Overview
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...read more 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. Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.
Itinerary
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 Colors, Aromas, and Taste
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- 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.
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), OR:
- Classic: Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollene and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhone.
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 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. 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. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.
Later, enjoy onboard 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 PORT-SAINT-LOUIS (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Poetry II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
