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Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour
operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material
provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates
are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices
on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors,
omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to
confirm availability and pricing.
Escorted Tour Highlights
Countries Visited:
Europe, France
Cities Visited:
See Description
Sightseeing Highlights
City Highlights
Day 1 Lyon (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception; evening guided tour of LyonDay 2 Lyon: Choice of culinary tour, or guided urban hike, or cooking classDay 3 Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon-Viviers: Choice of rail-bike tour along the Gorges du Doux, or guided hike in the vineyards, or guided tour of Tournon, or tour of the Valrhona factory and museum; Lyonnaise specialties cooking demonstration; evening guided tour in ViviersDay 4 Viviers-Avignon: In Avignon choice of guided kayak trip down the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or guided hike in the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, or visit lock Bollène and its power plant, or guided speleological excursion with wine tasting in the caves; evening guided tour of ViviersDay 5 Avignon: Choice of guided tour, or guided e-bike tour, or Provencal farmhouse experienceDay 6 Arles: Choice of guided tour in Arles, meet a bullfighter, or guided hike through the Hell Valley with a visit to Carrières de Lumière, or painting workshopDay 7 Port-Saint-Louis: Choice of excursion to a local oyster farm with tasting, or visit a bull ranch or bike tour through the Camargue Regional Natural ParkDay 8 Port-Saint-Louis (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
Overview
Title
Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)
Vacation Overview
Your Active & Discovery cruise on the Rhône River begins in Lyon, the culinary capital of France! With Avalon Choice included excursions, you 'll find a variety of ways to explore each port you visit. Choose from Active, Classic, and Discovery included excursions that interest you—from casual and leisurely to cultural and active. Admire the lovely views of the French countryside, join a culinary walk to discover architecture and local spe-cialties, or take a cooking class in Lyon. Embark on a kayak excursion or simply linger in a sidewalk café; stroll Avignon 's papal palace or attend a wine tasting in an underground cave. With so many included choices, you 'll find the perfect way to spend your day—from a ghost tour in Viviers to a guided bike ride through the Gard region, to a chocolate factory tour. 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. You 'll have the classic sightseeing and relaxing activities in each destination, along with your choice of included arts, culture, and cuisine excursions. Our Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise with Avalon Choice includes activities and excursions to experience the Rhône River at your pace in every place along the way. It 's a vacation in France made just for you.
Year Round Offers
- Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
- Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more
Day 1:LYON, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) 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.
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(D)Day 2:LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste Visit the Adventure Center 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 colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialtyThis 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 Fourvière.
EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L 'HERMITAGE/TOURNON(B,L,D)Day 3:TAIN L 'HERMITAGE/TOURNON 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 castleDISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to ViviersVIVIERSFascinating 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 townOVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS(B,L,D)Day 4:VIVIERS-LOCK BOLLÈNE River Gorge Canoeing, Crocodiles, and Wine Caves
ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l 'Ardèche on 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 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 Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the RhôneCruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)Day 5:AVIGNON 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 marketThis 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)Day 6:ARLES 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 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 on board live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)Day 7:PORT-SAINT-LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône DeltaEnjoy 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 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 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)Day 8:PORT-SAINT-LOUIS (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
(B)
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour
operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material
provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates
are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices
on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors,
omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to
confirm availability and pricing.
Avalon Waterways
Hotels:
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
Lyon, France
Centrally located, overlooking the river Rhone, this 164-room hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant on the top floor where delicious meals can be enjoyed while taking in panoramic city views, the Brasserie serves simple refined dishes in contemporary surroundings and there are two bars, a chic cocktail bar with an impressive drinks list and a lobby bar with summer terrace. Leisure facilities include a relaxation area, fitness centre and a steam room. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Rating: Moderate Deluxe
Intercontinental Marseille Hotel Dieu
Marseille, France
Adjacent to Marseille's historic Panier district, this sophisticated 194-room hotel is set in a magnificent historic building dating from the 18th century. Local pastis aperitif can be enjoyed on the terrace while taking in superb views of the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, Mediterranean dishes can be enjoyed in the Michelin-starred restaurant and leisure facilities include a fitness room, indoor swimming pool and a chic SPA by Clarins. Free Wi-Fi internet access is also available throughout the hotel.
Rating: Deluxe
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour
operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material
provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates
are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices
on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors,
omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to
confirm availability and pricing.
