Home > Picturesque Provence & the Rhône Cruise - by Air

Picturesque Provence & the Rhône Cruise - by Air

View of Notre Dame de Fourviere from the Rhône, Lyon

A serene journey through glorious countryside visiting the beautiful medieval towns and natural wonders of Provence and its surrounds.

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Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

View of Notre Dame de Fourviere from the Rhône, Lyon
La place des Terreaux, Lyon
Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon
Papal Palace, Avignon
Roman amphitheatre ruins, Arles
Wild horses on the Camargue
Flamingos over Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Camargue
Provencal sunflowers - an inspiration to Van Gogh
Gorges de l'Ardèche
Tain l'Hermitage

DAY 1: UK - Lyon.

Fly to Lyon where you will be met and transferred to your ship, MS Van Gogh, for embarkation. (D)

DAY 2: Lyon - Mâcon.

After breakfast, why not join the optional guided tour of Lyon? France's second city is positioned on the Rhône and Saône rivers and has a UNESCO-listed medieval centre, impressive Roman ruins and basilica. After lunch, set sail for Mâcon and admire views of the Burgundy countryside on the way. This evening, enjoy entertainment and dancing after dinner on board your ship. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Mâcon - Vienne.

Today, enjoy an optional excursion to the famous Abbey at Cluny. Founded in 910, this Benedictine Abbey was the nerve-centre of monastic reform in the Middle Ages and boasts a church that remained the world's largest until the 16th century. After lunch back on board, cruise towards Vienne. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Vienne - Avignon.

Overlooking the Rhône, the town of Vienne was once Rome's major wine port. This morning, enjoy free time to explore the Roman monuments and medieval churches or join the optional tour, to see the Romanesque Cathedral of St Maurice. This afternoon, cruise along the Rhône to Avignon. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Avignon - Arles.

Your ship arrives early this morning in Avignon. A stunning medieval town once the home of Popes, Avignon is famed for its arched bridge, immortalised in the well-known song. An optional sightseeing tour takes in the mighty City of Popes citadel, whose court once attracted Europe's artists and intellectuals, and the famous bridge, standing in its shadow. This afternoon, sail to Arles, for an optional excursion into the Camargue, the river delta of the Rhône. This nature reserve is host to the famous Camargue ponies and an incredible array of birdlife. Enjoy free time in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. After dinner on board there is a colourful Provencal folklore show. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Arles - Viviers.

Following breakfast, discover Arles on an optional tour. This stunning town has a spectacular Roman arena and associations with Van Gogh. Explore its winding streets, and see the 20,000-seater Les Arenes stadium, which once hosted chariot and gladiator contests. From here, travel into the Provencal countryside to learn how the region's prized olive oil is produced. After lunch cruise towards Viviers. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Viviers - Tain l'Hermitage - Lyon.

Built on a hillside, the quaint town of Viviers is a jumble of cobbled lanes and stone houses built around a 12th-century cathedral. Why not start today with an optional tour, exploring its maze-like streets and views over the river? This afternoon, cruise to Tain l'Hermitage and enjoy an optional wine tasting excursion and sample some of the famous Côtes du Rhône wines in a local wine cellar. Later, return to your ship for a gala dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Lyon - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Note: The 17 July, 24 July, 5 September & 8 October departures will be operated by MS Camargue. Facilities are similar and they are of the same standard.

Drinks with meals included on cruise

Wine, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and one cup of tea or coffee.

Optional Excursion Package

£133 per person

The following optional excursion package can be purchased at the time of booking and includes:

Lyon

Day 2 - City tour

Cluny

Day 3 - Visit to the Abbey

Vienne

Day 4 - City tour

Avignon

Day 5 - City visit and the Palace of the Popes tour

Camargue

Day 5 - Excursion including a visit to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Arles

Day 6 - City tour

Viviers

Day 7 - City tour

Note: Tain l'Hermitage wine tasting excursion has been cancelled due to the arrival time into Tain

Note: All optional excursions are subject to change and a minimum number of participants are required for them to operate.

Your Holiday Map

Picturesque Provence & the Rhône Cruise - by Air

MS Camargue
Twin cabin, MS Camargue
Restaurant, MS Camargue
Restaurant, MS Camargue
Lounge
Prestige Lounge
Sun deck
MS Camargue in Avignon

MS Camargue

A bright and spacious river cruiser, MS Camargue easily maintains CroisiEurope's reputation for comfort, style and good service. Equipped with all the latest navigational technologies, the fully air-conditioned MS Camargue accommodates 146 passengers in 76 light, comfortable, outside cabins.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Large partially covered sun deck; lounge bar with dance floor; restaurant; gift shop.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting. Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. Aperitifs, coffee and digestifs are available in the lounge bar. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night. While on board you will be looked after by the ship's hostess and purser.

Cabins

All cabins are outside cabins and have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

Twin/double main deck cabin with large window

Twin/double upper deck cabin with large window

MS Van Gogh
Twin cabin, MS Van Gogh
Restaurant, MS Van Gogh
Lounge, MS Van Gogh
Bar, MS Van Gogh

MS Van Gogh

A bright and spacious river cruiser, MS Van Gogh easily maintains CroisiEurope's reputation for comfort, style and good service. Well-maintained and equipped with all the latest navigational technologies, the fully air-conditioned MS Van Gogh accommodates 158 passengers in 78 light, comfortable, outside cabins, and maintains an atmosphere of security and comfort as you cruise amidst the tranquil rolling countryside and beautiful natural wonders of Provence.