If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting France without feeling rushed, a river cruise is the perfect way to explore at your own pace.
Why is a river cruise a perfect choice for a 50+ traveler? You don’t have to plan every detail. You unpack once. You don’t have to rent a car, or worry about restaurant hours or museum schedules. That’s why we decided on an AmaWaterways Rhône River Cruise—a perfect mix of scenic cruising and enriching land tours.
My husband and I are both fascinated by Van Gogh. Provence, France is home to so many incredible Van Gogh art locations. On a river cruise it was easy to see many of them. From Arles to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, we couldn’t wait to see where Van Gogh created some of his most iconic masterpieces. The artist spent a little over a year living in Arles. It was a prolific period for him. He created over 300 drawings and paintings during this time. We began our cruise in Arles and finished in Lyon.
But beyond the art, we were eager to soak in the breathtaking beauty of Provence and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.
A leisurely river cruise on the Rhône River in southern France was the ideal way to experience both.
On our seven-night cruise aboard the AmaKristina, we relaxed, were pampered, and indulged in delicious food, wine, and local culture.
In Arles, we explored the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh’s art in Provence. On a walking tour, we followed in his footsteps and saw where and what he painted.
We sipped wine in the famed Beaujolais region. One morning we visited a truffle far. With the farmer and his highly trained dog, we hunted for truffles in the oak forests.
We wandered through ancient Roman ruins in Lyon and Vienne. Another morning we visited the awe-inspiring Papal Palace in Avignon, the “City of the Popes.” Each day brought a new adventure. Whether it was tasting wines at a family-owned vineyard or savoring the incredible French pastries or Provencal cuisine in Lyon.
The AmaKristina is an intimate ship, carrying just 152 guests. It offered the perfect balance of relaxation and activity.
Amenities included a heated pool, fitness room, complimentary bicycles, and nightly entertainment.
One of the best parts? All excursions were included in the price, so there were no surprises when it came to budgeting.
Every morning we enjoyed guided walking tours of the charming old towns of Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Vienne, Tournon, and Lyon. Our afternoons were unscheduled so we had plenty of free time to explore on our own. In Arles we visited the Roman Amphitheatre. It was built in 90 AD, held over 20,000 spectators who watched chariot races and hand-to-hand battles between men. We wandered the streets of little towns and captured photos of colorful homes and artistic doors. Check out the door knocker on this wooden door below.
Back on the river boat, each meal felt like a celebration. With panoramic windows and a large sun deck, we never missed a moment of the breathtaking views.
With just 152 guests on board, the ship was easy to navigate. We quickly made friends with fellow travelers from around the world.
One morning, we took a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of Provence. Rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages that dotted the landscape. In Lyon, Avignon, and Arles, we visited spectacular cathedrals. Some afternoons we visited art museums. We wandered cobbled streets and enjoyed the café culture. One day we , listened to local musicians as we sipped wine in charming town square.
The best part of river cruising is the simplicity. You unpack just once, yet each day brings a new destination. And when you want to relax, the view from the ship is enough to take your breath away. We cruised past fortified medieval villages, terraced vineyards, fields of lavender, and sun-dappled olive groves—each more stunning than the last.
River cruising in France is the perfect way to maximize your vacation time. A bonus with Amawaters cruises is the pricing. Nearly everything is included in the cruise fare—meals, alcohol at happy hour, wine or beer with meals, and excursions.
If you’re looking for a way to experience France in a stress-free way, a river cruise is the perfect choice. After all, who would not love to float along some of Europe’s most beautiful rivers? Don’t forget you will be immersed in fascinating history and art while savoring local delicacies and fine wines.
For more information: Amawaterways.com
