Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll board your river cruise ship at 4:00 p.m. in Lyon. After getting settled into your cabin, you'll meet the crew at a welcome cocktail while the ship begins sailing toward Avignon.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Welcome cocktail and crew introduction
Landmarks Lyon - Day 2
Avignon
This morning brings a cruise through the Rhône Valley. During the afternoon, a guided tour takes you through the Papal Palace, one of Europe's largest Gothic buildings, where you'll walk through grand halls, chapels, and papal apartments. Your evening is free to wander Avignon's festive Christmas streets on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of the Papal Palace
- Free time to explore Avignon
Landmarks Papal Palace Avignon - Day 3
Avignon - Arles
Morning cruise to Arles starts with a presentation on Provençal Christmas traditions and the 13 Desserts, complete with a tasting of these traditional holiday sweets. The afternoon includes an excursion to the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence with its Santon Museum featuring Provençal nativity figures, then a guided tour of Arles and the International Santonniers Fair where over 100 artisan exhibitors showcase their work. You'll overnight on the ship as it cruises to Tain-l'Hermitage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Presentation on Christmas traditions in Provence and the 13 Desserts
- Tasting of the 13 Desserts
- Excursion to Les Baux-de-Provence
- Visit to the Santon Museum with traditional Provençal nativity scene
- Guided tour of Arles
- Visit to the International Santonniers Fair
Landmarks Les Baux-de-Provence Santon Museum Arles International Santonniers Fair - Day 4
Tain-l'Hermitage
After a morning cruise, you'll tour the Cité du Chocolat (Valrhona Discovery Center) to learn how chocolate moves from cacao to finished product, with tasting included. Next comes a visit to Maison Chapoutier wine cellar for a tour of their seven generations of wine-making heritage and wine tasting. Back on the ship, you'll enjoy a festive gala dinner in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening)
Included Activities
- Tour of the Cité du Chocolat (Valrhona Discovery Center)
- Chocolate tasting
- Tour of Maison Chapoutier wine cellar
- Wine tasting
- Festive gala evening
Landmarks Cité du Chocolat (Valrhona Discovery Center) Maison Chapoutier - Day 5
Lyon
You'll have one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. That wraps up your tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet breakfast on board)
Landmarks Lyon
