Beautiful Burgundy & Provence

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. Explore the Mâconnais area and sample Chardonnay, the famous wine of the region, with a tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle. 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 historic 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.

Every Season. A Different Perspective. From the warmth of summer to the gentle transitions of fall and spring, this journey through the South of France takes on a distinct character in every season. You can enjoy hands on summer fragrant flower picking and oil distillation, fall wine-harvest experiences or pastry demonstrations inspired by each season’s freshest flavours. Seasonal light and landscapes bring fresh perspectives to vineyard-lined valleys, riverside villages, and France’s celebrated art of living. It’s a classic route that’s been beautifully curated to reveal new depths of Burgundy and Provence throughout the year.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2,800 flight credit per person
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Lyon with breakfast
• 7-night Burgundy & Provence river cruise onboard Avalon Poetry II
• All onboard meals during your river cruise
• Guided shore excursions included on the cruise
• Port charges and government fees
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Marseille with breakfast
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 15 – 26 August 2027

Extend your holiday in Europe, speak with the team about options!

Solo pricing available

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Your Suite Ship Awaits!

Welcome to France. your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2: La Vie En Rose in Lyon

Active Excursion: Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.

Discovery Excursion: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.

Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

Day 3: Fine Silk and French Sweets

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Classic Excursion: Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history!

Discovery Excursion: Later, enjoy a Pastry Demonstration on board your ship, while sailing to Mâcon.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 4: Wine on the Stunning Saône

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Discovery Excursion: Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!

Day 5: A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Classic Excursion: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.

Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.

Viviers - World History in a Charming French Country Village

Classic Excursion: Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

Day 6: The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active Excursion: Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.

Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 7: A Brush with Genius

Active Excursion: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host

Discovery Excursion: Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices.

Day 8: Arles (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 21-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.