'Napoléon' is one of Europe's finest vessels, a standout member of the Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises stable. She cruises from Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage in France's Rhône region to Arles in Provence, a diverse itinerary that passes from sleepy vineyards to the sun-drenched landscapes of Van Gogh.

Sunday:
Meet at the Paris hotel chosen by the charter group and transfer to Gare de Lyon rail station. After the TGV high-speed train to Valence, it is a short drive to the barge, moored at Tain l'Hermitage. An on-board welcome is followed by a wine tasting at Ferraton Père & Fils and your first gourmet dinner.

Monday:
After breakfast, relax on deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by. At Viviers, your overnight mooring, take a walking tour through town and, time permitting, enjoy a game of pétanque with the barge crew.

Tuesday:
In the fortified medieval market town of Nyons - the olive producing capital of France - visit an 18th-century mill and a lavender distillery. After lunch in Grignan, learn about truffles at a local farm and taste the area's famous "black diamonds," the world's most expensive mushrooms. Rejoin 'Napoléon' for a cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.

Wednesday:
Visit Château de la Nerthe to taste the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe, followed by a leisurely lunch on board. A spectacular afternoon cruise to Avignon precedes an excursion to Pont du Gard, part of an old Roman aqueduct that is three levels high and stands almost 165 feet high.

Thursday:
A guided walking tour in Avignon includes the Palace of the Popes and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. After lunch on board, 'Napoléon' cruises to Arles during the afternoon for an excursion to the cliff-top village of les Baux-de-Provence.

Friday:
Take a walking tour of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh lived in 1888 and 1889. 'Napoléon' cruises to Vallabrègues during lunch, followed by a visit to St-Rémy - another haunt of Van Gogh and the birthplace of Nostradamus. On the way back to the barge, enjoy an olive oil tasting at a traditional 18th-century Provençal bastide (country house), before a special farewell dinner on board.

Saturday:
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the rail station in Avignon for your return trip to Paris, where your tour ends with arrival at Gare de Lyon.

Note: This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

Length: 129 feet Width: 17.5 feet Passengers: 12 Crew: 6-7 Cabins: 6 twin/queen (1 on main deck) All outside facing staterooms with en-suite bathrooms

For more information on any of the fabulous A&K Barge Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739