Riviera Travel History and Art of the Rhône

• Explore medieval and Renaissance treasures at the Palace of the Popes and the Petite Palais Museum in Avignon.
• Witness remarkable Roman ruins through guided tours of Vienne, including the Cybèle archaeological gardens, and Lyon’s Gallo-Roman Theatre.
• Visit Caverne du Pont d’Arc, an impressive replica of the Chauvet Cave, a significant prehistoric art site, and take a walking tour of Arles to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps.
• Delve into Beaune’s medieval history at the Hotel Dieu Museum and discover the city’s historic ramparts.
• Explore the stunning Ardeche Gorges, one of France’s most exceptional natural landscapes.

• Return flights or Eurostar
• Transfers
• 7nts onboard a five-star ship
• 12 experiences
• Full board dining
• All-inclusive drinks package
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
• Free onboard wi-fi
• Services of an expert Riviera Cruise Director and concierge
• All port charges
• Checked luggage

Day 1: Arrive in Avignon
On arrival in Avignon, transfer by coach to the ship, moored in the city’s historic centre

Day 2: Avignon
This morning, head out on a guided tour of Avignon, seeing its medieval buildings. After lunch, you’re free to explore independently or you can join an optional included visit to Le Petit Palais, former home of Avignon’s archbishops. Here you can admire the collection or paintings and sculptures. After dinner, enjoy a performance by a local pianist.

Day 3: Arles & Ponts Du Gard
Today’s first guided tour follows in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh as you visit the Vincent Van Gogh Arles Foundation as well as some of the sights in Arles that inspired him. After lunch, visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct to admire this ancient marvel of engineering. Rejoin the ship and sail along the Rhône.

Day 4: Ardèche Gorges & Chauvet Caves
This morning, disembark in Viviers, and as the ship cruises toward Le Pouzin, explore the magnificent Ardèche Gorges. Along the way, visit the Chauvet Caves to explore a replica of pre-historic caves,  home to the oldest-known paintings in France. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin. Cap off the day with a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge after dinner,

Day 5: Vienne
During breakfast, you’ll depart and cruise north through the scenic Rhône Valley. After lunch, you’ll reach the Roman stronghold of Vienne. A captivating tour, guided by a local expert, explores the historic treasures of Vienne, including the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia. Next, visit the Cybèle archaeological gardens, where a local expert shares insights into the Gallo-Roman city’s administrative center. Discover remnants of the forum portico, municipal assembly hall wall, and 1st-century houses amidst grass and toppled columns. Returning to the ship for dinner, set sail towards Chalon-sur-Saône.

Day 6: Beaune
After an overnight journey, reach Chalon, the gateway to Burgundy. From here travel to Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy, where you’ll explore the iconic Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century hospital known for its High Gothic architecture and vibrant glazed roof tiles. Then, take a guided tour of the Museum Dieu. Back on board, continue sailing, enjoying the Chef’s Dinner.

Day 7: Lyon
After breakfast, take a guided tour of Lyon during which you’ll explore the Old Town, admiring the shops and narrow passageways that date back to the city’s time as a centre of silk production. This afternoon, visit the Roman ruins in the heart of city, including the oldest Roman amphitheatre in France and a museum.

Day 8: Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or the 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.

Avignon

Lyon

Important Information: Prices are available on request and will include all mandatory charges, taxes, and fees applicable to your booking. Some destinations may have local taxes or resort fees payable on arrival; these will be clearly confirmed in your personalised quote.