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Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Northbound) 2023

From Arles, France to Lyon, France
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Tue, Aug 01, 2023

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!

Single supplement waived on select 2023 Europe river cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT2885
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Single supplement waived on select 2023 Europe river cruises

Single supplement waived on select 2023 Europe river cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2023 Europe river cruise in order to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Applies to E, D, B, A & P cabin categories. Plus, receive our everyday AffordableTours.com savings.
Must Book By Sun, Dec 31, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise in order to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Applies to E, D, B, A & P cabin categories. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For Groups, selling more than one passenger in a group, with this promotion requires confirmation. Not combinable with other offers except the Welcome Back Credit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. SWPBA SWPBA

$2,500 Off per couple on select Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Mention Promo Code: PT2969
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$2,500 Off per couple on select Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

$2,500 Off per couple on select Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Promotion Details
Book a select 2022 or 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $2500 off per ouple ($1250 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price.
Combinable with Welcome Back Credit, Peace of Mind Credit and Group Advantage Program.
Must Book By Fri, Jun 30, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $1250 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Group Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 4, 2022 and June 30, 2023 for travel on select 2023 departures. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit, Peace of Mind Credit and Group Advantage Program. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Cannot be used in conjunction with any air promotion. Applies to new group bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing group bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW0933 PRMW0933


River Cruise Itinerary

Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or an energetic adventurer, your Active & Discovery cruise on the Rhône River offers just-right included activities and excursions to suit your interests. With Avalon Choice® inclusions, you can select the experiences that are perfect for your preference and pace. From Classic to Active to Discovery experiences, you can experience each destination your way. Visit an oyster farm, bike through Camargue Regional Nature Park to spot flamingos, or take a painting workshop to mimic Van Gogh in Arles. Enjoy classic sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, try inspiring discovery experiences in art, cuisine, and local culture, pursue a challenge with a hike, bike ride, or a kayak trip, or simply relax in a corner café. Stroll through Avignon’s papal palace or attend a wine tasting in an underground cave. Admire the lovely views of the French countryside, or the architecture and local specialties with a culinary walk or cooking class in Lyon. With so many included choices, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your day—from a ghost tour in Viviers to a guided bike ride through the Gard region, to a chocolate factory tour. Our Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise with Avalon Choice® includes activities and excursions to experience the Rhône River your way and at your pace.

  1. Day 1
    ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
    Tue, Aug 01, 2023
    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.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(D)
  2. Day 2
    PORT-SAINT-LOUIS
    Wed, Aug 02, 2023
    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:CLASSIC 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    ARLES
    Thu, Aug 03, 2023
    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. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, 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. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    AVIGNON
    Fri, Aug 04, 2023
    Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in ProvenceACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through Gard region, after all, no need to pedal on the way back, 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, explore 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 Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. You may choose to spend free time to explore 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)
  5. Day 5
    VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE
    Sat, Aug 05, 2023
    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: DISCOVERY 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; CLASSIC Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the RhôneDISCOVERY 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)
  6. Day 6
    TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE
    Sun, Aug 06, 2023
    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)
  7. Day 7
    LYON
    Mon, Aug 07, 2023
    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 afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière.This evening, enjoy Lyon’s vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner onboard. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    LYON (DISEMBARKATION)
    Tue, Aug 08, 2023
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Countries Visited

France

Rivers Visited

Rhone

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.


Accommodation Information

Gateway city for arrivals is Marseille.

Port charges:
$210

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Avalon Waterways' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Avalon Waterways has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.

It all starts with Avalon Waterways' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Avalon Waterways' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.

WELCOME ABOARD

New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including:

  • Social distancing throughout embarkation
  • Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew
  • Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks)

FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT:

In addition to Avalon Waterways' Open-Air staterooms, the air in the ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.

BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE:

New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise include:

  • Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest
  • Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person
  • Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction
  • Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills
  • Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions, as required

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS:

  • Electrostatic disinfecting systems
  • UV disinfecting systems

TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS:

Reducing risk with hands-free service, including:

  • More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship
  • Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space
  • Self-serve stations, including buffets, drinks, specialty coffees and snacks have been replaced with crew service
  • All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of á la carte menu choices
  • Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas

COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS:

Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures:

  • Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including:
    • Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards
    • Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises
  • Disinfection of all dining areas between meals
  • Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items
  • Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship
  • Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene

FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH:

Ensuring a healthy crew, including:

  • Medical certificate required prior to start of contract
  • Daily temperature checks
  • Social distancing in crew living quarters
  • Regular health screenings

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.1
Accommodations
4.2
Itinerary
4
Professional Staff
4.3
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
3.9

Ratings based off 63 reviews - currently showing 18 reviews with comments only

We enjoyed the river cruise very much. The food was excellent, the staterooms were very nice, and the excursions were well-run.

Pairing lunch and dinner wines with the city/area we were in would enhance the experience. The cruise directors, Jean and Tony were outstanding. Very professional and always coordinating so there were no unpleasant experiences.

Wonderful tour directors . So accommodating and personable.

It was my second trip with Avalon, everything was great as it was for the Daube cruise. Highly recommend them.

Trip was GREAT! WEre somewhat disappointed that high speed train from Arle to AIX was cancelled ( did not happen).

I would have liked a better description of the land tours. For instance -Eat your way around Paris should have stated it was a walking tour.

Reasoning related to my rating on price - is associated to the cruise and how Avalone handled the last cruise of the season and closing the boat- with not having or refilling standard items, for example the last two days shampoos and soap were not refilled - lucky us we brought our own. No cocktail napkins - the staff had to pass appetizers and apologize for not having any napkins, the final dinner menu was not up to par with the rest of the week- I had the vegetarian dish pasta with cheese and broccoli Au gratin- basic Macaroni and Cheese for dinner and there was one floret of broccoli. If Avalone does not want guests on the boat on the last day of the cruise they should transfer guests to hotels sooner- our entire group would have preferred to go to Cannes one day earlier and pay for our own dinner.

We did two Avalon River cruises back to back that was actually listed as one program. After one week on Avalon's Poetry II we traveled via high speed train to Avalon's Tapestry II and did another week on a different cruise. Avalon did a great job coordinating all aspects of both weeks and the transfer itself between boats. The itineraries for both weeks were interesting and informative.

Hi Helga, I wanted to let you know about our travel experiences while they are still fresh in our minds. The cruise was wonderful! The cruse director (Gusta) did an outstanding job. She had everything well arranged and we couldn't have asked for a better planner. The scenery was great, the meals were wonderful, and the daily provided tours were very well staffed with really good leaders. There were two items that fell short of our expectations. This was the first time that we purchased the travel package including air travel. I probably will not ever do this again. We did it in part because Pat and I were covering the expenses for our four additional family members and the cost to round trip looked good. In actual fact it was more expensive that we had expected because we purchased reserve seating for all four legs of the round trip, which then greatly increased the cost (more than 25% additional cost). Even more troubling was the very poor scheduling of the flights, which included a five plus hour layover in Montreal on both the going and returning flights. This made for a 24 hour day of flying. A second disappointment was our stay in Paris at the Hotel du Collectionneur which was rated as five star, but did not come close to meeting five star. Luggage for one family member's room and for our room was not delivered to the correct rooms. Instead we received someone else's luggage. The female Avalon representative did not seem at all concerned and after an hour and a half of waiting we returned to the Avalon desk and fortunately met the individual who had our luggage and we had their luggage (no help from Avalon). One of our rooms had unit dose coffee, but no coffee maker. That same room did not have hot water for a shower. The location of the hotel was also a problem in that there were very limited restaurants (especially on Sunday) within walking distance from the hotel and eating at the hotel was far more expensive than we were prepared for. On our first night at the hotel a very loud late night party took place in the courtyard of the hotel. The party lasted until 3:00 or 4:00 am. Neither of the Avalon representatives were helpful and both appear noticeable bored by their assignment which was totally opposite to the welcoming representatives in Nice and Cannes. Overall the travel experience was wonderful and we will be in contract with you soon about travels in 2019. Thanks you, Tom & Pat 

The 2018 Avalon Rhone Cruise Tour with stops in Monaco and Paris which we took in early May 2018 was outstanding, on par (maybe even a little better) than the Rhine Cruise we also took through Avalon in fall 2016. I especially enjoyed the scheduled tours of Avignon, Lyon, and Vivenne, and clearly the optional tour of Versailles was phenomenal, on par with an Italy land tour we had previously taken with Insight that included a 3-hour tour of the Vatican. The Poetry II Cruise Ship was great (outstanding food, beverages, and the rooms were efficient and very clean), and the crew was very competent and pleasant. Spent time with both the Ship Hotel director and the cruise director and really enjoyed getting to see how professional they both were - very customer focused.

The Intercontinental Carlton Hotel in Cannes was very nice, but the air conditioning was not working for the hotel. Our room was on the backside of the hotel with strong afternoon sun and jack-hammer work being done outside until 7pm. No facilities for free coffee/tea in the room. The breakfast buffet and sea-side room were great! The Avalon cabin was very well arranged and pleasing.

My second river cruise with Avalon and I loved this one as much as the first.

Avalon is well organized and the staff is exceptional. The guides were knowledgable and helpful.

The river cruise consultant was exceptionally helpful in putting out vacation trip together. Would certainly recommend her to others and use her as an agent again. 

We had a great trip. All went off without a hitch! I had never taken a tour like this and we didn't know what to expect. We were very pleasantly surprised. Avalon Waterways was superb!

Agent was great as was Avalon Waterways! Can't wait till our next trip!

The ships staff were one of the best I have ever seen.

everything was great - river cruise was excellent Thank you

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