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ACTIVE DISCOVERY ON THE RHONE RIVER 2026, 2027
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8 Day River Cruise Lyon to Arles
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze.
CRUISE: WYL
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.
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.
Every Season. A Different Perspective.
From the warmth of summer to the gentle transitions of fall and spring, this journey through the South of France takes on a distinct character in every season. You can enjoy hands on summer apricot harvests, fragrant flower picking and oil distillation or pastry demonstrations inspired by each season’s freshest flavors. Seasonal light and landscapes bring fresh perspectives to vineyard-lined valleys, riverside villages, and France’s celebrated art of living. It’s an Active & Discovery journey that’s been beautifully curated to reveal new depths of Burgundy and Provence throughout the year.
DAY 1 – LYON, FRANCE (D)
Welcome to France. 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
DAY 2 – LYON (B, L, D)
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
DAY 3 – TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON (B, L, D)
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge
ACTIVE EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS
DAY 4 – VIVIERS – LOCK BOLLENE (B, L, D)
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines
ACTIVE EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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), OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.
Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
DAY 5 – AVIGNON (B, L, D)
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
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.
Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
DAY 6 – ARLES (B, L, D)
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
DAY 7 – PORT SAINT LOUIS (B, L, D)
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
Enjoy an early morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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!
In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing to Arles.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
DAY 8 – ARLES (B)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
DEPARTURES
2026: September 22
2027: May 11, June 22, September 28
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Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per suppliers.
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
Avalon WYL | 8 days from Lyon to Arles
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