LYON - MACON - The Beaujolais vineyards - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - The Vercors - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - MARTIGUES(1)
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Lyon to Martigues, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
An exceptional cruise on the Saône to the mouth of the Rhône River
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll enjoy dinner on board as our ship cruises to Mâcon. Don’t miss Lyon lit up at night as we depart!
This morning, join us for an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A guided tour of Mâcon. With its colored facades, Mâcon feels like it should be part of Provence. Learn more about this Burgundy city on a tour highlighting its major sites.
This afternoon, join us for an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : The Beaujolais vineyards. The Beaujolais wine region is tucked in between Lyon and Burgundy. Wines range from the young Beaujolais Nouveau to high-quality crus. Red wines are made mostly from Gamay grapes that create a vibrant, fruity taste. Light and fresh white wines come predominantly from Chardonnay varieties.
After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship to cruise to Lyon in the evening.
Optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC package: Join us for a panoramic tour of Lyon and learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street.
DISCOVERY package: Food tour of Lyon.
We’ll cruise to Tain-l’Hermitage in the afternoon and arrive in the evening.
This morning, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Discover the Vercors Massif and enjoy a tasting of local sparkling wine (Clairette de Die).*
The Vercors Massif contains impressive sites and breathtaking views. We’ll discover many of these on a trip through its natural park. Peaks, trails, rushing streams, steep cliffs, and rolling mountain pastures await. The Vercors Massif was also a strategic location for the French Resistance during World War II. We’ll visit the quaint town of Die—known for its delicious sparkling wine—and enjoy a tasting.
After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, arriving during the evening.
Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Join us this morning for a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. Avignon has had quite a past. The city’s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in this area is the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe and the city’s most famous attraction.
Our ship will cruise to Arles.
The afternoon will be dedicated to an optional guided tour of Arles.
This morning, join us for an optional excursion:
CLASSIC package: Tour the Camargue. We’ll visit a manade to enjoy a horse show.
DISCOVERY package: Safari in the Camargue in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Set out on an exciting jaunt into the heart of the wild Camargue.
Sit back and admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamencos, black bulls, and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Whether on the edge of the sea or inland, each spot is an immersion in the wonders nature has to offer in France.
Our ship will cruise to Martigues.
Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.
For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.
(1) Depending on mooring availabilities, the stopover in Martigues may be replaced by Port Saint Louis du Rhône.
Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.