ENCHANTING RHONE

SOUTHERN FRANCE & PROVENCE RIVER CRUISE 2023

Arles, Avignon, Carpentras, Viviers, Le Pouzin & Lyon

Lyon to Lyon Including:  Arles, Avignon, Carpentras, Viviers, Le Pouzin, & Lyon

Featuring Guest:
Lecturer Dr. Henry M. Abramson – Dean, Touro College
Culinary Experiences with Naomi Nachman

Cuisine by Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green 

Kosher River Cruises brings to you that je ne sais quoi of travel experiences as we sail the stunning Rhone River through the heart of Provence.  On the AMADEUS Provence 

you will travel in exceptional comfort and enjoy quality the finest quality service, all with classical ambiance. Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways from the comfort of your floating 5-star hotel. 

 

THE JOURNEY

This fascinating journey takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhone, right in the heart of French Provence; a land of exception, appreciated throughout the world for the beauty of its landscapes and inimitable lifestyle. Provence’s azure-blue skies, natural scenery, remarkable heritage, chirping cicadas, lavender fields and hilltop villages make it a holiday destination dreams are made of.  

During our journey we experience the wonders and beauty of Provence visiting Arles, Avignon, Carpentras, Viviers, Le Pouzin, and Lyon.  This cruise encompasses art, history and culture in places that bear witness to thousands of years of European history.  Your experience is further enhanced by your on-board Kosher River Cruise historians, lecturers, and educators, who bring to life each region, rich Jewish history and heritage. 

Jewish Provence: To the French, Provence evokes the books of Marcel Pagnol, the Occitan language, and the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. But it is also rich in Jewish history. Jews lived in this part of southern France in comparative peace until they were expelled in the 14th century, when the region was united with the Kingdom of France. These banished Jews found refuge in the lands ruled by the Popes of Avignon — today’s Department of the Vaucluse – in the cities of Avignon, Carpentras, l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Cavaillon. The cities became known throughout the Jewish world as the Arba Kehillot, the four communities, and the Jews who lived therein became known as des Juifs du Pape (the Pope’s Jews). The Jews of the Arba Kehillot spoke a Judeo-Provencal dialect known as shuadit and developed traditions very different from those in Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.  Come along with us as we explore the Arba Kehilot and the wonders of this region for a unique, educational, and relaxing holiday down the Rhone! 

Our all-inclusive program includes our famous delicious Glatt Kosher cuisine & buffets, on-board synagogue with daily minyanim, engaging lectures entertainment, on-board programming, and our famous local touring as we explore the area’s fascinating and pivotal history of the Jewish people. 

Imagine watching the river from your very own cabin. Each bright and airy cabin has a panoramic window with unrestricted views so you can look out on the river as it takes you to new places and reveals charming landscapes and unforgettable places. All you have to do is sit back and relax.  The elegance, comfort, and personal service aboard your Kosher River Cruise ship create a cocoon of inspiration and calm.  Experience relaxing European travel with the unrivaled ease of river cruising! 

 

THE SHIP

Experience the sleek beauty of the AMADEUS Provence as we glide through the south of France. As soon as you set foot on the ship, its coziness and hospitable atmosphere will overtake you and you can relax.  Make yourself comfortable in the lounge and drink in your surroundings. The restaurant, surrounded by tall glass walls, offers an unobstructed view of the river and its banks. Watch bucolic landscapes pass as you enjoy fine food and good company.   

The cabins on the AMADEUS Provence offer guests a private retreat, with balcony views that take in the river and surrounding landscape.  Our riverboats aren’t like other river cruise ships; they’re designed to impress and inspire with every little detail, exceeding any expectation you have of what a river cruise ship would be like. With its striking minimalistic design, sleek composition and stylish features, our ship is comparable to a contemporary designed hotel.  

Only it’s better, because your hotel travels with you to a multitude of fantastic destinations and offers incredible panoramic views of the stunning scenery you pass along the way. 

Kosher River Cruises don’t want to just meet your expectations; we aim to create spectacular surprises that exceed what you would expect from a kosher tour. Our ship boasts all balcony suite and deluxe cabins, a heated swimming pool, private club and so much more! 

Itinerary

Day 1: (Th) Lyon

You will be met at the airport in Lyon and transferred to your luxury ship where you will be welcomed by your Kosher River Cruise team. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception, orientation, and dinner on board as we set sail 

Day 2: (Fr) Grignon / Viviers

Viviers is the administrative and religious capital of Vivarais, the town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, in southern Ardèche, retains an important heritage from its rich past, including many listed monuments. These include the Town Hall, in the former bishops’ palace; the 18th-century Hôtel de Roqueplane, now the seat of the diocese; the Cathedral of St Vincent, Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and 18th-century in style, with its choir decorated by Gobelins tapestries and its marble high altar; the 16th-century Knights’ House (Maison des Chevaliers) with its Renaissance façade, decorated with medallioned busts; and the Grande Rue with the elegant mansions of Beaulieu and Tourville, both dating from the 18th century. 

Our morning adventure begins with a visit and walking tour of the medieval fortress town of Griganan which dates back to the 11th century and was fortified in the 12th century with its a hillside village developed around its castle. 

Next, we continue with a very special KRC culinary experience with an exploration of the world of truffles (France is a leading producer of black truffles) with a visit, kosher tasting, and kosher wine pairing to a local truffle farm. 

Return to our ship and prepare for a special Kosher River Cruise Shabbat all together docked in Viviers. 

  • Morning guided tour 
  • Optional afternoon countryside hike 
  • Afternoon talk & tea lecture series 
  • Kosher culinary classes 
  • KRC Shabbat program 
Day 3: (Sa) Viviers

Morning of Shabbat programming docked in Viviers with all our old and new friends.  

In the afternoon we have developed a truly unique Shabbat friendly guided walking tour from our boat.   We will meet with Frances who is a wonderful character who brings the tour of the town of Viviers to life with all her little stories of the people who lived there. Frances’ aunts house (which she purchased from her) was a safe house for the French Resistance and Jewish refugees who needed somewhere to stay during the Second World War.  

After a magical Havdalah we depart and set sail to Arles. 

  • KRC Shabbat program 
  • Guided afternoon walking tour 
  • Afternoon talk & tea lecture series 
  • Evening port talk 
  • Evening Entertainment 
Day 4: (Su) Arles

Explore Arles. Immortalized in the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, Arles sits on both banks of the Rhône River. The town is replete with many Roman-era buildings and features such as the Arena, the Roman Theatre, and the Roman Baths. The town is also well-known for its festivals and fairs and is one of the few places in France where one can see bullfighting.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year Arles has been a beacon for travelers and artists for centuries. Picasso and Cezanne painted here, and of course the paintings of Van Gogh created some of his most famous works in the fields surrounding the town.  

Join your local guide for a walking tour showcasing the highlights of the city in particular the 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre still in use today, which was originally built to hold 20,000 spectators in the style of the Colosseum in Rome. In the afternoon experience a very special kosher winery tour and tasting.  

  • Guided morning walking tour 
  • Guided afternoon tour 
  • Afternoon talk & tea lecture series 
  • Evening port talk 
  • Evening entertainment 

 

Day 5: (Mo) Avignon / Carpentras

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon walking its medieval streets lined with magnificent mansions. Visit to the “Pope’s Palace”, one of the area’s cultural jewels and the famous Saint- Bénezet Bridge. We explore the medieval Jewish Quarter, meeting with the Jewish community at the synagogue originally built in 1221 with it final rebuild in 1848 and still used today by the Avignon Jewish community.  

In the afternoon we visit the town of Carpentras the capital of the Comtat Venaissin County in the Middle Ages. It owes its originality to the fact that it was part of the Holy Chair from the 13th to the 18th century and to the former presence of the “Pope’s Jews”, who found shelter in the town. The historic quarter harbors the 12th-century ramparts and Episcopal buildings, including the Episcopal Palace, Hôtel-Dieu, and ancient Jewish quarter.  We explore the Carriere and the 1367 Carpentras Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in France. It is a living testimony to the presence of the Jewish communities that were under Papal protection after one of the many expulsions from the Kingdom of France. On the lower level of the building is a mikvah and a matzo bakery still used today! 

Return to our ship where guest are free to explore the great boutique shopping and sites of Avignon until our evening sail departure. 

  • Guided morning tour 
  • Guided afternoon tour 
  • Afternoon talk & tea lecture series 
  • Evening port talk 
  • Evening entertainment 
Day 6: (Tu) Tournon

After a morning of leisurely sailing and onboard programming, our afternoonwill be spent with a scenic tour of the Ardeche Gorge; known as the “European Grand Canyon”. For something truly different we will experience this by steam train; The Train de l’Ardèche, the mythical steam train known as the Mastrou, departing from Saint-Jean-de-Muzols / Tournon-sur-Rhône station.  From this authentic steam train experience a scenic tour of breathtaking views and landscapes of the famous Gorges du Doux of the Ardeche.   

In the afternoon we sail back to Lyon arriving next day in the early morning. 

  • Guided afternoon tour 
  • Kosher culinary classes 
  • Lecture series 
  • Evening port talk 
  • Evening entertainment 
Day 7: (We) Lyon

Join our guides for a walking tour of Lyon, France’s third largest city, a former Roman capital positioned at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, which is steeped in history. Our tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon’s hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then pass by the recently re–discovered Roman amphitheater and walk through the cobbled streets of the gastronomic old town including the secret laneways.  

In the afternoon we explore Jewish Lyon. Records of Jews living in the city beginning in the year 39, with over 20,000 Jews living in Lyon today. We will meet with the Jewish community and explore the famous Grand Synagogue built in 1864. Our touring ends with an optional visit to the Museum of Resistance and Deportation which commemorates the French Resistance to Nazi occupation and the deportation of Jews to the camps.  

Evening farewell dinner and program  

  • Guided morning tour
  • Guided afternoon tour
  • Farewell dinner & program

 

Day 8: (Th) Lyon

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you back again soon! 

 

from $4990 pp 8
days

October 19-26, 2023

CRUISE RATES

Air Booking

For those who need assistance with booking your air please call us and we can supply you the contact information for an outside air agent.  Please note there will be a ticket issue fee of $50 per person for this service.

Schedule

Cruise Tour

  • Day 1 (Th): Lyon: Embark

  • Day 2 (Fr): Grignon / Viviers

  • Day 3 (Sa): Viviers

  • Day 4 (Su): Arles

  • Day 5 (Mo): Avignon / Carpentras

  • Day 6 (Tu): Tournon

  • Day 7 (Wed): Lyon

  • Day 8 Th Lyon: Disembark

*Please note mooring and casting off times are guides. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programs. If a section of the river is closed to traffic because of high or low water, or a disabled ship, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along that section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In some cases it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are part of riverboat cruising. There just isn’t anything that can be done about Mother Nature.

Embarkation & Disembarkation

Embarkation (Thursday Oct 19 Lyon): Clients will be able to check-in and board in Lyon beginning at 16:00. Guest who arrive earlier may leave their luggage at reception beginning at 13:00 but will not be able to check-in or receive their cabin until 16:00. Lyon airport is about a 30-minute transfer to the dock. Group transfers at designated times on day of arrival are included in the price of your tour; paid private airport meet & transfers are also available for a fee. 

Disembarkation (Thursday Oct 26 Lyon): Clients will be required to disembark by 9:30a. We can assist in pre-arranged transfers from boat to local destinations; airports transfer at designated times are included in the price of your tour. 

 

Click on Ship Info Video Below

Connect With Us

 

Call Us: USA +1 310-237-0122

Call Us Toll Free USA: 800-923-2645

WhatsApp SMS: +1 (206)-536-3150

Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm PST

Israel: 052 836 2661

United Kingdom: 020 3393 6823

 

Fax us: USA (888) 589-6498
E-mail: info@kosherrivercruise.com

Web: kosherrivercruise.com

 

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