Rhone River Cruise including Lyon
Your Escorted Rhone River Cruise Holiday
Sail with us to uncover picturesque villages, world famous wine regions and historical cities and landmarks on a Rhone River cruise. Once we’ve settled into our cabins onboard the fabulous 4 star MS Amadeus Provence our river cruise holiday will commence and our first port of call will be Macon, known for its rich history and picturesque vineyards. We’ll also discover the Burgundy wine region of Chalon-Sur-Saone, explore the historical town of Avignon and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lyon and Arles. There are also optional excursions to avail of, such as Cluny Abbey in Macon and Valley of the Ardèche Gorge. Each port we visit on our Rhone River Cruise holiday has so much to offer and there will be ample leisure time to visit the top attractions and enjoy our time ashore.
Please Note: This holiday may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. For more details, please contact us.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Travel to France
Arrive in Lyon
Upon arrival in Lyon, you will be met by our local guide who will assist you in the transfer to Lyon port to join our River Cruise. Settle into your cabin and explore the range of facilities on board your ship as you embark on our 7-night cruise along the Rhone. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.
Macon
Discover Macon
This morning you will arrive into Macon known as the gateway to the vineyards of the Cote Maconnais. Enjoy the morning exploring the historic wine region, a must see on this visit to Macon is a trip to the Hameau Duboeuf wine museum where you can learn about the history and production of the Burgandy wines.
Optional excursion to Cluny Abbey
An optional excursion to Cluny Abbey will be offered in the afternoon (payable locally). Here you will have a walking tour of the Abbey and you will have time to admire the castles and Roman churches of this region.
Chalon-Sur-Saone
Guided tour of Beaune and the Burgundy
Today we will continue to explore the Burgundy wine region where we will arrive into Chalon -Sur-Saone, famous for its half-timbered houses, art galleries and specialty shops. Today you will have a guided excursion to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Your guided tour will start at the beautiful Hotel- Dieu, formally a hospital and now home to its famous museums and local wine cellars where we will enjoy a wine tasting of some local wines.
Lyon
City Tour of Lyon
This morning you will arrive into Lyon, the capital city of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Today you will have a guided tour of this architectural beautiful town. Here you will discover this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its landmarks including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the charming Renaissance Vieux Lyon also known as Old Lyon.
Avignon
Discover Avignon at Your Own Pace
Today you will sail into Avignon, you will have the day at leisure to explore this historical town, while you stroll around this take in the grand Palace of the Popes and the Pont d’Avignon begore returning to the ship as we set sail towards Arles this evening.
Arles
Guided tour of Arles
This morning you will have the chance to explore Arles on your included guided excursion, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh. During this guided tour you will why Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its many ancient Roman sights and monuments especially the famous Roman Arena.
Chateauneug – Du- Rhone
Free time in Chateauneug – Du- Rhone
This morning you can spend some free time exploring this beautiful region or you have the chance to join the optional excursion to the Valley of the Ardèche Gorge (payable locally).
This afternoon relax on board the vessel as the ships sets sail and makes its way back up the waterways of the Rhone.
Captain's Gala Dinner
This evening you will enjoy a Captain's Gala Dinner while the ship travels to Lyon.
Return Home
Free Time & Transfer to the airport
It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your Amadeus ship. After breakfast, you will be met by our local guide and will have some free time in Lyon before transferring to the airport for our flight home. It's time to start thinking about where to go on our next river cruise holiday!
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
Customer Reviews
Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.