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Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$3,707
Save $1,644pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Lyon
 Cruise Finishes
Arles
8 Day Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: France
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WYL

Overview

Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams.

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.

Itinerary

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (D)

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 (B/L/D)

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:
  • Active: Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain - l'Hermitage, 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.
VIVIERS: Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories

  • Discovery: For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales, and ghost stories of this enchanting town.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS (B/L/D)

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: Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, 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.
Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B/L/D)

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.
This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf - du - Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional E-Bike Ride through Gard region.

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.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)

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 (B/L/D)

Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta.

Enjoy a 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!

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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

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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. Read more

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Our Vision. Your View.

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Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers 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

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5.0
Average Rating 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
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Avalon River Cruise 0 , Australia, Sep 2025
The ship, the crew, the food, the Cruise Director were fantastic. Interaction with the Global team was also first class and happy to recommend you to our friends. xox
Great river cruise 0 , New Zealand, Jul 2025
Relaxed and interesting, meals ranged from excellent to outstanding and wines good. Staff excellent and nothing was too much trouble. A good choice of excursions that was what attached us to the trip.

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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One more step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

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Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,707
From $5,530
From $7,354
Tuesday 05 May 2026 05 May 26 Lyon
Tuesday 12 May 2026 12 May 26 Arles
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Avalon Poetry II
River View
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Tuesday 16 Jun 2026 16 Jun 26 Lyon
Tuesday 23 Jun 2026 23 Jun 26 Arles
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Avalon Poetry II
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River View
US$4,358
Save $672
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Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 26 Lyon
Tuesday 29 Sep 2026 29 Sep 26 Arles
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Avalon Poetry II
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Tuesday 11 May 2027 11 May 27 Lyon
Tuesday 18 May 2027 18 May 27 Arles
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Avalon Poetry II
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US$4,187
Save $1,164
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 22 Jun 2027 22 Jun 27 Lyon
Tuesday 29 Jun 2027 29 Jun 27 Arles
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Avalon Poetry II
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,707
Save $1,644
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 28 Sep 2027 28 Sep 27 Lyon
Tuesday 05 Oct 2027 05 Oct 27 Arles
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Avalon Poetry II
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US$4,043
Save $1,408
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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. 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.

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