Burgundy & Provence

Pricing is based on departure date: 17 November 2026

 

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France.

Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, which sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture.   Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you’ll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk.   Continue your river cruise to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes, the largest gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

Chalon-sur-Saone
In southern Burgundy, Chalon-sur-Saône is a charming riverside town at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region. If you have a palate for fine wine you can fill your trip with memorable and educational trips to vineyards and caves.

Tournus
Tournus is a commune in the Saone-et-Loire department in the region of Bourgogne in eastern France

Lyon
Lyon has 2,000 years of history imprinted on its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history in Vieux Lyon (one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods) and Lyon's two Roman amphitheatres, which still stage rock concerts today. It's no wonder Lyon is a popular area for travelers, with its dynamic university, first-class shopping, antique markets, vibrant theatre and music festivals, and a range of interesting museums, such as the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets.

Tournon
Tournon-sur-Rhone is a commune in the Ardeche department in southern France

Avignon
The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence.

Arles
This Roman town attracted painters like Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso, though it was Van Gogh who so completely fell in love with it that created over 200 works of art in just one year. In the center of Arles is a well-preserved Roman Colosseum, once used for gladiator fights.

Your Ship: Avalon Poetry II

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard.

Stretch out at day's end and wake to the world at your feet with Comfort Collection bed that faces the view. It truly is a view with a room! Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro. The Avalon Poetry II truly is poetry in motion!

What’s included with your vacation

EVERYTHING YOU WANT. NOTHING YOU DON’T.

Why pay extra for the experiences you came for? With Avalon, the best parts of cruising aren’t upsold – they’re already yours. That's the Avalon difference. From the glass of wine in your hand to the Wi-Fi on your phone, from the sunrise yoga class to the storybook castle on your afternoon e-bike ride – it’s all built in. No nickel-and-diming. No surprises. With us, the best memories aren’t add-ons, they’re included.

FREE SPIRITED SIPS
Wine, beer, and soft drinks are always included at lunch and dinner. Plus, enjoy complimentary Happy Hour every night (except the first) with wine, beer, and specialty cocktails – even zero-proof options designed by award-winning mixologist Martin Hudák. And when you want something cosy or indulgent, the Club Lounge is open 24/7 with complimentary specialty teas and coffees.

FREE STYLE DINING
No fixed seating. No forced schedules. With FlexDining® you choose when, where, and how you eat. Elegant four-course dinners in glass-walled dining rooms. Breezy Sky Deck barbecues or al fresco lunches and dinners. Petite plates in the Panorama Bistro. Breakfast in bed with river views. Afternoon teatime with pastries. Sweet treats and savoury bites—always available in the Club Lounge. All included.

FREE TO EXPLORE
Avalon Choice® Excursions offers you an average of 22 included excursions to experience the world – from castle hikes and chocolate workshops, city tours to kayaking trips. Plus bikes and e-bikes are free to use when you want to wander on your own.

FREE TO MOVE
Wellness is also included with Avalon. From yoga to stretching classes led by Adventure Hosts, to enhanced fitness centers with new equipment, to bikes and e-bikes ready for every port – Avalon makes it easy to keep your body and spirit in motion.

FREE CONNECTION
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink, free infotainment systems in every stateroom with 50+ free movies, and the AvalonGO app to keep you informed and on course before and during your cruise.

FREE TO DREAM
Every room is exterior facing and comes with a view, plus Comfort CollectionSM beds, Egyptian cotton linens, marble bathrooms, and L’Occitane® products. Most guests enjoy a Panorama SuiteSM with a wall-to-wall Open-Air Balcony® and beds that face the passing landscapes. Would you like your coffee with one complimentary castle or two?

FREE TO PLAY (AND STAY UP LATE)
Daylight isn’t the end of the adventure. With Avalon After DarkSM, your evenings sparkle with live music, trivia, dance parties, and themed events. Add in al fresco dinners on the Sky Deck, late-night cocktails, and overnight stays in legendary cities – or free movies in the comfort of your Panorama Suites and you’ll find the nights shine as brightly as the days.

Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournus, Lyon, Lyon, Tournon, Avignon, Arles

All fares are displayed in NZD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.