Discover a beautiful region of France as we cruise along The Rhône and The Saône, visiting Avignon, Lyon, Viviers and Tain l’Hermitage. Experience Provence and The Camargue and a once-in-a-lifetime evening at a Paul Bocuse restaurant. Please note: For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, CroisiEurope reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise. *All drinks during meals and at the bar on Rhône Princess are included. Not included: Champagne, Perrier, wine from the wine list, drinks at overnight hotel or on excursions. **If the Abbey is closed, we visit the Lavendar Museum. Details and prices of optional excursions will be sent to you closer to the date of departure. Request information about the Deposit and Cancellation Terms & Conditions, or please see page 68.
Day 1 We make our way to Dover for the short Channel crossing to Calais, then travel to our overnight hotel. (half board)
Day 2 On our way south we visit Beaune, before continuing to Lyon to board the Rhône Princess late afternoon. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and evening entertainment. We sail during the night.
Day 3 Spend the morning cruising toward Avignon. After lunch, there is an optional guided tour of the imposing and luxurious Papal Palace, or an optional excursion to the beautiful village of Gordes, with a tour of the Sénanque Abbey**
Day 4 This morning there is an optional excursion to The Camargue, an immense flatland home to exceptional wildlife and plants. The afternoon is spent cruising through the gorgeous French countryside.
Day 5 This morning, an optional guided tour of Viviers, with streets that feel like an open-air museum. In the afternoon, our optional excursion is to the Gorges de l’Ardeche, a natural arch almost 100-feet high, carved out by the river running below. We return to the ship at La Voulte and sail toward Tain L’Hermitage. Tonight enjoy a Gala Dinner on board.
Day 6 Enjoy free time in Tain L’Hermitage, or join an optional tour to the Cité du Chocolat for discovery and tasting! We spend the afternoon cruising toward Lyon.
Day 7 A morning to explore Lyon or join an optional guided tour of the city including local delicacies and wine! This afternoon we cruise The Saône River to Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or, where we have an extraordinary gastronomic experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges. Enjoy out-of-this-world courses prepared by renowned chefs in an exceptional setting, before we return on board.
Day 8 Disembarking after breakfast, we make our way north to our overnight hotel near Reims.
Day 9 We continue home via the motorways to Calais for our Channel crossing. We continue back to the local area.
Part of the CroisiEurope fleet of river cruisers, the MS Rhône Princess has only 68 cabins across two decks. The ensuite cabins have TV, hairdryer and safe. Facilities include lounge bar, comfortable restaurant (set menu) and sundeck. There is no lift and main deck cabins are accessed down stairs.
