Rendezvous on the Rhône

Sightseeing in Paris followed by a river cruise through the heart of Provence and French wine country, as made famous in the works of Vincent Van Gogh. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? This picture-perfect vacation is designed to give travelers a complete experience of France!

What would a French vacation be without a tour of Paris—the City of Light! See the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe on a panoramic city tour on your first full day. During a free afternoon in Paris, you’ll have plenty of time to grab a café au lait and croissant.

You are invited to the Palace of Versailles, where the Sun King once reigned, and Marie Antoinette held court. Visit the Hall of Mirrors and the Grand Apartment. Then it is off to Dijon to see its elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings.

In the beautiful village of Beaune, highlights of Burgundy await. Explore a family-owned mustard factory. Then, visit the Hotel Dieu, one of the finest Renaissance buildings in the world and one of the most fascinating historic museums of Europe.

On your river cruise, see picturesque Viviers. The beautiful walled city is home to a cathedral dating back to the 12th century, and an ancient bridge dating back to the third century.

Arles is the southernmost point of your cruise. Even if you have never been here before, you’re sure to recognize pictures of it in Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings. Arles’s impressive amphitheater is one of its main attractions.

Ringed by incredibly preserved 800 year old stone ramparts, graceful Avignon’s turn as the seat of papal power bestowed upon the city a treasury of magnificent art and architecture. Finally, in Lyon, the historical “Vieux Lyon” features Renaissance houses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its high-quality silk products, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which sits above the city.

Check out our Travel Blog for more tips and ideas for your Rhone River, France cruise and tour!

Add-Ons

France 3-in-1 Shore Excursion Package

Explore more of France with this value-packed add-on

Paris Illumination Tour with French Dinner

Discover the magic of Paris by night with a dinner and a panoramic tour

Rendezvous on the Rhône

Tour Starts:

Paris, France

Tour Ends:

Lyon, France

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Days 1 & 2

Fly to Paris, France

After your overnight flight, arrive in the “City of Light.” Guests who booked their air with YMT will be greeted at the airport and transported to their hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included welcome dinner at your hotel; the remainder of the night is at leisure. (D)

Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel or similar

Day 3

Sightseeing in Paris

This morning your Tour Director will take you on a half-day panoramic tour of Paris. See the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the center of the Etoile, or star, where 12 avenues come together in a big traffic roundabout; marvel at Montmartre, with the Cathedral Sacre Coêur; and learn all about the rive gauche and rive droite sides of Paris during your tour. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city on your own or join one of our optional tours. (B)

Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel or similar

Add-On: Paris Illumination Tour with French Dinner

 

Day 4

Paris to Dijon

This morning you are invited to the Court of Versailles, where the Sun King once reigned and Marie Antoinette held court. Take a self-guided audio tour through the palace and see the Hall of Mirrors and the Grand Apartment. Then it is off to Dijon, with its elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings, your home for the night. You may choose to enjoy an evening stroll on your own and find the lucky owl at Notre Dame de Dijon. Legend has it that the owl’s touch will make your wishes come true. (B, D)

Holiday Inn Toison d’Or Dijon or similar

Day 5

Dijon and Beaune to Vienne

A short drive this morning leads to the beautiful village of Beaune, where two highlights of Burgundy await. Explore the astonishing world of France’s favorite condiment—the Dijon mustard. Visit the family-owned Faillot mustard factory to learn all about the many varieties of the original. Then, visit the Hotel Dieu. Arguably one of the finest Renaissance buildings in the world, it is also one of the most fascinating historic museums of Europe. In addition, it is still a working hospital where everyone receives care despite their ability to pay. Sparked by the idea of modern tax deductible charity of its time, it was once a hospital, pharmacy, and almshouse at the same time. Throughout the years, it became a wealthy trust that, amongst other things, counts the most expensive vineyard in Burgundy among its assets.

Next, it’s on to Vienne where the A-ROSA Stella awaits you. Get settled in your cabin and explore the ship before dinner, or perhaps take a stroll around Vienne for a coffee,

or a glass of wine at a local bar. In the evening, your cruise will leave the port. (B, D)

Day 6

Viviers (1:00 PM–7:00 PM)

After an overnight cruise, your first stop today is picturesque Viviers. Located in the Rhône Ardeche region, where the two rivers briefly merge, the beautiful walled city is home to a cathedral dating back to the 12th century, and an ancient bridge dating back to the 3rd century. The flat area is an ideal starting point for a guided bike tour that you can book onboard, or an excursion to a nearby grotto and lavender farm. (B, L, D)

Add-On: France 3-in-1 Shore Excursion Package

Day 7

Arles (3:30 AM–2:00 PM) and Avignon (Arrive 6:00 PM)

Wake up in Arles, the southernmost point of your cruise. Even if you have never been here before, you’re sure to recognize pictures of it. Vincent van Gogh painted Arles in 187 of his works. Long before Van Gogh, the Romans had discovered Arles’ beauty and built the impressive amphitheater, one of the main attractions today. In the afternoon, continue northbound. In the early evening, we will arrive in Avignon where the brightly-lit monuments and the famed bridge will astound you. “On the bridge of Avignon, we all dance there,” the words of a 15-century folk song pay tribute to the unbridled joie de vivre at the foot of the Palace of the Popes; a zest for life that is still very much alive today. (B, L, D)

Day 8

Avignon (Depart 12:00 PM)

Ringed by incredibly preserved 800 year old stone ramparts, Avignon’s turn as the seat of papal power bestowed upon the city a treasury of magnificent art and

architecture. The ramparts were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent Middle Ages. Marvel at its history with a morning at your leisure. We

depart at lunch time. (B, L, D)

Add-On: France 3-in-1 Shore Excursion Package

Day 9

Vienne (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM) to Lyon (Arrive 1:00 PM)

A quick stop in Vienne lets off guests who choose to partake in shore excursions from here, then it is off to beautiful Lyon, where you will have ample time to explore. The old town “Vieux Lyon” features Renaissance houses and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its high quality silk products and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which sits above the city; you can discover both with an optional organized city tour. (B, L, D)

Add-On: France 3-in-1 Shore Excursion Package

Day 10

Disembark in Lyon and Depart for Home

Say goodbye to the crew of the Stella, and return home from Lyon Airport. Your cruise host will assist with your transfer arrangements. These are included for guests

who booked their flights through YMT. (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

FAQs

Add-Ons

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

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France 3-in-1 Shore Excursion Package

Explore more of France with this value-packed add-on that features three distinct experiences: Viviers Ardeche Gorges and Lavender Farm, Avignon City walking tour with a visit to the Popes Palace, and a tour of medieval Perouges.

Inclusions

• Go on a guided tour to one of the numerous grottos in Ardeche, such as the Grottes des Madeleines with its subterranean halls. Continuing your trip to one of the lavender producers in the Ardèchearea, you will be shown the different types and species of lavender, as well as their usage in medicine, decoration and perfume production.
• Visit the famous Palais du Pape with its great halls, chapels, private chambers of the Pope and the terrace with magnificent views of Avignon and the Rhône. After visiting the palace you will pass the church of St. Agricol and to the ruins of the famous Pont d’Avignon.
• Take a 45-minute drive and reach one of the most spectacular places in France: Pérouges.

Note: Book early and save $50 with code 24EROPT50. Our discounted price for the optional shore excursion package offers a fantastic value. Excursion package tours cannot be sold individually. This offer is valid for 2024 tours only.

Duration: Varies

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Price: $209 USD

Paris Illumination Tour with French Dinner

Discover the magic of Paris by night! Located in the center of Paris near the Opera Garnier, begin your evening with dinner at the renowned “Les Noces de Jeannette.” More than a century old, the restaurant offers traditional French cuisine of local products. After dinner, enjoy a panoramic tour through the illuminated city, where you can experience why Paris is “the City of Lights.”

Inclusions

• Traditional 3-course French Dinner: choice of appetizer and entrée plus dessert, accompanied by wine, coffee, and tap water.
• Photo-stop at Champs de Mars – view of the illuminated Eiffel Tower

Note: Tour is scheduled to return to the hotel at approximately 10:30 pm.

Duration: Approx. 5 Hours (Evening)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $129 USD