Indulge in the Colors of Provence

Anne-Marie Murphy
Sep 21
3 min read

Updated: Oct 11

Join your Travel Key hosts, Anne and Patrick Murphy, on August 20, 2026, as we set sail from Arles to Lyon on the AMA Waterways Colors of Provence river cruise for our

inaugural immersive wine education experience.

Whether you are new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, this immersive itinerary has been created for those looking to enhance their wine expertise and tasting skills. Enjoy nightly tastings and private boutique vineyard tours guided by our certified winemaker, Patrick, as he provides you with an in-depth exploration of the region's landscapes, grape varietals, and winemaking traditions as we travel along the Rhône River.

This is not just a river cruise; it is a curated experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the vineyards, villages, and vintages of southern France.

Arles

Our journey begins in Arles, where Roman amphitheaters, sun-drenched plazas, and the brushstrokes of Van Gogh set the scene for Provence’s magic. Choose between exploring Les Baux de Provence, bike rides along the Rhône, visiting olive farms, or touring art at Carrières de Lumières.

Our inaugural evening on the boat will feature our Grand Tasting, marking the start of our wine education series. This exclusive event aboard the AMAKristina will showcase each of the wine regions on our Colors of Provence itinerary. Delve into the subtleties of the terroir, the flavor profiles of the grape varieties, and the traditional methods that have defined southern France's winemaking for generations.

Les Baux de Provence

Avignon

From Arles, our boat travels north to Avignon, a medieval city that was once the residence of popes and is still dominated by the magnificent Palais des Papes. Whether you prefer walking tours, bike tours, or truffle farm hunts, there's something for everyone in this medieval landscape. Located at the entrance to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, our wine enthusiasts can join Anne and Patrick for an exclusive visit to Domaine Galevan, a boutique vineyard that has been in the same family for nine generations.

Domaine Galevan

Viviers

Our next stop is the medieval town of Viviers, featuring cobblestone streets, an ancient cathedral, and breathtaking views of the Rhône that showcase a more tranquil and intimate aspect of Provence. Wander through the medieval streets, hike the nearby hills, or relax at a streetside cafe to savor the Grenache-Syrah red blends crafted in this part of the Rhône Valley.

Viviers

Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage

As we travel north, you arrive in Tournon / Tain-l’Hermitage, where dramatic terraced vineyards roll along the Rhône. Take a vintage steam train ride through the Gorge du Doux, indulge in a red wine and chocolate tasting at Le Château de Tournon, or hike the terraced vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage. Whatever you choose, save time for a tasting (or two!) at one of the many local wineries where artisanal winemaking practices have been passed down since 1481 creating unforgettable vintages of Hermitage Syrah, Marsanne whites, and the intensely aromatic Viognier.

Tain-l’Hermitage

Vienne

The ship reaches Vienne, a Roman city with an amphitheater still in use today. With the Temple of Augustus and Livia, Saint Maurice Cathedral, and the St. Pierre Abbey among the highlights, you’ll have options for walking tours, a hike up to the Monastery at Mount Pipet, or a ride along part of the ViaRhôna bike route. Our wine enthusiasts can accompany Anne and Patrick on a private visit to the boutique vineyard of Domaine Georges Vernay in Condrieu/Côte Rôtie, renowned for its Viognier whites and refined Syrah reds.

Vienne

Lyon

Finally, the voyage concludes in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strolling through Old Town’s traboules, visiting the famed Les Halles food market, or dining in one of the city’s bouchons is the perfect way to toast the end of your journey. A short trip north will bring us into Beaujolais, where natural Gamay wines are silky, aromatic, and celebrated worldwide — the ideal complement to Lyon’s rich cuisine and a fitting finale to our cruise where culture, cuisine, and terroir have been impeccably blended within every stop.