Burgundy & Provence

4.5/5 Based on 13 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 5,162 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,551 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Chalon Sur Saone
 Trip Finishes
Arles
8 Day Burgundy & Provence Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: France
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WJL

Overview

Read 13 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 8 Day Burgundy & Provence. Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des...read more Terreaux with its lively cafés and monuments and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this historical city further and be sure to sample Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region.

Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you’ll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk. Continue your river cruise to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

Itinerary

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (D)

Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

  • Classic: Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centres in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.

  • Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TREVOUX (B/L/D)

La Vie En Rose in Lyon

Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.

  • Active: Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, OR:
  • 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: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.

Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)

Adventures in Food and Wine

  • Discovery: Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.

The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France's third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city's more than 100 murals.

EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON (B/L/D)

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

  • Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon - one of France's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.

Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.

VIVIERS: World History in a Charming French Country Village

  • Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late 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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B/L/D)

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • 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.

Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region.

Explore Avignon on your own for the city's art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Benezet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

  • 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)

Life Onboard

Avalon Poetry II
Avalon Poetry II

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships.

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

Trip Reviews (13) View All Most Recent 'Burgundy & Provence' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
13 Reviews
5 Star
54%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
1 Star
Relaxing but limited cruising time 1 , WA, Australia, Oct 2019
Unfortunately for us, we were not able to board the Suite Ship on day 3 as per itinerary due to the unsuitable water level. We were transported by coach from Dijon to Lyon to board the Suite Ship which was docked till day 6. Hence, we missed out on a lot of cruising. When we did cruise, it was in the evening. The extra we paid for the cabin with balcony ...read more was wasted. In the day time we could only see the river bank or another ship docked next to ours from the balcony. We were, however, compensated with one free optional tour in Lyon. We did make good of our time by enjoying the land tours (free and optional ones), food and company of fellow cruisers. Overall, the trip was relaxing and enjoyable.
Pleasant trip down the Rhone 1 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2017
The cruise was very enjoyable in many respects, but we were probably spoilt back in 2014 when we did the trip from Amsterdam to Basel which is prettier and had better tour highlights. No complaints with the crew, food and comforts but the other cruise was hard to top.

Cruise director could have done more with onboard commentary and was very dismissive ...read more about one query about flamingos in the Camargue. He said you'd never see one. We caught a local bus to the site from Arles and saw hundreds.
Burgundy & Provence 2 , SA, Australia, Aug 2016
Our trip from Paris was faultless, commencing with excellent accommodation for 2 nights at the Westin Paris Vendome. Next day we enjoyed a guided sightseeing tour of the beautiful city. Then by TGV down to join our luxurious ship at Chalon Sur Saone with wine tasting at Beaune along the way. The next 7 days were really fabulous visiting many lovely ...read more towns and cities whilst being pampered, wined and dined on board the MS Avalon Affinity. Finally disembarking at Arles and then travelling to Monte Carlo with a final night at the luxurious Fairmont. All meals were excellent as were the hosts and local guides. We have no hesitation in recommending this tour.
Fantastic service and wonderful new relationships formed 1 , NSW, Australia, Apr 2016
This was a wonderfully run tour. Our tour leader, Danielle, was always able to make things work e.g. When the water was too high north of Lyon, to take the boat under the bridge, she organised different day trips and bussed us to them at no charge, to make up for what we'd missed. The staff were amazingly pleasant and all displayed a great sense of ...read more humour. Service was fantastic and the food was fabulous! The beds were very comfortable and every need was met within the cabins. To add to the experience, we met so many lovely travellers with whom we related and hopefully this will be the beginning of many years of friendship despite the distance that separates us.
Wonderful Trip 2 , ACT, Australia, Oct 2015
The river cruise was excellent we are convinced small boat cruising is the best. Some of the outstanding features on the cruise were; the on board staff; tour director; on-board catering; general peace a serenity of this type of holiday. On the other side, some things that could be improved are; 1) the wines on a couple of the paid tasting excursions ...read more were sub standard compared to those available in Australia for comparable prices. The exception being the winery near Avignon. 2) Monte Carlo was a considerable disappointment way overpriced. In particular we strongly recommend that Avalon changes the location of the last nights tour dinner. This establishment let down the tour by; serving sub standard food, no choice of white wine for the main, stone cold poorly made coffee and finally the staffs attitude.
Staff excellent & all very helpful 1 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2015
Staff excellent & all very helpful. Local guides very informative & provide unique information about local culture. Rooms very comfortable, spacious & clean.
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Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Category E
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Category D
Indigo Deck (Level 1)
 
Panorama Suite
Category B
 
Panorama Suite
Category A
Sapphire Deck (Level 2)
 
Panorama Suite
Category P
 
Royal Suite
Royal Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)

  • Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
  • Twin Windows
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Royal Suite

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Category E  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category D From $ 199
Category B $ 1,799 - $ 1,899
Category A $ 1,899 - $ 1,999
Category P $ 1,949 - $ 2,049
Category S $ 3,499 - $ 3,599
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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