Cruise from Lyon to Arles
This itinerary enlivens your senses with romantic cities, food havens, and artistic epicenters. Take a culinary tour of Lyon, the culinary capital of France, to explore legendary vineyards and enjoy local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. The possibilities are endless: learn how to pair chocolate with wine, hunt down the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles, and become an expert in all things culinary. In Arles and Carrières des Lumières, you can follow the footsteps of famous artists. Behold an incredible array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums, and historic charm in Avignon, a sprawling commune with a world-famous drawbridge.
Day One – Three | Lyon
Discover Lyon’s dynamic side, starting at Fourvière Hill, home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Alternately, indulge in rich cheeses, fresh breads and charcuterie in Les Halles Market or join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the afternoon, travel to the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones.” Indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard.
Excursion Options
- City Tour
- Les Halles Market Tour
- Lyon Bike Tour
- Beaujolais excursion from Trevoux
Day Four | Vienne
Located between the Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wine regions, Vienne has a fascinating Roman past that is visible in its preserved ruins. On this walking tour, you’ll visit the well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, which took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey, which is one of the oldest surviving churches in France and now houses an archaeological museum. Active travelers can take guided hikes from the ship to Mount Pipet Monastery or bike rides along ViaRhôna.
Add On Activities
- “Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour
- Mount Pipet hike
- ViaRhôna bike tour
Day Five | Tournon
Pass magnificent landscapes along the Gorge du Doux on an exclusive private train ride, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return. Alternatively, wine and chocolate lovers can attend a presentation and tasting at Le Château de Tournon on how to pair red wine with chocolate. Experience a more active adventure by hiking through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery.
Excursion Activities
- Exclusive private steam train ride
- Red wine & chocolate tasting
- Tain-l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting
Day Six | Avignon
Three excursions are available for the morning, depending on your interests. When the “Palais des Papes” of Avignon was the equivalent of today’s Vatican in the 14th century, it was aptly called the “City of Popes.” Take a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surround the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades at three venues around Avignon or take a bike tour. UNESCO has designated Pont du Gard as another World Heritage Site, a remarkable Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Alternatively, visit Grignan, a majestic hilltop village. Explore the enchanting Provençal town before going in search of the highly coveted black diamond truffles with a farmer and his loyal dog. Experience the Pont d’Avignon illuminated at night during a short cruise in the evening.
Excursion Activities
- Walking tour and Papal Palace
- Tastes of Avignon
- Avignon bike tour
- Pont du Gard
- Grignan excursion and truffle farm visit
- Evening cruise to illuminated Pont d’Avignon
Day Seven – Nine | Arles
With its tantalizing history as a Roman trading center, Arles is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in France. Visit the Roman ruins of Arles, such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture, on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, take a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a subject of several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Visitors interested in learning more about Van Gogh’s Arles can take a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence and then explore the Carrières des Lumières, which feature a spectacular show of art, sound, and history projected on limestone quarry walls.
