Alpine to Azure Coast Passage:
Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
June 17 to 26, 2027
Reservations open in May 2026 to Members on the Priority First Access List.
Read below for a Journey Overview with highlights.
Journey Overview
Join our journey scholar, Dr. Julian Brown, for a seamless blend of high-end comfort and immersive cultural experiences for lovers of wine, gastronomy, and history who seek a deep, personalized dive into the heart of France.
Join Dr. Julian Brown on a luxury journey, Alpine to Azure Coast Passage. We begin in Lausanne, Switzerland. Perched majestically upon three hills, here time-honored traditions invite you to experience a world where medieval heritage meets the peak of Alpine luxury.
We will experience the Golden Express train journey through the Savoy Alps to the Ouchy Promenade and the Lavaux Terraces. Step into an atmospheric sanctuary of cobblestone charm and Gothic grandeur, where the voice of the Night Watchman still echoes each evening from the heights of the Cathedral.
We continue aboard our intimate vessel, the Riverside Ravel, which is designed like an exclusive private villa. Each suite is attended to by personalized butler service, ensuring your every wish is met. While aboard, we will sail on a curated journey down the Rhone and Saone Rivers, gliding past vineyard-clad hills, charming villages, breathtaking Abbeys, and historic châteaux along the scenic waterways. The river offers a unique, serene perspective on the heart of France, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the countryside with effortless elegance.
In the mornings, one can savor breathtaking views from the top deck or French Balcony with a freshly brewed coffee in hand. We will spend sun-drenched afternoons gliding past ancient landscapes and world-renowned vineyards, and as night falls, we will indulge in extraordinary, regionally inspired cuisine from Burgundy, Provence, or Champagne, perfectly paired with fine French wines.
This immersive journey offers intimate explorations of historic villages, Roman ruins, Abbeys, Museums, and gardens. With behind-the-scenes experiences, including private tours of hallowed Champagne houses and in-depth explorations of the Beaujolais wine region, as well as hidden treasures in Vienne, Tain L'Hermitage, Viviers, Arles, Tarascon, and Avignon's majestic Palace of the Popes.
Together, we will traverse the 2,000 years of viticulture that define this route, from the northern Syrah to the revered southern Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
This all-inclusive journey has fares beginning at $10,995 per person, double occupancy.
You are invited to register for the Priority First Access List and to request Pre-Registration.
Reservations open in May 2026 to members on the Priority First Access List.
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury river travel, uniquely operating the prestigious former Crystal Cruises fleet to provide an unmatched "all-suite" experience, most with large bathrooms and double vanities. On these sophisticated vessels, every guest enjoys the personalized attention of a dedicated butler regardless of their suite category. A seamless worry-free journey, the Premium All-Inclusive with Excursions fare, bundles high-end amenities with a diverse portfolio of curated shore excursions—ranging from active adventures to deep cultural immersions—without any hidden add-on fees. Riverside Cruise Line offers expansive living spaces and a level of opulence rarely found on European waterways.
The Connoisseurs Touch
Spectacular Sites
and Hidden Gems
Expert Journey Scholar
Dr. Julian Brown
Outstanding & Luxurious
Accommodations
The New Era of Travel™
As we enter the New Era of Travel we know our guests are as optimistic and eager to travel as always. We also realize that being both flexible and realistic are the keys to any great journey.
Safeguarding Your Travel Investment: As we move into the New Era of Travel, Connoisseurs Tours offers Travel Protection which allows you to rest assured that your travel investment is protected.
We know exploring destinations safely with people you know is of paramount importance. Registration is by invitation only to members and their guests.
Your mobility and this journey:
This journey includes visits and stays in historically significant locations with rough or uneven surfaces such as cobblestone, steps that do not have railings, and in some cases no elevator. Participants must be able to walk 1 mile at a regular pace without stopping as well as walk up stairs. Connoisseurs Tours regrets that it cannot provide special assistance for walking, wheelchairs, motorized scooters or those with mobility limitations that require canes and walkers.
Terms and Conditions
Click to read the full Terms & Conditions. Please read all of the terms and conditions. Any payment made to Connoisseurs Tours towards a tour booking/reservation shall constitute a confirmation by the traveler on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on their booking, that you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you make a booking and payment on behalf of other travelers, you guarantee that you have the authority to accept these terms and conditions on behalf of the other travelers in your party.
The New Era of Travel™ Protection
Connoisseurs Tours understands that protecting your travel investment is non-negotiable. As we move into The New Era of Travel™, we offer our guests a Custom Travel Protection Plan* that allows you to rest assured that your travel investment is protected.
*Journeys reserved July 31, 2025 and after: click here for the Connoisseurs Custom Travel Protection Plan through Trawick International.