Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 10 Day Active Discovery on the Rhone with Paris Extension. Your Active Discovery Cruise is waiting to take you on a French river cruise like never before. You'll enjoy the magnificent and romantic scenery and sights, but you'll have the opportunity to enjoy activities...read more that speak to your passions and interests, as well.
Begin in Arles to board your Avalon Suite Ship® and set out for Port-Saint-Louis. Select from three guided tours to see this amazing area as you prefer. Take a guided hike through Camargue Regional Nature Park and marshland, or join a guided bike ride through the park, keeping an eye out for more than 400 bird species, including pink flamingos. You may otherwise pay a visit to a local oyster farm for an oyster tasting, and learn about oyster farming.
Your French river cruise experience continues to Viviers. Here you have a wealth of activities, excursions, and tours - Active, Discovery, or Classic. Take a canoe trip on the canyons of the Rhône - the stunning Gorges de l'Ardèche. You might choose a hike through the Natural Reserve of Circque d'Estre, or an unusual excursion for an underground wine tasting with a wine-making expert and cave specialist. Even still, you may choose to visit a crocodile farm and botanical garden, or witness the tremendous power of Lock Bollène water facility. After choosing your daily activities, you'll spend the evening with a guided tour of Viviers to hear the renowned ghost stories of this enchanting town.
Sail to Lyon, the gastronomical capital of France, and take an evening drive for premiere photo opportunities from the hills above the city. You'll experience the remarkable sights, scenery, and flavors along the Rhône with Active Discovery activities and tours that suit you best. You'll also enjoy two nights in Paris to unwind, dine, and discover the beauty of "The City of Lights" with classic guided sightseeing or an active guided bike tour for a different view of Paris. Your 2 nights stay in Paris is the perfect ending to an Active Discovery Rhône River cruise.
Bienvenue en 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)
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Port - Saint - Louis
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone Delta. Start your day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host while cruising to Port-Saint-Louis. Active - Join a Guided Hike through the Camargue Regional Nature Park. You'll see its lush marshland habitat at the mouth of the Rhone-home to a wide variety of flora and fauna-in one of France's most protected and natural reserves, OR: 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 Rhone delta, OR: Discovery - Visit a local oyster farm on a Guided Tour, and enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed. This evening, cruise back to Arles to prepare for tomorrow's exciting activities. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)
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Arles
A Master Class, Mysterious Images, and a Matador in Provence. Active - Take a Guided Hike in Val d'Enfer, that takes its name from the strangeness of its white limestone rock formations; later be entranced by a magical Audio/Visual Experience of light, images, and music at the Carrieres de Lumieres, OR: Discovery - Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You'll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, OR: Classic - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles and meet a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the natural salt marsh at Salin d'Aigues-Mortes, to discover the magic of the pink waters of the Camargue. Alternatively, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or stretch out on a bench in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B/L/D)
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Avignon
Essential Oils, and Ancient Roman Aqueducts. Active - Join a Guided E-Bike Ride through Tavel-birthplace of French Rose. After the tour, enjoy a Wine Tasting, OR: Discovery - Enjoy a Guided Tour of the Musee des Aromes et du Parfum to take in the fragrance of aromatic herbs and essential oils in this museum of aromas and perfumes, and create your own unique scent, 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 Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, as well as the chance to make your own wine blend, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a canoe 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 (B/L/D)
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Viviers - Lock Bollene
River Gorge Canoes, Underground Wines, and Nighttime Ghost Stories. Start your day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host before cruising through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollene on your way to Viviers. Active - Join a Guided Canoe Trip to navigate the Gorges de l'Ardeche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhone tributary, OR: Active - Take 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), OR; Discovery - Visit a Crocodile Farm and discover the wonderful world of reptiles-not only crocodiles, but also snakes, turtles, iguanas and an amazing botanical garden, OR: Classic - Visit the tremendous water facility at Bollene and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhone. Discovery - This evening, take a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers to experience the fascinating history and ghost stories of this enchanting town. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L'HERMITAGE (B/L/D)
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Tournon/tain L'hermitage
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge. Active - Join a Guided Excursion this morning to pedal your rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux for a panoramic view, OR: Active - Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, OR: Discovery - Take a full tour of the Valrhona factory and museum. Taste chocolate, and also make your own signature chocolate bar, 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 and Roman ruins. Discovery - Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare Lyonnaise specialties while sailing to Lyon. LYON: An Evening Drive through the Heart of Lyon. Discovery - Join a Guided Tour for an evening drive of Lyon for picturesque photo opportunities, from Fourviere hill for a city bird's eye view, to Presqu'ile district, for catching the heart of Lyon and its ever-changing river bank view. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)
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Lyon
A Festival of colours, Aromas, and Taste. Active - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk. Active - Join a Guided Hike in Parc de la Tete d'Or, this vast urban park with its many trails and lake , OR: Discovery - Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colours, aromas and taste-exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: Discovery - Learn to make your own Saucisson brioche and other local culinary Favourites in a Cooking Class. This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourviere, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Mountain Bike Excursion through the Beaujolais wine country. This evening, enjoy Lyon's vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)
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Lyon (Disembark)
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 cafes for a true Parisian experience. (B)
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Paris
Join a Guided Sightseeing tour which will show you magnificent must-see sights. Alternatively, join 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. (B)
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Paris
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Avalon Inclusions
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River Cruise Inclusions
Spacious outside deluxe accommodations with enhanced soundproofing and Avalon's exclusive Comfort Collection Beds for a great night's sleep.
Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath products.
MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) on the itinerary, including daily four-course a la carte dinners with choice of appetisers, soups, salads, mains, desserts, and Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options.
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel.
Included sightseeing with headsets and expert local guides.
Complimentary bicycles available for use on shore.
Onboard local entertainment.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
A professional Cruise Director who delivers educational commentary as you travel through interesting landscapes, and who assists with requests and additional excursions.
An Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions.
Friendly, English-speaking staff who deliver consummate personal service throughout your journey.
Gratuities to Cruise Director, Crew, Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.
Included Meals
9 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners
Trip Notes
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.
No single supplement on all 2018 Avalon Europe & Asia river cruises! All stateroom categories (excluding Suites) T&C's apply.
Welcome Back
From the 1st Jan 2019, past Avalon clients booking now for travel in 2019 will receive a Welcome Back Credit (WBC) to use on your next trip (based on the value of your 2019 trip).
Past Client Loyalty Saving
Have you booked a trip with Global Journeys previously? Thanks! Save an additional $50 per person (up to $100 per booking) off the trip of your choice (over 6 days in length). This saving is open for a period of 4 years from the date of last booking you made with Global Journeys.
February Sale - Save from $300 - $4600 per couple on select Europe cruise departures.
Solo traveller savings available. Book by 28 February 2019.
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.
Deluxe Stateroom E
$ 0
Deluxe Stateroom D
$ 249
Panorama Suite B
$ 1,399
Panorama Suite A
$ 1,459
Panorama Suite P
$ 1,579
Royal Suite S
$ 2,659
Note: Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Tour Notes
Trip prices are per person, and reflect applicable discounts. Discounts are subject to availability, exclusive to Global Journeys and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change by Avalon. Full terms & conditions are available here.
