Overview

Travel Period
June 2026 - June 2026
8 Day River Cruise Arles to Lyon
The Rhône River has seen conquerors, poets, and revolutionaries—but never Graham McTavish. Until now! Join the legendary actor, author, and Avalon Waterways spokesperson for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise where history, adventure, and storytelling collide. From June 9-16, 2026, you’ll sip, sail, and swagger – with Graham – through the heart of Provence and Burgundy, tracing the footsteps of Roman emperors, artistic geniuses, and wine-loving rebels. Expect epic tales and even better toasts, as Graham shares behind-the-scenes stories from his life on screen and page, all while you explore the medieval marvels of Avignon, the artistic echoes of Arles, the vineyard-cloaked hills of Tain L’Hermitage, and the culinary wonders of Lyon. Whether you’re raising a glass in a sun-drenched château, unraveling the secrets of ancient ruins, or sharing laughs with fellow travel lovers, this is no ordinary cruise—it’s a journey for legends! So, grab your sense of adventure (and maybe a whisky or two) and get ready for a rollicking Rhône River ride that’s as bold as its host on this Active & Discovery on the Rhône cruise!Other things you can expect?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.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.MORE ABOUT GRAHAM MCTAVISH Renowned actor and author, Graham McTavish, is best known for his roles as Dawlin in The Hobbit, Vlad Dracula Tepes in the Netflix-animated series, Castevania, the Saint of Kills in the AMC series, The Preacher, Sigismund Dijkstra in the Netflix show, The Witcher, and Dougal MacKenzie in the Starz hit series, Outlander. McTavish is also known for his roles in the Uncharted video game franchise as the main antagonist Zoran. In 2020, McTavish and Outlander co-star Sam Heughan co-wrote the No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other. McTavish and his wife Garance Doré married in January 2023 at Borthwick Castle in Scotland.
Your Itinerary
ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
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. LouisOVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORT ST. LOUIS(D)
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône DeltaVisit 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 live onboard entertainment.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
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(B,L,D)
Pedals, Palaces, and Perfumes in ProvenceACTIVE 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.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories 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 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 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.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 CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE(B,L,D)
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: 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 Lyon.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
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 a gala farewell dinner onboard. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Travel Partner

![]()
Cruise without crowds, explore new cultures with ease, and sail in intimate settings when you cruise the world with Avalon Waterways! If you’re considering trading ocean cruising for river cruising, here are some of the biggest differences you can look forward to!