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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Lyon to Port-Saint-Louis 2022
Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)
Starting from $3,499Ship(s): Avalon Poetry II
River Cruise Description
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.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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2022 | Avalon Poetry II | $3,499 | 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.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 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, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
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 Rhône.
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 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. 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.
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 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)
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