Presented by Globus Journeys
Rhône River Cruise -
Burgundy & Provence
June 17-24, 2025
8 Day River Cruise from Lyon to Arles
June 17-24, 2025
Presented by Avalon Waterways with special group pricing from Blue Skies Travel
Fully escorted by Margo McDonough
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. An Avalon Waterways cruise along the Rhone presents a plethora of choices. Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. A cooking class. Kayaking. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. Whether you want a leisurely pace or something more active, there's an excursion for everyone!
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: Lyon, France (Embarkation)
Welcome to France. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON.
Ask Margo about an optional pre-cruise hotel stay in Lyon. Many group members will be joining Margo in arriving early.
Dinner is included this day.
Day 2: Lyon
Choose from these exciting excursions. 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 tastes. OR: DISCOVERY Join a cooking class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty. This afternoon, you might opt for an optional guided tour 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/TOURNON
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 3: Tain L’Hermitage/Tournon
ACTIVE Join a guided excursion on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
ACTIVE Join a guided hike in the vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR:
DISCOVERY Tour the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR: CLASSIC Take a guided sightseeing tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with an imposing 16th-century castle.
DISCOVERY Join a cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.
VIVIERS DISCOVERY For a different perspective on the town, join a nighttime guided tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 4: Viviers- Lock Bollène
ACTIVE Enjoy a guided kayak trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
ACTIVE Enjoy a guided hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR:
DISCOVERY Experience an 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 5: Avignon
ACTIVE Join a leisurely guided E-Bike ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit a Provencal farmhouse and 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 6: Arles
ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a guided hike. This area takes its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, OR:
DISCOVERY Attend a painting workshop and hear about the techniques of Vincent van Gogh. OR:
CLASSIC Join a guided sightseeing Ttur 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. Later, enjoy on board live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 7: Arles
ACTIVE Take a guided bike ride through the Camargue Natural Park and be on the look 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 and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on a visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 8: Arles (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. Nice, with its nonstop flights to PHL, is another great nearby option.
Ask Margo about land extensions in Nice, Cannes, Antibes or other beautiful locales on the French Rivera.
Breakfast included this day.
Pricing
Price starting at : $3,509 per person, cruise only.
Travel Protection starting at: $359 per person, required with deposit.
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Final payment is March 19, 2025.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in Lyon/Arles or on the French Rivera.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
Your Host
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier stints in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted many trips for area travelers, including a Paris to Normandy river cruise, facilitated by special guest expert Professor Ray Callahan, a winter getaway to the Tournament of Roses Parade, a weeklong trip to the Islands of New England and a Tulip Time river cruise to The Netherlands.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center, which is a member of the Virtuoso luxury travel consortium.
