Avalon Waterways 9 Nights Western Europe

Active & Discovery On The Rhône With 2 Nights In Paris (Southbound)

Avalon Poetry II • Embarkation: Paris

Voyage Overview

Embark Date 09-May-2027
Disembark Date 18-May-2027
Duration 9 Nights
Vessel Avalon Poetry II

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Paris, France

PARIS, FRANCE Welcome to Paris! The day is yours to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Consider browsing along Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience.

Day 2: Paris

PARIS The City of LightCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing which will show you magnificent must-see sights, OR:ACTIVE Enjoy a Guided Biking Tour which will reveal some of the highlights of Paris–such as the Eiffel Tower and Palace de la Concorde–from a different point of view; enjoy a peaceful break on the Seine riverbanks.(B)

Day 3: Paris-Lyon (Embarkation)

PARIS–LYON (EMBARKATION) Board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,D)

Day 4: Lyon

LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. 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 taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON(B,L,D)

Day 5: Tain Lhermitage/Tournon

TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City GorgeACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR: DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of 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. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS(B,L,D)

Day 6: Viviers-Lock Bollene

VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR: ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:DISCOVERY Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast, OR:CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)

Day 7: Avignon

AVIGNON Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in ProvenceACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you 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, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles’ covered market.You may choose to spend free time exploring Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)

Day 8: Arles

ARLES A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.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(B,L,D)

Day 9: Port-Saint-Louis

PORT-SAINT-LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône DeltaEnjoy an early morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye 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 on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park! In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing sailing to Arles.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)

Day 10: Arles (Disembarkation)

ARLES (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)

About Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Poetry II
  • Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
  • Guest Capacity: 2 guests
  • Vessel Type: Luxury River Vessel
  • IMO Registration:
Starting From
$8,324
per person / based on double occupancy
Category Estimates
Inside Cabin: Call
Oceanview Cabin: Call
Private Balcony: Call
Luxury Suite: $8,324
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