Cruise the River Rhone through Burgundy and Provence

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Arrive in Lyon

   Lyon, France

   Fly from your chosen UK airport to Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board your five-star river ship for your seven-night River Rhone cruise. Settle into your luxurious accommodation and familiarise yourself with all the first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.

2. Day

   2

   Lyon

   Lyon, France

   This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, one of France's most fascinating cities. See Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe's largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with the statue of Louis XIV as its focus. Be sure to visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lyon is also considered France's gastronomic capital, a great opportunity to indulge in local delicacies.

   This afternoon, cruise upstream on the Saône. See the picturesque villages of Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas and Chénas, to name but a few. You may even catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc if you're lucky.

3. Day

   3

   Beaune

   Beaune, France

   Awake in Chalon, and drive through the pretty villages of the Burgundy region to Beaune to see the Hôtel-Dieu on a guided tour. Medieval Beaune is Burgundy's wine capital, which is wonderful to wander around. After the tour, explore at leisure - perhaps visiting one of the wine cellars for a tour and a tasting, while in the region.

   Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon, relax on board as you head back towards Lyon to join the Rhône.

4. Day

   4

   Vienne

   Vienne, France

   After breakfast, explore Vienne at your leisure. Head to the top of the city, the Mont Pipet hill, where the view onto the Rhône is splendid. Wander through the charming, narrow streets of the old town and soak up the history of this fascinating place.

   This afternoon, sail through the most picturesque section of the Rhône as the river squeezes and twists past Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d'Albon and Saint- Vallier. Upon arrival in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides, you'll visit a wine producer for a tour and tasting.

5. Day

   5

   Ardèche Gorges

   Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges, France

   This morning, cruise downstream towards Le Pouzin, where you'll catch glimpses of the Alps and later, as you approach Valence, the landscape gradually becomes less green with more ochres and magentas.

   After lunch, explore the Ardèche Gorges - where limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river's blue waters; and caves, grottoes and natural sculptures create marvellous views at every turn. During your tour, choose to visit the fragrant lavender farm and museum, learning about the cultivation of lavender and distillation of its oils. Or visit the Grotte de la Madeleine, a prehistoric cave composed of limestone, with a complex network of chambers and passages.

   Return to your ship as you sail towards Arles, passing through the famous lock at Bollène. This evening after dinner, watch a ballroom dancing performance with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance.

6. Day

   6

   Arles

   Arles, France

   This morning, choose from two guided tours of Arles, either focusing on its Roman history, or the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh. The artist lived in Arles for over a year and inspired by the beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café, The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers.

   After lunch, discover the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Surrounded by pine- and cypress-covered hills, it really is in a harmonious setting. Rejoin the ship and cruise along the Rhône. You'll pass the 15th-century castle at Tarascon this evening.

7. Day

   7

   Avignon

   Avignon, France

   This morning, you'll arrive in Avignon, where there will be a choice of two excursions. Either join a guided tour of Avignon, exploring the Pont Saint-Bénézet, a stunning medieval bridge spanning the Rhône River, followed by an inside tour of Pope's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or visit the Pont Saint-Bénézet with a captivating ride on the petit train through Avignon.

   After lunch back on board, there will be plenty of time to see the sights of Avignon at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll on the iconic Pont d'Avignon, visit the shops and charming cafes, or watch the world go by from Provençal square.

   This evening, enjoy the sumptuous Chef's Dinner, followed by a performance from a local pianist, who'll entertain you with French music.

8. Day

   8

   Depart Avignon

   Avignon, France

   Disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.