Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Northbound)
Overview
Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. These are just a few of the ways our wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you choose how to interact with the scenery, the artistic, and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire read more ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class – the world is your oyster on an Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone.
Move. Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you: Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade. Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.
And be moved. Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you: Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty. Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse. Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works.
Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way. Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.
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 fragrant flower picking and oil distillation, stroll through greenhouses, orchards and meadows to discover summer colors and scents, 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 an Active & Discovery journey that’s been beautifully curated to reveal new depths of Burgundy and Provence throughout the year.
Itinerary
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Fights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Evening sailing to Port St. Louis.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORT ST. LOUIS
Oysters and Flamingos on the Rhône Delta.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- 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 Rhône delta, OR:
- Discovery: Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour, and enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
- Discovery: Visit one of France's most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!
Cruise to Arles to prepare for tomorrow's exciting activities.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
- Active: Experience the legends of Val d'Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, 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: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices.
EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON
Pedals, Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence.
- Active: Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:
- Discovery: Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, 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, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles' covered market.
You may choose to spend free time exploring 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.
Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines.
Sail through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers.
- Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l'Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, 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 traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer's dog; meet a truffle - producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast, OR:
- Classic: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L'HERMITAGE
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active: For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
- Discovery: Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, 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.
- Discovery: Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Lyon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
- Active: Take a Guided Urban Hiking through Lyon's secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city's 19th-century silk trade, OR:
- Discovery: Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
- Discovery: Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
This evening, enjoy Lyon's vibrant nightlife on your own after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
Your cruise 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.
