Overview
Start:Chalon-Sur-Saone, France
Finish:Arles, France
Duration:8 days

Travel Period
November 2026 - November 2027
8 Day River Cruise Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles
Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.Board your Avalon Suite Ship® on the Saône in Chalon-sur-Saône, and cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, which sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour of Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you’ll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. Continue your river cruise to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world – and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Your Itinerary
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingFlights into Lyon must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (D)
Pearl of Southern Burgundy CLASSIC Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.DISCOVERY Join an excursion that will take you to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting.DISCOVERY Later, join a lecture on board about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX(B,L,D)
La Vie En Rose in LyonSail for lovely Lyon this morning. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to 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 your lecture on board your ship. Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Adventures in Food and WineDISCOVERY Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON(B,L,D)
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards ACTIVE Hike in the vineyards and take in the breathtaking views from the hills (weather permitting), OR: CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Viviers after lunch. 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
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.DISCOVERY Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Later, enjoy live onboard entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)
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.Take free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine.DISCOVERY Join an onboard wine and chocolate tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)
Travel Partner

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