Begin your exploration of Avignon with your private guide. Avignon was the capital of the Christendom in the Middle Ages and the city retained a big part of that heritage which allowed it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pope's Palace is a major attraction and is the symbol of the Church's importance in the Christian Western world in the 14th century. The Palace of the Popes is the biggest Gothic palace in the world. There are 15,000 square meters of living space, which is the equivalent of 4 Gothic cathedrals.

If you choose, you will have about an hour of free time to do as you please. Head to the Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms, or just wander through the many cobblestone alley ways of Old Avignon. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity. Just to "see" the town itself, you could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls for days without tiring of them. Your guide can make suggestions for your lunch as well.

Fortified with some French delicacies, you will head towards the most famous and lush area for wines in France. Châteauneuf du Pape is the largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhône, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers. It produces more wine than the whole of the northern Rhône combined. The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several of the 14 permitted grape varieties including Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Your guide has arranged for a private visit to a Châteauneuf domain. During your stay you will learn about the local wines of the area and have a chance to walk through the vineyards. After you judge a selection from the vineyard, you will a much better understanding of the command of pricing for these wines back home.

Return fully refreshed and relaxed to your cruise pier.