Magic of the Rhone Valley and the Carmargue

We depart the local area and make our way to Dover for our channel crossing.  We then drive to our overnight hotel.

We make our way to Lyon where we join our luxury boat.  After you have settled into your cabins the crew will be introduced to you while you enjoy a welcome cocktail.  Tonight there is dinner and entertainment on board.

We’ll cross through the city and go up Fourvière Hill to the white basilica, the best place to take in the view. Then we’ll head over to Vieux Lyon to have a look at its historical homes and the “bouchon” restaurants that are found throughout the district. Learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street gourmet food.  This evening we will join the Saone River and head towards Collanges-au-Mont-d’Or where we are treated to an included extraordinary French gastronomic experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges. Smart Dress Code is encouraged. Paul Bocuse was a three-star gourmet chef who was known for his innovative approach to cuisine and his love for fresh ingredients of the highest quality. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting where you’ll be able to relish in out-of-this-world courses prepared by some of the most renowned chefs. At the end of our delicious evening, we’ll return on board the ship and start sailing.

We’ll leave on foot for the tour of the Cité du Chocolat in Tain L’Hermitage. Come and explore,

smell, and taste chocolate in all of its forms at the Valrhona discovery center. Lastly, we’ll indulge in a tasting of course!  We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, reaching it in the evening. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.

Join us for the excursion to the Luberon and Sénanque Abbey. Nestling in the heart of the Vaucluse mountains and the Luberon nature park, Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, is still home to a community of monks. This majestic edifice is one of the region's most emblematic treasures.  During your visit, you'll discover the cloister and the abbey church. This sacred site, whose architectural beauty reflects centuries of history, exudes a sense of calm and serenity.  You'll also catch a glimpse of Gordes, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", with its characteristic dry-stone houses and limestone cliffs. Enjoy some free time before returning on board as we start sailing towards Arlesor and enjoy an evening of entertainment.

This morning, join us for an excursion to the Camargue. The epitome of traditional Provençal culture, this immense flatland is home to exceptional wildlife and plants which thrive in its marshes, ponds, and seashore. We’ll visit a manade, where bulls are raised and horses are trained, to learn about the various traditions in the area. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising through the gorgeous French countryside, passing by Valence— dominated by its cathedral—and Montélimar, known for its famous nougat.

Set out on our visit to the Gorges de l’Ardèche with us this afternoon. This panoramic tour from the comfortable seat of a coach will bring you to the heart of the treasures found in the area. The 18-mile canyon (30 km) was carved by turbulent waters that left behind steep cliffs, deep valleys, dense vegetation, and stunning limestone formations. We’ll see the Pont d'Arc, a natural arch almost 100-feet high carved out by the Ardèche River, and its namesake village, stopping at an overlook to take in the splendid views. We’ll return on board the ship in La Voulte and start sailing towards Lyon. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board before we join the coach and begin our homeward journey to our overnigh hotel.

We continue our journey home and will arrive back in the local area early evening.