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Our Paris & Rhône River Cruise weaves contemporary romance with timeless elegance along the Rhône. Begin in Paris, the city of love, then explore Lyon, where hidden ‘traboules’ reveal centuries of history. Visit the Cluny Abbey, a remarkable symbol of Europe’s artistic, political, and religious heritage. Discover the Castle of Tournon-sur-Rhône, majestically perched on granite rock at the town’s heart, housing a museum recognized as a “Museum of France” since 1927. Along the way, enjoy scenic river landscapes, charming towns, and cultural treasures, all while experiencing the perfect balance of relaxed cruising, expert-guided exploration, and leisurely indulgence.
Itinerary at a glance
Today, start your Magical Rhone & Timeless France journey with an exciting flight from the USA to Paris, the City of Light. From here, discover charming streets, world-renowned landmarks, and the scenic vineyards along the Saône and Rhône Rivers.
Upon arriving in Paris, meet your tour leader and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Check in, relax, and acclimate to the time difference, preparing for the upcoming journey.
This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the peerless Louvre Museum*, home to many of the world’s greatest artworks. Behold Leonardo da Vinci’s playfully smiling Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo as you explore the vast collections. After a panoramic drive around the top Paris landmarks, such as the Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, and the city’s most recognizable symbol, the Eiffel Tower. Enjoying a delicious French cuisine dinner this evening.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to explore Paris freely at your own rhythm. Known as the City of Light, Paris has long captivated travelers with its iconic landmarks, refined fashion, exquisite cuisine, and charming café culture. Wander along elegant boulevards, discover hidden lanes, or indulge in shopping and museums at leisure. Whether under the golden daylight or the sparkling night sky, Paris exudes timeless beauty and irresistible charm. Embrace the day to experience the city exactly as you wish. (No tour guide service included.)
Included: Breakfast
Today, transfer from Paris to Lyon, relaxing on the coach while admiring the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore this vibrant city, where graceful Renaissance and modern architecture blend seamlessly with a lively atmosphere. Stroll through charming streets lined with gourmet restaurants and stylish boutiques that embody Lyon’s renowned spirit of culture and cuisine. Later in the afternoon, board your cruise ship and settle comfortably into your cabin. Join the crew for a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner and an evening of entertainment as your journey along the Rhône begins.
Ship name:
PRO0708 MS Van Gogh
PRO0929 MS Camargue
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Guided tour of Lyon* unfolds gently as the day begins. Pause at Fourvière Basilica, where sweeping views stretch over the city, and step inside a sanctuary shaped by centuries of history since 1168. Meander through the hidden traboules of the Old Town, narrow passageways whispering tales of a bygone era. Stroll the medieval streets of the Saint Jean district, where cafés, boutiques, and quiet corners invite lingering. Return on board for lunch, then drift along the river toward Macon. As evening falls, enjoy your dinner and dance beneath the stars.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart by coach to the historic Cluny Abbey*, founded in 910 by William the Pious. Once under Rome’s protection, its abbot mediated between political leaders and the pope, granting the abbey vast influence across medieval Europe. Its church was the largest in Western Christendom until Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In 1798, the abbey was sold as a national asset and mostly dismantled, leaving only vestiges of its former grandeur. Explore the remaining structures and imagine past splendor. Return to the cruise in Macon, then continue along the river and enjoy an evening of entertainment. We’ll reaching Vienne later this evening.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, set out on foot with a Guided tour of Vienne*, a city with over 2,000 years of history along the Rhône River. Begin at the Antique Theatre, built around 40–50 AD, one of the largest in the Roman Empire, accommodating 13,000 spectators and restored in 1938 for performances. Continue to the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only), a Roman forum site later transformed into a church and restored in the 19th century. Finish at the Cathedral of St. Maurice (exteriors only), a historic monument since 1840. Return on foot to the cruise for an afternoon journey to Avignon, followed by dinner and evening entertainment.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a Tour of Avignon* on foot, wandering through the old town, St. Agricol Church, Place de l’Horloge, and Place du Palais. Enter the majestic Pope’s Palace*, where chapels, staterooms, and terraces reveal centuries of history and offer breathtaking views of the city and the Rhône River. In the afternoon, glide along the river to Arles and immerse yourself in a Tour of the Camargue, including a visit to a manade*. Admire pink flamingoes, black bulls, and indigenous Camargue horses, explore salt and rice fields, and savor a cocktail on the sunlit patio before returning to the ship.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, depart on foot for a Guided tour of Arles*, a city with two millennia of architectural heritage, making it an open-air museum. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre, Roman Theatre, St. Trophimus square, Place du Forum, and the Roman baths of Constantine. Depart by coach to Tarascon to explore a Provençal olive oil estate* at the foot of Montagnette, learning about cultivation and production while seated on straw bales in tractor-pulled trailers, followed by a tasting. Return on board and continue the journey. Upon arrival, take a Walking tour of Viviers*, admiring its medieval streets, France’s smallest cathedral, Renaissance facades, and panoramic views from the Belvedere.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Tournon, nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley at the gates of Provence. Upon arrival, join a Tour of Tournon*, exploring its historic landmarks and lively shopping streets on foot. Visit the Château Museum, a fortress perched on granite rock and once the seat of the Counts of Tournon, where exhibits trace the history of navigation on the Rhône River. Stroll through the medieval streets of the old town before concluding with a tasting of regional products and wines. Return on board for tonight’s gala dinner as the ship sails overnight toward Lyon.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 AM. Then, head to the Airport, taking with you all the memories from this unforgettable journey home.
Land-only clients should book flights departing from LYS airport after 2:00 PM.
Included: Breakfast
★ ★ ★ ★
Make yourself at home in our spacious, contemporary hotel rooms and suites featuring plush bedding, soundproof windows, high-speed Wi-Fi and an array of entertainment options. Enjoy all-day dining on delicious French cuisine or sip wine with friends on the outdoor terrace at La Brasserie Restaurant & Bar. Our accessible location makes it easy for you to explore Paris; the shopping mall Les Quatre Temps, Grande Arche de la Defense and the Champs Elysées are just moments away.
★ ★ ★ ★
The stylish interior is a perfect match to the plants and wildlife in the Camargue region. Pastel pinks are contrasting with cool tones of yellow and few touches of white, forming one balanced visual effect that appeals to the eye and which delivers a feeling of coziness.
★ ★ ★ ★
In a nod to the artist whose name it takes, the ship showcases some of his famous paintings, including those from the Sunflowers series. In terms of decoration, the colour combination of gray blue and orange creates a lot of style and elegance. The patterns of the fabrics as well as the dressing of the bar follow the techniques developed by Van Gogh: impressionism and pointillism.
