Active & Discovery on the Rhone with Paris

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (D)

Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone Delta

Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

• 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, and 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!

Cruise to Arles to prepare for tomorrow's exciting activities.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)

A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence

• Active: Experience the legends of Val d'Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrieres de Lumieres, 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. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B/L/D)

Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence

• Active: Join a leisurely Guided 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B/L/D)

River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories

Sail through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollene on your way to Viviers.

• Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l'Ardeche in 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:
• Discovery: Join a Guided Excursion for a surprising underground wine tasting - under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR;
• Classic: Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollene and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhone.
• 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 CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B/L/D)

Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

• 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 Lyon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)

A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste

• Active: Take a Guided Urban Hiking 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. This evening, enjoy Lyon's vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)

This morning, say goodbye to your crew and board the TGV train to Paris. The rest of the day is free to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Consider browsing along Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafes for a true Parisian experience. (B)

The City of Light

• Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights, OR:
• Active: Enjoy a Guided Biking Tour, which will reveal some of the highlights of Paris - such as the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde - from a different point of view; enjoy a peaceful break on the Seine riverbanks. (B)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)