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Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.

Burgundy & Provence

Arles - Lyon - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard S.S. Catherine
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Embark on an unforgettable cruise aboard the S.S. Catherine for 8 days, journey through Burgundy & Provence. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culture as you savor its renowned wine and cuisine. Wander through the historic streets of Arles, made famous by Van Gogh himself. Marvel at the grandeur of Avignon's Palace of the Popes. Delight in the charm of Viviers during "Village Day." For the more adventurous, hike through the picturesque vineyards of the Rhône or pedal through Lyon, a city tailor-made for cyclists. Experience the timeless beauty of "Burgundy & Provence," where tradition intertwines with the vines that carpet the hillsides.

Select departures operate in reverse (Lyon to Arles)
The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skylineFamous view of Lyon, FranceVisit colorful LyonCity of Macon in Burgundy region of FranceOverlooking the river toward ArlesStop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.
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
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arles | Embark

Arrive at Marseille International Airport. You are greeted by a representative if your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer. They then assist you in transferring to the ship docked in Arles.

Day 2: Arles

Today, explore a sun-drenched Provençal town with an allure all its own. Arles, known for its remarkable Roman ruins, inspires visitors just as it did Van Gogh, who painted some 200 paintings here. The town has existed since the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. It's 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

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

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: Village Day "Ardèches"

Day 5: Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage)

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

Ancient Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts, from Roman roots to stunning modern architecture and plenty of Renaissance flair in between. There's much to explore here, from the city's bike paths to the silk weavers' secret passageways. While you're in town, you might like to have lunch on your own at one of the many traditional bouchons that proliferate in the epicenter of French gastronomy.

Featured Excursion: Choice of Lyon Panoramic Tour with Traboules Visit or Silk Weavers walking tour or “Let's Go” Lyon peninsula bike tour.

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

Day 7: Mâcon (Beaune)

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.

Featured Excursion: Burgundy Landscapes, Beaune, and the Hospices

Day 8: Lyon | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lyon-Saint Exupéry 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
$3,799 2-3 travelers
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
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
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
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
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
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)
  • Airport Tax
  • Port Fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport or Visa fees

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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