Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Avalon Poetry II. Explore lavender fields, fine wines, and inspiring vistas, and set the stage for a vacation filled with choice and adventure. Bike alongside rivers while bird-watching, kayak through majestic gorges, or savor wine in incredible cave depths. Various excursions let you connect with France’s scenic beauty, artistic heritage, and culinary delights your way. Explore Lyon’s secret passages, learn essential oil making in Provence, or channel Van Gogh in an Arles painting workshop—every port is a gateway to discovery on this uniquely tailored Rhone cruise.
Highlights
Explore Lyon’s hidden passageways, revealing its silk trade history
Discover Tournon’s medieval streets and historic landmarks with a guide
Taste exquisite chocolates during a visit to Tain-l’Hermitage Factory
Visit Avignon’s magnificent Palace of the Popes and explore Les Halles
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Head to the Adventure Center to check out today’s activities with your Adventure Host. Opt for a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s hidden passageways, the Traboules, for an insider’s view of the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR take a Guided Culinary Walk to explore Lyon’s architecture and indulge in local specialties—an exclusive treat for Avalon guests. Alternatively, join a Cooking Class and master a Lyonnaise dish yourself.
In the afternoon, consider a unique Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through Lyon’s private and public terraces for sweeping views, starting atop the Basilica de Fourviere.
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:
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—the twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage, one of France’s oldest medieval cities.
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 a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales, and ghost stories of this enchanting town.
Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardeche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhone tributary, OR:
Find inspiration from the fantastic landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR:
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 cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast.
Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollene on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
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.
This afternoon, you may join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional E-Bike Ride through the Gard region.
You may choose to spend free time exploring Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a stroll or bike through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.
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 Vincent van Gogh's techniques. Create your 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 visiting a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
Enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or relax in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices this afternoon. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.
Enjoy a morning cruise to Port Saint-Louis on your ship's skydeck.
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 Rhone 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!
Day 8: Arles | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,6092-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Initial deposit is $250pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Wifi
Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Panoramic windows
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
