Active & Discovery on the Rhône with 2 Nights in Paris (Northbound) 2025
| Day 1 Arles (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 2 Port-Saint-Louis: | Choice of excursion to a local oyster farm with tasting, or visit a bull ranch, or bike tour through the Camargue Regional Natural Park |
| Day 3 Arles: | Choice of guided tour in Arles, meet a local bullfighter, guided hike through the Hell Valley, or painting workshop |
| Day 4 Avignon: | Choice of guided tour in Avignon, or guided mountain E-bike tour, or Provencal farmhouse experience |
| Day 5 Viviers: | Choice of guided kayak trip down the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or guided hike in the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, or guided speleological excursion with wine tasting in the caves; evening guided tour of Viviers |
| Day 6 Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon-Lyon: | Choice of rail-bike tour, or guided hike in the vineyards, or guided tour of Tournon, or visit the Valrhona factory and museum; onboard cooking demonstration |
| Day 7 Lyon: | Choice of culinary tour, or guided urban hike, or cooking class |
| Day 8 Lyon (Disembarkation)-Paris: | Transfer to Paris |
| Day 9 Paris: | Choice of guided tour, or bike tour |
| Day 10 Paris: | Vacation ends this morning |
Notes:- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Day 1
ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Evening sailing to Port St. Louis
OVERNIGHT DOCKING PORT ST. LOUIS
Day 2
PORT-SAINT-LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Hot.
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, and 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!
Cruise to Arles to prepare for tomorrow’s exciting activities.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 3
ARLES A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
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.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 4
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 5
VIVIERS River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
Sail through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers.
ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in 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 Circque d’Estre, OR:
ACTIVE Join a Guided Excursion for a surprising underground wine tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert).
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 CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 6
TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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 Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
*This excursion will not be available on departure April 29th and will be replaced by a Guided Tour aboard the Train des L’Ardeche steam-engine train
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 7
LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hiking 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.
This evening, enjoy Lyon’s vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 8
LYON (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS This morning, say goodbye to your crew and board the TGV train to Paris. The rest of the day is free to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Consider browsing along Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience
Day 9
PARIS The City of Light
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing which will show you magnificent must-see sights, OR:
ACTIVE Enjoy a Guided Biking Tour, which will reveal some of the highlights of Paris—such as the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde—from a different point of view; enjoy a peaceful break on the Seine river banks
BreakfastDay 10
PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
BreakfastNH Collection Marseille
Superior First-Class
37 Boulevard Des Dames Marseille France
The NH Collection Marseille has 176 bright, spacious guestrooms all equipped with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi internet access, a coffee machine, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. This property is ideally located with the city¿s vibrant, picturesque old town, trendy boutiques and Le Vieux Port all just a short walk away. The restaurant provides fine wines and gourmet dishes with local and international recipes, the lobby bar serves refreshing drinks and there is also a sixth floor fitness center.
Paris Marriott Opéra Ambassador
Superior First-Class
16 Bld.Haussmann Paris France
With an exceptional location in the heart of Paris' illustrious Opera District, this stylish 297-room hotel has impressive Haussmann-style architecture and effortlessly combines Art Deco-styling dating back from its original opening in 1927 with state-of-the-art amenities. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel and there is also a fitness room. All-day dining including elegant French cuisine is available in the smart contemporary restaurant and the tranquil lobby bar offers an extensive selection of drinks and light meals.
Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe Paris
Deluxe
51-57 Rue De Courcelles Paris France
Grand chandeliers; plenty of seating for conversations in the lobby; high tech conference rooms awash with natural light.