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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Lyon to Arles 2026(WYL)
Active & Discovery on the Rhône
Starting from $3,580Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
River Cruise Description
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.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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,830 | Call Us! |
| Jun 16, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,580 | Call Us! |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,930 | 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 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.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
(B,L,D)
Day 5 AVIGNON
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
Active
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, explore Les Halles’ covered market.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(B,L,D)
Day 7 PORT-SAINT-LOUIS
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
Enjoy 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)
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