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The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline

Burgundy & Provence

Avignon to Lyon - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard S.S. Catherine
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Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures—from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience “Village Day” in enchanting Viviers, including a recital of music composed by Bach and Handel. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can kayak on the tranquil Gardon River under the UNESCO-designated Pont du Gard; hike the steepest vineyards on the Rhône, and pedal through the city designed with bike riders in mind while in Lyon. 

Select departures operate in reverse (Lyon to Avignon)
Famous view of Lyon, FranceStop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.Visit colorful LyonCity of Macon in Burgundy region of FranceThe Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline
Highlights
  • Discover remarkable Roman ruins in Tarascon
  • Wander through the Rue de Doux old city to see a 14th-century church
  • Experience the silk weavers’ secret passageways in Lyon
  • Explore the Palace of the Popes and much more during a Avignon walking tour
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Avignon | Embark

Arrive at Marseille International Airport. You will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Tarascon (Arles)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore a sun-drenched Provençal town today with an allure all its own. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. Arles has existed since the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. It was here that the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.

Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour.

Day 3: Avignon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France, with a host of historic gems to explore—including the fortress residence of rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.

Choice of Avignon walking tour with Palace of the Popes or Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct visit or "Let’s Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 4: Viviers

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
An enchanting village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago, Viviers has a long and storied past that goes back more than 1,600 years—and a splendid architectural heritage to match. At one time, Viviers was divided along religious lines—the clergy lived in the upper part of the town, the laity in the lower part. Your exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.

Featured Excursion: Intimate Viviers “Village Day”.

Day 5: Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Tournon may be a small town, but stirring events took place here: A castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries, including two “new” towers built to defend against Protestant attacks in the 16th century. You’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area, and you’ll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.

Choice of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage twin villages stroll with wine tasting or “Let's Go” Hermitage terrace vineyards hike with wine tasting.

Day 6: Lyon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As the epicenter of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There’s much to explore here, from the work of culinary visionaries to silk weavers’ secret passageways. After your choice of excursions, embrace the locals’ favorite mode of transportation with a bike ride—a great way to see the sights.

Choice of Lyon Capital of Gastronomy tour or Silk weavers walking tour or “Let's Go” Lyon peninsula bike tour.

Day 7: Mâcon (Beaune)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The pace of life is decidedly more relaxed in Burgundy, where endless rows of grapes hang heavy on the vine. The capital of the region’s wine trade, Beaune is renowned for its history, beauty and highly prized wine, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune.

Choice of Burgundy landscapes, Beaune and the hospices or Mâcon walking tour.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 8: Lyon | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to Paris.

Ship/Hotel

S.S. Catherine

S.S. Catherine Lobby
S.S. Catherine Cezanne Restaurant
S.S. Catherine Bar du Leopard

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,399
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
S.S. Catherine Classic Cabin
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Classic
Magnificent appointed riverview stateroom (162 sq ft - 15 sq m) located on the Saint Remy Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
S.S. Catherine French Balcony
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French Balcony
Sumptuous appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
S.S. Catherine Deluxe Balcony
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Deluxe Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with open-air balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
S.S. Catherine Suite
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Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite (305 sq ft - 28.3 sq m) with an open-air balcony. Marble bathroom includes Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, bathrobes and slippers. Triple accommodation option available. Uniquely decorated and additional amenities and services, are included.
S.S. Catherine Grand Suite
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Grand Suite
Luxurious appointed riverview grand suite (410 sq ft - 38 sq m) with an open-air balcony. Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom includes Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, bathrobes and slippers. Additional amenities and services are included.

Notes

Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.

- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual English-speaking guide
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside 
  • Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
  • Guided “Do as the Locals Do” and “Let's Go” programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port Fees
  • Passport or Visa fees

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