Magical Rhone and Saone Cruise

Upon arrival in Lyon, find your own way to the port in Lyon (transfer not included). Check-in begins at 05:00 PM. Today you embark on the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening enjoy your welcome dinner with live music in the lounge. The cruise departs at 2230 Hrs for Chalon-sur-Saône.

Overnight on board

In the morning after breakfast, you will continue to explore the famous wine region in central France. Here you can find half-timbered houses that overlook the town square, local art galleries, specialty shops, and even a museum dedicated to photography. The countryside is famous for vineyards such as Pommard and Puligny, a true delight to wine lovers. After returning to the ship, you will sail towards Macon, located in southern Burgundy. Enjoy Dinner on board

Optional Excursion: A guided tour of the region of Burgundy with a visit to Beaune and Hotel Dieu is Part of the excursion package

In central France, on the route between Paris and Lyon, which is known predominantly for the diversity of its wine, the picturesque landscape and numerous medieval historical monuments. Burgundy has a long and historical past as the seat of influential dukes. In the Middle Ages, Beaune – which was established in prehistoric times – was the residence for these mighty rulers and it was in this era that many of its impressive buildings were built: the Notre Dame Cathedral from the 12th century, the medieval fortifications, the palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and what is probably the most famous sight, the Hotel Dieu – a hospital for the poor from the 15th century with its famous colorful roofs. Part of this “hotel” is now used as a nursing home, while the rest of the building is a fascinating museum open to visitors. We will visit it as part of our guided tour.

Overnight on board

In the morning enjoy your breakfast and admire the view of the sunrise in Macon. This is a wine-producing region that makes some of the world’s most expensive wines. You can spend the morning exploring the city and its famous landmarks such as The Old Saint-Vincent in the town center, Mâcon Cathedral, The Theater of Mâcon and many more. In the afternoon, your ship will cruise towards Villefranche-sur-Saone, a commune on in the division of Rhone founded in 1212 by Guichard IV, count of Beaujeu, famous for its wines and textiles trade. Enjoy an evening at leisure before you depart for Viviers. Enjoy your dinner on board.

Optional Excursion: Excursion to the Cluny Monastery: Only Bookable onboard

Northwest of Mâcon is the little town of Cluny. Dating to an abbey established in the year 910 (called Cluniacum), the town became the epicenter of a Benedictine reform movement that sought to revive monastic traditions. From this tiny hamlet grew over 2,000 Cluniac abbeys across western Europe, and along with them, Cluny’s distinctive architecture. Three subsequent churches were erected on the site over the next century, but the third one was closed during the French Revolution so its stone could be sold for building projects, leaving behind few remnants. The two main tourist attractions in Cluny are the abbey’s remaining fortifications, mentioned above, as well as Blanot Cave. The former consists of three towers and the Porte des Jardins (Garden Gate). As for the abbey church itself, the south transept (the “cross-piece” of Gothic cathedrals) and the lower clock tower are all that remains of the abbey church. The Musée Lapidaire, housed in the old monastic granary, contains abbey artifacts such as the third church’s figural capitals. Blanot Cave is a labyrinth of connected limestone galleries and huge rooms, 80 m (262 ft) below ground.

Optional Excursion: Excursion to the wonderful Château Cormatin (3.5H): Only Bookable onboard

The visit to Château Cormatin will allow you to immerse yourself in the life of French aristocrats of the 17th and 18th centuries. The residence of the Marquis of Huxelles was built between 1606 and 1625. The splendid apartments have been preserved in their original state from the time of Ludwig XIII. The fireplace covers and wall paneling was furnished with magnificent gold décor and paintings for Queen Maria von Medici’s courtier. Walk in the footsteps of the Countess and the Count and, after the guided tour, take a little time to visit the palace gardens, which are some of the most beautiful in France. Designed in French Baroque style, they also include a small labyrinth with a belvedere aviary.

Optional Excursion: Excursion to Beaujolais vineries with wine tasting (3.5H): Only Bookable onboard

In the southern part of the Burgundy region, northwest of Lyon lies the Beaujolais, which is repeatedly referred to as the most scenic part of the French wine-growing region. "The young Beaujolais is here!" This symbolic saying has made the Beaujolais one of the most famous wines in the world. During the wine tasting at a winery, you can convince yourself of the special aroma and unique character of this wine in an authentic and cozy atmosphere. On the way to the winery, you will stop in the charming medieval village of Oingt. The specialty of this picturesque town is the so-called "golden stones", which form the building fabric for all houses. During the short walk, enjoy a view of the surrounding enchanting landscape of the Beaujolais.

Overnight on board

After breakfast, Explore the town of Viviers on foot on your own this afternoon. This famous town retains a rich heritage with many historical monuments you can see such as the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance facade, Viviers Cathedral, the Tower of St Michel, the great seminary, and the Belvedere with an unobstructed view of Vivier's. In the evening you will return to your cruise as it sails towards Arles late in the evening. Enjoy dinner on board.

Optional Excursion: Excursion to the Ardèche, Gordes and the Lavender Museum: Only Bookable onboard

The Ardèche Gorge is a series of gorges in the river located in the French department Ardèche. it is a thirty-kilometre long canyon running from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. Its views are surprisingly quiet and is one of the most visited tourist destinations of recent times. Followed by your visit to the gorge you will cross expansive plateaus covered in lavender blooms as you travel to an enchanting French village. Browse lavender shops and markets, visit the hilltop town of Gordes and learn all about Provence’s symbolic flower at the Lavender Museum in Coustellet. Here, learn more about lavender cultivation in Provence, see a distillation demonstration and discover the many versatile products created from the iconic Provençal flowers. Purchase some fragrant oils and cosmetics products before you leave.

Overnight on board

After breakfast on board this morning, you will join the guided tour of Arles, once the provincial capital of ancient Rome. In the evening, you will return to the ship in Arles as we head toward Avignon. Tonight, Enjoy dinner and experience traditional entertainment.

Optional Excursion: A city tour of Arles with its Roman buildings is Part of the excursion package

Enjoy the city tour through Arles, a city on the Rhone River that is famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh. With its numerous magnificent buildings from Roman times, explore the outstanding architectural heritage of Arles making it a genuine open-air museum. During your visit to this town, you will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), the Roman Theatre, St Trophimus Square with its cloister and church on the Arles route; one of three routes leading to Santiago de Compostela.

Optional Excursion: Camargue excursion with a visit to a bull farm (6Hr): Only Bookable onboard

The Camargue lies between the two arms of the mouth of the Rhône, which divides north of Arles and belongs almost entirely to the urban area of ​​Arles. The main characters in the Rhône delta between rice fields and salt marshes are the black bulls, flamingos and wild white horses. The excursion takes you to a traditional bull farm, among other things. On arrival, you will be greeted by the proud “Guardians” on their white horses and led to the ladder carts. With these typical "Chariot Tracté" you will cross the untouched nature and you can take a closer look at the famous black bull. After this encounter with the southern French “soul”, a typical lunch with specialties from the region awaits you.

Overnight on board

This morning enjoy your breakfast and start your day with the city tour of Avignon. Late afternoon you cruise towards Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a short-haul before you sail for Lyon. Enjoy Dinner with entertainment

Optional Excursion:  City Tour of Avignon is Part of the excursion package

A Provencal city that is home to the Papal Palace which was once the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. This area is also known for the Pont du Gard which is a three-level aqueduct that was constructed over 2000 years ago by the Romans, and even today it is known as an ancient architectural masterpiece. Wander the medieval streets and soak up the atmosphere in this UNESCO-listed city. Admire the 19th-century architecture in Avignon’s town square.

Overnight on board

After breakfast, spend the morning and early afternoon cruising towards Lyon. Lyon is located at the meeting points of the Rhone and Saone Rivers. It has been attracting visitors since the Romans named it “Lugdunum in 43 BC! Enjoy the walking city tour of Lyon. Upon your return enjoy your final night of the voyage with music and the farewell dinner

Optional Excursion:  City tour of Lyon is Part of the excursion package

The city center of Lyon impresses with numerous buildings steeped in history and pretty squares. The centrally located Place des Terreaux in particular is surrounded by elegant, magnificent buildings. In 1998, UNESCO declared the old town on the banks of the Saône a World Heritage Site. Lyon is a bishopric of the Roman Catholic Church, whose bishopric is the Saint-Jean Cathedral in the old town. More striking, however, is the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, which towers over the roofs of the entire city. You can admire both churches during your excursion. During a short walk through the old town of Lyon, “Vieux Lyon”, you will also encounter the “Traboules” that are characteristic of Lyon. These are narrow, narrow connecting corridors between the individual alleys that were used by workers in earlier times, to transport the bales of silk and cloth dry through the city. Today over 300 of these traboules are still preserved and it is impossible to imagine the old town without them.

Overnight on board

Enjoy breakfast on board before you disembark this morning from 09:00 AM. Make your own way to the Lyon airport (transfer not included) for your flight back home.