River Cruise Itinerary

Your Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise is full of Avalon Choice® inclusions for each port you visit. Choose from Active, Classic, and Discovery included excursions that speak to you—from casual and leisurely to cultural and active. In addition to classic sightseeing and relaxed free time, you can visit an oyster farm, bike through Camargue Regional Nature Park to spot flamingos, or take a painting workshop in Arles—in the style of Van Gogh. Take a kayak excursion or linger in a corner café; stroll in Avignon’s papal palace or attend a wine tasting in an underground cave. Admire the lovely views of the French countryside, join a culinary walk to discover architecture and local specialties, or take a cooking class in Lyon. With so many included choices, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your day your way—from active pursuits to cuisine and cultural experiences. Take a ghost tour in Viviers, take a guided bike ride through the Gard region, or indulge in a chocolate factory tour. What better way to celebrate a fantastic French river cruise on the Rhône than by boarding a high-speed train for the “City of Light?” You’ll spend two nights in Paris to explore the romantic city your way. Spend your first day at leisure, strolling the iconic Champs-Élysées or wandering through the legendary artists’ streets of Montmartre. The next day, select a guided sightseeing tour of the must-see sites, or take a guided biking tour through Paris’ highlights, including the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde—with a peaceful rest along the Seine River. Our Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise and Paris vacation include activities and excursions to experience the Rhône River and the “City of Light” your way and at your pace!

1. Day 1
   PORT ST. LOUIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Jul 06, 2021

   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 PORT ST. LOUIS
   
   (D)
2. Day 2
   PORT-SAINT-LOUIS

   Wed, Jul 07, 2021

   Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
   
   Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Hot.
   
   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 Rhône 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:
   
   CLASSIC 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)
3. Day 3
   ARLES

   Thu, Jul 08, 2021

   A 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 Carrières de Lumières, 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)
4. Day 4
   AVIGNON

   Fri, Jul 09, 2021

   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 Châteauneuf-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)
5. Day 5
   VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE

   Sat, Jul 10, 2021

   River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
   
   Sail through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers.
   
   ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
   
   ACTIVE Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Circque d’Estre, OR:
   
   DISCOVER 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 Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhône.
   
   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)
6. Day 6
   TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE

   Sun, Jul 11, 2021

   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.
   
   LYON
   
   An Evening Drive through the Heart of Lyon
   
   DISCOVERY Get an entirely different perspective of Lyon on this relaxing evening drive around the illuminated city. Experience the heart of the city in the magical Presqu’île district, admire the grand architecture of the historic buildings lining Place des Terreaux, see monumental Bartholdi Fountain, and more!
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
   
   (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   LYON

   Mon, Jul 12, 2021

   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 colors, 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 through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière.
   
   This evening, enjoy Lyon’s vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner on board.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
   
   (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   LYON (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS

   Tue, Jul 13, 2021

   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 cafés for a true Parisian experience.
   
   (B)
9. Day 9
   PARIS

   Wed, Jul 14, 2021

   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 river banks.
   
   (B)
10. Day 10
    PARIS

    Thu, Jul 15, 2021

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)

Inclusions

• In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
• Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Gateway city for arrivals is Marseille.

Port charges:
$196

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.

All prices per person based on double occupancy. Cruise price based on Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. See below for upgrade pricing.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers