Duration: 8 Days
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate holiday of dreams.
Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. These are just a few of the ways our wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you choose how to interact with the scenery, the artistic, and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class – the world is your oyster on an Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone.
Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising holiday when you:
- Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade.
- Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux.
- Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.
And be moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
- Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
- Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.
- Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works.
Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.
Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (D)
A Festival of Colours, Aromas, and Taste
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon's secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city's 19th-century silk trade, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colours, aromas and taste-exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourviere.
EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE/TOURNON (B,L,D)
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge
ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, OR:
DISCOVERY Have a true "chocolate experience" with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon-twin city to Tain-l'Hermitage and one of France's oldest medieval cities. You'll see its imposing 16th-century castle.
DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.
VIVIERS
Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories
DISCOVERY For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS (B,L,D)
River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l'Ardeche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhone tributary, OR:
ACTIVE Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, OR:
ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting-under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert).
Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollene on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B,L,D)
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
ACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided Mountain E-Bike Ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world's largest gothic fortress-the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles' covered market.
This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard-the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts.
You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon-known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon's medieval walls.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B,L,D)
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d'Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, OR:
DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.
Later, enjoy on board live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone Delta
Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species-including pink flamingos-along the trails of the Mediterranean's Rhone delta, OR:
DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit one of France's most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)
