as the following credit cards: American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard and Visa.. From the beginning of the cruise until the day before the cruise ends, you may sign guest receipts for all purchases except boutique purchases. The guest charges have to be paid on the last day at the reception.

Daily Program
You will find the program for the following day in your cabin each evening. It will tell you, among other things, about events, dress recommendations, departure times for shore excursions, as well as arrival and departure times at ports of call.

Deck Plan
Sun-Deck: deck chairs
Doctor's office, cabin-no. 101 - 127 Rialto-Deck: restaurant cabin-no. 201 - 223

Deposit Boxes
Safe deposit boxes are in your cabin.

Dietary requirements
Please inform the cruise company of any dietary requests in writing at least 21 days prior to commencing your cruise and contact the maitre 'd upon embarkation.

Electricity
220 Volt AC, 50 Hz. The bathrooms have outlets with 220 V and 50 Hz which may be used for electric razors and hair-dryers only. If you wish to use 110 V equipment, a limited number of transformers are available at the reception. Please remember to return the borrowed items before you leave the ship.

Entertainment Program
A general listing of all video programs on board will be provided in your cabin. All satellite TV channels and radio channels will be listed in the daily program. There will be dance music for your evening entertainment in the lounge.

Exchange
Currencies can be exchanged at the reception. Eurocheques and traveller's cheques can also be cashed.

Language
Languages on board are German and English. All announcements are made in both languages. The shore excursions may be offered with German and English speaking guides or bilingual guides.

Library
The library is located on the Verdi-Deck.

Lost and Found
Found items are held at the reception.

Mail
Mail can be deposited at the reception and will be posted at the next port of call.

Meals
Please make your table reservations with the maitre 'd upon embarkation. Dining on board is single seating for all passengers. Please see the daily program for exact meal times.

Medical Attention / Assistance
A ship's doctor will be on board; infirmary times can be found in the daily program. In an emergency, call the reception or one of the listed phone numbers in the phone book in your cabin. Treatments are subject to fees and will be charged according to German standards. Passengers under a doctor's care or with pre-existing conditions (e. g. diabetes) are requested to inform the shipping company in writing at least 21 days prior to the cruise and to register with the doctor upon embarkation.

Medicine
Should you require special medication, please make sure you have a sufficient supply with you. Should illness occur during the voyage, please consult the doctor on board. Treatment is subject to fees and will be charged according to German standards. A spare pair of glasses is recommended for persons who wear presription glasses or contact lenses.

Minibar
A minibar is available in every cabin. Please note, that it is not customary to consume drinks on board, that were brought from ashore.

Restaurant
Out of consideration for all guests, smoking is not allowed in the dining area.

 

Reception
The reception is located on the Verdi-Deck.

Shore Excursions
Please see 'Shore Excursions' pages for details. On Saturday evening, the cruise staff will provide you with information about excursions which will take place during the course of the cruise.

Special Meals
Please inform the shipping company of your dietary requirements at least 21 days prior to your cruise and contact the chief steward once on board.

Sun-Deck
Chairs, cushions and blankets are provided free of charge. Weather permitting, drinks may also be served on the Sun-Deck.

Table Reservations
The restaurant accommodates all passengers at one sitting. Table reservations should be made upon embarkation with the maitre 'd.

Telephone / Telefax
There is a telephone in each cabin for intra-vessel calls. The person in charge at the reception will provide the necessary connections for all out-going calls (depending on the ship's location).

Tips
In accordance with international standards, it is customary to tip serving staff. The amount is, of course, left up to each passenger's discretion and should show appreciation of good service. For budgeting purposes, you might consider an amount of $10-12 per passenger per day.

TV-, Video-, Radio-Program
Every cabin has a TV with 12 TV channels. More information can be found in the daily program.

Wake up call
For wake up calls, please contact the reception.

Guided Tour Options

Optional Tours

Tours offered vary depending on dates selected. Please ask us for the intinerary of.the dates you are interested in

Lyon / France

Excursion 01 Medieval Perouges
The embarkation formalities for MV PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE start every Saturday at 3:00 pm. Disembarkation starts at 8:00am the following Saturday and is scheduled to be completed by 10:00 am. Should you arrive earlier or extend your stay in Lyon, we recommend booking the tour to medieval Perouges. After a 45-minute scenic ride through the Rhone valley and the 'Street of the Old Duchy of Savoyen', you will reach the town of Perouges. During a one hour guided walking tour through the city you will see the beautiful architecture and incomparable flair of the 'City of the weaver and handicraft'. Beautiful mansions and the more modest houses of the crafts people line the picturesque alleys. It will be no surprise when you hear that the city provided the background for many movies. But come and see for yourself. The town of Perouges features all the characteristics of a medieval city including bumpy cobblestone paths and streets, which make the one-hour, guided walking with brief stops along the way some what strenuous. We recommend wearing comfortable flat shoes since most of the walk will lead over cobblestone streets. After lunch, a coach will bring you back to Lyon, where you board the PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE. Meeting point for the start of the tour is at 11:15 a.m. in the lobby of the Hotel Sofitel. Note: This excursion has to be booked at least 14 days prior to your departure date.

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours incl. lunch and wine
59 Euros

Tournus / France

Excursion 02 Southern Burgundy region - from the Romanesque to the Renaissance
You will first visit the former abbey church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus. It is the most important Romanesque building of Burgundy together with the Abbey of Cluny. With its almost windowless front, the abbey makes a rather defensive impression on the outside; however, inside it charms with its variety of cloisters, mighty round columns as well as the oldest preserved choir. After an interior tour, you will continue your ride through the gentle hilly landscape of Burgundy passing some small picturesque villages. You will make a brief stop at the town of Chapaize and visit the inside of the former monastic church of St-Martin from the 11th century, another jewel of the Romanesque. On holy days the interior of the church cannot be visited. The picturesque road then winds through charming scenery up to Cormatin. At the edge of the town, in the midst of a picturesque park and surrounded by a moat, you will find the renaissance Cormatin Castle. It was built at the beginning the 17th century by the governor of Chalon at the same location as the medieval castle that had belonged to the de Ble family since the 13th century. The castle's interior is unique in France. Numerous artists that were summoned from Paris designed it. During an inspection of the interior, you can admire gorgeous girder and ornamental ceilings painted in bright lapis lazuli blue or opulent leafed gold as well as the mighty stone stairs and splendidly decorated rooms.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 55 Euros

Chalon-sur-Saone / France

Excursion 03
Sightseeing Tour of Beaune
After a coach tour through the Burgundy wine region, you will reach Beaune, the most famous and most visited town in Burgundy. Beaune owes its prosperity not only to its location in the center of the enchanting and famous vineyards, but also to the Dukes of Burgundy who resided here until the 14th century before they settled in Dijon. The medieval center of Beaune and the city wall are still well preserved. On the tour of the town, you will see the affluence resulting from trading in the precious Burgundy wines. Everywhere, there are town palaces from the late middle Ages, the Renaissances and the Baroque periods. However, the architectural highlight is the Hotel Dieu, an expressive example of Flemish-Burgundian architecture of the Gothic period from the 15th century. It was established by the Burgundian Chancellor, Rolin, in 1443 and later used as a hospital for the poor until 1971. Today, it houses a nursing center for seniors. You will be astonished by the architectural contrast between the sober outer facade and the elegance of the inner courtyard of this magnificent building which is famous for its many collared glazed tile roof crowned with turrets and oriels.

The excursion lasts about 4 hours. 55 Euros

Macon / France

Excursion 04
Cluny Abbey
25 km west of Macon you will find Cluny, one of the most significant abbeys of the Christian Middle Ages. With the power of the great abbeys on one hand and the Mystic Movement and the strict adherence to religious principles on the other, the Cluny order spread quickly into the western world. In the 12th century, there were 1,450 abbeys and 10,000 monks in the order of Cluny. You will stand in front of the former Benedictine Abbey, which was nearly destroyed during the French Revolution. Your guide will provide a background for you to picture the extent of the old buildings and of the power of the Cluny spirit. Built between 1088 and 1130 on the site of the two former churches of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Cluny Abbey had a total length of 575 feet, 5 naves, 2 transepts, 5 belfries, 300 windows and 225 choir stalls. A massive belfry tower and the ruins of the southern transept testify to its former glory. Research by the American archaeologist Professor Kenneth Conant has facilitated the reconstruction of a model, which provides an overall view of the sacred building.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 49 Euros

Excursion 05
Wine Country of the Maconnais
This is a wonderful excursion into the heart of the vineyards around Macon, a delightful wine-growing region, which is typical of the province Burgundy. This is where the gentle undulating hills of the Beaujolais meet those of the Maconnais. The climate is milder than in the northern areas of Burgundy and the round tiled roofs reflect the southern flair. The tour takes you to the prehistoric site of Solutre with stone weapons and tools dating from 2000 to 1500 BC. The rock of Solutre dominates the valley of the Saone and the wine-growing area of Pouilly-Fuisse. After a short stop, you will drive to the palace of Pierreclos, home of the celebrated Romanesque poet, where there will be a tour of the refurbished rooms and a wine tasting in the Romanesque cellar.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 39 Euros

Trevoux / France

Excursion 06
The Beaujolais Country of the Pierres Dorees
The tour begins on a winding road, which crosses the land of the 'Golden Stones', a name derived from the yellow color of the limestone houses and palaces. This is one of the most beautiful wine growing areas in Europe. The wine produced in this southern region is known as 'Beaujolais'. The route to Anse leads past the vineyards above the Saone valley. Along the way, there is a panoramic view of vineyards, hills and tiny valleys where pretty villages nestle around their church spires. In Oingt, a fortified town dating back to the Middle Ages, you will walk along the old city lane while enjoying the view of the mountains of Beaujolais and the valley of the Azergue. Traveling past Sou Palace at the end of a small valley, you will reach the towns of Cogny and Denice. During the course of the excursion, you will visit a winery to taste the Beaujolais wine.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 39 Euros

Tournon / France

Excursion 07
The Mastrou
A coach will bring you from the pier to the train station in Tournon. The Vivarais railway was constructed between 1886 and 1891 to connect the Ardeche with the Haute Loire. After the operation was closed in 1968, enthusiasts of old steam trains took over the railway again in 1969. On board a train from the past century, pulled by a steam engine or a railcar, you will experience the breathtaking view of the landscape of the Ardeche region. You will travel past orchards and vineyards on the steep slopes of the Doux. At Douce-Plage, you will cross the Doux on a splendid stone bridge constructed in 1583. With its 51-meter arches it was the largest in the world at that time. The train will continue to climb along the deep gorges and steep rocks. Finally, you will reach Colombier-les-Vieux where the train takes on 3,000 litters of water. The weight of the water assists the train in pulling the remaining cars over the steep hill. You will take this time to enjoy a short break with a glass of 'Kir' (white wine with a splash of creme de cassis) and some typical French snacks, which will be served before you continue on your journey to Boucieu- le-Roi. Here, you will leave the train and join the coach for your return to Tournon. Note: The steam engine only operates between mid May and mid September. After the main season, a more modern engine will pull the train. The train is equipped with simple wooden benches. The vessel's staff accompanies the excursion, as local guides are not available.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 44 Euros

Arles / France

Excursion 08
The Camargue
The Camargue is a flat alluvial strip of land formed by the many tributary streams of the Rhone. In this nature reserve, in the Rhone delta roaming herds of white horses and black bulls have found a new refuge. Your drivers know the places where these animals are likely to be found, and, with a little bit of luck, you will be able to observe them in their natural habitat. Scores of flamingos, egrets and ducks populate the brackish lakes and make the national park a paradise for ornithologists. Naturally, the observation of animals also depends on favorable weather conditions. You will continue to Aigues Mortes, a small medieval town, which has been founded by the crusaders. After a guided tour you have some time to stroll around the picturesque place.

The excursion lasts about 4 hours. 36 Euros

Excursion 09
In the Footsteps of Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh settled in Arles in 1888 and began his exploration of this region, which inspired much of his art. You will follow his footsteps through the typical Provence countryside to St. Remy where you will visit the monastery St.-Paul-de-Mausole. It was here, that many of van Gogh's famous works were painted. Afterwards, you will take a scenic tour of the Alpilles, often called the 'heart of the Provence'. During your trip through 'Hell Valley' you can enjoy the view onto the mostly treeless mountaintops. Erosion gave the white stone bizarre shapes. A visit of the small town of Les Baux de Provence will end your excursion.

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 44 Euros

Avignon / France

Excursion 10
City Walk
In 1995, the UNESCO declared the city Avignon, which is still surrounded by a 4.8 km long city wall, together with the Papal Palace, the famous bridge of St. Benezet and its own unique flair a World Cultural Heritage. During a guided city walk, you pass the church of St.-Agricol, Roman excavations, the Hotel de Ville (city hall) and the famous Papal Palace on the way to the outlook of Rocher des Doms. You can enjoy the beautiful terrace shaped gardens as well as the impressive view over the Rhone Valley, the famous bridge and the old town. Afterwards, you stroll through the lanes of the enchanting old town. You see the church of St. Pierre with its splendid Gothic facade and finely carved Renaissance doors, the modern building of Les Halles and the synagogue as well as magnificent patrician houses, 'Hotel Particulier'. The guide brings you back to the ship or you can explore the lively city center of Avignon on your own and shop for local specialties such as 'papalines', almond cookies or pear liquor. The tour leads over cobble stone streets and the way up to the Roches des Doms includes several steps.

The excursion lasts about 2.5 hours. 16 Euros

Excursion 11
The Luberon - Colors of the Provence
The blue of the lavender fields, the red of the sandstone cliffs, the yellow of the sunflowers and the green of the olive trees are the colors of Provence. Even during the months when the region does not present itself in all those colors, Provence has much beauty to offer its visitors. This tour will introduce you to the region of Vaucluse and Luberon. A short stop close to the little town of Gordes enables you to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the region. You will visit the Cistercian Abbey in Senanque from the outside. Finally, the coach will bring you to the little town of Roussillon, where a guided walk through the centre is planned.

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 44 Euros

Excursion 12
Pont du Gard
One of the wonders of antiquity, the Pont du Gard bridge, is located on the right bank of the Rhone about 25 km from Avignon. Agrippa built it in 19 BC. The Romans erected an aqueduct in order to provide the city of Nimes with fresh and pure water, which came from a location close to Uzes and was then directed to Nimes over a distance of about 50 km. The Pont du Gard Bridge is the most significant part of this well-preserved structure. Its dimensions, the location in a rough and untouched landscape, and the beauty of its architecture make it well worth a visit during your stay in Provence. A brief detour via Uzes with the opportunity for an individual stroll through this charming town will end this excursion.

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 42 Euros

Vienne / France

Excursion 13
Sightseeing Tour Lyon
After traveling for half an hour by coach, you will reach Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul. You will drive to Fourviere Hill, selected by the Roman legion in 43 BC as the location for the town. From here, enjoy a fantastic view over Lyon situated at the confluence of the Saone and the Rhone rivers. You will visit the 19th century Basilica 'Notre Dame de Fourviere' which inside is richly decorated with mosaics and paintings. You then visit the roman theatre that especially noteworthy of its time. Originally, it was built to accommodate 5000 spectators and it was later extended to hold up to 11000 visitors. At the foot of Fourviere Hill on the right bank of the Saone, you will find the old section of Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its districts of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges. Its beautiful houses of the Gothic, Renaissance, and late 16th century periods are splendid examples of the glorious epoch of Lyon during its transformation into one of the most important centers for banking, fabric manufacturing and silk weaving. During a half-hour guided walk through the district of St. Jean you can discover the 'traboules' (covered walkways) that lend this quarter its unique charm. The narrow covered walkways are mostly situated behind the entrance doors to the inner courts. They were used to safely store and transport silk. The coach will drive along the beautiful canal and bring you back to the PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE who is already awaiting you in Lyon. The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 36 Euros

Princesse de Provence
Lyon
Restaurant on Board
Provence
Cabin

Luxury Cruises to Provence on the MV Princesse de Provence

A river cruise is the perfect way to explore the countries of Europe aboard a floating hotel with all the advantages of unpacking just once. Relax in total comfort as you glide past quaint villages, historic towns, lush vineyards, majestic castles and sparkling cities.

Join us on an incredible sojurn to the sundrenched vineyards, ancient cities, and tranquil villages of France's fabled wine country. From Lyon cruise to the provincial town of Tournon and to Arles, rich in Galloroman ruins. Then it's on the Avignon with it's awe-inspiring Papal palace and the ancient temples of Vienna. Imagine relaxing on deck as the Princesse de Provence.

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