Rhone Reverie: Lyon

8 days
Museum Visits

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Embark on a captivating journey along the Rhone River and discover the timeless beauty of Provence and beyond. Your voyage begins in Arles, a city rich in Roman history, with its impressive amphitheater, Provençal charm, and vibrant markets. Wander through the streets that once inspired Van Gogh, and immerse yourself in the region’s luminous atmosphere.

Next stop: Avignon, famous for the imposing Palace of the Popes and the iconic Pont d’Avignon. This city blends medieval splendor with cultural vitality and offers stunning views of the river.

In Viviers, step back in time as you stroll through its medieval alleys and discover its historic cathedral and atmospheric old town.

As the river winds onward, you'll reach Tournon and Macon, nestled among gentle vineyards, ancient castles, and peaceful countryside. Sample local wines and unwind amid serene natural settings.

Your journey culminates in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Here, contemporary culture meets historic architecture. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the traditional “Bouchons” offer an authentic taste of French cuisine.

This voyage along the Rhone seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich heritage, and culinary delights into an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

day 1 | Arles

Roman relics, medieval evidence and romaniche architecture: Arles invites you to travel through the eras and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the threshold to eternity. At the gates of the "little Rome" makes itself tothat the natural landscape Camargue with pink flamingos, white wild horses and wide sand dunes wide. Already van Gogh let himself be inspired by the color play of Provence and be seduced by the southern flair of the city. Art lovers can follow the traces of the master thanks to marked routes and stop at the famous "night café" at Place du Forum. Today the former seat of government of Emperor Barbarossa a place full of possibilities, where monumental buildings with motheir museums are in harmony.

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.


day 2 | Arles

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.


day 2 | Avignon

Who doesn't know the French folk song "Sur le Pontd'Avignon", which has made the city on the left bank of the Rhône world-famous? However, Avignon gained its true significance in the 14th century when the Pope sought exile there due to warlike unrest. True to the motto "Where the Pope is, there is Rome", a glorious period of prosperity began, accompanied by the construction of Gothic monasteries and churches. With its jagged parapets and enormous towers, the monumental papal palace resembles a fortress and serves as a unique backdrop for an annual theater festival. However, the picturesque lavender landscape of Provence attracts not only art lovers, but also gourmets.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.


day 3 | Avignon

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.


day 3 | Viviers

Looking like a sleeping beauty, Viviers sits on the right bank of the Rhône-bank. The historic town center is preserved and forms a fabulous backdrop for a trip to times long past. Through winding alleys leads a walk from the subtown, where merchants and craftsmen lived in the Middle Ages, in The Upper Town, the former refuge of the well-heeled and spiritual. Here, the richly decorated facade of the Maison des Chevaliers always discover new detailscovers. From the smallest cathedral in France, the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, it is not far to the Belvédère de Châteauvieux. The trip is rewarded with a fantastic view over the tiled roofs of the city and the Rhône Valley.

Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town's Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers' tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.


day 3 | Tournon-sur-Rhône

Tournon is a French commune in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region with about 10,000 inhabitants. The Rhône River is one of the longest rivers in the country, flowing through the town. Vernon Castle is partially listed and offers a museum. It was in the castle that François de France, heir to the French throne, died in the 16th century. Traces of the nobility can still be discovered in the old town, which invites visitors to stroll around. The Jardin d'Eden lives up to its name.

Tournon is a French commune in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region with about 10,000 inhabitants. The Rhône River is one of the longest rivers in the country, flowing through the town. Vernon Castle is partially listed and offers a museum. It was in the castle that François de France, heir to the French throne, died in the 16th century. Traces of the nobility can still be discovered in the old town, which invites visitors to stroll around. The Jardin d'Eden lives up to its name.


day 4 | Tournon-sur-Rhône

Tournon is a French commune in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region with about 10,000 inhabitants. The Rhône River is one of the longest rivers in the country, flowing through the town. Vernon Castle is partially listed and offers a museum. It was in the castle that François de France, heir to the French throne, died in the 16th century. Traces of the nobility can still be discovered in the old town, which invites visitors to stroll around. The Jardin d'Eden lives up to its name.


day 4 | Lyon

To this day, Lyon, the second largest city in France, has been overshadowed by the French capital Paris in terms of tourism. However, this is completely unjustified. If you travel to Lyon in France, you will experience a wonderful mix of a historic old town, excellent cuisine, numerous festivals and picturesque surroundings. Strolling through the alleyways of Lyon's old town is a real pleasure. There is something new to discover around every corner in the medieval and Renaissance-style alleyways and streets. A special feature of Lyon are the so-called "traboules" - passageways and staircases that allow you to pass through buildings and courtyards from one street to another, and due to its extensive historical buildings, large parts of Lyon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.


day 5 | Lyon

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.


day 5 | Mâcon

Located directly on the Saône River, Mâcon is a great getaway destination on a river cruise through France's unique river landscape. Already in the Middle Ages, the city had great importance due to its good strategic location, for example as the capital of Burgundy. Tourist highlights are the historic buildings. These include several palaces worth seeing, such as the town house or the prefecture building. The old cathedral of St. Vincent, first built in the 6th century, was destroyed during the revolution and rebuilt between 1810 and 1816 at the Place St. Vincent. Another unusual feature and a worthwhile destination is a dwelling house built of wood between 1490 and 1510. A large number of carved wooden figures make this building a rarity worth seeing.


day 6 | Chalon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône is a French town located directly on the Saône, with around 45,000 inhabitants. This makes it the largest town by population in the department of Saône-et-Loire and the second largest town in Burgundy. The town of Chalon-sur-Saône is famous as the birthplace of photography. This is also associated with the most famous citizen of Chalon-sur-Saône - Joseph Nicéphore Nièpce. Because of his inventions in the field of photography, there is a museum on the "Quai des Messageries" where over two million photographs, numerous artifacts, cameras and other photographic equipment from the past of photography can be seen. The city's river port is home to the Western Bresse market, grain and regional wines. The city's sights include St. Vincent's Cathedral and the well-preserved old town around the cathedral.


day 7 | Lyon

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.


day 8 | Lyon

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.


What's included

VIVA All-Inclusive

  • Diner

    Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.

  • Soda

    All day high quality hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of alcoholic beverages; have a look at our bar menu

  • High Tea

    High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. A variety of teas are offered to match

  • Minibar

    daily freshly stocked minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

  • Sekt

    A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - here's to a wonderful stay on board

  • Beauty

    Selected beauty products from RITUALS

  • Wifi

    Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

  • Service

    Tips for the entire crew


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