Welcome to the charm of southern France as you arrive in the historic city of Lyon. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you’ll be greeted by your Vantage Explorations Representative and directed to your transfer vehicle and taken to your awaiting ship.
Once aboard, settle into your cabin and take a moment to explore the elegant surroundings of your floating home for the next seven nights. Unpack, unwind, and begin soaking in the atmosphere.
This evening, enjoy the ship’s amenities or explore the scenic riverfront, as the ship remains docked overnight, giving you a perfect introduction to this vibrant city.
After breakfast, begin your day with a guided tour of Lyon, a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history. Wander through the charming cobblestone alleys of Vieux Lyon, where hidden treasures await around every corner. Along the way, discover the intriguing traboules, secret passageways that weave through houses and courtyards, once used by silk merchants and resistance fighters.
Lyon is often celebrated as the world capital of gastronomy, so your journey includes ample time to savor its culinary pleasures. Be sure to try local specialties such as the irresistible brioches à la praline, a sweet treat you will not want to miss. Your tour tickets are included and remain valid for the rest of the day, allowing you to continue exploring at your leisure.
This evening, relax onboard as the ship sets sail and you enjoy a delicious dinner surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Rhône.
After breakfast, embark on an excursion from Chalon to the delightful town of Beaune, a true gem of the Burgundy region. Celebrated for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture and world-renowned wine culture, Beaune invites you to stroll its charming cobblestone streets, admire the iconic patterned roofs of the Hospices de Beaune, and immerse yourself in the timeless ambiance of its historic center.
The experience continues with a visit to a renowned local mustard factory, where tradition and craftsmanship take center stage. Discover the fascinating process of mustard making, from carefully selected seeds to the grinding and mixing that creates its bold flavor. Learn how the unique terroir of Burgundy influences the taste and quality of Dijon mustard and explore the historical significance of this iconic French condiment.
As the afternoon winds down, return to the ship and unwind. While you prepare for dinner, the ship departs for an evening of scenic cruising, offering a relaxing end to a day rich in culture, history, and flavor.
Wake up in Macon and begin your day with a journey into the heart of medieval history. After breakfast, set out to explore the remarkable Cluny Abbey, once the largest Christian church in the world and a powerful religious center during the Middle Ages. Though only part of the original structure remains, its grandeur still echoes through the preserved sections, offering a glimpse into a time of spiritual and architectural magnificence. As you walk through the historic site, it is easy to imagine the scale and significance of this once-majestic complex.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Château de Pierreclos, where the world of winemaking comes to life. In the enchanting atmosphere of the Romanesque vaulted cellar, learn about the local traditions of viticulture and the wines produced on these very grounds. This setting, steeped in charm and history, offers a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking in the Burgundy region.
Return to the ship in time for lunch as we set sail for Tournon. Spend your afternoon and evening relaxing on board and taking in the scenic beauty of the Rhône River as it winds through the picturesque French countryside.
After breakfast, embark on a journey through the scenic beauty of the Rhône Valley with a guided vineyard walk and wine tasting excursion. Explore the world-renowned vineyards of the Hermitage hills, discover centuries-old winemaking traditions, and enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s most celebrated wines. This tour offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich history, and culinary pleasure.
Your adventure begins with a guided walk through the vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage, located just across the Rhône River from Tournon. As you stroll along the terraced hillsides, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the history of the vineyards, the distinctive terroir of the Rhône Valley, and the time-honored techniques used in crafting the area’s exceptional wines. With sweeping views of the river and countryside, the Hermitage vineyards provide a stunning backdrop to your experience and are famed for producing some of the finest Syrah wines in the world.
Following your vineyard walk, visit a local winery to gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking process. Learn about the various grape varieties cultivated in the region and how the Rhône’s unique climate and soil contribute to the character and complexity of its wines. Sample a curated selection of prestigious wines and discover the subtle differences that make Rhône Valley vintages so highly regarded.
Return to the ship in time to relax and prepare for dinner. As evening falls, the ship sets sail, offering a peaceful and picturesque cruise along the Rhône River.
After breakfast, set out to discover one of the most breathtaking landscapes in southern France. Just a short distance from Viviers lies the Ardèche River, a natural wonder that has carved its way through limestone cliffs over thousands of years, creating dramatic gorges and stunning scenery. As you journey by bus through this spectacular region, enjoy sweeping views of the turquoise-green river winding peacefully between jagged rock formations and verdant forests.
Your first stop is the Lavender Museum, where you’ll explore the world of Provence’s most iconic plant. Learn how lavender has shaped the region’s identity, from its fragrant blooms that blanket the fields each summer to the traditional methods of cultivation and distillation. Engaging multimedia displays bring the story of lavender to life, offering a deeper appreciation for this beloved flower.
Continuing through the Ardèche Gorges, there will be ample opportunities to pause for photos and take in the striking natural beauty. Among the highlights is the Pont d’Arc, a remarkable natural limestone arch that gracefully spans the river, creating one of the region’s most memorable vistas.
Return to the ship in time for lunch. Later this afternoon, the ship sets sail for Avignon, where you will arrive later tonight, cruising peacefully through the ever-changing landscapes of the Rhône.
After breakfast, begin your day with a captivating excursion to the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the surviving relics of ancient Roman engineering. Nestled in the rolling hills and sun-drenched landscape of Provence, this awe-inspiring aqueduct spans the Gardon River in three elegant tiers of arches. Built in the first century AD to transport water to the Roman city of Nîmes, the Pont du Gard stands as a powerful testament to the vision, precision, and ingenuity of Roman architects.
As you explore this massive stone structure, your guide will bring its history to life, sharing fascinating details about its construction, its role in daily Roman life, and the legacy it has left behind. The setting is equally impressive, with the surrounding natural beauty offering peaceful walking paths and scenic overlooks. During your free time, you may choose to explore the onsite museum with its engaging exhibits or simply relax at a nearby café and soak in the Provençal atmosphere.
After returning to the ship for lunch, we continue our journey toward Arles, cruising through the tranquil waters of the Rhône River. Upon arrival in the afternoon, step ashore to explore Arles, a city where layers of history are woven into every street and stone. Once a thriving Roman settlement, Arles is filled with ancient monuments, including its striking amphitheater dating back to the first century. Once the site of fierce gladiator battles and Roman spectacles, the arena still dominates the city center and invites you to step into the past. Admission to the amphitheater is included in your tour. Please note that the structure contains steep stairs.
As you wander through the city, you’ll discover a vivid blend of Roman, Romanesque, Provençal, and Gypsy cultures, all contributing to Arles’ rich identity. The city’s golden light and rustic beauty once captivated Vincent van Gogh, who painted many of his masterpieces here.
This evening, gather onboard for the Captain’s Farewell Gala Dinner to celebrate your unforgettable time cruising the Rhône River.
After breakfast, it is time to bid adieu to the crew of the Viva Voyage as you disembark for the final time. A comfortable transfer takes you to the Marseille airport where you begin your journey home, filled with unforgettable memories of your Rhône River adventure.
Please Note: Disembarkation begins at 9:30AM. Marseilles (MRS) Airport is approximately 1-2 hours from Arles, depending on traffic. Therefore, please reserve your flight to depart on or after 2:30PM on this day.
Note: While we make every effort to offer you the excursions mentioned in the itinerary, please note that changes may occur with little or without notice that are outside of our control, and we thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.Â
