Explore the magic of Provence with Winemaker Aurora Coria! Set sail on the Colors of Provence Rhône River Cruise. Discover the region's exquisite wines, delicious food, and captivating villages and cities. Get ready for a delightful adventure through southeastern France. Bon Voyage!
April 17-24, 2025 | 7-Night River Cruise
Your journey along the Rhône River in France with Aurora
Your From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Embark in Arles and trace the steps of famous artists. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and enjoy a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board.
During this wine-themed journey, you’ll indulge in wine tastings at traditional wineries and hike through vineyards, while learning about the history and techniques of winemaking. This journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of French wine and cuisine.
You are cordially invited to join me on this beautiful voyage up the Rhône River Valley. We’ll explore the wine, cuisine, villages and cities of Provence and southeastern France. Bon Voyage! — Aurora
Winemaker, Aurora Coria
Aurora is the daughter of Luis and Janice Coria, the owners of Coria Estates. Rori, as her family and friends call her, grew up helping her folks working in the vineyard and behind the scenes in the administrative side of owning a 60 acre vineyard. She didn’t always know she wanted to be a winemaker, but when her mom prompted her with the question, “Maybe it’s time to start our own label?” At that moment the choice was so obvious! Rori was working in Public Health in Portland Oregon at that time; which had been her first passion; but that conversation with her family was the beginning of an entire life change.
Rori decided to go back to school and study Winemaking, and in a few short years, Coria Estates had their first crush under label in 2013! Rori started her career in winemaking in 2011. She studied at the Northwest Wine Studies Center, and has interned at Oregon wineries, as well as studied winemaking and worked a vintage abroad in Tasmania, Australia. She believes in being hands off stylistically in the winery and letting the fruit speak for itself. She believes that if you manipulate a wine too much, you lose the natural essence of the fruit you started with.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: EMBARKATION
You will be met on arrival at Marseilles International Airport and transferred to our hotel in Aix-de-Provence. The remainder of day is at leisure.
Day 2: ARLES
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of “Aix”, one of the most charming small cities in France. Once the capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence was a favorite haunt of Cezanne, Emile Zola and Ernest Hemingway.
Day 3: AVIGNON
Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican.
Day 4: VIVIERS
Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhône. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.
Day 5: TOURNON
Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey.
Day 6: VIENNE
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. 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, and now an Archaeological Museum.
Day 7: LYON
Take a walking tour that starts in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19thcentury basilica NotreDame 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.”
Day 8: LYON: DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Wine Explorations
Embark on exclusive winery experiences that go beyond the tasting room. Explore local wineries through special tours and tastings, delve deeper with private cellar tastings, and gain firsthand knowledge about the art of winemaking in renowned vineyards.
Award-Winning Cuisine
Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the region with onboard wine pairings featuring award-winning cuisine. As a special guest of Cória Estates, you'll also be invited to exclusive events that further showcase the region's culinary and cultural treasures.
Award-Winning Wine
Aurora Coria will lead tastings and wine discussions throughout the journey. Explore the wine, cuisine, villages and cities of Provence and southeastern France with Aurora!