Active & Discovery Cruise On The Rhone With Paris (Paris to Port St Louis) 10D9N

Spend today making your own adventure as you explore the ‘City of Lights’ at your own pace. For a true Parisian experience take a lovely stroll along Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafes. Walk along the quaint Champs Elysees from Place de la Corde to the Arc de Triomphe. Along the way, stop by the infamous Laduree for decadent macaroons. For panoramic birds eye vistas over Paris, climb the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

Your adventure won’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Climb to the very top for sweeping views of the picturesque city. For the art enthusiast, swerve the Mona Lisa and uncover the treasures of the Louvre. Savour a lovely stroll along the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf, and enjoy the view of the Seine River Pont Des Arts and the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance. Step back in the historic part of Paris to Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame, one of the oldest and grandest cathedrals in the world.

Come afternoon, head to the steps of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, sitting atop the highest hill in Paris which for a perfect sunset spot.

Today, delve deeper into the charming wonders of Paris with a choice of two activity types.

Classic: Embark on a guided sightseeing adventure with an expert guide discovering the magnificent must-see icons and most beloved attractions of Paris. Your highlights today include the Pompidu Centre and marvel at modern art masterpieces falling under the spell of Picasso, Pollock, Warhol and more. Visit the World-Famous National Museum of Modern Art and the whismical Stravinski Fountain.

Active: Awaken your inner Parisian as you uncover the city like a local, by bike. Traverse icons like the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde to a different point of view and savour a lovely stroll with a break on the Seine River banks all while embracing the rich history and ambiance.

Savour a delicious Parisian breakfast before bidding the city farewell as you board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship, the luxury Avalon Poetry II awaits. Step onboard your luxury floating home and be welcomed with cocktails, sparkling wine and canapes to begin your cruise down The Rhone. Unwind in your ensuite staterooms with large private bathrooms, enjoy cocktails with a view at the Sky Deck or simply bask in the view with your floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with open-air balcony.

Come evening, admire Lyon with a memorable evening drive around the twinkling cityscapes of illuminated Lyon. Uncover the heart of the city in the majestic Presqu’ile district as you admire the grand architecture of its historic buildings including Place des Terreaux, Bartholdi Fountain and more.

This evening, retreat back onboard for a mouthwatering dining affair. Indulge in the freshest ingredients boasting flavours from small farms and local producers for a healthful and innovative dining experience.

Explore everything that is Lyon from its festival of colours, aromas and taste as you explore the centre today’s activities with your host with a choice from 3 activity types:

Active: Embark on a guided urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways or ‘Traboules’ to uncover the city’s hidden past and a glimpse into its 19th century silk trade. Wind through buildings, courtyards and up and down staircases as you admire each unique traboule with its pastel color, a particular curve or spiral staircase, vaulted ceilings or Renaissance arches. Hike through Parc De La Tête D'Or, a Vast Urban Park With Exceptional Trails And Beautiful Scenery.

Discovery:
Option 1: Venture on a exclusive guided culinary walk through Lyon exploring its architecture and local specialties in festival of colours, aromas and taste. Unravel and be inspired by what makes Lyon cuisine famed around the world.

Option 2: Be a french chef for the day with an interactive cooking class learning the secrets of creating your own Lyonnaise specialty with an expert chef. From Saucisson Brioché and other local delights.

Optional Tour (additional cost): This afternoon, venture on the off beaten path through some of the city’s most coveted publiuc and private rooftops and terraces for breathtaking panoramic views of Lyon. Marvel at the rooftops of Lyon with exclusive access to the top of Basilica de Fourviere.

This evening, unwind onboard as you set sail to Tain L’Hermitage and Tournon.

Today, unearth the delights of Tain L’Hermitage and Tournon with a list of activities on offer.

Classic: Embark on a guided sightseeing adventure exploring the ancient treasures of the twin cities, Tournon And Tain-L'Hermitage, and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. Discover the 16th century Castle and The Roman Ruins between The Rhône River And The Granite Slopes Of The Hermitage.

Active
Option 1: Encounter nature on a morning guided rail-bike adventure along the stunning Gorges du Doux. Marvel at panoramic and dramatic views as you pedal your rail bike past rocky cliff sides, thick forests, meadows and picturesque orchards.

Option 2: Venture on a guided hike through picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon And Tain-L'Hermitage with serene Rhone River views along the way.

Discovery
Option 1: For those with a sweet tooth, immerse in a sweet chocolate experience and create your very own signature chocolate bar and indulge to your heart’s content as you explore the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum.

Option 2: Unleash your inner chef with a cooking demonstration class and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat as you sail to Viviers.

Option 3: For a different perspective on the town, engage in a guided adventure of the enchanting town of Viviers uncovering its legends, tales and ghost stories. Unlock a thrilling night time experience unveiling its deepest, darkest and spine tingling secrets.

This evening, you’ll be docking overnight in the charming town of Viviers.

Active
Option 1: Kayak in the Gorges de l’Ardeche, the Grand Canyon of Europe, and onto the spectacular canyons of this Rhone tributary. Be accompanied by an expert guide as you paddle through locations only accessible by water while savouring in nature’s tranquility. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for birds including the rare Bonelli’s Eagles.

Option 2: Journey through Cirque d’ Estre Nature Reserve as you hike amid Mediterranean vegetation of evergreen oaks, limestone rocks and serene rivers.

Option 3: Immerse in a unique underground wine tasting with an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and Oenologist (wine-making expert).

Classic: Explore the inspiring water facility at Bollene and discover the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhone River.

This evening, you’ll dock overnight in the quaint city of Avignon.

Explore the region of Provence your way.

Active: Discover Provence on two wheels on a leisurely guided e-bike ride through the breathtaking Gard region unveiling charming medieval villages and legendary roman-era Pont Du Gard.

Discovery: Immerse into the french art of fragrance exploring Un Mas En Provence, an authentic Provencal farmhouse. Uncover how essential oils are created and awaken your senses as you gain insight into organic perfume plants and the distillation and extraction processes on this inspiring experience.

Classic: Plunge into the wonders of Avignon as you explore the world’s largest gothic fortress, the 14th Century Palace of the Popes. Meander amongst locals and marvel at local delights and fresh produce as you explore the iconic Les Halles’ covered market.

This afternoon, for those in pursue of more adventure can spend time exploring Avignon, the heart of Provence. Take a lovely leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares of its medieval walls. Alternatively, opt for guided optional activities (additional cost).

Optional Tour (at additional cost): Wine enthusiasts can venture in the famed wine cellars of the famous wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, explore a traditional winery and indulge in exquisite wine tasting of its incomparable wines. Or for the more active goers, kayak through the waters of the serene gorges of Pont du Gard, the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts for a different perspective of the scenic Gard region.

This evening, continue your journey as you cruise to the coastal city of Arles

Today, choose to be a master painter or a matador in Arles as you explore with your host for today’s activities.

Active: Hike the unique white rock formations of Val d’Enfer and marvel at its molasses rocks with their strange and fantastical shapes, sculpted by erosion. Along the way, stimulate your senses at Carrieres de Lumieres, once a limestone quarry, now a natural surrounding that has been converted into a gallery for a unique light, music and video experience circulating the walls and ceiling in an incredible way.

Discovery: Unleash you inner artist and create your own masterpiece painting in a workshop learning the techniques of the legendary artist, Vincent Van Gogh.

Classic: Voyage through the charming town of Arles and uncover its gems from where artists such as Van Gigh werer inspired over the centuries to admiring historical landmarks such as the ancient church of Saint -Trôphime. Engage with a local bullfighter at The Roman Amphitheater, which still hosts the annual La Feria Bullfights and unveil the secrets and traditions handed down through generations. Spend time making your adventures in this captivating town with time exploring it at your own leisure.

Come afternoon, savour the serene moment to leisurely stroll, shop, relax and do as you please in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. This evening, retire back onboard and be treated to live entertainment as the night goes on. You’ll be docking overnight in Arles.

This morning, enjoy a delightful breakfast onboard as you cruise towards Port-Saint Louis. Savour the serene vistas on the spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, refresh in the panoramic whirlpool or simply laze in the alfresco open-air bistro. Today, explore the Rhone Delta your style.

Active: Explore the Rhone on two wheels with a bike ride through the picturesque Camargue Nature Park along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhone Delta. Peddle your way through Provence’s breathtaking Camargue Wetlands and keep your eyes peeled for more than 400 bird species including the greater pink flamingos and the wild Camargue horses, one of the oldest equine breeds in the world.

Discovery:
Option 1: Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in Camargue Nature Park. Delight your tastebuds with a farm-fresh oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is cultivated.

Option 2: Explore one of France’s most pristine nature reserves with a visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park.

This evening, you’ll dock back in Arles.

Savour one last breakfast onboard with serene river views, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Bid farewell as you disembark the ship for your onward travel. (Flights should not leave Marseille Airport before 10am).

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.