Rhône and Provence France River Cruise – Lyon to Marseille
Explore the world epicenter of fine food with a Vegan Culinary Cruises of Southern France. Cutting a serene path through the heart of France, medieval cities and Roman ruins line the Rhône as it journeys south through ancient villages and prosperous towns.
The Tour
Slowly flowing towards the Mediterranean Sea from beautiful old Lyon, the Rhône cuts a serene path through the heart of France. Medieval cities and Roman ruins line the waterway as it journeys south through ancient villages and prosperous towns. Gallic heritage can be experienced on every bend of this beautiful river, from the rustic settlements dotted along the waterway to the acres of wine-producing vineyards, this is a region worthy of your bucket list.
The Journey
Our fascinating Vegan Culinary Cruises takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhone, right in the heart of French Provence; a land of exception, appreciated throughout the world for the beauty of its landscapes and inimitable lifestyle. Provence’s azure-blue skies, natural scenery, remarkable heritage, chirping cicadas, lavender fields and hilltop villages make it a holiday destination dreams are made of. With our starting point the World UNESCO Site of Lyon we cruise downstream to the ancient roman capital of Arles.
During our journey we experience the wonders and beauty of Provence visiting Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon and everything inbetween. This cruise encompasses art, history and culture in places that bear witness to thousands of years of European history. Your experience is further enhanced by your on-board Vegan Culinary Cruises staff, chefs and educators, who bring to life each region, rich history, heritage and flavors.
Our Ship
A slow and relaxed way of life takes hold the further south you journey on our Rhône river cruises, under the watchful gaze of the Mediterranean sun. Long, lazy lunches and midday glasses of wine become the norm in this delightful part of France, giving you plenty of chance to take in the beautiful scenery.
The Our luxury riverboat has been custom-built for river cruising along the Rhône; the delightful Sun Deck is the perfect location to watch the stunning backdrop pass by, a glass of a local vintage in hand.
Mirroring the effortless sophistication and beauty of the French countryside, we offer locally-sourced, authentic vegan fine-dining to be paired with the perfect vegan wine accompaniment by our on-board sommeliers, a level of service and attention-to-detail which is sewn into its very essence, providing an experience comparable to that of a world-class hotel.
With a capacity of 120 guests, and a series of cutting-edge amenities, our luxury ship represents the next generation of river cruising. The suites, staterooms and public spaces are set across four beautifully-appointed decks, providing endless scope for relaxation and enjoyment whilst cruising.
Travelling from Lyon to Arles, the ship will explore culturally-rich and enigmatic cities before dissecting the wine regions and charming Mediterranean settlements of France. The Mediterranean climate provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the amenities of the Sun Deck, where you can sit back and relax or sink a few balls on the putting green. While the heated pool boasts a glass roof which is retractable to let in a cool breeze on a warm day. And, we’ve incorporated the hugely popular Horizon Bar & Lounge, offering the perfect setting for you to enjoy your favorite tipples.
During days on the water, you can indulge in a little ‘me’ time aboard, with a skilled hairdresser on the Riviera Deck, spa facilities and a well-equipped gym in the wellness and fitness area. Find your center and feel thoroughly relaxed from start to finish. Paired with our exceptional on-board vegan centric programming and special guests makes this a truly unique once-in-a-life-time vacation experience!
Pricing from: $4590pp/dbl
Dates: October 31 to November 7 2020
- Day 1 – Saturday: Arrival Lyon
- Day 2 – Chalon-Sur-Saône – Beaune
- Day 3 – Monday: Lyon
- Day 4 – Tuesday: Turnon
- Day 5 – Wednesday: Viviers
- Day 6 – Thursday: Avignon
- Day 7 – Friday: Arles
- Day 8 – Saturday: Arles – Disembark
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Lyon
Welcome to Lyon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship where you will be welcomed by your Vegan Culinary Cruises staff. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception, orientation and dinner on board.
Day 2 - Chalon-Sur-Saône – Beaune
Chalon–Sur–Saône is best known as the birthplace of photography and the center of Burgundy’s wine region. Travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune, where we visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth–century architecture. Marvel at the multi–colored roofs of this former hospital, now a museum, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy.
Day 3 - Lyon
Lyon is France’s third largest city, a former Roman capital positioned at the conference of the Rhone and Saone rivers, which is steeped in history. Today be part of the guided tour of Lyon, which starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then, pass by the recently re–discovered Roman amphitheater and walk through the cobbled streets of the gastronomic old town including the secret laneways. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour of Lyon. Your choice of walking or guided bike tour.
Day 4 - Tournon
Join your local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th century castle and roman ruins and is nestled in the valley near the steep slopes of le Massif Central, France’s 3rd largest mountain range. The area has a long tradition in wine making, including the renowned wine growing center of Tain l’Hermitage across the river.
Today choose from walking guided walking tour, active hike through vineyards or guided bike tour to Glun. Plus, onboard vegan wine lecture and tasting
Day 5 - Viviers
Arrive in Viviers, a town which still has a lot of flare. Viviers is also the home of one of France’s oldest cathedrals, join an included city tour exploring all the architectural heritage of this quaint town. Optional tour to Grignan plus onboard olive tasting.
Day 6 - Avignon
Avignon has a rich history from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Popes and later central to the French Revolution. Although a fortified town, it is the Papal Palace which stands more secure on a hill in the center of town; its walls are 17–18 feet thick. Your guided walk with a local guide takes you through this historic center with its cobbled laneways and shops, overlooking the famous ‘Pont d’Avignon‘. The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional guided active hike in Avignon plus excursion to Pont du Gard.
Day 7 - Arles
Sail into Arles where you will join your local guide for a walking tour showcasing the highlights of the city in particular the 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre still in use today, which was originally built to hold 20,000 spectators in the style of the Colosseum in Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on board and explore Arles further.
Day 8 - Arles Disembarkation - Marseille
After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship in Arles, transfer to Marseille airport for your onward or homebound flight.
* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature.
Connect With Us
Call Us: USA +1 206-971-1114
Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm PST
E-mail: info@veganculinarycruises.com
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