Toy Train to the Top
You can take a tiny train from the center to the top of the town for a bird’s eye view.

Jazz Festival
The view from the top down. There is an annual music festival held her in Vienne in July in the Roman amphitheater. Imagine it filled with music & music lovers!

Bird’s Eye View
The panoramic view from the top of Vienne overlooking the Rhone River Valley.

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Roman Roots
Sailing farther south, we arrive at the Roman town of Vienne. This was a large surburban settlement during the age of Julius Caesar & later the capital of Burgundy.

The Temple of Augustus & Livia
Originally erected by Emperor Claudius, this building has a colorful history having been repurposed & rebuilt several times over the centuries. It was even converted into a church in the 5th century & secularized during the French Revolution. Your guide has all the details.

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

We are literally in the vineyards at Domaine de la Logere winery in Beaujolais country between the Burgundy & Rhone wine regions.
Our host, viticulturist, Pascal Gayot, discusses the specific terrior of his winery – all the environmental factors impacting the growth &  production of wine. He spoke to us in French, while our guide, Marion (to his right), translated into English through her audio unit.

Sips & Nibbles
Monsieur Gayot escorted us inside the winery for tastings & more informal discussion. While this region is famous for Beaujolais Nouveau, it also produces Chadonnay Beaujolais Blanc, sparkling Blanc de Blancs & even rose.

a Votre Sante
We sampled a red, a white & also a rose wine. With local sausages, cheese & bread, of course. All this & it’s only 10 o’clock in the morning. Bottles were available for sale, conveniently boxed & ready to go!

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Beaujolais Country
We are in the heart of Beaujolais country now, note the vineyards in the background, surrounding the quaint hilltop village of Oingt, a stop on the way to a local vineyard.

Cafe Stop
Ochre yellow facades are characterstic of the homes of cradftsmen & artists in Oingt. My friend Laura & I decided to duck into this charming cafe for a quick drink. The owners were quite friendly, engaging us in conversation, inquiring about where we were from.

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Petanque
This is a form of boules, very popular in France, similar to bocce or bowls. We were invited to watch several matches at a local club in Trevoux.

Object of the Game
VIDEO: A hollow metal ball is thrown as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a “cochonnet”. Watch this player in action!

He’s Got Flair
VIDEO: Note that each player has his own style of throwing. We spectators sat around the perimeter watching the demonstration while enjoying hors d’oeuvres & more local Beaujolais wine!

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Going Local
Our floatng hotel, the AmaDagio, has pulled over to the bank, where we can walk off the gangway & step directly into the local landscape.

Walking Tour
Today we are going on a guided waking tour in Trevoux, all the way up the hill to the old parlimentary building. At the top of the town is a fortified chateau with an unusual octagonal tower.

Medieval Ramparts, Modern Life
Our narrated walk continued through the narrow streets of this charming village on the Saone River, past homes & businesses. Life went on as usual around us.

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Navigating the Rivers
Our cruise sailed on both the Saone & Rhone Rivers south from Lyon to Arles. There are 10 locks on the Rhone operating during daylight hours. We passed through several & it was a fascinating process to watch.

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Cooking School
Another tour in Lyon is a more hands on experience at In Cuisine pictured here adjacent to the central “Place Bellecour”, a large town square.

Audience Participation
Chef Jean instructs his assistant chefs on making Boeuf Lyonnaise -with wine vinegar. Plus wine to drink, of course.

Wine from Start to Finish
Chef Sophie shares & demonstrates some special finishing touches to the Poires a la Beaujolaise prepared by members of another small culinary team. Pears poached in Beaujolais wine. And more wine for drinking. Bien sur!

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597

Fitness Onboard
It can be a challenge maintaining your regular fitness regimen while traveling. These ships have a Fitness Studio, Sun Deck walking track, sauna (select ships), and a heated whirlpool or swimming pool with swim-up bar (new ships).
photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Got Wheels
I did see individual passengers going for an early morning walk or jog before breakfast or dinner. While guided small group bike tours are offered in specifc locations, you can also take one of the Ama bicycles out for a ride on your own.
photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Calling all Golfers!
There is a putting green on the Sun Deck of the AmaBella so you can keep your putting skills up to par! (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist).
Who knew? Well, I did & now you do too!

Double Vision
The three newest ships, the AmaCerto, AmaVerde & AmaBella feature a NEW stateroom design with a unique twin balcony: a French Balcony, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, plus a separate step-out Outside Balcony. Enjoy twice the view!
photo of twin balconies courtesy of AmaWaterways

For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597