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Southern France Serenade - a 7-night cruise through Burgundy, Ardèche and Provence

Your Rhone river cruise from Lyon to Avignon takes you through Burgundy wine regions and scenic Ardèche to the Provencal landscapes that so inspired Vincent van Gogh

Join us on an unforgettable journey on one of the best known river cruise ships in France. MS Viking Maribelle offers you a leisurely journey through Southern France. This relaxing 8-day river cruise takes you from the gourmet city of bustling Lyon through the beautiful landscapes, colourful villages and historic towns of Southern France to Avignon.

Lyon

Get to know the Burgundy wine regions of Beaujolais and Mâconnais. See charming riverside towns and natural wonders, such as scenic Ardèche and learn about winemaking and the many uses of lavender. Study Roman ruins in Arles and see some of the locales that so inspired Vincent van Gogh and other Impressionists. Visit Avignon's famous bridge and historic Papal Palace in the "City of the Popes"

Lavender fields of Provence

More information about MS Viking Maribelle

Viviers

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7-Night River Rhone cruise with included First Class Eurostar rail travel
R173: Cruise Departure Dates 2010
May 21, 28; Jun 4, 11; Sep 3, 10, 17, 24;
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22
R173: Southern France Serenade 2010£ price per person
Single Supplement: E: 25%, D: 50%, C&B: 75%, A: 100%
If you wish to make your own flight and transfer arrangements, a reduction of £300pp applies
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529
Useful Links
More River Rhone Cruises
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Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529
Useful Links
More River Rhone Cruises
More Europe River Cruises

Itinerary
Day 1
Lyon

Fly from London to Lyon and transfer to your ship. After boarding, take free time to explore the city's Old Town area. Dine aboard and depart early this evening.

Day 2
Tournus, Beaune

Explore Tournus with morning free time and optional excursion. Visit Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy and enjoy a wine tasting in one of its famous wine cellars.

Day 3
Macon

After breakfast explore Mâcon, the southernmost town of the Burgundy region. Tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions and return aboard for a late lunch and scenic cruising.

Day 4
Viviers, Saint Remeze

Arrive in Viviers after lunch. Tour the beautiful Ardèche region on the Rhone River before stopping in Saint Remèze for a visit to the Lavender Museum. Dine aboard and then take a guided evening stroll through Viviers.

Day 5
Arles

This morning enjoy a walking tour of Arles. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to Les Baux de Provence. Dine aboard and arrive in Avignon late evening.

Day 6
Avignon

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon. Stroll through the historic centre, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk to the Place de l'Horloge. Afternoon optional tours to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Pont du Gard are available. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Depart late this evening.

Day 7
Scenic Cruising

Enjoy a rare day of cruising through the lovely Provencal countryside. Sail past towns, villages or relax on the sun deck. Sample the famous cuisine of Southern France during lunch and dinner.

Day 8
Lyon

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Lyon airport for your return flight to London.

This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction from Avignon to Chalon. Visit sequence, tours and times may vary.
Click here for map and more information about the places visited on this cruise

Arles

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The cruise price includes
  • British Airways World Traveller return scheduled flights between London Heathrow and Lyon
  • 7 nights full board accommodation aboard the MS Maribelle
  • 6 guided tours
  • Welcome cocktail reception & dinner
  • Captain's farewell dinner
  • All port and airport taxes
  • Transfers as stated
The cruise price does not include
  • Travel insurance and Gratuities
Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706529
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you book your holiday through us.