The Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue

Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 4 p.m. Once everyone is on board, cast off to the south. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, be introduced to your crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment onboard. The ship will cruise through the night.

Spend the morning cruising through the gorgeous French countryside, passing by Valence—dominated by its cathedral—and Montélimar, known for its famous nougat. Once you arrive in Arles, join an excursion to the Camargue. The epitome of traditional Provençal culture, this immense flatland is home to exceptional wildlife and plants which thrive in its marshes, ponds, and seashore. Visit a manade, where bulls are raised and horses are trained, to learn about the various traditions in the area.

Feel free to take a walk around Arles this evening to take in the sites. 

Begin to cruise early in the morning towards Avignon. Join a guided tour of the Papal Palace, an imposing fortress and luxurious palace that symbolizes the power of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. It is one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe and the city’s most famous attraction. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the immense halls, contemplate the beauty of the chapels, and visit the papal apartments.

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Join an excursion to Gordes and a tour of the Sénanque Abbey, located in the heart of the Provençal countryside. Gordes has been awarded the label of “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Its cobblestone streets and dry-stone wall homes are typical of the region. The church and castle dominate the lush scenery in the valley. A community of Cistercian monks has been living in the Sénanque Abbey since 1148. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict in the purest tradition, dedicating their lives to prayer and labor. The abbey is known for its lovely lavender fields and all the products the monks produce, including lavender honey. You'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Viviers.

This evening, join a guided tour of the city. Viviers feels like an open-air museum where the pages of history are written in stone. You’ll visit the smallest cathedral in France, the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance-style facade, Saint Michel Tower, the Great Seminary, and the overlook which gives a lovely view of Viviers at night. Spend the night on board.

Set out on a visit to the Gorges de l’Ardèche this morning. This panoramic tour from the comfortable seat of a coach will bring you to the heart of the treasures found in the area. The 18-mile canyon (30 km) was carved by turbulent waters that left behind steep cliffs, deep valleys, dense vegetation, and stunning limestone formations. See the Pont d'Arc, a natural arch almost 100-feet high carved out by the Ardèche River, and its namesake village, stopping at an overlook to take in the splendid views. After your tour, return on board the ship in La Voulte and continue your cruise towards Tain-l’Hermitage,

On arrival, leave on foot for the Cité du Chocolat. Come and explore, smell, and taste chocolate in all of its forms at the Valrhona discovery center. Lastly, indulge in a tasting of course! Tonight is your festive gala evening.

Spend the morning cruising to Vienne. Enjoy some free time on your own exploring the city, before we set out once again towards Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or.
This cruise will bring you along Lyon and all its emblematic splendor: the painted walls, Fourvière Hill and its white basilica, the modern Musée des Confluences, Vieux Lyon, and the curious Homme de la Roche statue. Then join the Saône River and head towards your next port of call, Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or.

Join an optional, extraordinary French gastronomic experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges (reservation mandatory before departure). Paul Bocuse was a three-star gourmet chef who was known for his innovative approach to cuisine and his love for fresh ingredients of the highest quality. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting where you’ll be able to relish in out-of-this-world courses prepared by some of the most renowned chefs. At the end of your delicious evening, return on board the ship.

Begin to cruise early in the morning towards Lyon. Enjoy some free time onboard this morning, or set out on foot to explore Lyon on your own.

In the afternoon, join a guided tour of the city and a tasting at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon. Cross through the city and go up Fourvière Hill to the white basilica, the best place to take in the view. Then head over to Vieux Lyon to have a look at its historical homes and the “bouchon” restaurants that are found throughout the district. Learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street. Don’t miss the tasting of fine food at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon, a huge, three-story, indoor market where close to 50 shops offer the finest gourmet food. Enjoy a snack of local sausage and cheese, topped off with a lovely glass of wine*.

After your excursion, return on board the ship. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.