Travel With Us
Colors of Provence 2026
A Hosted Journey into the Heart of French Art, Cuisine, and Culture.
Join us on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the sun-drenched landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne. From the vibrant lavender fields to the cobblestone streets of ancient towns, you will savor the exquisite flavors, world-class wines, and timeless beauty of Southern France. This is more than a cruise; it's an exclusive, hosted experience curated to awaken your senses.Cindi will be sailing with you to ensure everything goes smoothly and will arrange exclusive private group experiences while onboard!
Journey Details at a Glance
Departure Date
September 24 - October 1, 2026
7 nights aboard the AmaKristina
Route
Rhône River, France
Lyon • Beaujolais • Vienne • Avignon • Arles
Optional Extensions
3 nights Paris pre-cruise, 3 nights Barcelona post-cruise
Your Host
Cindi Sanden, Awaken Travels
Sailing with you + exclusive group pricing & private experiences
🚨 Cabins are booking fast! Limited to cruise inventory - secure your cabin with your $400 per person deposit ASAP!
A Personal Welcome from Cindi Sanden
"Dear Traveler, I am absolutely thrilled to invite you to join me on a journey that is incredibly close to my heart—an unforgettable exploration of Provence and the Rhône River with AmaWaterways in September 2026. As the owner of Awaken Travels, my passion is to create experiences that don't just take you to a place, but allow you to truly connect with its soul."
"From the moment we begin our optional pre-cruise adventure in the romantic streets of Paris, through our seven-night voyage down the historic Rhône, to our final days soaking in the artistic spirit of Barcelona, this itinerary is a masterpiece of sensory delights. We will walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles, taste the legendary wines of Beaujolais, explore the magnificent Papal Palace in Avignon, and even hunt for 'Black Diamond' truffles in the French countryside."
— Cindi Sanden, Owner, Awaken Travels
The Essence of the Journey
Art, Wine, and History on the Rhône
This is more than a trip; it is an immersion into the heart of French joie de vivre. The "Colors of Provence" itinerary is a carefully woven tapestry of art, gastronomy, and history, designed to enliven all the senses.
As you sail through the legendary vineyards of Beaujolais and the Côtes du Rhône, you will savor local vintages and learn the secrets of their terroir. The journey offers a chance to become an expert in all things culinary, from hands-on cooking demonstrations in Lyon to an exclusive search for the highly prized "Black Diamond" truffles with a farmer and his canine companion.
History unfolds at every bend of the river. In Avignon, explore the sprawling Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Arles, trace Vincent van Gogh's steps, visiting the real-life settings of his most iconic paintings.
Your Sanctuary on the Rhône
The AmaKristina: Your Floating Boutique Hotel
Elegant Accommodations & Signature Twin Balconies
The AmaKristina accommodates a maximum of 152-158 guests, ensuring intimate comfort with a high crew-to-passenger ratio. The ship features signature twin-balcony staterooms—an innovation that offers the best of both worlds: a full step-out balcony and a separate French balcony.
Culinary Excellence at Sea
As the only river cruise line inducted into the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society, AmaWaterways guarantees exceptional dining standards. Enjoy exquisite, farm-to-table cuisine sourced from local family farms along the river.
Stateroom Categories & Exclusive Group Pricing
| Category | Deck | Size | Balcony Type | Group Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suite (SS) | Violin (3) | 350 sq ft | French & Outside Balcony | $8,648 |
| Category AA | Violin (3) | 235 sq ft | French & Outside Balcony | $7,348 |
| Category AB | Cello (2) | 235 sq ft | French & Outside Balcony | $7,148 |
| Category BA | Violin (3) | 210 sq ft | French & Outside Balcony | $6,948 |
| Category BB | Cello (2) | 210 sq ft | French & Outside Balcony | $6,748 |
| Category CA | Violin & Cello (2, 3) | 170 sq ft | French Balcony | $6,148 |
| Category CB | Violin (3) | 155 sq ft | French Balcony | $5,748 |
| Category D | Piano (1) | 160 sq ft | Fixed Windows | $4,948 |
*Per person, double occupancy. $250 per person Awaken Travels group discount already applied. Port charges $250 additional.
Stateroom Features
All Categories Include:
- • Deluxe hotel-style bedding
- • Marble bathroom with multi-jet shower
- • Individual climate control
- • In-room safe & complimentary bottled water
Twin Balcony Categories (SS, AA, AB, BA, BB):
- • Full step-out balcony with table & chairs
- • Separate French balcony with sliding door
- • Flat-screen TV with Entertainment-On-Demand
- • Spacious sitting area
Experience the Soul of Provence
Explore the AmaKristina: A 360° Virtual Tour
Step aboard the AmaKristina before you even pack your bags. Our immersive 360° virtual tour allows you to explore the stunning staterooms, elegant lounges, and sun-drenched decks at your own pace.
Deck Plan & Layout
Explore the thoughtfully designed layout of the AmaKristina, featuring multiple decks with elegant staterooms, dining venues, and panoramic viewing areas.
The AmaWaterways Difference: A Legacy of Luxury
There is a reason we partner with AmaWaterways for our European river cruises. As a family-owned and operated company, they have a passion for creating travel experiences that are not just luxurious, but deeply personal and enriching. Their commitment to excellence is felt in every detail, from the warm, attentive service of the crew to the elegantly designed, uncrowded ships.
An AmaWaterways journey is virtually all-inclusive. Delight in award-winning, locally-sourced cuisine and enjoy complimentary fine wines and beer with lunch and dinner. In every port, you can choose from a variety of included small-group shore excursions, from gentle walking tours to active hikes and bike rides, ensuring there is a perfect option for every interest and activity level.
Discover the Heart of AmaWaterways
The Grand Itinerary
A Day-by-Day Tapestry of Discovery
Optional Pre-Cruise: The Romance of Paris (3 Nights)
Day 1: Arrival in the City of Light
Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your centrally located 4-star hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or take your first stroll through charming Parisian streets.
Day 2: Icons of Paris
Guided tour featuring the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and iconic Eiffel Tower. Afternoon at leisure to explore world-renowned museums or find a classic Parisian café.
Day 3: Montmartre & City of Light
Full day to discover Paris at your own pace, followed by a guided evening visit to Montmartre and illumination tour to see why Paris sparkles as the "City of Light."
Paris Extension
$1,590 per person (double occupancy)
7-Night Colors of Provence River Cruise
Day 4 (Cruise Day 1): Lyon - France's Culinary Heart
Journey by TGV high-speed train from Paris to Lyon. Enjoy a cooking demonstration in the "food capital of France" before embarking the AmaKristina for your Welcome Dinner.
Day 5 (Cruise Day 2): Exploring Lyon
Choose from: City tour with Fourvière Hill and traboules walkways, Les Halles market tour for food lovers, or active bike tour through the city's parks and riverbanks.
Day 6 (Cruise Day 3): Beaujolais Wine Region
Visit the "land of golden stones" for an intimate tour and tasting at a traditional, family-owned winery. Learn about the ten 'Crus' of Beaujolais and their distinctive Gamay-based wines.
Day 7 (Cruise Day 4): Vienne - Echoes of Rome
Explore Roman ruins including the Temple of Augustus and Livia, hike Mount Pipet for panoramic views, or bike the scenic ViaRhôna cycling path along the river.
Day 8 (Cruise Day 5): Tournon & Viviers
Morning: Steam train ride, wine & chocolate tasting at Le Château, or hike through Tain l'Hermitage vineyards. Evening: Theatrical Ghost Walk through medieval Viviers.
Day 9 (Cruise Day 6): Avignon - City of Popes
Explore the massive Papal Palace and historic center, or journey to Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct or Grignan for an unforgettable truffle hunt with farmer and canine companion.
Day 10 (Cruise Day 7): Arles - Van Gogh's Inspiration
Morning: Medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. Afternoon: Walk in Van Gogh's footsteps, visit Roman amphitheater, or bike to the famous Langlois Bridge.
Optional Post-Cruise: The Spirit of Barcelona (3 Nights)
Day 11: Journey to Catalonia
Disembark in Arles, journey by TGV to Barcelona with a stop in Nîmes to explore exceptional Roman buildings including a preserved amphitheater and temple.
Day 12: Architectural Wonders
Guided tour through Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and Antoni Gaudí's architectural creations including the breathtaking La Sagrada Família cathedral.
Day 13: Montserrat's Sacred Mountain
Scenic funicular to Montserrat monastery, home to the revered Black Madonna sculpture and stunning views of the Catalan landscape.
Barcelona Extension
$1,380 per person (double occupancy)
An Unforgettable Experience: What Our Travelers Say
"Cindi planned the perfect getaway to Costa Rica for us! Her familiarity with the destination made a big difference, and her insights on the tours we selected were spot on. Our accommodations were absolutely flawless. As my first international trip, it truly couldn't have been better."
"Our trip was everything we asked for and more. Cindi truly took our desires, upped them a notch and created what my husband is calling the best vacation he has had... It took all the stress out of the planning part of the trip and that only increased the enjoyment of the vacation."
"Cindi was amazing helping us navigate planning our trip to Italy and a Mediterranean cruise. She is very knowledgeable and was great to work with to help us save money and prevent costly mistakes. You can plan a trip yourself and make unnecessary and costly mistakes or use Cindi and have a great trip with few problems."
AmaWaterways Gallery
Get a glimpse of the luxury and elegance that awaits you aboard AmaWaterways.
The AmaWaterways Promise
Luxury and Love on the River
To journey with AmaWaterways is to experience the pinnacle of luxury river cruising. The company's philosophy is encapsulated in its name—"Ama," derived from the Latin word for "love"—and this ethos permeates every aspect of the guest experience.
From the warm greeting you receive upon boarding to the crew member who remembers your favorite morning coffee, the service is intuitive, personal, and genuinely caring. Many travelers note that the crew feels more like family, a testament to the supportive and joyful environment cultivated on board.
Culinary Excellence
AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world's most prestigious culinary organizations. Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the regions through which you sail.
The Value of an All-Inclusive Experience
What's Included in Your Cruise Fare
- ✓7 nights in your elegantly appointed riverview stateroom or suite
- ✓All gourmet meals on board, including exclusive Chef's Table dining
- ✓Complimentary regional wines, beer, and soft drinks with meals
- ✓Daily "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour with premium beverages
- ✓Variety of included shore excursions in every port
- ✓Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and onboard bicycles
- ✓Professional Cruise Manager and nightly entertainment
- ✓Exclusive $250 per person Awaken Travels group discount
Additional Information
Group Benefits
Intimate group atmosphere with Cindi sailing alongside you, ensuring everything goes smoothly and arranging exclusive private group experiences onboard.
Secure Your Cabin NOW
$400 per person deposit required ASAP - cabins booking fast!
Final payment due June 26, 2026
Not Included
- • Port charges ($250 per person)
- • Flights to/from Europe
- • Gratuities and personal expenses
- • Travel protection insurance (recommended)
Preparing for Your Provençal Adventure
Packing for Provence in September
September is a beautiful time to visit Provence, with pleasant temperatures and comfortable weather for exploring.
Essential Items
- • Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes (non-negotiable!)
- • Lightweight, waterproof jacket
- • Layers for varying temperatures
- • Smart casual attire for onboard dining
- • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Provided by AmaWaterways
- • Umbrellas and hiking poles
- • Bike helmets for cycling tours
- • High-quality bath products
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency is used?
The Euro (€) in both France and Spain. Credit cards are widely accepted, but bring some cash for markets and small purchases.
Are there elevators on the ship?
Yes, the AmaKristina has a glass elevator serving the Piano, Cello, and Violin decks (not the Sun Deck).
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! AmaWaterways can accommodate most dietary requests including vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium. Just let us know when booking.
What about laundry service?
Laundry service is available on board for a nominal fee, typically returned within 24 hours.
When is final payment due?
Final payment is due June 26, 2026. Secure your cabin NOW with $400 per person deposit - cabins are booking fast!
Important Travel Documents
Passport Required
Must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date
Travel Protection
Highly recommended to protect your investment
AmaAir Program
Let us arrange your flights with included transfers
Trip Information & Flyer
Download Your Trip Details
Get all the essential information about your Colors of Provence journey in our comprehensive trip flyer. Perfect for sharing with travel companions or keeping as a reference.
Download Trip Flyer (PDF)
Flexible Payment Options Available
Make your dream trip more affordable with FlexPay! Split your travel costs into manageable payments.
An Exclusive Journey Through Provence
Cabins Booking Fast - Secure Yours with $400 Deposit Today!
Join Cindi Sanden and fellow travelers for this carefully curated journey through the heart of Provence.Cindi will be sailing with you personally to ensure everything goes smoothly and will arrange exclusive private group experiences while onboard.From Van Gogh's inspiration in Arles to truffle hunting in Grignan, every moment is designed to awaken your senses to the colors, flavors, and soul of France.
Questions? Contact Cindi Sanden directly at [email protected] or (423) 401-9997