South of France Running Cruise
The South of France Running Cruise
Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During your journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the colorful fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles, walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh, and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!
We’ve wrapped this running and walking cruise around the authentic sites and activities as we flow through the South of France including:
- Trail Hike through the Alpes Region, picnic lunch and Van Gogh Tour
- Run or walk on the Tour de France course and through the picturesque Beaujolais wine region – and finish with a wine tasting party.
- Cycle along the beautiful and famous ViaRhona Cycling Route
- Explore the fascinating city of Avignon in our Amazing Race
- Finish off your active vacation by running or walking the La Voie Royale 5K, 10K, or half marathon in Paris after the cruise (optional)
We’ll be vacationing in high-style on the AmaDagio – a five star hotel that floats through France at a leisurely pace with frequent stops and extended stays in the cities along the way. The AmaDagio features spacious staterooms, most with French Balconies, Internet/WiFi access, walking track along our Sun Deck and complimentary bicycles and included guided tours at every port.
Have questions? Email me at coach@jennyhadfield.com
What’s Included in the South of France Running Cruise
- Explore the South of France (le Midi) actively walking, running and cycling with like-minded people!
- Discover the Vincent can Gogh inspired beauty on a trail hike in the picturesque Alpes region .
- Run/walk on the Tour de France course and through the picturesque Beaujolais wine region and finish with a wine party!
- Cycle along the beautiful and famous Via Rhona Cycling route.
- Team up for a fun Amazing Race through the historic and fascinating city of Avignon.
- Finish off your active vacation by running or walking the La Voie Royale 5K, 10K, or half marathon in Paris after the cruise (optional).
- All levels of runners, run-walkers and walkers are welcome (guests too)!
- An All-Inclusive Tour Including: all meals, wine/beer at lunch and dinner, walking tours in every port, fun excursions for chocolate/wine tasting and more, all active events, race gift bag of goodies, private parties, a fully escorted cruise and more!
- SOFRC Gift Bag: tech shirt, jacket, hat, duffle bag, travel tag and a big honkin’ medal.
- 7 Nights cruise accommodations – most staterooms offer French balconies
- Four Run/Walk or Cycling Events
- Post Event Parties
- Guided Walking Tours in Every Port
- Fine Dining with all meals included in your cruise
- Unlimited red & white wines from France’s great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
- Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Special Wine and Chocolate Tasting and Other Excursions
- Exclusive meals and parties
- Private dining with your hosts John and Jenny and fellow participants
- Entertainment
- Transportation to all events, permits
- Complimentary WiFi access on board
- A fully escorted cruise
- Port Fees, Taxes and Gratuities
Accommodation Options
Window Cabin (Category D)
Lower Deck location, two lower beds convertible to queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, WiFi, shower, safe – 170 sf.
$3,750.00 pp Double Occupancy – This room is wait listed.
French Balcony – Middle Deck (Category C)
Middle Deck location, two lower beds convertible to queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, WiFi, shower, safe. 170 sf.
$4,190.00 pp Double Occupancy – This room is wait listed.
French Balcony – Middle Deck (Category B)
Middle and Upper deck location, two lower beds convertible to queen-sized bed, desk/make-up table, sitting area, flat panel TV, WiFi, shower, safe – 170 sf.
$4,339.00 pp Double Occupancy – This room is wait listed.
French Balcony – Upper Deck (Category A)
Upper Deck location, two lower beds convertible to queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, WiFi, shower, safe – 170 sf.
$4,420.00 pp Double Occupancy – This room is wait listed.
Suite – French Balcony – Upper Deck
Upper Deck location, two lower beds convertible to queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, WiFi, shower, tub, safe – 255 sf.
This room is wait listed
Booking Notes
Booking Deposit – A deposit of $250 per person is due with the completed cruise registration. The full balance is due October 21, 2015. If the booking registration is received after October 10th, the full amount of cruise will be charged.
You must book your cruise package through The Running Cruise and the Cruise & Vacation Authority online booking or office to participate in this exclusive running cruise.
Roommate Finder: If you are a single looking to share a cabin, please indicate this on the application and we will do our best to accommodate your request. You can also post to our private Facebook group for the already registered participants. Please note, if we are unable to arrange a roommate or if a roommate cancels, single rates will apply.
PP = per person
Double = double occupancy cabin
Single = single occupancy cabin
Waitlist Bookings
If you are interested in a cabin category that waitlisted (full) and it does not open up, you will not be booked on this cruise. You will be contacted for approval prior to our booking the cruise and charging payment if a waitlist cabin does open.
If you make a first choice which is waitlisted and a second choice which is not waitlisted, you will be booked on this cruise and payment will be charged at the time of booking. Full cancellation penalties will apply. If, prior to sailing, the waitlist for your first choice does clear you will be moved into that cabin category and either a refund will be processed, or the additional funds will be charged.
Cancellation Schedule:
Prior to October 21, 2015: $100 per person
October 21, 2015 – July 21, 2016: $750 per person
After July 21, 2016: 100% of cruise/package
View Travel Protection Details
Click to View Travel Protection
View Deck Plans
Itinerary for The South of France Running Cruise
Stay tuned for our Pre-Cruise Package in beautiful Marseilles, France.
Day 1 – Friday, October 21st – Arles, France
Embarkation aboard the AMA Waterways AmaDagio. Meet your new running and walking friends at the Welcome Reception and enjoy our first group meal to kick off our active vacation.
Day 2 – Saturday, October 22nd – Arles – Les Baux – Avignon, France
We’ll begin our day with a gorgeous hike through picturesque Alpilles 
region where you’ll experience the vibrant colors and striking quality of light that have inspired artists for centuries. We’ll relax for a traditional French lunch and take the “Impressionist Experience” tour to the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Van Gogh once lived and painted such well-known works as The Irises and Starry Night.
In the afternoon, you’ll take an excursion to the village to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating exhibit of medieval weapons. Then be prepared to be wowed at the Carrieres de Lumieres, a stone quarry that projects European artwork on its walls, including many of Van Gogh’s famous paintings.
Early this evening cruise to Avignon. As your ship docks, look for the illuminated Avignon Bridge made famous by the French children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.”
Day 3 – Sunday, October 23rd – Avignon – Viviers, France
This morning, you’ll arise to a fun and festive 4-mile Amazing Race through the historic city of Avignon, where seven popes once resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, the ship cruises to Viviers, arriving later this evening. You may join a “Ghost Walk” through this medieval town, with colorful stories brought to life by local residents. The ship moors overnight in Viziers.
Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine.
Day 4 – Monday, October 24th – Viviers – Tournon, France
After breakfast, you’ll have an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent hilltop village surrounded by lavender fields. The village’s Renaissance castle provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy some free time to explore local shops for confections, home-made lavender soaps and other crafts. You will also have an opportunity to visit a truffle farm and learn about truffle harvesting. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin, then cruise to Tournon as you enjoy an onboard wine lecture. This evening, enjoy a special chocolate and red wine paring and a winery visit in Tournon.
Day 5 – Tuesday, October 25th – Tournon – Vienne, France
This morning, enjoy a scenic 20-mile bike ride on the famous Via Rhona bike 
route followed by a special Hermitage winery visit and chocolate tasting. Because what is a bike ride without wine and chocolate? Arrive this evening in Vienne, situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais. Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains.
Day 6 – Wednesday, October 26th – Vienne – Lyon, France
Vienne’s Roman past can be readily seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. This morning, you’ll be challenged with a scenic run/walk to the top of Vienne to see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre. Enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as your ship departs for Lyon, arriving mid-afternoon. Your panoramic tour of Lyon takes you to the Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the Place des Terreaux with Bartholdi’s Fountain, and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière, part of the historic region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Hill of Prayers,” Fourvière is famous for its iconic white Basilica of Notre-Dame, ruins of a Roman theater, and majestic views of the city below. Tonight’s Captain’s Gala Dinner will be a memorable feast for the senses. The ship moors overnight in Lyon.
Day 7 – Thursday, October 27th – Lyon – Beaujolais – Lyon, France
We’ll wake up and journey on to the famous Beaujolais region, and run/walk 
the on the winding, scenic vineyard roads that once graced the elite cyclists in the Tour de France.
After the run/walk, we’ll celebrate with a wine tasting and lunch at a private vineyard.
In the late afternoon, we’ll rejoin the ship in Lyon, arriving late tonight.
Day 8 – Friday, October 28th – Lyon, France
Disembark your cruise in Lyon and head home with a bag full of active memories and a big honkin’ The South of France Running Cruise Medal! Or – extend your stay with our Post-Cruise Ultra Race Package in Paris and run/walk the famous La Voie Royale 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon race and city tour of Paris after the cruise.
Stay tuned for the details on our Post Cruise Package including transit to Paris, hotel for the race weekend.
