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Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)
Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WYL
Overview
Destination:
France,
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
September 2026 - September 2027
Save $4,200 per couple^8 Day River Cruise Lyon to Arles
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams. 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 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.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade. •Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. •Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.•Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.•Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams. 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 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.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade. •Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. •Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.•Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.•Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.
Notes:
- 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.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 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.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 specialty.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 castle.DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to 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)
Day 4 - VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines 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:DISCOVERY Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast. Cruise through the soaring walls of 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 ProvenceACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, 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, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles’ covered market.You may choose to spend free time exploring 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.Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting. 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, 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 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 IN ARLES(B,L,D)
Day 8 - ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Avalon Waterways
Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
^Save $4,200 per couple: Terms & Conditions
Savings of $4,200 per couple ($2,100 per person) are combinable with your RACV Member discount.
Savings reflected in the prices shown.
Conditions apply. Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises and save $2,100 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 30/06/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice.
Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent.
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7 nights
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