We arrive in Vienne one of the oldest cities in France. It is a strikingly handsome town founded under Romans and the administration of Pontius Pilate. Once the capital of the Celtic tribe known as Allobroges, Vienne was conquered by the Romans on 121 BC and became part of the Holy Roman Empire in the 9th Centuryand was transferred to French sovereignty in 1450.

With its position along the Rhone river, the town prospered as Rome’s major wine port, and progressed to become an important centre of religion and culture. Many of the beautiful roman monuments have survived to attest to the past glory, indeed , Vienne contains one of the richest repositories of roman and medieval buildings in all of France.

Among this historic city’s numerous charms is the effortless coexistence of its many ancient and modern buildings.

Only a few feet from the Gallo- Roman Garden of Cybele stands a medieval half timbered house; in the Museum of Saint Pierre, Roman statues can be found beside tombstones of medieval saints among the ruins of Gothic and Corinthian columns scattered in the yard. Arriving at the remarkably intact Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia standing among the contemporary cafe and shops in the town;s old square was an unforgettable memory.

Ruins of the old Roman circus, thermal baths and luxuriously decorated houses also remain. But the centrepiece of Vienne is the 13,000 seat Roman Theatre con the slopes of Mt Pipet, said to have been buried from the 4th Century until its discovery in 1922.

During its first centuries Vienne embraced Christianity, its first bishop is said to have been a disciple of Paul. It was later the target of multiple invasions during Europe’s Great Migration period. Over 300 years Burgundians, Romans, Franks, Lombards and Moors sacked the city and called it their own. After being proclaimed the capital of Burgundy, then falling within the Kingdom of Provence and later reverting to the roman Empire, the steadfast Archbishops surrendered their territory to France in 1449. Christianity ‘s legacy remains in Vienne’s five monasteries and many churches, chapels and convents.

The name of its neighbouring wine-producing region, Tain-l’Hermitage, comes from the hermit who planted vines here after returning from the crusades and invited travellers to drink wine with him. Today these vines produce a port like wine and some stellar white wines.

We walked from the Buri for about an hour along the river and through the town of Tournon sur Rhone. A delightful walk. After breakfast we had a short time before we were directed to busses for the drive to our Steam train journey through the Doux Gorges. We have a shore excursion on the Tournon Steam Train.

The ship departs at 9.15 am and leaves Tournon Sur Rhone for Vienne.

After about 40 minutes drive we arrive at Gare de Tournon St Jean railway station, where several carriages on the train are booked for parties from viking Buri. The line runs 33km through the Doux Valley and embraces wonderful bridges such as The Grand Pont, The Viaduc De Troye which stretches 100 metres, We cover the Barrage De Clauzel, then on to the Pont Des Etroits which marks the narrowest part of the Doux gorges. Boucieu Le Roi now labelled as a village, and was home to the royal court of justice in the Middle Ages. Then across the Pont Du Roi before passing the Chateau De Chazotte. The train turns around at Gare de Colombier Le Vieux St Barthelemy Le Plain.

The Engines / locomotives are 2 Malletts 403 and 414 which were articulated to better negotriate the tight bends in the Doux gorges and were specially created for the Vivarais network

We also saw and talked about the German Canal which was constructed by German prisoners between 1916 and 1919 and it supplies the hydroelectic plant in Mordane.

Following our train ride we return to Vienne and re-board the ship for lunch and then late afternoon we have an interesting tour of Vienne.

We walk into the city enjoy an excellent guide who is engaged and emotional in telling the history of the town.

The weather is changing and becoming quite threatening but we are only 400po metres from the Ship although we have a busy main road to cross.

We return to the ship at 5.30pm after an excellent hour and 20 minutes touring this beautiful city.

It has been a terrific day, with three activities all different but very enjoyable.