It’s April in Paris and we’re inviting you to join friends and fans of Minnesota Public Radio and the Minnesota Orchestra for a classical music adventure along France’s beautiful Rhone River.
Enjoy three pre-cruise April evenings in Paris as we walk in the footsteps of Picasso, Rodin and Hemingway, and have free time to explore the many museums, bookstores, colorful markets and cafés of Paris. We have your tickets for a tour of the spectacular Garnier Opera House and a classical musical performance. Then off to Lyon to board our exclusively chartered first-class small ship, the MS van Gogh. We will cruise on the historic Rhône River among picturesque villages, ancient archaeological sites and esteemed wine estates.
And back by popular demand… a robust program of classical music curated and performed on board by the renowned and celebrated pianist Jon Kimura Parker, Minnesota Orchestra’s beloved Creative Partner and Host for Summer at Orchestra Hall.
This adventure is a perfect composition of breathtaking natural splendor, exceptional music and unforgettable art. Whatever your passion, be it classical music, wine tasting, food, art, or simply pursuing the French “joie de vivre,” do join us. We look forward to exploring the treasures of France with you in 2026!
Melissa Ousley and Jon Kimura Parker
Melissa Ousley
Host Melissa Ousley stumbled into a career in broadcasting many years ago when she moved to Wichita, Kansas, to be near
her soon-to-be husband. The attraction to radio work
was immediate and the chance to be around great music without having to practice piano was irresistible.
After establishing herself as a host and producer in Kansas, Melissa moved to Minnesota and continued her work at WCAL in Northfield and Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul and hosts live Friday night broadcasts of the Minnesota Orchestra. While she earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastman School of Music, she’s quick to point out that her decades of work in radio have taught her the most. When she’s away from the airwaves, Melissa loves to run, read, and spend time with friends and family. This will be Melissa’s third hosted trip.
Jon Kimura Parker
Pianist Jon Kimura Parker is known for his charisma, infectious enthusiasm, and dynamic performances. He is Creative Partner for the Minnesota Orchestra’s Summer at Orchestra Hall, Artistic Director of the Honens International Piano Competition, Artistic Advisor for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, and Keyboard Chair at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.
He has lectured at Yale, Princeton, and Juilliard. His exceptional level of experience with concerto repertoire includes performances in Carnegie Hall, Berlin’s Philharmonie, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Tokyo’s Suntory Hall and the Sydney Opera House. He has a long association with the concertos of Beethoven and is in his 50th year performing the 3rd Concerto.
Itinerary
Day 0, April 5, 2026: Depart North America for the South of France
In order to arrive in time, you’ll need to depart North
America no later than April 5.
Day 1, April 6: In the City of Light, Paris
Bienvenue à Paris. Stroll the lively streets and enjoy a
delicious meal and orientation at a local restaurant with your MPR and Earthbound Expeditions hosts. Sleep in the heart of Paris. (B,L)
Day 2, April 7: Paris Opera
Whether it’s your first time in Paris or perhaps
you’ve visited the City of Lights many times,
there is always something new to discover! Spend a free day exploring at your own pace. Or, join
knowledgeable local guides and tour the renowned Paris Opera House. A delicious lunch is included at
a nearby café. A classical concert will be included this evening. Sleep in the heart of Paris. (B,L)
Day 3, April 8: Day in Paris
Your guides will be available this morning to assist you with sightseeing ideas during your free time today. Meet this
evening for a classical concert! Sleep in Paris (B)
Day 4, April 9: Discover Burgandy & Sail South to Provence
Epicurean Beaune – Burgundy’s wine capital is located on
the prestigious Côtes de Nuits. In the 18th century, the town became the center of the wine trade. Today we will visit the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, which sponsors the prestigious wine auction. Visit an ancient cellar and sample some of the finest wines of the region before making our way to Lyon. The city of Lyon was founded by the Romans and is the third largest city in France. It is also a UNESCO heritage site and a vibrant place to visit with the well-deserved title of the gastronomic capital of France. Board the privately chartered first-class MS Van Gogh in the afternoon. Enjoy a Welcome Aboard dinner and concert tonight. Sleep on board the MS Van Gogh. (B,D)
Day 5, April 10: Explore Lyon/Sunset Sail to Provence
Spend a day exploring this spellbinding city. Tour the opera house, the Roman theater and explore the city’s charming neighborhoods. Winding their way through buildings, courtyards, and up and down staircases, Lyon’s secret covered passageways, or traboules, are an ideal way of visiting the city’s hidden and colorful past. Every traboule is different though. Each has a unique pastel color, a particular curve or spiral staircase, vaulted ceilings or Renaissance arches. In the late afternoon turn your smiles to the sun as you enjoy a scenic sail down the Rhône. Classical concert this evening. Sleep on board. (B,L,D)
Day 6, April 11: Arrive in Avignon via Chateauneuf
This morning enjoy a tour and tasting in the Rhone valley; the region famous for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Once home to the popes, this region produces some of France’s most celebrated wines. Enjoy a tasting before we make our way to Avignon. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this medieval walled city. Stay in Avignon for lunch in a local café or walk back to the ship. This afternoon, tour the Papal Palace with your informative local guides and enjoy some free time for additional independent exploration. We’ll re-board the ship in time to dine and dance “sous le Pont d’Avignon” until we depart! Classical concert this evening. Sleep on board. (B,L,D)
Day 7, April 12: Ancient Roman Treasure and Van Gogh's Arles
Join the morning excursion to the spectacular 2,000 year old aqueduct of the Pont du Gard. Considered one of the best preserved antiquities in Europe, it is a stunning feat of Roman engineering. Built without mortar, the massive stones were perfectly carvedand placed and have staunchly survived for centuries. Return on board for lunch and cruise to Arles. An example of Provence at its quintessential best, Arles filled with Roman ruins still used today and shops displaying traditional Provençal fabrics, herbes de Provence, honey, lavender and soap. Arles is also well known for the visual arts. The Musée Réattu contains many of Picasso’s sketches and there are year-round photography expositions and galleries including the Van Gogh Foundation, which features rotating exhibits of contemporary works. Enjoy a late afternoon walking tour of Arles’ highlights and return on board for dinner. Sleep on board. (B,L,D)
Day 8 & 9, April 13 & 14: St. Remy, Van Gosh and Olive Oil Tasting
Head into the scenic Provençal countryside to Les Baux de Provence and the delightful town of St Rémy. Stroll the villages, and enjoy a walk around the grounds of the peaceful St Paul Mausole, a veritable masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art, built in the neighborhood of the Gallo-Roman site of Glanum. This is the famous asylum where Vincent Van Gogh spent time resting and painting. Finally, stop to taste some of the wonderfully aromatic olive oil of this region before heading back to Arles to board the ship. Classical concert one evening. Sleep on board. (B,L,D)
Day 10, April 15: Viviers and Truffle Farms
When disembarking at Viviers, you have the impression of entering a village where time has stood still. Boasting the oldest cathedral in France that’s still in use, along with impressive examples of Renaissance and 18th century architecture, Viviers is a lovely stop for pondering the illustrious past. Join an excursion to an enchanting village and some local truffle farms, where the adorable working dogs will obligingly demonstrate their truffle-digging skills. Back to the ship for lunch, and free time to wander in quiet Viviers. Sleep on board. (B,L,D)
Day 11: April 16: Lyon- Trip Concludes
Arrive back in Lyon in the early morning, so those extending their journey are welcome to depart at any time. Breakfast will be served as usual and transfers to the Lyon airport will be provided for travelers departing today. We wish you all “un très bon voyage!” (B)
IT'S INCLUDED
- With YourClassical MPR Host Melissa Ousley
- On board performances featuring guest artist Jon Kimura Parker
- 7 nights on board the newly refurbished first-class, MS Van Gogh
- Special wine tastings in the Rhône Valley and Burgundy
- Guded by Earthbound Co-founders Danna and Matthew Brumley
- Outings to colorful local markets, a truffle farm and Provençal villages
- In-depth city walking tours of Avignon and Arles with local experts
- A special tour of the Paris Opera Garnier
- Entrances to all activities listed in itinerary
- Concerts in Paris
Pricing and Terms
| Double Cabin Category | Per Person Before Discount | Early Bird Discount | Price After Discount Each | |
|---|
| Main Deck - Debussy | $6,595 | Deposit by 11/1/25 & Save $300 | $100 | $6,195 |
| Upper Deck - Ravel | $7,195 | Deposit by 11/1/25 & Save $300 | $100 | $6,795 |
Single Travelers: Upper or Main Deck add $1,395. Space is limited.
Not included: Gratuities for ship staff, travel insurance, airfare, and meals/items not mentioned in your itinerary are not included. Port taxes, charges, and fees are currently estimated at $95 per person.
Savings: A $100 discount is applied for all Earthbound Expeditions and MPR travel alumni. If your deposit is made by November 1, 2025, you will receive the early signup discount. Additionally, if you make your final payment by check, you will also receive the pay-by-check discount.
*Final Balance by Check Discount may only be applied to final balances over $3,000 per person. Advanced, canceled or delayed sailing for cruises: Please note that cruise schedules and tour activities can be subject to change due to changes in water levels, port accessibility, weather, labor disputes or for any other reason whatsoever. The Owner or Operator of the cruise vessel may, at any time, cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled tour and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel or itinerary, and it shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of any such cancellation, advancement or postponement.
Need more information?
Call us: (1) 206-842-9775 Earthbound Expeditions is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Contact us! Complete our contact form and one of our travel consultants will contact you to answer your questions and help you complete your reservation.