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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles 2026(WJL)
Burgundy & Provence
Starting from $2,630
Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
Specialty Cruises: Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, 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 with its lively cafés and monuments and stand in front of the famous fountain you've seen on postcards. You'll have plenty of time to explore this historical city further and be sure to sample Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you'll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you'll go on a guided walk. Continue your river cruise to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes-the largest gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France-famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 7, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,430 | Call Us! |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,880 | Call Us! |
| May 19, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $4,330 | Call Us! |
| Jun 2, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $4,080 | Call Us! |
| Jun 30, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 14, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,230 | Call Us! |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,480 | Call Us! |
| Aug 11, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,480 | Call Us! |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,830 | Call Us! |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $4,430 | Call Us! |
| Oct 6, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,980 | Call Us! |
| Oct 20, 2026 Wine Lovers(WJL-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 | $3,780 | Call Us! |
| Nov 3, 2026 Wine Lovers(WJL-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! |
| Nov 17, 2026 Wine Lovers(WJL-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 | $2,630 | 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 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Lyon must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS
(D)
Day 2 TOURNUS
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Classic
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
Discovery
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX
(B,L,D)
Day 3 LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. Active
Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
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.
Discovery
Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(B,L,D)
Day 4 LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine
Discovery
Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON
(B,L,D)
Day 5 TOURNON
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Classic
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Classic
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late 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 AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 6 AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 7 ARLES
A Brush with Genius
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 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)
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