Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)

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

A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste

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

• Active: Take a Guided Urban Hike 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE/TOURNON

Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge.

• 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 Viviers.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS

River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines

• Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l'Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
• Active: Join a Guided Visit 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 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.
• Discovery: Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.

Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Bike Pedals, Papal 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

• 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. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer. Later, enjoy on board live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta.

Enjoy an early morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.

• 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 to 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!

In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing to Arles.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.