River Cruise
All Inclusive
Max Group Size 25
Day 2 Viviers
Arrive in Viviers this morning. If you choose to book an optional excursion, you'll be whisked away to the Ardeche Gorges. A series of limestone cliffs, as high as 300metres in the river, where the natural wilderness remains unspoilt, locally known as the "European Grand Canyon". The gateway to the gorges is the impressive natural limestone arch of the Pont d'Arc, which links the two banks of the river like an arch. And the view over La Madelein cave, an impressive rock formation so called cathedral is impressive. There's time to visit the famous Lavender Museum of St Remeze, where you'll learn about the botany, production, uses and benefits of this Lavender. The location of this museum is sublime - nestled between fields of lavender and the outcropping stones where the soft fragrance of lavender floats in the air.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 3 Arles
Today's port of call is Arles, the gateway to the Camargue region. If you love Roman history, you won't be disappointed by Arles. The city was at one time a provincial capital of ancient Rome, and its influence can still be seen to this day in its historical sites such as the mighty Roman amphitheatre which stands proud on a hilltop, the Necropolis and the Constantine Thermes. During an optional guided walking tour you'll learn about its influence in art - Vincent van Gogh is believed to have painted many of his famous works here and a tour inside the famous Van Gogh Foundation is a must. The ship will dock at Arles tonight.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 4 Martigues
This morning we arrive in Martigues. Known as the 'Venice of Provence', it used to be a magnet for painters in the 19th and early 20th century. Colourful buildings that line the canal were once the homes of fishermen and their families - apparently they painted their houses with whichever colours were left over from painting their boats.
Martigues is the gateway to Marseille and you'll have the opportunity to explore here if you choose to book the optional excursion package. With 3000 years of history, it is ideally located in a beautiful natural setting between the hills of Provence and the Mediterranean Sea. Our walking tour will head to the vibrant old port and La Canebiere, a cosmopolitan and lively street.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 5 Avignon
Today we'll be docked in Avignon until late evening. You can spend some time exploring at leisure, alternatively join our optional walking tour and discover why it is known as the 'City of Popes'. The old town with its magnificent medieval houses is surrounded by a long fortification wall, a UNESCO Heritage site, together with other four historical sights. You'll visit the Pope's Palace, once the most unique and imposing Gothic buildings. Enjoy the beautiful terraces of the garden with an impressive view over the Rhone valley and the famous Pont St Benezet bridge. Some free time will enable you to go in search of local specialities such as almond cake, pear liqueur and papalines - a sweet gentian liqueur and coated in a pink ivory blanket.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 6 Tournon
Spend the morning cruising along the beautiful landscape. In the afternoon we arrive in Tournon.
An optional excursion begins with a tour of Tain-L'Hermitage. This commune is well-known to connoisseurs, as Hermitage wine is produced here. Afterwards, you'll visit the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona where you will enjoy an educational and sensory journey into the world of chocolate. During the tour you'll learn the secrets of chocolate production and have the opportunity to play with the whole range of chocolate flavours to create your own recipe. Experience each stage of the manufacturing process and immerse yourself in the magic of transforming the finest cocoa beans into the highest quality chocolate. After the visit, we'll return to the ship.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 7 Lyon
This morning we will arrive in Lyon. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts an incredible history spanning 2,000 years and there is plenty of time for you to explore with your fellow travellers. The magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, the Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town and the the Presqu’ile peninsula, where you'll discover impressive 19th century buildings that are now home to banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes - perfect for watching the world go by!
Take time to visit the Vieux area of the city, and you'll be greeted by grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by wealthy silk merchants. You may also choose to visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris, or even simply relax on a stroll through the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens.
If you join our optional excursion you'll learn more about this spectacular city. We'll take the metro to the old town of Vieux Lyon, the former economic centre with picturesque cobbled streets. There you will also get a glimpse of the famous "traboules" which mark passages that lead from one street to another through houses and courtyards. On the way you will have the opportunity to taste French specialities like "Praline brioche". Back onboard, this evening you'll enjoy a farewell gala evening.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 8 Lyon
Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, either make your own way home or your Just You Private Chauffeur Service will be waiting for the journey home (if you've pre-booked).
Meals included: BAdditional Information
Your All Inclusive cruise includes:- Multi-course gourmet menus served at the table
- Snacks in between meals
- Welcome Aboard cocktail reception
- Captain's Farewell gala dinner
- Non-alcoholic beverages including water, juices, soft drinks, coffee specialities, tea and cocoa
- Wide selection of alcoholic beverages including beers, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, wines and champagne
- Well-stocked minibar in cabins with water, beer and soft drinks, replenished daily
- Nespresso machine in the cabin
- Daily bottled water in the cabin and during each optional excursion
- All gratuities & wi-fi
