Colors & Castles Cruise

with Medieval Walled Cities 17 day cruise/tour - June 20, 2026

Tour Information

Colors and Castles is close to the right name of this tour, the true name should have been the Mid-Evil Walled Villages and Castles during the colors of Provence season in Southern France. There wasn’t room to put this as our heading. During the summer in Southern France, most every window and building in the villages and cities are adorned in beautiful flowers, BUT the best time of all is when the South of France is covered in Lavender fields. There are certain places in the world that have the greatest highlights in a very short period of time, like being in the Netherlands during the short tulip season or being in Japan during the short cherry blossom season – that is what it is like being in the South of France during the short lavender blossom season. You not only experience all the normal beautiful flowers, you will also be blown away with the staggering beauty of the lavender fields. The best time to see the beautiful lavender fields is between mid-June to mid-July! We hit it perfectly as we board our AmaWaterways cruise ship on June 25, setting sail through the heart of the best area to enjoy lavender fields and ancient cobblestone villages. Beautiful lavender fields are just the icing on the cake or a bonus to this fantastic cruise and tour. Here is a partial list of what is in store for those that follow our advice and put this tour and cruise near the top of your bucket list.

Nice, France: We stay across the street from the French Riviera.
Monte Carlo: The famous tiny country of Monte Carlo.
Walled City of Eze: An ancient mid-evil walled city perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean.
Walled City of Aigues Mortes: A mid-evil walled city in the heart of Provence – with impeccably preserved walls and city.
Carcassonne: Our owner’s favorite walled city in the world to stay in. They have stayed many times throughout the years inside the walled city of Carcassonne. They want you to have the same phenomenal experience. You stay 2 nights inside the ancient walled city. Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, along with many other movies have been filmed in this fantastic medieval walled village and castle.
7 Night cruise on a Luxury AmaWaterways cruise ship sailing the Rhone River from the Mediterranean area, through France to Lyon. Stopping at ancient picturesque villages, along with fields of lavender, will be an experience you will never forget.
Avignon, France: In the 1300’s the headquarters of the Catholic Church was moved from Rome to Avignon, France. 7 Popes oversaw the catholic church from Avignon. Visiting their massive spacious palace will be a huge highlight.
Lyon, France: So many wonderful things to enjoy in Lyon, well preserved ancient Roman ruins, the saint Maurice Cathedral that took more than 500 years to build, the city’s historic region that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and so much more.
Loire Valley: If it’s the French splendor you seek, the Lorie Valley will exceed your expectations, no matter how great! Kings, Queens, Dukes, and Nobles came here to establish feudal castles and palaces throughout the Loire Valley. It is said there are over 1,000 Châteaux and Palaces in the Loire Valley. This will be a highlight of highlights on this special tour and cruise.
Paris, France: Even if you have been to Paris before, who doesn’t love spending time in Paris.

Click below to see the Chateau’s of Loire Valley in Tours, France

Package Price Includes:

17 Day Colors of Provence Cruise combined with Ancient Walled Villages, the French Riviera, the Castles, and Châteaus of the Loire Valley is a combination of TWO Packages:
The 5-Star Luxury Colors of Provence Cruise with AmaWaterways (with savings up to $1,800 per person) AND our special Land Tour and Hotel Package in France, including the medieval walled village of Carcassonne, Monte Carlo, The French Riviera, Tours (with its thousands of Châteaus) and the romantic city of Paris. Add your educator and you have a package that can’t be beaten.

Package #1: AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Cruise Includes:

8 days 7-night sailing on a 5-star luxury riverboat from the Mediterranean Sea to Lyon, France on the Rhone River – during the best time of year to experience the beautiful Lavender Fields.
Category D Cabin with Two LARGE Port Hole Windows.
A MINIMUM of $1,000 off the ship’s pricing PER PERSON. Go ahead and compare! Even more savings when you upgrade to balcony cabins.
All ship port taxes and fees.
All Shore Excursions.
Special Guest Educator: Jeff Lawson.
Fun For Less Tours Staff.
Three quality meals on-board the ship every day.
Free internet and free movies.
Unlimited Bottled water.
All bicycles and helmets on board are free to use.
Option to upgrade cabin to French Balcony, Double Balcony, or Suite.
Use of quality headsets.

Ship Package Pricing for Cat D Cabin: $5,138
PLUS, Ship Port Charges, Taxes & Fees: $200
Total Ship Package Cat D Cabin Pricing: $5,338
Minus Membership Savings off Ship Price: ($1,000)
OUR Total Ship Package Price: $4,338

Package #2: Our Special Land Package of Southern France, the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, the Walled Ancient Village of Carcassonne, along with Paris:

2 Nights Deluxe Hotel in the medieval walled village of Carcassonne, France.
2 Nights Deluxe Hotel Nice, France on the French Riviera.
2 Nights 4-Star Deluxe Hotel in Tours, France.
2 Nights 4-Star Deluxe Hotel in Paris, France.
10 days of buses and transfers in France and Germany.
4 Stunning Châteaus in the Loire Valley: Chateau d’Azay le Rideau, Château De Chambourg, Château Chenonceau, and Château Cheverny.
All Entrance Fees, Tours, Guides, and Sightseeing.
All Hotel and Bus Taxes and Fees.
Special Guest Educator: Jeff Lawson.
Fun For Less Tours Staff.
“Whisper Perfect” headset receivers.

Land Package Price: $2,450

Package Price: $6,788 - Total for both Packages*

*Per person cash discount price, based on double occupancy.
Does not include airfare or tips.

NOTE: Our membership-chartered savings are $1,000 per person for a Cat D Cabin. There are even additional savings if you upgrade your cabin from the Cat D cabin to larger balcony or double balcony cabin. Below show pictures of the different possible cabin upgrades.

Below you can see in red what the ship charges per person to upgrade from a CATEGORY D cabin to one of the different Balcony Cabins AND what you see in green is what we charge to upgrade to the same balcony cabin. In every case we are hundreds less than what the ship charges – increasing your savings when you travel with us.

Possible Cabin Upgrades Ship Upgrade Price Our Upgrade Price

Cat D to Cat CA French Balcony Cabin $1,200 per person $1,000 per Person
Cat D to Cat BB Doubly Balcony Cabin $1,800 per person $1,500 Per Person
Cat D to Cat BA Double Balcony Cabin $2,000 per person $1,700 Per Person
Cat D to Cat AB Double Balcony Cabin $2,200 per person $1,900 Per Person
Cat D to Cat AA Double Balcony Cabin $2,400 per person $2,100 Per person

This is a partial list, and subject to change as needed to accomplish everything we can in each area we visit. We will have local guides who will make sure we see the very best in the time we have.

Day 1 June 20: Fly to Nice, France
Today we fly to Nice in southern France.

Day 2 June 21: Nice
Depending on our arrival time we will either transfer to our hotel or do a short tour of Nice before transferring to our hotel.

Day 3: June 22: Nice, France – Monte Carlo, Monaco
Today we will explore three of the most fascinating cities of the French Riviera. We will begin the tour with a drive along the beautiful mountainside road, the “Grand Corniche”, which is dotted with charming coastal villages. The construction of the road was commissioned by Napoleon. Our first stop will be in Monaco and the town of Monte Carlo where we will see the Grand Casino and travel along a portion of the Grand Prix Motor Raceway. We will also visit the Rock of Monaco, which is a walled city overlooking the sea. Your guide will escort you through old Monaco. We will pass the 19th-century Romanesque cathedral and the Prince’s Palace. Once we arrive at the Grand Casino area you will be given time to browse through the exclusive shops at Casino Square. However, we will not have time to go into the actual casino. Next, we will travel on the Middle Corniche Road toward the mountain top village of Eze. Shops and artisans line the cobblestone streets of this charming walled city. Eze also offers beautiful panoramic views from its perch, high on the mountain top. Then we will return to Nice to take in the sights, sounds, and colors of the beautiful city before heading back to our hotel.

Day 4: June 23: Nice – medieval Walled City of Algues-Mortes – medieval walled city of Carcassonne
This morning we will drive to the Medieval walled city of Algues-Mortes. The city and wall were built in the 13^th Century. It has great ramparts or walkways on the ancient City wall. From there we will continue to our favorite walled city in the world – the Medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Many times, the owners of Fun For Less Tours have just stopped by to spend a few days in this fantastic ancient walled city. You are going to have the same opportunity. We will be spending two nights inside the walls of this medieval village. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Many movies have been filmed here, including Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Day 5: June 24: Carcassonne
Full Free Day to explore the city and castle, walk the walls of the ancient fortress, explore, shop, relax and eat in sidewalk cafés. Today will be a highlight day as you enjoy all this wonderful ancient walled city has to offer.

Day 6: June 25: Carcassonne – Arles France
Late morning we will depart for Arles, France where our wonderful 5-Star Luxury River Cruise ship awaits us. In the afternoon you will board the luxury river cruise ship where you will be spending the next 7 nights. All of the tours are included on your AmaWaterways Cruise ship. We are listing the tour that we recommend for each port of call. The ship often has another option or two to choose from.

Important Note: AmaWaterways includes premium shore excursions at no additional cost. However, the excursions must be pre-reserved. In each of the ports of call, the ship offers different shore excursions, often including a bicycle tour. We have included a paper with instructions on how to complete your online registration and select your shore excursions. Our owners have selected what they feel to be the best shore excursion for each port and have included a description of the recommended excursions. After you arrive at the ship if you decide that you would like to make a change to a different excursion, you can make that change onboard.

Day 7: June 26: Arles France:
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history. Your walking tour will take you to the Roman ruins of Arles, including the Roman Amphitheater and the Church of St. Trophime, along with other wonderful sites. This area is also famous for being a place where the artist Vincent Van Gogh both lived and painted.

Day 8: June 27: Ship Avignon France:
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14^th century when its “Palais des Papers” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 9: June 28: Vivers and the Hilltop village of Grignan
Today should be a day to experience the wonderful, lush fields of lavender flowers. We will take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. We then travel to the magnificent hilltop village of Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, we join a farmer in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles.

Day 10: June 29: Tournon
Admire the hilltop village of Tournon with its imposing castle. Take an exclusive private train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Dous, stopping at the charming little station for Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthelemy Le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey.

Day 11: June 30: Vienne
Today we will follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey – one of the oldest surviving churches in France.

Day 12: July 1: Lyon
We take a walking tour that starts in Fourviere Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19^th-century basilica, Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Later we continue on to the old town of Lyon for additional touring that will include the cities unique covered walkways and its famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon.

Day 13: July 2: Lyon – Loire Valley
This morning we depart early for our approximate 5-hour drive to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Today and tomorrow will be highlight days. They say there are over 1,000 Chateaux and castles dotted throughout the Loire Valley. They are stunning with beautiful gardens and landscaping. We have picked out a few of the best and most beautiful to visit.

Day 14: July 3: Loire Valley Chateaux’s
Full day visiting Chateaux’s and Gardens in the Loire Valley.

Day 15: July 4: Versailles – Paris:
Today we will drive back to Paris, with a picture stop at the Paris Temple. Then we will continue to Versailles where we will visit the lavish palace of last kings of France. Later we will continue to our hotel.

Day 16: July 5: Paris
Today we will tour Paris. We will visit the Louvre Museum, the home of the Mona Lisa, and the Eiffel Tower. We overnight in Paris.

Day 17: July 6: Fly Home
This morning we will fly back to the US.