Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Northbound)

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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River Cruise
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams. Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting f...
24%
$5,534
From$4,199
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of excursion to a local oyster farm with tasting, or visit a bull ranch, or bike tour through the Camargue Regional Natural Park
    • Choice of guided tour in Arles, meet a local bullfighter, or guided hike through the Hell Valley, or painting workshop
    • Choice of guided tour in Avignon, or guided mountain E-bike tour, or Provencal farmhouse experience
    • Choice of guided kayak trip down the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or guided hike in the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, or guided speleological excursion with wine tasting in the caves; evening guided tour of Viviers
    • Choice of rail-bike tour, or guided hike in the vineyards, or guided tour of Tournon, or visit the Valrhona factory and museum; onboard cooking demonstration
    • Choice of culinary tour, or guided urban hike, or cooking class
    • Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze
    • With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams

What's this trip about?

    Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams. Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. These are just a few of the ways our wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you choose how to interact with the scenery, the artistic, and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class – the world is your oyster on an Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone. Move. Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you: •Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade. •Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. •Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert. And be moved. Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you: •Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty. •Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse. •Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way. Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
End CityLYON (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Lyon

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Fights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Evening sailing to Port St. Louis

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORT ST. LOUIS

(Dinner)

ARLES-WINDOW-DETAIL.jpg

Day 2: PORT-SAINT-LOUIS

Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—a...

Day 3: ARLES

A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence

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 techniques of Vincen...

Day 4: AVIGNON

Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence ACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided Mountain E-Bike Ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR: DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your ...

Day 5: VIVIERS

River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories

Sail through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers.

ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of...

Day 6: TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE

Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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:

ACTIV...

Day 7: LYON

A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste

ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hiking through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architect...

Day 8: LYON (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

LYON-CITY-VIEW.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,199
Price per day$525
Last Updated: 7/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
29 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$4,399
10 Jun 2025
17 Jun 2025
$4,499
22 Jul 2025
29 Jul 2025
$4,399
02 Sep 2025
09 Sep 2025
$4,599

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

4.7/5  Excellent
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Average
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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

NH Collection Marseille

The NH Collection Marseille has 176 bright, spacious guestrooms all equipped with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi internet access, a coffee machine, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. This property is ideally located with the city¿s vibrant, picturesque old town, trendy boutiques and Le Vieux Port all just a short walk away. The restaurant provides fine wines and gourmet dishes with local and international recipes, the lobby bar serves refreshing drinks and there is also a sixth floor fitness center.

Marseille

France

37 Boulevard Des Dames

Sofitel Lyon Bellecour

Centrally located, overlooking the river Rhone, this 164-room hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant on the top floor where delicious meals can be enjoyed while taking in panoramic city views, the Brasserie serves simple refined dishes in contemporary surroundings and there are two bars, a chic cocktail bar with an impressive drinks list and a lobby bar with summer terrace. Leisure facilities include a relaxation area, fitness centre and a steam room. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.

Lyon

France

20, Quai Gailleton

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
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WLY

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