Take in France's rural delights, centuries-old monuments and rugged scenery as you cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers, journeying from Lyon to Provence. Explore Roman ruins, the wild plains of the Camargue and the winding hidden passageways of Lyon on this captivating eight-day voyage.
Dinner
Depart the UK on your flight. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your ship. Later, enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, uncover the sights of Lyon on a captivating city tour. You'll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Fourvière Basilica. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old roman forum. Return to the coach and continue onto Lyons old town for a walking tour. As you explore the old town, you will discover the unique 'traboules', a fascinating network of hidden passageways that weave through the city. These secret corridors, once used by silk weavers to transport their goods, offer a glimpse into Lyon's historical charm and architectural ingenuity.
Stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the Renaissance buildings and vibrant atmosphere that define this enchanting area. Enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district then return to your ship for Lunch and set sail for Macon. As you cruise along the river, take in the beautiful landscapes that unfold before you. Enjoy the tranquillity of the river as you reflect on the day's discoveries and look forward to the adventures that await in Macon.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, travel by coach to the grand Cluny Abbey, where you can explore its impressive architecture and rich history. This ancient Benedictine abbey extended a widespread influence on all medieval Europe. Its church was the largest in all West Christianity until the Saint Peter's basilica was built in Rome. The abbey was sold as a national asset in 1798 and dismantled, while its church was almost destroyed. In the afternoon, sail down the Rhone towards Vienne, relax while taking in the rolling scenery. As evening falls, indulge in a delightful dinner on board, followed by an evening of entertainment, making for a perfect end to your day.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a guided tour of Vienne and uncover why this city is celebrated for its rich art, history, and culture. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Vienne is home to remarkable examples of Roman architecture that will leave you in awe. After your exploration, return to the ship and spend a relaxing afternoon cruising towards Avignon. In the evening, delight in a delicious dinner on board, followed by an evening of entertainment to cap off your day.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, explore Avignon, wandering past the Diocesan Church towards the beating heart of Avignon, Place del'Horloge. Continue on to the town square at Place du Palace and the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral before ending your tour at the UNESCO-listed Pope's Palace. In the afternoon, journey to the unique natural region of the Carmargue. Enjoy a guided tour past rivers, marshes, and lagoons as you look out for the flamingos, black bulls and the indigenous Camargue horses which inhabit this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Later, visit a manade (bull breeding farm) to learn about how a manadier works with the animals. End your day with a cocktail on the farm patio.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Discover the coastal town of Arles, a place rich with historic treasures and vibrant, colourful houses that have inspired many of Van Gogh's famous paintings. Stroll through the charming streets, soaking in the artistic ambiance and historical significance of this picturesque town. For two thousand years Arles has maintained an outstanding architectural heritage making it a genuine open-air museum. Discover the Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), the Roman Theatre, St Trophimus square, the Roman baths of Constantine and more .
Later, depart by coach towards Tarascon. Visit a local olive oil producer to learn about the traditional methods of production and sample some of the finest oils. Engage with the producers and gain insights into the meticulous process that results in the yellow gold of Provence, olive oil. In the afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Viviers. Unwind and reflect on the day's experiences, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a morning of cruising, arrive at Tournon, situated in the heart of the Rhone Valley. Visit the imposing Castle-Museum of Tournon-sur-Rhone. To finish the day, sample a selection of regional food products and wines* before returning to your ship for tonight's farewell gala dinner. the ship will cruise towards Lyon during the night.
Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark at 9am for your transfer to the airport and your return flight to the UK. If you have a late return flight, you may leave your luggage onboard the ship until 14.00pm and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
We love CroisiEurope cruises. Lovely scenery, locks, and superb service from the crew. All in all - a super holiday.
Jane Day
05 Aug 24The Captain and Croisieurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A visa is not required for your entry into France. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details, including terminal, airline and baggage allowance, will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness. It involves some climbing of steep steps, and getting on and off boats. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in France is the Euro, we recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide. Please note: Your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken on board the ship. Tables seat 4 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on-board ship as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost).
Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking.
On embarking the ship, you will be greeted by the captain, crew and staff and treated to welcome cocktails.
On your arrival in Lyon, you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope”. The Mercury Holidays/ Croisieurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle and you will be taken to your boat. If you need to contact Croisieurope, during your stay the details are: CroisiEurope MS Camargue - 0033 6 72 97 02 63
Embarkation Time: 6pm Disembarkation Time: 9am If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you will be able to leave your luggage. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship.
If you need to contact Croisieurope, during your stay the details are: CroisiEurope MS Camargue - 0033 6 72 97 02 63
