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Active & Discovery on the Rhône – Southbound | Lyon to Arles: 7-Nights

Price $5606 $5506 8 Days/7 Nights
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Active & Discovery on the Rhône – Southbound | Lyon to Arles: 7-Nights

$5606 $5506 per person

⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Price shown is in CAD dollars based on 2 people sharing a lead-in stateroom on July 30, 2024 sailing, and includes the member benefit. Promotional rate discounts may be available, please contact us for more information. 

Your Active & Discovery cruise on the Rhône River begins in Lyon, the culinary capital of France! With Avalon Choice included excursions, you’ll find a variety of ways to explore each port you visit. Choose from Active, Classic, and Discovery included excursions that interest you—from casual and leisurely to cultural and active. Admire the lovely views of the French countryside, join a culinary walk to discover architecture and local spe-cialties, or take a cooking class in Lyon. Embark on a kayak excursion or simply linger in a sidewalk café; stroll Avignon’s papal palace or attend a wine tasting in an underground cave. With so many included choices, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your day—from a ghost tour in Viviers to a guided bike ride through the Gard region, to a chocolate factory tour.

In addition to classic sightseeing and relaxed free time, you can visit an oyster farm, bike through Camargue Regional Nature Park to spot flamingos, or take a painting workshop in Arles—in the style of Van Gogh. You’ll have the classic sightseeing and relaxing activities in each destination, along with your choice of included arts, culture, and cuisine excursions. Our Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise with Avalon Choice includes activities and excursions to experience the Rhône River at your pace in every place along the way. It’s a vacation in France made just for you.

What’s Included:

Throughout the Ship:

Complimentary Wi-Fi
Panoramic windows
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

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Suites & Staterooms:

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L’Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
Complimentary bottled water daily
And, much more

Health & Fitness:

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
Fitbits®
All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM

Dining:

FlexDining® for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Early and Late Riser breakfast options
Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.
Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro – a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
Fresh fruit available throughout the day

*MEMBER BENEFIT: Save $200 per couple on select Avalon Waterways river cruises*

*Other offers may be available. Please contact us for more information.

Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 1
Mention Promo Code for Savings: TMAV100

Departure Dates

July 30
Please inquire about available special savings or promotions!
May 6
June 17
July 29
September 9
Please inquire about available 2025 dates that may offer special savings or promotions!
8 Days/7 Nights
20 Meals
Avalon Waterways
Europe
River Cruises
  • Destination
    Europe
  • Arrival City
    Lyon, France
  • Departure City
    Arles, France
  • Activity Level
    Leisurely
  • Passenger Limit
    128-166 Passengers
1
LYON, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Bienvenue en France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour for an evening drive of Lyon, lined with incredible landscapes, from Fourvière Hill for a city bird’s eye view, to Presqu’île district, for catching the heart of Lyon and its ever-changing river bank view. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Meals Provided: Dinner
 
2
LYON
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste- ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty. This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Mountain Bike Excursion through the Beaujolais wine country. EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
3
TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge- ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR: ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR: DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare Lyonnaise specialties while sailing to Viviers. VIVIERS Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories DISCOVERY For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
4
VIVIERS—LOCK BOLLÈNE
River Gorge Canoeing, Crocodiles, and Wine Caves- ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR: ACTIVE Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR: ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR: DISCOVERY See a surprising side of local culture with a visit to a Crocodile Farm and discover the wonderful world of reptiles—not only crocodiles, but also snakes, turtles, iguanas, and an amazing botanical garden, OR: CLASSIC Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhône. Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
AVIGNON
Essential Oils, and Ancient Roman Aqueducts- ACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through Gard region. After the tour, enjoy a Wine Tasting in a local cellar; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR: DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles’ covered market. This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, as well as the chance to learn about wine blending, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
ARLES
A Master Class, Mysterious Images, and a Matador in Provence- ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable later be entranced by a magical Audio/Visual Experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the natural salt marsh at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, to discover the magic of the pink waters of the Camargue. Alternatively, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
PORT-SAINT-LOUIS
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta- Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship. ACTIVE Join a Guided Walk through the Camargue Regional Nature Park. You’ll see its lush marshland habitat at the mouth of the Rhône—home to a wide variety of flora and fauna—in one of France’s most protected and natural reserves, OR: ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR: DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed. This evening, cruise back to Arles. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends this morning
Meals Provided: Breakfast
 
9
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 1
Mention Promo Code for Savings: TMAV100

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