Burgundy & Provence (wine)
8 Days
Tour Description
Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your river cruise in France with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world—and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. Take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, for the opportunity to taste local wines.
About Certified Sommeliers:
Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honoured to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world—and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. Take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, for the opportunity to taste local wines.
About Certified Sommeliers:
Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honoured to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
Priced From:
$ 7059pp *
Start Location: Arles, France
End Location: Chalon, France
Major Destinations: Arles ,Avignon,Lyon,Paris,Tournon & Tain l’Hermitage
Breakfast Meals Included:
7
Lunch Meals Included:
6
Dinner Meals Included:
7
Itinerary
Day
1
ARLES (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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (D)
Day
2
ARLES
A Brush with Genius
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, 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 Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles-the captivating city of the Provence region. You'll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.
DISCOVERY Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B,L,D)
Day
3
AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon-with its ramparts encircling the city-and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region.
Later, enjoy live onboard entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B,L,D)
Day
4
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.
ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You'll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B,L,D)
Day
5
TAIN L'HERMITAGE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:
CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon-one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
In the early afternoon, cruise to Lyon.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B,L,D)
Day
6
LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourviere Hill with its numerous churches. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.
DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.
Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS (B,L,D)
Day
7
TOURNUS-CHALON-SUR-SAONE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saone
DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Maconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAONE (B,L,D)
Day
8
CHALON-SUR-SAONE (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2026-11-10
Return Date :
2026-11-17
Single :
10601 NZD
Twin :
7059 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2026-10-27
Return Date :
2026-11-03
Single :
10850 NZD
Twin :
7220 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2026-10-13
Return Date :
2026-10-20
Single :
11599 NZD
Twin :
7703 NZD
Open