Riviera Travel Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône

• Marvel at the breathtaking Gorges de l’Ardèche and visit a lavender museum.
• Enjoy city parks like Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyon, Jardin des Villes in Vienne, and Rocher des Doms in Avignon.
• Experience the charm of Burgundy’s vineyards while savoring superb wines.
• Explore the enchanting Eden Gardens and admire Tournon’s views from the verdant terraces.
• Tour historic Arles with a guide and discover the meticulous landscape garden, L’Escape Van Gogh.

• Return flights and transfers
• 7nts on board a 5* ship
• Full Board Dining
• All-inclusive drinks package
• Complimentary onboard tea & coffee
• 11 experiences
• Services of an expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge
• All port charges
• Checked luggage

Day 1: Arrival in Lyon
Fly to Lyon or take the Eurostar. On arrival, transfer to the cruise ship

Day 2: Lyon
Enjoy breakfast on board before a guided tour of Lyon including a visit to the Parc de la Tete d’Or, one of France’s largest parks. Spend some time at leisure admiring the three rose gardens or the botanical gardens, home to 15,000 botanical species. Head back to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon sailing upstream.

Day 3: Beaune
After a night of steady travel, wake up in Chalon, the gateway to Burgundy. From here, travel to the medieval town of Beaune for a short walking tour followed by a visit to traditional winemaker for a tour and a tasting. Return to the ship for another relaxing afternoon of sailing

Day 4: Vienne and Tournon
This morning, take a tour of Vienne, with time to explore it’s central park, Jardin de Ville. This afternoon, sail to Tain l’Hermitage. After dinner, you could take a wonder over to Tournon on the opposite side of the river.

Day 5: Ardèche Gorges
Enjoy a relaxing morning of sailing to reach Le Pouzin. From here, head ashore to explore the Ardèche Gorges, admiring the caves, grottoes and natural sculptures. Along the way, visit a local lavender museum, learning how essential oils are created. Rejoin the ship at Viviers and settle in for more sailing. After dinner, enjoy a ballroom dance performance.

Day 6: Arles & Pont du Gard
Wake up in the city of Arles where you’ll explore on a guided tour. Uncover it’s Roman history and connection with Van Gogh before heading back to the ship for lunch. Then, visit the immense Pont du Gard aqueduct. Rejoin the ship and cruise south, passing the castle at Tarascon. End the day with the Chef’s dinner.

Day 7: Avignon
This morning, take a guided tour of Avignon, seeing its medieval architecture dating back to the time the city was home to the Papal court. You can also spend some time strolling through the gardens at the Palace of the Popes. Later on, travel to Uzès. On arrival, take a walking tour of the old town, seeing its cathedral and the Duke’s Palace. Return to the ship for a final dinner, followed by a performance by a local pianist.

Day 8: Return home
Transfer back to the airport or train station for your journey home

MS Lord Byron

MS Thomas Hardy

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight Time: Approx. 1 hr 50 mins to 2 hrs
• Eurostar & TGV Journey Time: Approx. 7 hrs
• Language: French
• Time Zone: GMT+1
• Country: France

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic

Lyon

Avignon