Burgundy & Provence with French Riviera (Southbound)
Overview
Every Season. A Different Perspective. From the warmth of summer to the gentle transitions of fall and spring, this journey through the South of France takes on a distinct character in every season. You can enjoy hands on summer apricot harvests, fragrant flower picking and oil distillation, fall wine-harvest experiences or pastry demonstrations inspired by each season’s freshest flavors. Seasonal light and landscapes bring fresh perspectives to vineyard-lined valleys, riverside villages, and France’s celebrated art of living. It’s a classic route that’s been beautifully curated to reveal new depths of Burgundy and Provence throughout the year.
Itinerary
Your Suite Ship Awaits!
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon.
- Active: Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You'll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.
- Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Fine Silk and French Sweets
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Classic: Explore Lyon's silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu'île, and a live demonstration of hand - printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history!
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a Pastry Demonstration on board your ship, while sailing to Mâcon.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MÂCON
Wine on the Stunning Saône
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Discovery: Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
- Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- 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 Châteauneuf - du - Pape for a true taste of the Rhône 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 - Bénézet.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
A Brush with Genius
- 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 Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast.
After breakfast this morning, you'll drive to spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
- Classic: En route to French Riviera, stop in Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing to discover the elegant beauty of Cezanne's hometown.
The “Queen of the French Riviera”
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2027)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
