One week cruising through the south of France and another week living it up in romantic, moated castles in Provence, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley are part of a cruise tour this May offered by Cruise Express.

The 19-day ‘Provence, Burgundy and Romantic Chateaux’ tour, departing Australia on May 5, 2012, features a seven-night cruise on the Rhone River aboard the deluxe river vessel, Avalon Scenery, through the winery-filled Burgundy and Provence regions of southern France and a seven-night coach tour to the walled, medieval city of Carcassonne and the famous Loire Valley - with stays in fairytale, moated chateaux such as the Chateau d’ Esclimont, Chateau Tortiniere and Chateau des Vigiers.

The Cruise Express package also includes return flights from Australia, luxury accommodation, two nights in Paris 37 meals and comprehensive sightseeing along the way and is available from $10,990 per person, twin-share, or $14,490 for solo travellers.