Picturesque Provence & the Rhone + Lyon (by Air)
A serene journey through glorious countryside visiting the beautiful medieval towns and natural wonders of Provence and its surrounds.
After your cruise, spend two nights in Lyon, France's second city.
On day 8, transfer to your hotel in Lyon for two nights. Enjoy free time to discover this historic city and all it has to offer. On day 10, you will be taken back to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Your Itinerary
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.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel in Lyon for two nights. (B)
DAY 9: Lyon.
Enjoy free time to explore France's second city. (B)
DAY 10: Lyon - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Note: The 5 Sep & 8 Oct departures will be operated by MS Carmargue. Facilities are similar and they are of the same standard.
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
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.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Large sun deck; lounge bar with dance floor; bar; 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 Camargue
Main Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Upper Deck twin or double cabin with large window
MS Van Gogh
Main or Upper Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Best Western Charlemagne
A charming hotel, the Hotel Charlemagne combines a friendly and hospitable service with a good range of facilities.
Location: Located 500 metres from the commercial centre and close to the Lyon Perrache main rail and Metro stations. There are a number of restaurants and shops within a short walk and it is only a kilometre to the old city centre.
Facilities: Restaurant; terrace; lift; laundry; safety deposit box; gift shop/newsstand; currency exchange; complimentary newspaper; telephone in room.
Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; cable TV; AM/FM alarm clock; coffee/tea maker; iron; ironing board; hairdryer.
Options: Single room (on request).
Official category: 3 star.
Picturesque Provence & the Rhone + Lyon (by Air) 9 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Picturesque Provence & the Rhone + Lyon (by Air) 9 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Aug 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
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Picturesque Provence & the Rhone + Lyon (by Air)
Price from £1425.00
Holiday Highlights
- Lyon
- Mâcon
- Vienne
- Avignon
- Arles
- Viviers
- Tain l'Hermitage
Departures from
- London Heathrow
Departures between
06 Aug 2012 to 05 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
