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7-Nights Lyon & Provence Hosted Group Gay Men & Women Cruise
7 nights from Avignon to Lyon, France
August 3 – 10, 2016
Viking River Cruises Viking Longship Heimdal
Tour lands of fine wine & cuisine. Join Aquafest for our fourth annual gay group river cruise in Europe during the delightful summer months of southern France sailing from magical Avignon to Lyon, France.
Sail the scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers through beautiful French countryside. Explore the famed region of Beaujolais and the colorful fields of Provence. Explore Gallo-Roman ruins in Vienne, stroll the cobblestone streets of Arles that inspired Vincent van Gogh and visit Avignon, the "City of Popes." Discover wine-making traditions, sample Beaujolais varietals and try world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon.
Tour lands of fine wine & cuisine
Day 1 - Avignon, France - Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Fly to Marseille. Transfer from the airport to your ship, docked in Avignon (Airport meet & greet transfers included). After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town on the scenic Rhône River, or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and get oriented.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Arles, France - Thursday, August 4, 2016
Arrive during breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city's vibrant colors and striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by an afternoon on your own to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner is served as you depart.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Avignon, France - Friday, August 5, 2016
 This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed "City of Popes" because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de l'Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner are served aboard your ship. Late this evening, arrive in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. We remain docked here this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Viviers, France - Saturday, August 6, 2016
 This morning join a walking tour of Viviers' Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Once a 5th-century Roman settlement, today the cobbled streets are dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. Set sail to Tournon during lunch, docking just after dinner. Enjoy a stroll under the plane trees lining the riverbanks before retiring for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Tournon & Vienne, France - Sunday, August 7, 2016
 All aboard the Train de l'Ardèche this morning for a locomotive ride through the deep gorges of the Ardèche plateau, cut by the Doux River. You'll return to your ship and enjoy lunch aboard as we cruise past dramatic landscapes. Arrive in Vienne this afternoon, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice on a walking tour before dinner aboard the ship. We remain docked in Vienne this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Vienne & Lyon, France - Monday, August 8, 2016
 After breakfast, disembark in Lyon for a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world famous. We depart just before midnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Mâcon, France & Beaujolais Wine Tour - Tuesday, August 9, 2016
 After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep. See the legendary Moulin-à-Vent, the windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region, learn about the art of winemaking in a small museum and enjoy a tasting in one of the Beaujolais's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, take an optional excursion to the picturesque Burgundy town of Cluny, known for its magnificent medieval abbey ruin. Return aboard late this afternoon for departure to Lyon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Lyon, France - Wednesday, August 10, 2016
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Lyon airport for your return flight. Or, extend your time in France with three exciting nights in Paris, one of the world's most romantic cities.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Avignon to Lyon Cruise Extensions
More days means more to discover, with packages you can add before or after your Viking journey. Wherever your trip takes you, we offer exciting ways to see even more of the region. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your river cruise embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities around the world.
Extend your time abroad by adding one of our Explore More pre- or post-cruise extension packages below.
3-Nights French Riviera Pre-Cruise Extension
 Extend your cruise with 3 nights on the French Riviera.
Discover even more of southern France on the French Riviera; relax on the famous beaches of the Côte d'Azur, or visit legendary Monaco. Three nights at the Le Méridien Nice (or similar) in Nice, daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfer are included along with the services of a Viking host.
Day 1 - French Riviera - Sunday, July 31, 2016Transfer to the Le Méridien Nice Hotel (or similar) in Nice* and spend the rest of the day exploring this coastal resort town.
Day 2 - French Riviera - Monday, August 1, 2016
 This morning you have a tour of this Mediterranean city. Walk through the Old Town area and continue exploring Nice, home to wonderful beaches, tree-lined boulevards and an array of shopping opportunities. The balance of the day is yours; stroll the cobbled streets and visit the local marketplaces, shop for antiques or enjoy perusing the many galleries. Or, take an optional evening excursion to Monaco—a tiny, elegant country whose capital, Monte Carlo, hosts exclusive casinos and the annual Monaco Grand Prix. Enjoy a tour, free time, dinner in the heart of the city and the stunning coastal drive back to Nice.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - French Riviera - Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Today, walk along the famous beaches of Nice, relax at a boulevard café or perhaps do a bit of shopping. Your day is free to explore on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 - French Riviera - Wednesday, August 3, 2016
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey along the breathtaking Côte d'Azur. Proceed to Avignon to begin your river cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast
3-Nights Paris Post-Cruise Extension
Extend your journey in Paris; experience the romance of France's capital city. Browse the art in the Louvre or stroll along the famed Champs Elysées. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the "City of Light," dine at a Parisian bistro or enjoy an evening at a cabaret. Three nights at the Saint James Albany Paris Hotel (or similar), daily breakfasts, city tour and hotel/ship transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host.
Day 1 - Paris, France - Wednesday, August 10, 2016
After breakfast, disembark and we will transfer you to the Saint James Albany Paris Hotel (or similar). The rest of the day is yours.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 2 - Paris, France - Thursday, August 11, 2016
After breakfast, begin your day with a half-day tour of this dazzling city and take in its most remarkable sights, including the iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll also see the École Militaire, Orsay Museum and Latin Quarter and the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame. Then we'll drive past the Louvre and Opera House and along the famed Champs-Élysées. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure—visit museums like the Pompidou, Orsay or Picasso, admire historic buildings like Fontainebleau and the Paris Opera. Experience the world-famous Louvre, home of da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," I.M. Pei's iconic glass pyramids and much more.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Paris, France - Friday, August 12, 2016
You have a full day to further explore the "City of Light." Stroll through Montmartre, shop along the Champs Elysées, ride up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and sample some of the famous French cuisine. You might like to take a Seine cruise aboard a bâteau-mouche this evening to see some of the city's landmarks and lovely bridges.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Paris, France - Saturday, August 13, 2016
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Lyon & Provence Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 03 Aug |
Avignon, France |
D |
| 04 Aug |
Arles, France |
B, L, D |
| 05 Aug |
Avignon, France |
B, L, D |
| 06 Aug |
Viviers, France |
B, L, D |
| 07 Aug |
Tournon & Vienne, France |
B, L, D |
| 08 Aug |
Vienne & Lyon, France |
B, L, D |
| 09 Aug |
Macon, France & Beaujolais Wine Tour |
B, L, D |
| 10 Aug |
Lyon, France |
B |
Viking Longship Heimdal
Designed by legendary naval architects Yran & Storbraaten, the team behind The Yachts of Seabourn, these new vessels offer state-of-the-art engineering, patented design and luxury. The Viking Longships provide guests with more ways to personalize their trip. Choose from a variety of stateroom classes, onboard entertainment options and ship locations from which you can enjoy sailing through the scenery, all the while enriching your time in some of Europe's most remarkable destinations.
Two Explorer Suites feature spectacular 270° views with a private wraparound veranda. Veranda Suites feature two full rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. Enjoy the indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship, or relax on the Sun Deck. These are "green" ships, featuring energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic herb garden, were named to honor prominent members of the Norse pantheon. Each ship carries 190 guests in comfortable, understated elegance, with hotel-style beds and amenities like 40" flat-panel Sony® TVs and in-room refrigerators.
Ship Features
• 95 comfortable outside staterooms (2 Explorer Suites, 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms)
• All suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom
• Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area; organic herb garden and solar panels; putting green, and walking track
• Aquavit Terrace with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship and grills for al fresco dining
• Observation lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
• Library corner and onboard boutique
• Elevator
• Free shipwide wireless internet service
• Laundry service
• Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
• 40" flat-panel Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring movies on demand plus CNBC, CNN, ESPN, FOX, National Geographic and more
Ship Highlights
Aquavit Terrace
Revolutionary in concept and design, this spacious outdoor seating area at the bow of the ship is perfect for having a casual meal al fresco, meeting friends for drinks or reading a book, all while enjoying breathtaking views and basking in the fresh air.
Atrium
Light and airy, the ship's soaring atrium-style lobby rivals those of the finest hotels.
Explorer Suite
Exceptional accommodations aboard the newest, most deluxe river cruise fleet include our spacious Explorer Suites - featuring separate sleeping and sitting quarters, a wraparound veranda with 270° views, a French balcony and modern amenities.
The Restaurant
Gaze at breathtaking scenery through the Restaurant's panoramic windows as you dine on regional specialties and contemporary cuisine. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware at every meal.
Veranda Stateroom
Boasting sweeping river views, our Veranda Staterooms are comfortable and airy, with hotel-style beds, a private bathroom, roomy closets and storage space, and amenities like flat-panel TVs and premium bath products.
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