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Cruise the Rhone river in charming Lyon

Rhine & Rhône Revealed

Northbound - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Poetry II
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Begin cruising from Port St. Louis then visit the city of Tournon nestled among vineyards. Join a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Explore Breisach's famous Black Forest ham, cherry cake and cuckoo clocks. Stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River and conclude in Amsterdam. 

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1 : Port St. Louis | Embark
Day 2 : Arles
Day 3 : Avignon
Day 4 : Viviers
Day 5 : Tournon
Day 6 : Lyon
Day 7 : Tournus | St. Jean De Losne
Day 8 : St. Jean De Losne | Disembark | Beaune | Basel | Embark
Day 9 : Breisach
Day 10 : Strasbourg
Day 11 : Ludwigshafen
Day 12 : Rüdesheim | Rhine Gorge
Day 13 : Cologne
Day 14 : Amsterdam
Day 15 : Amsterdam | Disembark

Highlights

  • Experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum in the magical Black Forest
  • Take a tour to the fortress city of Avignon visit the Palace of the Popes
  • See Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the renaissance treasure
  • Discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France

Ship

Avalon Poetry II

Places Visited

Activities

Trip Type

  • Small Ship

Activity Level

Relaxed

Trip Snapshots

Cruise the Rhone river in charming Lyon Arles overview Overview of Tournon, France Explore Basel Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river. Cruise through the banks of the Rhone River
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Day 1 Port St. Louis | Embark

Welcome to France. The suite ship is ready for boarding Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2 Arles

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, the captivating city of the Provence region. Visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. 

Consider a guided optional excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) to be immersed in a truly unique experience of art, sound and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.

Take advantage of any free time remaining with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, to relax and watch the world go by before sailing to Avignon.

Day 3 Avignon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city of Avignon, with its ramparts encircling the city and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.

Discovery: Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

Explore Avignon at leisure for the city’s art, culture, theatre and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. 

Day 4 Viviers

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.

Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon guided walking tour of this charming village. See its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman and medieval influences.

Day 5 Tournon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.

In the late morning, cruise to Vienne

VIENNE
Classic: Join a guided walking tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills.

Day 6 Lyon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. Explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, the lively cafés, monuments and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.

Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.

Day 7 Tournus | St. Jean De Losne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Consider a guided optional excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely cruising morning along the majestic Saône River on the way to St. Jean de Losne.

Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting on board the ship. 

Day 8 St. Jean De Losne | Disembark | Beaune | Basel | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Classic: Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443. Today, it is home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine River cruise. 

Day 9 Breisach

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill and see a traditional butter-making demonstration. 

Discovery: Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting.

Choose to join a guided optional excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

Day 10 Strasbourg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a city sightseeing tour including Strasbourg’s s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose to either join a guided optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line, an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum or stroll across the city center.

Day 11 Ludwigshafen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel. 

Active: Join an Avalon Adventure Host for a hike up Philosophers’ way for an inspiring view of the city below.

MAINZ
Classic: Enjoy a guided city walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Day 12 Rüdesheim | Rhine Gorge

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure, enjoy a local special treat. 

Active: Enjoy a hike with an Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim

Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

KOBLENZ
Travel through 2000 years of monumental history. Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.

Day 13 Cologne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided city walk of Cologne with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. 

Discovery: Choose a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! 

Day 14 Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

During tulip season, take a guided optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Also, choose an optional biking tour to discover the countryside.

Day 15 Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
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Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Poetry II
The Avalon Poetry II, launched in spring 2014, offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.
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Per person starting at
Select a Date
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Select a Date
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.

Notes

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
Suites & Staterooms:
  • Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L'Occitane bath products
  • Large bathroom featuring a 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 Host
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
Notes:
  • In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences.
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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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