Active & Discovery on the Rhone (Southbound)
Deal number 20657920
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Poetry II
22nd Sep 2026
Europe
7-night cruise
Departing from Amsterdam
from
$9,945*
per person, twin-share
Offer expires 31st Jul 2025
What's Included
- Exclusive Travel Associates Offer receive one night complimentary pre or post hotel stay.
- 7 Night river cruise from Lyon to Arles onboard Avalon Poetry II in a Panorama Suite.
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners.- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapes.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Professional Cruise Director to help throughout your cruise.
- Complimentary bicycles available for use on shore.
- Friendly, English-speaking crew.
- Headsets for all guided shore excursions.
- All Gratuities onobard.
- Pricing includes Travel Associates non-refundable Purple Ribbon Service Booking and Management fees of $50 per adult.
Itinerary
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 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.
Day 1 Lyon, France (Embarkation)
Welcome to Holland. 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 (D).
Day 2 Lyon, France
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:
Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
Evening cruise to Tain L'Hermitage/Touron (B,L,D)
Day 3 Tain L'Hermitage/Touron - Viviers
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:
DISCOVERY - Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers. 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. Vivers -Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories
Overnight docking in Vivers (B,L,D)
Day 4 Viviers -Lock Bollene
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:
ACITVE - 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). 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)
Day 5 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. 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. 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)
Day 6 Arles, France
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)
Day 7 Port-Saint-Louis
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone 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)
Day 8 Arles, France (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am (B)
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 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.
Day 1 Lyon, France (Embarkation)
Welcome to Holland. 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 (D).
Day 2 Lyon, France
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:
Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
Evening cruise to Tain L'Hermitage/Touron (B,L,D)
Day 3 Tain L'Hermitage/Touron - Viviers
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:
DISCOVERY - Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers. 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. Vivers -Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories
Overnight docking in Vivers (B,L,D)
Day 4 Viviers -Lock Bollene
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:
ACITVE - 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). 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)
Day 5 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. 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. 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)
Day 6 Arles, France
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)
Day 7 Port-Saint-Louis
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone 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)
Day 8 Arles, France (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am (B)
Terms of service
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Pricing includes Travel Associates non-refundable Purple Ribbon Service Booking and Management fees of $50 per person.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 31 July 2025 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
- Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store.
- Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
- Prices quoted are based on cheapest available at time of advertising and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Please enquire for further details..