From Lyon to Camargue via Tain l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue, go on an unforgettable cruise. Discover the authentic Provence combining style and refinement, a cruise brimming with splendid scenery and great food as well as a once-in-a-lifetime evening at a Paul Bocuse restaurant. Visit The Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc Cave which contains some of the best-preserved figurative cave paintings in the world, as well as other evidence of Upper Paleolithic life. In the coolness and the humidity it offers, you can be fully immersed through sound and olfactory worlds.
Highlights
Admire the scenery and traditions of the enchanting Camargue
Visit Avignon and the imposing Papal Palace
Discover the Gorges de l’Ardèche, the most beautiful canyon in Europe
Explore Lyon and a tasting of fine food at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 4 p.m. Once everyone is on board, we’ll cast off to the south. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment onboard. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Spend the morning cruising through the gorgeous French countryside, passing by Valence—dominated by its cathedral—and Montélimar, known for its famous nougat. Once we arrive in Arles, join us for an excursion to the Camargue. The epitome of traditional Provençal culture, this immense flatland is home to exceptional wildlife and plants which thrive in its marshes, ponds, and seashore. Visit a manade, where bulls are raised and horses are trained, to learn about the various traditions in the area.
Feel free to take a walk around Arles this evening to take in the sites.
Begin to cruise early in the morning towards Avignon. Join a guided tour of the Papal Palace, an imposing fortress and luxurious palace that symbolizes the power of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. It is one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe and the city’s most famous attraction. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the immense halls, contemplate the beauty of the chapels, and visit the papal apartments. Or
Join an excursion to Gordes and a tour of the Sénanque Abbey, located in the heart of the Provençal countryside. Gordes has been awarded the label of “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Its cobblestone streets and dry-stone wall homes are typical of the region. The church and castle dominate the lush scenery in the valley. A community of Cistercian monks has been living in the Sénanque Abbey since 1148. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict in the purest tradition, dedicating their lives to prayer and labor. The abbey is known for its lovely lavender fields and all the products the monks produce, including lavender honey. We’ll then spend the afternoon cruising to Viviers.
This evening, join a guided tour of the city. Viviers feels like an open-air museum where the pages of history are written in stone. We’ll visit the smallest cathedral in France, the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance-style facade, Saint Michel Tower, the Great Seminary, and the overlook which gives a lovely view of Vivier's at night. Spend the night on board.
Set out on a visit to the Gorges de l’Ardèche with us this morning. This panoramic tour from the comfortable seat of a coach will bring you to the heart of the treasures found in the area. The 18-mile canyon (30 km) was carved by turbulent waters that left behind steep cliffs, deep valleys, dense vegetation, and stunning limestone formations. See the Pont d'Arc, a natural arch almost 100-feet high carved out by the Ardèche River, and its namesake village, stopping at an overlook to take in the splendid views. After our tour, we’ll return on board the ship in La Volute and continue our cruise towards Tain-l’Hermitage,
On arrival, leave on foot for the Cité du Chocolat. Come and explore, smell, and taste chocolate in all of its forms at the Valrhona discovery center. Lastly, indulge in a tasting of course! Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Spend the morning cruising to Vienne. Enjoy some free time on your own exploring the city, before we set out once again towards Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or.
This cruise will bring you along Lyon and all its emblematic splendor: the painted walls, Fourvière Hill and its white basilica, the modern Musée des Confluences, Vieux Lyon, and the curious Homme de la Roche statue. Then join the Saône River and head towards our next port of call, Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or.
Join an optional extraordinary French gastronomic experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges (reservation mandatory before departure). Paul Bocuse was a three-star gourmet chef who was known for his innovative approach to cuisine and his love for fresh ingredients of the highest quality. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting where you’ll be able to relish in out-of-this-world courses prepared by some of the most renowned chefs. At the end of our delicious evening, return on board the ship.
Begin to cruise early in the morning towards Lyon. Enjoy some free time on board this morning, or set out on foot to explore Lyon on your own.
In the afternoon, join a guided tour of the city and a tasting at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon. Cross through the city and go up Fourvière Hill to the white basilica, the best place to take in the view. Then we’ll head over to Vieux Lyon to have a look at its historical homes and the “bouchon” restaurants that are found throughout the district. Learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street. Don’t miss the tasting of fine food at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon, a huge, three-story, indoor market where close to 50 shops offer the finest gourmet food. Enjoy a snack of local sausage and cheese, topped off with a lovely glass of wine*. After your excursion, return on board the ship. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 7: Lyon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Main Deck- Cat A
26 cabins equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
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Main Deck- Cat B
equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
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Main Deck- Cat C
equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat A
43 twin cabins equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat B
equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 142 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 142 reviews on
23 hours ago
Excellent trip saw much more than would have seen with out Adventure Life's help.
Anonymous traveler
2 days ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
2 days ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
2 days ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
2 days ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.