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Active & Discovery on the Rhône
From £2,360 pp
Take a cruise through the heart of French food country on this Active & Discovery tour of Rhône Valley. Luxurious river ship accommodation, fine dining and a wide range of experiences and activities make this a fabulous tour.
A wide range of included excursions, choose from Classic, Active or Discovery options to suit all tastes. From kayaking in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, to a Van Gogh painting workshop, from guided sightseeing in Lyon to discover the secrets of its rich history, culture and cuisine to learning about essential oil production at a Provençal farmhouse or perhaps a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum. There really is something for everyone on this Southern France adventure.
What’s Included:
- Private door to door transfers*
- Return flights or rail from your chosen airport (supplements may apply) & ship transfers
- Beautifully appointed accommodation with private bathroom and premium l’Occitaine toiletries
- Fine dining with all meals on board including full breakfast, buffet lunch and waiter service dinner
- Afternoon tea and cakes
- Regional wines and beers served with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Choice of included tours and excursions with state-of-the-art audio headset
- Use of bicycles for guided tours and self exploration
- 24 hour beverage station serving specialty teas and coffees
- All onboard entertainment including talks, cooking demonstrations, musical performances and nightly piano music
- Bottled water in every stateroom
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Services of a professional Cruise Director
- Gratuities
Be transferred from your home to the airport where you will fly to Lyon and then transferred to your Avalon Suite ship.
Discovery: Join a Guided Tour for an evening drive of Lyon, lined with incredible landscapes, from Fourvière Hill for a city bird’s eye view, to Presqu’île district, for catching the heart of Lyon and its ever-changing river bank view.
Day 2 - Lyon
This morning enjoy Lyon on your choice of included tours.
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 architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR
Discovery: Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
Free time in Lyon this afternoon, or perhaps join one of the optional tours. Return to the ship for dinner and take an evening cruise to Tain l’Hermitage & Tournon.
Day 3 - Tain l'Hermitage & Tournon
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
Active: 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—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins.
Return to the ship for Lunch and maybe join a cooking demonstration on board as the ship sails to Viviers.
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.
Overnight in Viviers
Day 4 - Viviers, the Ardèche Gorges & Lock Bollène
Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR
Active: Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR
Active: 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: Learn about the planting, harvesting and production of lavender cosmetics and essential oil and discover why Provence and lavender have become synonymous with each other over the centuries as the delicate fragrance and shades of purple fill the fields each summer, OR
Classic: Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhône.
This afternoon cruise towards Avignon through the mighty Bollène lock. Overnight in Avignon.
Day 5 - Avignon
Active: Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through the Gard region; after all, there is no need to pedal on the way back, 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.
After lunch you have free time to further explore Avignon. Alternatively join optional tours to the famed cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or take a kayak tour through the waters of the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.
This evening cruise to Arles.
Day 6 - Arles
Active: Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable later be entranced by a magical Audio/Visual Experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR
Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, OR
Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
This afternoon enjoy free time in Arles, or perhaps join an optional excursion to the salt marsh at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes to discover the magic of the pink waters of the Camargue.
Overnight in Arles.
Day 7 - Port-Saint-Louis
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 Rhône 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
Classic: Join a Guided Walk through the Camargue Regional Nature Park. You’ll see its lush marshland habitat at the mouth of the Rhône—home to a wide variety of flora and fauna—in one of France’s most protected and natural reserves.
Ship docks overnight in Port-Saint-Louis.
Day 8 - Port-Saint-Louis
Your cruise ends today. After Breakfast you will be transferred to Marseilles airport for your return flight to the UK.
Be met on arrival and transferred to your home.
Be transferred from your home to the airport where you will fly to Marseilles airport and then transferred to your Avalon Suite ship in Port-Saint-Louis.
Daty 2 - Port-Saint-Louis
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 Rhône 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, and enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR
Classic: Join a Guided Walk through the Camargue Regional Nature Park. You’ll see its lush marshland habitat at the mouth of the Rhône—home to a wide variety of flora and fauna—in one of France’s most protected and natural reserves.
Later cruise to Arles where the ship docks overnight.
Day 3 - Arles
Active: Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR
Discovery: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, OR
Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
Enjoy some free time in Arles, or perhaps join an optional excursion to the salt marsh at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes to discover the magic of the pink waters of the Camargue. Ship cruises to Avalon this evening.
Day 4 - Avignon
Active: Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through the Gard Region, after the tour, enjoy a Wine Tasting; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, 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.
After lunch you have free time to further explore Avignon. Alternatively join optional tours to the famed cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or take a kayak tour through the waters of the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.
The ship remains in Avignon overnight.
Day 5 - Viviers & Lock Bollène
Start your day with a sunrise view, joining our Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host before cruising through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers.
Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Canoe Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR
Active: Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR
Active: Join a Guided Excursion for a surprising underground wine tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR
Discovery: Learn about the planting, harvesting and production of lavender cosmetics and essential oil and discover why Provence and lavender have become synonymous with each other over the centuries as the delicate fragrance and shades of purple fill the fields each summer, OR
Classic: Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhône.
Discovery: For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town.
The ship cruises overnight to Tournon & Tain l’Hermitage.
Day 6 - Tournon & Tain l'Hermitage
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
Active: 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—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins.
Discovery: Later you may chose to join a cooking demonstration on board and learn how to prepare a traditional Lyonaise dish as the ship cruises to Lyon.
Discovery: Join a Guided Tour for an evening drive of Lyon, lined with incredible landscapes, from Fourvière Hill for a city bird’s eye view, to Presqu’île district, for catching the heart of Lyon and its ever-changing river bank view.
Ship docks in Lyon overnight
Day 7 - Lyon
Active: Jump-start your day in Lyon by joining your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk.
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 architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR
Discovery: Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
Free time in Lyon this afternoon, or perhaps join an off-the-beaten-path optional tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière. The ship remains in Lyon overnight.
Day 8 - Lyon
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to Lyon airport for your return flight to the UK. Be met on arrival and transferred to your home.
The Avalon Poetry II Suite Ship accommodates 128 passengers and features two full decks of Panorama Suites. With wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform into a unique open-air balcony, the suites are the ideal setting for stretching out and relaxing or even throwing a private cocktail party for up to six adults in the spacious sitting area.
On board, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi access and complimentary computer use in public areas, a fitness centre, a hair salon, lift, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- Two full decks of suite accommodation
- Wall-to-wall panoramic windows opening to create an Open-Air Balcony℠ in every suite
- Spacious Sky Deck with sun-shades, premium lounge chairs and whirlpool
- Open-air bistro on the Sky Deck
- Elegant open-seating dining room including a five-star fine dining service
- Self service hot drinks centre with complimentary coffee & tea throughout the day
- Panoramic lounge with first class bar serving premium spirits
- Stern Club Lounge & library
- Fitness centre
- Internet centre & complimentary Wi-Fi
- Lift to cabin decks
- Laundry service*
- Complimentary bicycles
* Payable locally.
Accommodation & Amenities
58 elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 172-300 ft². On the middle and upper decks, Panorama Suites are 200 ft² and feature Avalon’s trademark extra-wide 11 ft, French balconies with the bed angled towards the windows to really soak up those views. Royal Suites on the upper deck are even larger at 300 ft² and have an extended seating area with a sofa, armchairs and a table a larger bathrooms and separate WC.
Royal Suite
300 ft² – Royal (Upper) Deck
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air Balcony
- Separate seating area with Sofa, armchairs and table
- Large private bathroom with glass shower enclosure, twin wash basin, premium L’Occitaine toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
- Separate WC
- Comfort Collection Beds℠, featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens and European-style duvets
- Nightly turn-down service & Pillow menu
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Plenty of wardrobe space and under-bed storage
- Continental breakfast and beverage room service available
- Bottled water
Cat. P, A & B Panorama Suites
200 ft² – Royal (Upper) & Sapphire (Middle) Deck
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air Balcony
- Seating area with Sofa, armchair and table
- Private marble bathroom with glass shower enclosure, wash basin, WC, premium L’Occitaine toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
- Comfort Collection Beds℠, featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens and European-style duvets
- Nightly turn-down service & Pillow menu
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Plenty of wardrobe space and under-bed storage
- Continental breakfast and beverage room service available
- Bottled water
Cat. D & E Deluxe Stateroom
172 ft² – Indigo (Lower) Deck
- Private marble bathroom with glass shower enclosure, wash basin, WC, premium L’Occitaine toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
- Comfort Collection Beds℠, featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens and European-style duvets
- Nightly turn-down service & Pillow menu
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Plenty of wardrobe space and under-bed storage
- Continental breakfast and beverage room service available
- Bottled water
| Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
|---|
| May 5 | Avalon Poetry II | Port-Saint-Louis | £2655 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2655 | ||
| Cat D | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2804 | ||
| Cat B | Middle Deck (aft) | 200 ft², French Balcony | Sold | ||
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | Sold | ||
| Cat P | Upper Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | Sold | ||
| Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 300 ft², French Balcony | Sold |
| Jun 16 | Avalon Poetry II | Port-Saint-Louis | £2610 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | Sold | |
| Cat D | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2610 | |
| Cat B | Middle Deck (aft) | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3310 | |
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3360 | |
| Cat P | Upper Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3460 | |
| Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 300 ft², French Balcony | £4910 |
| Jun 23 | Avalon Poetry II | Lyon | £2596 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | Sold | |
| Cat D | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2596 | |
| Cat B | Middle Deck (aft) | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3296 | |
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3346 | |
| Cat P | Upper Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3446 | |
| Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 300 ft², French Balcony | Sold |
| Jul 28 | Avalon Poetry II | Port-Saint-Louis | £2360 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | Sold | |
| Cat D | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2360 | |
| Cat B | Middle Deck (aft) | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3060 | |
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3110 | |
| Cat P | Upper Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3210 | |
| Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 300 ft², French Balcony | £4910 |
| Sep 22 | Avalon Poetry II | Port-Saint-Louis | £2796 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2796 | |
| Cat D | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2945 | |
| Cat B | Middle Deck (aft) | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3645 | |
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3695 | |
| Cat P | Upper Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3795 | |
| Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 300 ft², French Balcony | Sold |
| Sep 29 | Avalon Poetry II | Lyon | £2514 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2514 | |
| Cat D | Lower Deck | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2663 | |
| Cat B | Middle Deck (aft) | 200 ft², French Balcony | Sold | |
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3413 | |
| Cat P | Upper Deck | 200 ft², French Balcony | £3513 | |
| Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 300 ft², French Balcony | £4963 |
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin. *Included door to door transfers are limited to 100 miles, after which a mileage charge applies.
Suitable for all tastes
Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises are great for guests with a range of tastes and interests. Choose how to explore with a wide choice of included excursions classed as Classic, Discovery or Active.
CLASSIC: Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. For instance sightseeing tours of Arles, Avignon and the twin cities of Tournon & Tain l’Hermitage.
DISCOVERY: Inspiring and interactive activities to indulge your specific interests. These include oyster tasting in the Camargue, a Van Gogh style painting workshop, learning about essential oil production in Provence and a visit to the Valrhona Chocolate Factory & Museum.
ACTIVE: For those wanting something a bit more energetic biking, hiking and kayaking are on offer. This itinerary includes kayaking in the Ardèche gorges, hikes through Lyon, the Val d’Enfer, the vineyards of Tournon & Tain l’Hermitage and bike tours through the Camargue Natural Park, and Gard wine region with wine tasting to name but a few.
