Explore the beautiful wine regions of Burgundy as you cruise along the River Rhone, visiting historic towns with opportunities to sample the local wines.
See the sights of Lyon including the Basilica of Notre Dame and the Palace of Justice and enjoy a drive through the stunning hills of the Beaujolais for a wine tasting. Explore the historic town of Vienne, with its Roman architecture and traditional cobblestone streets.
Enjoy a ride on the Train de L'Ardeche through the breathtaking deep gorges of the Ardeche plateau during your time in Tournon before exploring the magnificent Papal Palace at Avignon, the City of the Popes, and the historic town of Arles.
R177 Operated by Viking River Cruises
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Forward Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Lyon (France)
Fly from the UK to Lyon and embark your ship. Relax or explore this vibrant and exciting city.
Day 2 - Lyon
After breakfast, take a tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with a drive to the top of Fourviere Hill for exquisite views then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame driving through town past the breath-taking St Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Continue with a walking tour through the traditional cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town) making time to sample Lyon's famous french cuisine and shop for souvenirs. In 2020, there is an optional tour of Cluny with its magnificent abbey. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Lyon
Once breakfast is over take a peaceful drive through the traditional rolling hills of Beaujolais. Visit the legendary Moulin-a-Vent, a windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region. Learn the skills of wine making in a small museum then head to one of Beaujolais's famous cellars for luxurious wine tasting. There is an optional Beaujolais & Truffles excursion, which includes a visit to a wine chateau and two working farms. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Vienne - Tournon
Spend time at leisure. This afternoon, cruise to Tournon, renowned for its red wines. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Tournon - Viviers
Hop aboard the Train de L'Ardeche this morning for an exciting ride through the deep gorges of the Ardeche plateau, cut by the Doux River. You will then return to your ship to enjoy lunch aboard as we cruise to Vivers, an intriguing small town in a mountainous setting. After dinner, you will be met by your Program Director for an evening stroll through Old Town for a closer look at its medieval and Renaissance buildings. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Avignon
Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Palace of the Popes taking in the palatial rooms. There is an optional tour to the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery with a tasting, and an optional excursion to the lavender fields of Provence (available mid-June to mid-July). (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Arles
After breakfast disembark and take a walking tour of Arles to view its diverse architectural highlights. Visit the impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, an arena that is still in use today and holds an impressive 20,000 people and the Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trophime, completed in the 15th century. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Avignon - UK
Once breakfast is over, disembark and head to the Marseille airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Itinerary is subject to change.
Reverse Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Avignon (France)
Fly to Marseille and transfer to Avignon to embark the ship. Enjoy time at leisure or join the welcome walk. (D)
Day 2 - Arles
After breakfast disembark and take a walking tour of Arles to view its diverse architectural highlights. Visit the impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, an arena that is still in use today and holds an impressive 20,000 people and the Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trophime, completed in the 15th century. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Avignon
This morning head out on a guided walk of Avignon, which gained its nickname 'City of Popes' as it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Take a stroll through its historic centre taking time to stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de L'Horloge. Continue to the Palace of Popes for a guided tour through its maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress,church and palace. You can take part in the optional tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape which includes visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Viviers
This morning join a walking tour of Viviers’ Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Once a 5th-century Roman settlement, today the cobbled streets are dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. This afternoon, we set sail to Tournon. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Tournon
This afternoon, hop aboard the Train de L'Ardeche for an exciting ride through the deep gorges of the Ardeche plateau, cut by the Doux River. You will then return to your ship to enjoy dinner aboard as we cruise to Vienne between France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Lyon
After breakfast, take a tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with a drive to the top of Fourviere Hill for exquisite views then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame driving through town past the breath-taking St Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Continue with a walking tour through the traditional cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town) making time to sample Lyon's famous french cuisine and shop for souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Lyon
Once breakfast is over take a peaceful drive through the traditional rolling hills of Beaujolais. Visit the legendary Moulin-a-Vent, a windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region. Learn the skills of wine making in a small museum then head to one of Beaujolais's famous cellars for luxurious wine tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Lyon - UK
Once breakfast is over, disembark and head to airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
The captain reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.