Lyon, France (Embarkation) Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Welcome to Lyon, France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. All flights should arrive into Lyon (LYS) by 3:30 pm, and all aboard by 5 pm.
Onboard Welcome Reception
Meet the staff a crew of Olivia and Avalon. Enjoy Olivia Entertainment tonight as you settle into your new home for the week.
Lyon, France Wednesday, August 28, 2024
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste Lyon, France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital, was founded by the Romans in 43 B.C. The city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, excellent museums, and renaissance architecture delight visitors.
Active
• Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:
Discovery
• Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
• Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière.
Evening cruise to Tain l'Hermitage / Touron
Tain l'Hermitage/Touron / Viviers Thursday, August 29, 2024
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge
Active
• For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
• Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR:
Discovery
• Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum
• Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.
Viviers - Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories
Discovery
• For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town.
Overnight docking in Viviers
Viviers / Avignon, France Friday, August 30, 2024
River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
Active
• Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
• Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR:
• Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert).
Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
Overnight docking in Avignon.
Avignon, France Saturday, August 31, 2024
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
Choice of guided tour, or guided e-bike tour, or Provencal farmhouse experience
Active
• Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR:
Discovery
Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles’ covered market.
This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts.
You may also spend free time to explore Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.
Evening cruise to Arles.
Arles, France Sunday, September 01, 2024
A Master Painter, and shopping in Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active
• Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR:
Discovery
• Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
Classic
• Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.
Overnight docking in Arles.
Port-Saint-Louis, France Monday, September 02, 2024
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.
Active
• Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:
Discovery
• Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
• Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park! (Rustic and riding on hay-truck bed).
Overnight docking in Arles
Arles, France (Disembarkation) Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Continue on with us for an Optional 1- or 2- night Post-Stretcher to Marseilles, or continue to the Marseilles airport (MRS) for an included group transfer for flights after 10:30 am. For other arrangements, the reception staff can assist in securing a taxi for you.
Vacation Stretchers We are offering 1-, and 2-night post-cruise Vacation Stretchers in Marseille.
Located on the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) and near the mouth of the Rhône river, Marseille is the oldest city in France and indeed one of the oldest in Western Europe. France’s third-largest urban area, Marseille is known as the European Capital of Culture and features many sights to see and experiences of interest, including the famous Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Château d’If (from the Count of Monte Cristo), striking views of the beautiful blue Mediterranean from cafes and shops in the Old Port, and delicious fresh Bouillabaisse seafood stew, among other French delicacies.
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