Day 1 Chalon-sur-Saône, France-(Embarkation)-Tournus
Welcome to France! The Avalon SceneryGreat views from the Scenery's club lounge awaits you in Chalon-sur-Saône, ready for boarding between 4 pm and 5:30 pm. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Tournus.(D)

Day 2 Tournus–Mâcon
After breakfast a local expert will show you the highlights of this delightful town, tucked away in the south-east corner of Burgundy. The town is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb ABBEY, St. Philibert, part of which dates back to the 10th century. Then there’s free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch your ship departs for Mâcon, a city with a rich history that plays an important role in the wine trade. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available.(B,L,D)

Day 3 Beaujolais Region–Lyon
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhône. Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from Fourvière Hill and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significancewith its maze of medieval alleyways, Place des Terreaux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year.(B,L,D)

Day 4 Lyon
A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do.(B,L,D)

Day 5 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. Another charming town, Viviers, was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.(B,L,D)

Day 6 Avignon
The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Camargue – Arles
During the night your ship will have sailed to Port St. Louis on the mouth of the Rhône. If you are an early riser, you might like to watch the sun come up over the Camargue, and then take in the tranquil scenes as you sail through this nature park toward Arles during breakfast. On arrival in Arles, located on the northern tip of the Camargue and the capital of the Provence region, a local expert will show you the city. Take in sights such as the church of St. Trophime; “Les Alyscamps”, the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. This afternoon, there is free time to relax, or join an optional excursion.(B,L,D)

Day 8 Arles (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Opportunities abound on this grand vacation to learn about France and to taste its sumptuous wines and cuisine. Board your ship in quaint Chalon-sur-Saône and set sail for lovely Tournus, Mâcon, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Before disembarking your ship in Arles, sail through the peaceful Camargue area. This cruise vacation has it all—historic sites, charming towns, spectacular cuisine, and more!

• Deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.
• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Personalized room options & excursions.

• CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE: Welcome reception
• TOURNUS:Guided sightseeing, visit the Abbey of St. Philibert
• LYON: Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill
• TOURNON: Orientation walk
• VIVIERS: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral
• AVIGNON: Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes
• ARLES: Guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater

Cruising: Outside stateroom onboard Avalon Scenery

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

• Port charges of $126 are not included.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.