Burgundy & Provence - Cruise Only Northbound

8 days
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River Cruise
Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins when you embark your ship in Arles in the Provence region. Sail into the peaceful Camargue area (daylight permitting) before returning northward up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers. Then, explore Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, Fr...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Discover what makes French fromage so special at a French cheese tasting

What's this trip about?

    Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins when you embark your ship in Arles in the Provence region. Sail into the peaceful Camargue area (daylight permitting) before returning northward up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers. Then, explore Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France’s gastronomical capital of Lyon, and Chalon-sur-Saône.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityArles
End CityChalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Arles, France (Embarkation). This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel docked in Arles. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception, then sail toward the mouth of the Rhône, with a unique opportunity to experience the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting). (D)

Day 2

Arles. In Arles, capital of the Provence, join your Local Guide for a GUIDED CITY TOUR. See the church of St. Trophime, dating from the 12th century, and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, the amphitheater dates to the 1st century, and was constructed to ...

Day 3

Avignon. During the night, set sail for Avignon, where you arrive during breakfast. During your GUIDED TOUR you may choose to join an included visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes’ residence. With a living space equivalent...

Day 4

Cruising–Viviers. A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch, join your LOCAL GUIDE for a walk around the charming town of Viviers, which developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL. The OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK of Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposing 16th...

Day 6

Lyon. Lyon is France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much re...

Day 7

Cruising–Chalon-sur-Saône. A leisurely day today to enjoy your final day on board. If you prefer to stay busy, a choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. While sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône, enjoy an onboard CHEESE TASTING. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,849
Price per day$356
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Port charges: $147 Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights not available. Prices shown include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Affinity Category / Decks / Price B / Sapphire Deck / $649 A / Sapphire Deck / $699 P / Royal Deck / $799 Avalon Suite / Royal Deck / $1,399 Poetry II Category / Decks / Price D / Indigo / Deck / $199 B / Sapphire Deck / 1,049 A / Sapphire Deck / $1,099 P / Royal Deck / $1,199 Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,899 NOTES: Departure March 22 is offered as exclusive Wine Appreciation Cruise, including special lectures and tastings at no additional cost. Your palate will applaud as you learn what to look for in a good wine. A distinguished wine authority will teach you the ropes as you visit a wine village and attend tastings to test your newfound talent. Departure June 28 is offered as an exclusive Jazz Cruise, including special music features at no additional cost. On our Jazz Cruise, attend the annual Jazz Festival in Vienne, France.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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James Allen

Jan 2025

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Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

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Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

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Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

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Ashley Everett

Jan 2025

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The whole experience of Avalon: 10/10

The crew, the boat, the service, the food, and especially our favorite waiter- Gino- were the BEST! I would highly recommend this ship and cruise line to anyone! I h...

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Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WLC|Take this cruise with land stays
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WLC0

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