Tour begins: 6:00 PM. A transfer is included from either the Lyon Airport or Lyon's Perrache or Part Dieu train stations to the riverboat. Your family's France river cruise gets off to a fabulous start from the moment you board your riverboat. Meet the families you'll be traveling with at a welcome reception and dinner, featuring entertainment by a mentalist that's fun for the whole family.

Now that you have met your fellow travelers at our welcome reception, it's time for the first full day of adventure! After breakfast, disembark the ship fora day of choices in Lyon. On one option, your family can embark on a sightseeing tour across the city by coach complete with viewings of the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière followed by a walking tour of the Old Town. Your excursion is highlighted with mini food tastings throughout, so don't fill up too much on breakfast! Alternatively, enjoy a thrilling bike ride along the Rhone, one of the most important rivers in the region for its use in hydroelectric power generation and regional wine production. Depart Lyon late this afternoon as you cruise to your next destination - Vienne.

Welcome to Vienne! Once a thriving center of the Roman Empire, Vienne – known in ancient times as Vienna – flourished thanks to its strategic location along the Rhône River. Today, its rich Roman heritage lives on in the remarkable ruins and ancient monuments scattered throughout the city, offering a fascinating glimpse into its storied past. Your time in Vienne is highlighted today by a choice of excursions followed by another afternoon of cruising en route to your next destination - Tain l'Hermitage.

This morning your riverboat docks in Tain l'Hermitage for fun family discoveries ashore including a choice of excursions; a Velorail Rail Bike ride; a visit to world renowned chocolate producer, Valrhona, where you'll learn about the history of the chocolate maker, taste the difference between a few different types of chocolate and take part in a chocolate truffle making class with one of Valrhona's top pastry chefs; or, embark on an active hike through the vineyards of Tain I'Hermitage, learning about the region's rich wine history and indulging in a jaw-dropping view at the top of the hill, one that warranted a visit from future president Thomas Jefferson back in 1788.The rest of the afternoon and evening are spent cruising the Rhône, bound for the medieval village of Viviers.

This morning brings adventure to your France family river cruise with a walking tour of medieval Viviers, where you'll wind your way up through narrow, cobbled streets, curious passageways and doorways in shades of blue and green... leading up to the petite 12th-century Cathédrale Saint-Vincent. Next, try your hand at a game of pétanque, played by tossing a small metal boule about the size of an orange. Alternatively, the Bollene lock is one of the most impressive navigation locks in Europe, often cited as a marvel of engineering; your visit includes an amazing look at river navigation. From the moment you step into this landmark of the Rhone Valley, you'll be taken on a journey through exhibits and displays which bring the story to life. Return to the riverboat for lunch and an afternoon and evening spent cruising. This evening, an onboard performance by an accordionist precedes dinner.

Disembark your riverboat this morning for your choice of excursions in Avignon. One choice offers you the opportunity to explore the opulent Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress and palace, the Palais des Papes was a seat of Western Christianity throughout the 14th century and was most notable as being the location of six papal enclaves leading to the elections of Benedict XII, Clement VI, Innocent VI, Urban V, Gregory XI and Benedict XII. Today, the palace is recognized classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible architecture and importance to the papacy. Alternatively, put the pedal to the metal on a guided bike ride past groves of fruit trees and fields of sunflowers around Avignon and Barthelasse Island. After lunch back aboard the ship (a BBQ lunch on the Sun Deck if weather permits), disembark once more for another choice of excursions. Enjoy a kayaking adventure at Pont du Gard or a more leisurely visit to the Musée du Pont du Gard followed by a stop at the pièce de résistance itself. Did you know that this three-level, 164-ft.-high "bridge" was built by the Romans to carry fresh water over the Gardon River nearly 2,000 years ago! Wow! Say your goodbyes to Avignon because tonight you sail to your final destination - Arles.

Discover the flora and fauna of the Camargue, a remarkable coastal region where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea, on a "safari" adventure by jeep. Keep your eyes peeled for the bulls and flamingos that call this region home, along with its vast salt marshes and flats – among the largest in Europe – where an astonishing 500,000 to 1,000,000 tons of sea salt are produced each year! Back aboard the riverboat, indulge your creative side with a hands-on chocolate painting experience, where you and your family can color your very own edible masterpieces. But don't be tempted to take a bite just yet! You'll have the chance to savor your sweet creations after dinner. This evening, join us for a farewell reception and dinner as we celebrate the memories made along the way.

Tour Ends: Arles. Our family France river cruise concludes in Arles today as your family disembarks the riverboat; fly home after 11:00 AM. A transfer is included from the riverboat to included from Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille St. Charles train station; you should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.