France was born along its rivers. And this River Cruise Tour delivers you to the doorsteps of a nation’s history and culture, from romantic riverside ruins and lush vineyards to glittering cities of elegance and grandeur. Here is a selection of some treasures you will experience.
ADMIRE THE PROVENCE AND THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY OF THE RHONE & SAONE VALLEY – scenic landscapes that inspired Impressionist artists Lyon is France’s second city, one of France’s oldest cities, and is reputed as the gourmet capital of France. It’s large historic centre, Le Vieux Lyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the largest ensemble
of Renaissance buildings in Europe. Discover Beaujolais as you’ve never seen before. Enjoy the calm and serenity of the region, taste the local food and wines in a friendly and warm spirit. Experience & Discover the Camargue- a unique area lying between two arms of the Rhône river. Its vast expanses give it a special atmosphere to be found nowhere else. It is paradise for migratory birds, a nesting area for flamingoes, and home to bulls and horses.
Itinerary
01 July
MALTA LYONS KM 454 1350 1600. Transfer & Overnight in Lyons.
02 July: LYONS
Morning to enjoy Lyons Centre. Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll enjoy dinner on board as our ship cruises to Mâcon. Don’t miss Lyon lit up at night as we depart!
03 July: MÂCON – THE BEAUJOLAIS VINEYARDS – LYON
Optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC package: A guided tour of Mâcon. With its colored facades, Mâcon feels like it should be part of Provence. Learn more about this Burgundy city on a tour highlighting its major sites.
DISCOVERY package: A food lover’s tour of Mâcon. Join us for a walking tour of the capital of the Beaujolais wine region and have a taste of some of the local products.
This afternoon, join us for an optional excursion for both packages: The Beaujolais vineyards. The Beaujolais wine region is tucked in between Lyon and Burgundy. Wines range from the young Beaujolais Nouveau to high-quality crus. Red wines are made mostly from Gamay grapes that create a vibrant, fruity taste. Light and fresh white wines come predominantly from Chardonnay varieties. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship to cruise to Lyon in the evening.
04 July: LYON – TAIN-L’HERMITAGE, VALLEY DU RHONE
Optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC package: Join us for a Panoramic tour of Lyon and learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street.
DISCOVERY package: Explore Lyon by bike and see its historic monuments and neighborhoods from the saddle before enjoying a tasting in the heart of the Old Town. Lyon is a remarkably green city and a pleasure to visit, especially on a bike. Its history spans over 2,000
years. The Romans left their footprint in the form of a forum and artifacts. Splendid churches from all eras dot the city hills. The streets are lined with boutiques to poke around in and restaurants waiting to serve their delights. We’ll cruise to Tain-l’Hermitage in the afternoon and arrive in the evening.
05 July: TAIN-L’HERMITAGE – THE VERCORS MASSIF – AVIGNON
This morning, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Discover the Vercors Massif and enjoy a tasting of local sparkling wine (Clairette de Die).* The Vercors Massif contains impressive sites and breathtaking views. We’ll discover many of these on a trip through its natural park. Peaks, trails, rushing streams, steep cliffs, and rolling mountain pastures await. The Vercors Massif was also a strategic location for the French Resistance during World War II. We’ll visit the
quaint town of Die—known for its delicious sparkling wine—and enjoy a tasting. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, arriving during the evening.
06 July: AVIGNON – ARLES – MARTIGUES (1)
Optional excursions for both packages:
Join us this morning for a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. Avignon has had quite a past. The city’s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in this area is the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe and the city’s most famous attraction.
The afternoon will be dedicated to a visit to Arles and a tour of a local olive oil production workshop. Tourists love to visit Arles for two reasons: Its Roman ruins and its ties to Van Gogh. The city oozes Provençal charm, and every corner seems packed with something to see or taste. And speaking of taste, no trip to the south of France would be complete without a visit to a local olive oil manufacturer. Our ship will cruise to Martigues in the evening.
07 July: MARTIGUES(1) – THE CAMARGUE – MARSEILLE
This morning, join us for an optional excursion:
CLASSIC package: Tour the Camargue. We’ll visit a manade to enjoy a horse show.
DISCOVERY package: Safari in the Camargue in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Set out on an exciting jaunt into the heart of the wild Camargue. Sit back and admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamencos, black bulls, and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Whether on the edge of the sea or inland, each spot is an immersion in the wonders nature has to offer in France.
This afternoon, join us for an optional excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Marseille. We’ll take you to the main sites, including La Canebière, the Old Port, and the impressive white basilica. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
08 JULy : MARTIGUES (1)
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00a.m. FR 7796 – 1745 – 1940 Ryanair flight to Malta operated by Maltair
Optional Excursions
Classic | Discovery | |
---|---|---|
MACON | €24 | €39 |
EXCURSION TO THE BEAUJOLAIS VINEYARDS | €71 | €71 |
LYONS | €42 | €93 |
VERCORS | €73 | €73 |
AVIGNON AND THE POPE’S PALACE | €33 | €33 |
GUIDED TOUR OF ARLES AND VISIT OF AN OLIVE OIL SITE | €54 | €54 |
CAMARGUE WITH MANADE | €73 | €108 |
MARSEILLE | €56 | €56 |
TOTAL | €426 | €527 |
Special Rate for entire 8 Excursions package if pre-booked | €350 | €450 |