Group Tour Operator for River cruises in Europe
Rhône Valley Discovery – Lyon, The Camargue and Provence (CroisiEurope) – NEW FRENCH RIVER CRUISE
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Palais des Papes, Avignon
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Pont St Benezet, Avignon
DRINKS PACKAGE INCLUDED!
Breathtaking landscapes await on this scenic cruise together with historic towns, cities and the wilderness region of the famous pink flamingos and wild bulls – the Camargue. Several optional excursions include guided tours of Lyon with its famous ‘traboules’ – secret passages, Avignon and the Papal Palaces, the highly spiritual Cluny Abbey, a wine and local delicacy tasting in Tournon whose castle stands upright on a majestic rock in the heart of the town or a visit to an olive oil producer.
Our ship is operated by one of the leading river cruise companies ‘CroisiEurope’ who operate a 50+ fleet of river and canal vessels with a minimum 4* standard of comfort, facilities and catering.
Dates
On request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue to the Reims area for an overnight stop where dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Lyon
Depart after breakfast and continue the journey through France and on to Lyon in time for embarkation from 18.00 hours. There will be a welcome cocktail and reception before sitting down to enjoy dinner and entertainment.
Day 3
Lyon – Mâcon
Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage City with a reputation as the country’s ‘Capital of Gastronomy’ and is situated at the confluence of two great rivers – the Rhône and the Saône. On an optional guided walking tour see famous sights such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Saint-Jean Cathedral and the stunning Place de Terreaux whilst strolling through the secret passageways (traboules) in the Vieux-Lyon (old town). These passageways once provided a safe and efficient route for the silk workers to get their wares to and from the market.
Back on board in time for lunch, this afternoon set sail for Mâcon followed by dinner and an evening of dancing.
Day 4
Mâcon – Vienne
Before leaving Mâcon there is an optional excursion to visit the abbey ruins in Cluny which is one of the most important Abbeys in France and whose church was once the biggest in the world. Discover the remains of a spiritual centre and the seat of the largest medieval monastic order in the West.
Back on board, the ship will sail to Vienne. Enjoy dinner and entertainment this evening.
Day 5
Vienne – Avignon
This morning there is an optional guided tour of Vienne, a city overflowing with Roman history. See the Antique Theatre built around 40AD, the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Cathedral of St. Maurice, a national monument.
Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, relax and enjoy the scenery whilst sailing towards Avignon.
Enjoy dinner and entertainment on board this evening.
Day 6
Avignon – Arles – (The Camargue)
Join an optional guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace, seat of medieval Popes and the largest Gothic palace in the world. Discover the ceremonial rooms, cloisters and private apartments of the Pope and the priceless frescoes. See the Basilica of Notre Dame des Dome with its majestic golden-lead Virgin statue seemingly touching the sky and dominating the Rhône valley. Avignon is also home to the famous Pont Saint Bénezet bridge, better known as the “Pont d’Avignon”, a true feat of engineering built in the 12th century but today it retains just 4 of the original 22 arches.
This afternoon, the ship will sail to Arles where there will be an optional panoramic tour of the Camargue. Admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamingoes, black bulls and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Discover the salt and rice fields that make the area so well known. A visit will be made to a “manade” (bull breeding farm) where you can learn about the work of a manadier with a demonstration of how they work with the animals they raise.
There will be traditional Provençal entertainment tonight on board.
Day 7
Arles – Viviers
On a optional guided tour of Arles which is famous for its Roman ruins and its association with Van Gogh, see the famous Roman Ampitheatre and stroll around the medieval town. The excursion will also include a visit to a local olive oil producer.
Back on board, the ship will sail towards Viviers. On arrival, an optional guided walking tour will highlight the House of Knights, the Tower of St. Michael, the great seminary and the Belvedere.
Enjoy dinner and an evening of leisure on board ship.
Day 8
Viviers – Tournon – Lyon
This morning will be spent cruising to Tournon where there will be an optional guided tour of the town with a visit to the imposing Castle-Museum of Tournon-sur-Rhône followed by a tasting of local wine and regional delicacies before returning to the ship.
Tonight is Gala Night whilst the ship sails back to Lyon.
Day 9
Disembark in Lyon
After breakfast disembark from the ship in Lyon and drive north towards the Reims area for an overnight stay. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 10
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and continue the journey home, taking the ferry from Calais or Dunkerque to Dover.
MS CAMARGUE (or similar standard ship)
Inaugurated in 2015, this rivership with a bright and spacious interior joins the fleet of Premium rated ships.
The stylish interior is a perfect match to the plants and wildlife in the Camargue region. Pastel pinks are contrasting with cool tones of yellow and few touches of white, forming one balanced visual effect that appeals to the eye and which delivers a feeling of coziness.
The upper deck has two main areas: the lounge and bar towards the bow of the ship, and the restaurant towards the stern, where all meals are served during the cruise. The cabins on the upper deck have French balconies, while the cabins on the main deck have large windows. But the best place to be is the sun deck! It is furnished with comfortable sun loungers and chairs and provides great views while you bask in the sun.
Cabin information/facilities (CroisiEurope)
All cabins are located above the water level and offer panoramic views of the landscape. They are equipped with private toilet, shower, washbasin and towels. Cabins are comfortable and include Satellite TV, hairdryer, safe and storage space. Depending on the ship, cabins have twin beds, a large bed or 2 separable beds. Voltage on board is 220V. All cabins are air conditioned and have independent thermostat controlled heating and air conditioning. The size and configuration of cabins vary from ship to ship. Some have cabins which are specifically equipped for people with reduced mobility (please ask for further details). There is free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
Deposit and Payment Guidelines
A non-refundable deposit will be due upon confirmation with staged payments prior to departure. Further details upon request as these vary for each cruise company.
| Departure date | 10 days / 9 nights | Single Supplement |
| April – October on request | Price on request | Price on request |
