Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of France, where you'll experience the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the bustling port city of Marseille to the charming town of Arles, this multi-day tour offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights. Explore the pristine Camargue Natural Park, marvel at the architectural wonders of Avignon, and immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Lyon. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone. With guided activities, delicious meals, and comfortable overnight accommodations included, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Included
7 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Poetry II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Poetry II
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
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
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Marseille
Lyon
Arles
AvignonMap
Attractions
Camargue Regional Natural Park
Palais des Papes
Grotte de la MadeleineDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Port St. Louis
- Marseille - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Marseille. Your journey begins with boarding your Suite Ship®. Please ensure your flights into Marseille arrive by 3 pm and you are on board the ship by 5 pm. As the evening sets in, we sail towards Port St. Louis, where we'll dock overnight. A delightful dinner awaits you on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Port St. Louis to Arles
- Arles
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- Camargue Regional Natural Park
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Today's adventure takes us to the Camargue Natural Park. Choose between a guided bike ride through the park, a visit to a local oyster farm, or a trip to a traditional black bull ranch. Keep an eye out for the park's diverse bird species, including pink flamingos. After a day of exploration, we cruise to Arles, where we'll dock overnight. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.
Day 3 – Day 3: Arles to Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a guided hike, attend a painting workshop to learn the techniques of Vincent van Gogh, or join a guided sightseeing tour of Arles, including a visit with a local bullfighter. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Arles before we cruise to Avignon. Overnight docking in Avignon. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Today, choose between a guided mountain e-bike ride, a visit to a Provencal farmhouse to learn about essential oils, or a guided sightseeing tour of Avignon, including a visit to the Palace Of the Popes. In the afternoon, you may opt for a wine tasting tour or a kayak excursion. Overnight docking in Avignon. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Avignon to Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage
- Avignon
- Saint-Péray
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- Grotte de la Madeleine
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Sail through the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers. Choose between a guided kayak trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, a guided hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, or an underground wine tasting. In the evening, join a nighttime guided tour of Viviers. Overnight cruise to Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage to Lyon
- Saint-Péray
- Lyon
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- Vélorail des Gorges du Doux
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Join a guided excursion on a rail-bike along the Gorges du Doux, a guided hike in the vineyards, a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory, or a guided sightseeing tour of Tournon. In the afternoon, join a cooking demonstration while sailing to Lyon. Overnight docking in Lyon. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Lyon
- Lyon
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Take a guided urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways, join a guided culinary walk, or attend a cooking class. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon. Overnight docking in Lyon. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and a gala farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Lyon
- Lyon - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through France comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you've enjoyed your time with us and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
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