Active & Discovery on the Rhone

• Day 1 Lyon

  LYON, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

  OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

  Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

• Day 2 Lyon

  LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste

  Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
  
  ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:
  
  DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste-exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
  
  DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.

  This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière.

  EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON

• Day 3 Tain-l'Hermitage

  TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge
  
  ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
  
  ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR:
  
  DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:
  
  CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon-twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.

  DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.

  VIVIERS

  Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories

  DISCOVERY For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town.

  OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS

• Day 4 Viviers

  VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
  
  ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
  
  ACTIVE Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR:

  ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting-under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert).
  
  Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.

  OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

• Day 5 Avignon

  AVIGNON Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
  
  ACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided Mountain E-Bike Ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR:
  
  DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:
  
  CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress-the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles’ covered market.

  This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard-the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts.

  You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon-known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.

  EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

• Day 6 Arles

  ARLES A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence

  Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  
  ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, OR:
  
  DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
  
  CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.

  This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.

  Later, enjoy on board live entertainment.

  OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

• Day 7 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône

  PORT-SAINT-LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta

  Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.
  
  ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species-including pink flamingos-along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:
  
  DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:

  DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!

  OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

• Day 8 Arles

  ARLES (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

  Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) Itinerary