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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône 2026(WLJ)
Burgundy & Provence
Starting from $2,980Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
Specialty Cruises: Culinary; Jazz Lovers; Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Embark your ship in Arles-famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest gothic fortress in the world. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you'll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France's gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you've seen on postcards.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2026 Culinary(WLJ-T2) Indulge in legendary Central European cuisine on this culinary-focused cruise. With a Master of Wine on board for special culinary highlights throughout your cruise, you’ll sample regional specialties with onboard tastings and with a special dinner featuring a wonderful menu created just for you. | Avalon Poetry II | $3,180 | Call Us! |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,530 | Call Us! |
| May 12, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $4,080 | Call Us! |
| May 26, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $4,080 | Call Us! |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,830 | Call Us! |
| Jul 7, 2026 Jazz Lovers(WLJ-T5) Throughout the French portion of your cruise, you’ll enjoy several onboard jazz performances and the chance to visit the Vienne Jazz Festival on your own. | Avalon Poetry II | $3,480 | Call Us! |
| Jul 21, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,480 | Call Us! |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,480 | Call Us! |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,480 | Call Us! |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $4,180 | Call Us! |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,830 | Call Us! |
| Oct 13, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLJ-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II | $3,630 | Call Us! |
| Oct 27, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLJ-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II | $3,080 | Call Us! |
| Nov 10, 2026 Wine Lovers(WLJ-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Poetry II | $2,980 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 ARLES (EMBARKATION)
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)
Day 2 ARLES
A Brush with Genius
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, 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
Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 3 AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 4 VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.Active
Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
(B,L,D)
Day 5 TAIN L'HERMITAGE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:
Classic
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 6 LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
(B,L,D)
Day 7 TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Discovery
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
(B,L,D)
Day 8 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am.(B)
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