Plan A Vacation is proud to announce that it will be offering a special Wine Hosted River Cruise through Burgundy and Provence in 2024.
The cruise will be the first official "Canadian" wine hosted cruise offered by AmaWaterways, and it will be hosted by, Bill & Marilyn Redelmeier from Southbrook Winery located in Niagara On The Lake, Ontario.
AmaWaterways has over 60 different wine hosted river cruises that showcase the wines of the regions along with culinary pairings, special tastings, unique wine discussions and historic tours exclusive to these special sailings. Canada brings world class wines to the map our wine host Bill Redelmeier will bring the world of wine to life on this journey.
Bill Redelmeier is the epitome and evolution of a love story with wine, the land, and all things “local." He has been growing grapes on his 150-acre vineyard in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula wine region of Ontario, Canada for over 30 years. During this time, he has earned recognition from critics and consumers alike year after year for producing organic and biodynamic wines with an exceptional flavor profile that reflects both his passion for farming as well as his dedication to preserving natural resources.
To learn more about Southbrook Winery CLICK HERE
A passionate entrepreneur and connoisseur of food and fine wine, Bill Redelmeier, together with his partner Marilyn, evolved Bill’s family business from a cattle farm on a 19th century property in Richmond Hill, through to a roadside vegetable stand in the 1980s, to a thriving garden market, and now an award-winning winery.
Bill’s agricultural roots run deep – he honed his skills and knowledge at the University of Guelph and was an active supporter of local growers long before the expression “locavore” was coined.
In 2005, Bill chose to reinvest in agriculture by purchasing a 74-acre vineyard in the heart of Ontario wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He doubled his holdings to approximately 150 acres of prime viticultural land in the spring of 2008. With this significant investment located within the Green Belt, Bill has intentionally chosen to become a part of this region’s agricultural heritage for generations to come.
Bill has pursued certifications for both the vineyard and the winery – including LEED, biodynamic and organic certification – clearly demonstrating leadership and commitment to environmental concerns, quality winemaking, and outstanding customer experience.
CRUISE FROM : ARLES TO PORT OF DIJON
Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!
COUNTRIES: FRANCE
RIVERS: RHONE, SAONE
Join the official AmaWaterways Wine Host Bill Redelmeier along with his wife Marilyn Redelmeier and owners of Plan A Vacation Karen & Steve Gill. We look forward to enjoying this one of a kind experience with you. You may want to experience one of your exclusively curated pre and or post extensions! Ask for more details!
Day 1
Embark your ship in Arles, France for your Essence of Burgundy & Provence river cruise. (D)
Day 2
Arles is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater. Or, if you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Alternately, you may take a guided bike tour through town. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour in Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more flavorful experience, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to Avignon where you will see Pont d’Avignon bridge, illuminated against the night sky. (B,L,D)
Highlights:
Arles
Arles walking tour
OR Van Gogh walking tour
OR Arles bike tour
Avignon
Walking tour and Papal Palace
OR Tastes of Avignon
Day 3
Vienne boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” If you’re a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)
Highlights:
Viviers
Viviers walking tour
OR Bike tour
OR Grignan truffle farm visit
OR Viviers hike
"Ghost Walk" of Viviers
Day 4
Vienne boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” If you’re a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B,L,D)
Highlights:
Vienne
Vienne walking tour
OR ViaRhona bike tour
OR Mount Pipet hike
Lyon
"France's Culinary Capital" city tour
OR Vieux Lyon walk and tasting tour
OR Lyon bike tour
Scenic Cruising
Vienne
Vienne waking tour
OR ViaRhona bike tour
OR Mount Pipet hike
Day 5
Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Later in the day, enjoy a panoramic view from the Sun Deck as you sail to Tournus, or opt for a bike ride from Mâcon to Tournus. Or, enjoy a delicious tasting of the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. (B,L,D)
Highlights:
"The South Burgundy City" Macon tour
OR Cluny Abbey visit
OR Bike Tour
Scenic Cruising
OR Beaujolais wine tasting
Day 6
Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore Tournus. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising as you sail toward Chalon-Sur-Saône, or opt for a bike tour if you’re feeling adventurous. (B,L,D)
Highlights:
Macon
Scenic Cruising
OR Macon-Tournus bike tour
OR Maconnais wine tasting
Tournus
Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit
OR Chateau Cormatin
OR Medieval Brancion
Day 7
Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, treat your palate to a tasting of Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)
Highlights:
Tournus
OR Chalonnaise wine tasting
OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour
Scenic cruising
Chalon-sur-Saone
Historic city tour
OR Beaune walking tour
Day 8
Disembark your ship and prepare for your optional post river cruise extension or your return flight home. (B)
AmaCello
OVERVIEW
Decorated in a palette of gold and orange that reflects Europe’s brilliant autumn foliage, the AmaCello is a floating delight. The glorious Sun Deck offers a soothing whirlpool, giant chess set and recliners from which to drink up the extraordinary scenery. Inside, enticing aromas waft from the beautiful Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, each previewing a masterfully plated dish created by an expert chef using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. And after just one bite, you’ll understand why the AmaCello, like all our European ships, was inducted into the internationally renowned culinary society known as La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs! Keeping with the French theme, most staterooms feature a French balcony as well as amenities that include Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe. A fitness room, sauna and massage room are also available for your enjoyment on board this incredible river ship.
Decorated in a palette of gold and orange that reflects Europe’s brilliant autumn foliage, the AmaCello is a floating delight.
The glorious Sun Deck offers a soothing whirlpool, giant chess set and recliners from which to drink up the extraordinary scenery. Inside, enticing aromas waft from the beautiful Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, each previewing a masterfully plated dish created by an expert chef using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. And after just one bite, you’ll understand why the AmaCello, like all our European ships, was inducted into the internationally renowned culinary society known as La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs!
Keeping with the French theme, most staterooms feature a French balcony as well as amenities that include Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe. A fitness room, sauna and massage room are also available for your enjoyment on board this incredible river ship.
This beautiful ship has been recently renovated with a fresh new look around all public areas as well as cabins.
Not included: Air, travel protection, any additional pre or post additional tours, visas, meals not listed in the daily itinerary.
PRICING IS IN CANADIAN DOLLARS.
**Pricing is subject to change, at time of inquiry both pricing and availability will be reconfirmed**
Piano Deck
Fixed Window
170 sq. ft.
SOLD OUT
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Piano Deck
Fixed Window
170 sq. ft.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Original Price: $6,382.00 CDN includes port charges
Sale Price: $5,482.00 CDN
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony
Colour Purple on Deck Plan
170 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Original Price: $7,653.00 CDN includes port charges
Sale Price: $6753.00 CDN
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony
Colour Green (without the dot) on Deck Plan
170 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Original Price: $8,034.00 CDN includes port charges
Sale Price: $7134.00 CDN
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin Deck
French Balcony
Colour Blue on Deck Plan
170 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Original Price: $8,161.00 CDN includes port charges
Sale Price: $7,261.00 CDN
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin Deck
French Balcony
Colour Pink on Deck Plan
255 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Original Price: $9,813.00 CDN includes port charges
Sale Price: $8913.00 CDN
ONE LEFT
ASK FOR SINGLE RATE FOR THIS CABIN CATEGORY.
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Also located on each Deck from the Top of the Ship Down.
Sun Deck - Whirlpool, Walking Track, Observation Deck, Navigation Bridge
Violin Deck - Bow Seating Area, Main Lounge & Bar, Gift Shop, Reception, Massage & Hair Salon, The Chef's Table Restaurant, Fitness Room
Cello Deck - Elevator, Main Restaurant
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Not included:
*International Air
*travel protection
*any additional pre or post additional tours
*visas
*meals not listed in the daily itinerary
*gratuities
*laundry, salon, spa services, shop purchases and other personal expenses.
*Beverages other than those included during the 7-night cruise portion on a complimentary basis during lunch and dinner and other than the 24-hour coffee/tea station.
Gratuities can be pre-paid at $318 CDN per person to include everyone anticipating a gratuity during both the 7-night cruise
*Optional tours during the cruise.
PRICING IS IN CANADIAN DOLLARS, PRICING IN USD CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.
Non Refundable Deposit of $500 per person to secure your cabin.
Link to the booking form is located at both the top and bottom of this page.
Here is space for you to give visitors a glimpse into what you are offering. Pairing this photograph with supporting paragraph will reinforce your message.
You may be asking yourself, What makes a AmaWaterways Wine Hosted River Cruise different from their other itineraries? Have a listen!
Our ship the AmaCello services not only our itinerary but another on different dates. Take a look at this video showing the Flavors of Burgundy river cruise which has the same ports in the video as our particular itinerary.
As a member of the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and with our Culinary Director a member of the prestigious French association Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways prepares exquisite, regionally-inspired cuisine at every meal paired with complimentary hand-selected wines with every lunch and dinner. All meals are included in your river cruise fare – at both the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant where a delicious multi-course menu awaits.
There is something for everyone when sailing on board AmaWaterways, you will find a wellness coach that will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy stretching classes, yoga etc. All at no additional charge!
Here is space for you to give visitors a glimpse into what you are offering. Pairing this photograph with supporting paragraph will reinforce your message.