Provence and The Elegant Rhône Cruise

• MS Amadeus Provence
• Beaune
• Lyon
• Journey on the Train de L’Ardèche
• Avignon
• The Camargue Delta
• Pont du Gard
• The Ardèche Gorge

Day 1 London to Lyon

Our French adventure begins at London St Pancras where we meet at our departure office. From here, we take the Eurostar to the French capital of Paris, before connecting with the regional service to the pretty city of Lyon. Here we board your luxurious ship, the excellent MS Amadeus Provence.

Day 2 Beaune

Arrive into Beaune this morning. Deep in the heart of the wine region of Burgundy, Beaune is a classic French medieval town, with impressive town walls, terracotta roofs and fascinating old buildings. Embark on a sightseeing tour, discovering some of the history and sights as you traverse the enchanting streets.

Day 3 Lyon

Arriving into Lyon this morning, disembark for a guided tour. One of France’s iconic cities, Lyon sits on the meeting point of the Rhône and the Saône rivers. The beautiful pinks, oranges, reds and whites of the buildings populating Lyon’s riverfront give some indication of the elegance with which the city carries itself. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and many of the small shops and traditional businesses here lend a truly French touch to proceedings as you wander by.

Day 4 Train de l’Ardèche

Early this morning, travel by coach to the railway station to board the excellent Train de l’Ardèche. Offering a memorable steam train journey through the stunning environs of the spectacular Gorges du Doux region, this railway winds up the various foothills and valleys which populate the landscape. Several stone bridges criss-cross the brooks and rivers which snake under the trees, and your charming little locomotive takes you to sections of the gorges which no other form of transport can access.

Day 5 Exploring Avignon

In Avignon today head out on a guided tour of this remarkable city, famous as the seat of the Pope for a brief period in the 14th century. Its striking white papal palaces and its majestic cathedral are just some of the highlights as you  walk through the boulevards and squares of Avignon’s historic centre which earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. After the tour, you are granted entrance to the Pope’s Palace where you see its spectacular interiors and the range of holy and religious artefacts collected here.

Day 6 The Camargue Delta or the Pont du Gard

Begin the day with a guided tour pretty Arles, whose enchanting streets provided the inspiration for many of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. In the afternoon, you are given the choice of two different excursions. Your first option is a visit to the beautiful Camargue Delta where the Rhône opens out into the Mediterranean. This is a true treat for nature lovers, as the wetlands and park area here are home to nearly 400 species of diverse bird species, including the instantly-recognisable flock of pink flamingos who reside here.

Your second option would take you to the iconic arches of the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct of astonishing size which spans the Gardon river, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 7 -8 The Ardèche Gorge and home

Today pay a visit to the stunning Ardèche Gorge, which is widely regarded as the Grand Canyon of Europe. Nearly nineteen miles in length and made up of snaking rivers and gorges, this natural monument is a striking reminder of the enormity of the natural world, as cliff faces rise high over waterways of striking emerald and forests of deep green.

You tour takes us to some of the most impressive sights here including the Pont d’Arc. Afterwards, rejoin the ship at Le Pouzin beginning your return sailing to Lyon and sitting down to the captain’s extravagant gala dinner this evening. The following day, disembark in Lyon and head to the airport for your flight back home.

The 4-Star MS Amadeus Provence is designed to be of comparable comfort to its sister ships, the MS Amadeus Brilliant and MS Amadeus Royal, the ship has capacity for 140 passengers and will be crewed by approximately 40 members of staff. Featuring 62 cabins and 8 suites across 4 decks, the ship offers a comfortable, stylish base from which to explore France’s waterways.

On-Board Facilities

• An elegantly furnished, spacious restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows
• An expansive Sun Deck with board games and deck chairs
• A massage room offering a range of relaxing and purifying treatments, as well as a hair salon
• The Amadeus Club, an area with a library, games and a bar, just the ticket when you’re looking for somewhere quiet to pass an afternoon of sailing
• A gym equipped with cycling machines, a treadmill, gym balls and weights
• Complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the ship
• Bicycles available
• On board entertainment each evening, either in the form of local artists invited on the ship to perform, or our own performers, beguiling you with classic numbers
• Swimming Pool
• A laundry service available for all passengers
• 24-hour reception

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote