WINE CRUISE-TOUR EXPLORING FRANCE'S FAMED FAMILY ESTATES AND RENOWNED VINEYARDS

Saone river cruise visits Burgundy, Beaujolais, Mâconnaise and Provence regions

            New York, January 2009 – Peter Deilmann Cruises is unveiling seven French wine country cruise-tour departures aboard the 140-guest MV Princesse De Provence, taking in the sun-dappled landscapes and wine of the Burgundy, Beaujolais, Mâconnaise and Provence regions, roundtrip from Lyon.  Adding to the value of these deluxe sailings are the seven included excursions that detail the history of regions, visit family estates and renowned vineyards, and include tastings of a variety of appellations.  Highlights on the nine-day cruise-tour itinerary -- designed for wine lovers of all levels -- include a visit to Burgundy’s Veuve Ambal vineyard for tastings of the celebrated sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne; St. Joseph, Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage tastings at one of the Côtes du Rhône’s major wineries, Chapoutier; Saint Veran, Loch and Pouilly-Fuisse tasting in the Mâconnais region; and a visit to Avignon’s Châteauneuf du Pape to taste both red and white vintages.  Port calls are made in Lyon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon, Trévoux, Le Voulte, Viviers, Arles, Avignon and Vienne.  Departures are available from May to October, expecting August, with fares ranging from $2,625 to $3,510 per person, double.  Travelers can extend their cruise-tours with two-night vacation add-ons to Bordeaux, $499 pre cruise; Strasbourg, $499, and Paris, $749, both post cruise. 

            A full-day Burgundy wine excursion kicks off in Tournus, a charming Saone river town centered around its 12^th-century abbey, traveling on to the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine roads to the Pommard region, where a family of winegrowers host lunch and Burgundy wine tastings.  In addition to excursions to the Mâconnais and Beaujolais regions, the itinerary also features a northern Côtes du Rhône tour, with tastings and a drive along the scenic Rhône River.  In Provence, guests have the opportunity to explore the Roman town of Arles, made famous by the painters van Gogh and Cézanne, before embarking on a walking tour of the Romanin vineyard, where biodynamic methods are used to cultivate the grapes; and a visit to a local olive oil mill for a tour and tasting.  In another famous Provençal city, Avignon, a full-day southern Côtes du Rhône tour embarks from the quaint town of Sainte Cécile les Vignes, visiting a family-owned vineyard dating back to 1715 for a Provençal-style al fresco lunch and tasting.  The tail end of the cruise-tour features a visit to the Roman town of Vienne, the capital of Burgundy in the 9^th century, followed by an afternoon excursion to France's gastronomic capital, Lyon, where travelers will take in Fourvière Hill, featuring a landmark basilica and panoramic views of the city.

            The elegant MV Princesse de Provence entered service in 1992 and was refurbished in 2006.  The vessel features a European Old World ambiance and original artwork throughout, a one-seating dining room where five-course meals are served in the evenings, a lounge, two bars, beauty salon, boutique and a Sun Deck for relaxing with a glass of local vintage as the spectacular scenery slowly unfolds.  Accommodations include upper-deck staterooms with full-length French doors; built-in closets, desk, shower and toilet, telephone and three-channel radio and European-style duvets and eiderdowns.  An exceptional one crewmember for every 2.5 passengers ensures top service.  A non-smoking policy applies to the interiors of all Peter Deilmann River vessels. 

            Fares include accommodations in outside cabins, all meals, daily excursions and sightseeing, wine tastings and nightly traditional and folkloric performances onboard.   Airport transfers are included when travelers purchase airfare from Peter Deilmann Cruises.  For more details on the cruises, optional tours and air arrangements, contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  Further information on Cruise-Tours including the French Wine Country may be found at www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme. 

# # #