Jetsettersblog

Peter Deilmann Cruises is featuring seven French wine country cruise-tour departures aboard the 140-guest MV Princesse De Provence, taking in the landscapes and wine of the Burgundy, Beaujolais, Mâconnaise and Provence regions, round trip 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, excepting 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.

The 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 information, call 800-348-8287, email pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com

or visit www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme