Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! A Master of Wine will accompany you on your river cruise in France with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world—and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. Take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, for the opportunity to taste local wines.

About Masters of Wine

Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from a master! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a Master of Wine (MW) who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. With only 450 Masters of Wine in the world, Avalon Waterways is honoured to welcome a Master of Wine on board our Wine-Lovers cruises to share their rigorous training and prestigious expertise recognised globally across the wine industry. A truly exclusive experience for wine lovers!

Day 1
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (D)

Day 2
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE - Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, 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 - Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles-the captivating city of the Provence region. You'll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrieres de Lumieres (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d'Enfer.
Take free time to stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
DISCOVERY - Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Master of Wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B,L,D)

Day 3
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon-with its ramparts encircling the city-and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B,L,D)

Day 4
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.
ACTIVE - Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You'll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences
DISCOVERY - This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B,L,D)

Day 5
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE - Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon-one of France's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.
In the late morning, cruise to Vienne.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine while sailing to Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B,L,D)
*Due to nautical restrictions departure 1107 will sail to Lyon overnight.

Day 6
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourviere Hill with its numerous churches. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
DISCOVERY - Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS (B,L,D)
*Due to nautical restrictions, departure 1107 will arrive in Lyon after lunch with the choice of Guided Sightseeing in Lyon or a Guided Tour in Beaujolais.

Day 7
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saone
DISCOVERY - Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Maconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
DISCOVERY - Later, enjoy a delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saone
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. CHALON-SUR-SAONE (B,L,D)
*Departure 1107 offers an afternoon Guided Walking Tour in Tournus.

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8am. (B)