Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise
From the slopes of the scenic winelands to the hills of Provence, and the beauty of the French landscape to the medieval splendour of Avignon, enjoy a fascinating cruise to one of the most picturesque corners of France.
Our journey through France explores the beautiful Saône and Rhône French rivers, the preferred route of traders and invaders alike since the dawn of recorded history. Everywhere there are reminders of the Romans and the greatest empire of the ancient world. There are guided tours to Lyon, historic Vienne, and Beaune, with a wine tasting. You will be staggered by the engineering genius of the amphitheatre at Arles and the huge aqueduct at the Pont du Gard. Avignon was the seat of the Papacy during medieval times, heralding a century of greatness crowned by the absorbing Papal Palace and its renaissance art collection. Van Gogh created his greatest works in Provence, and all this is set in some of France’s stunning natural beauty.
At a glance
Highlights
- Sample delicious local wines with a wine-tasting in Burgundy's wine capital, Beaune.
- Visit the Palace of the Popes in the 14th-century City of Avignon, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures.
- Explore the magnificent Ardèche Gorges, one of France's most outstanding natural landscapes.
- Take a guided tour around the highlights of Lyon, including renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe's largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, featuring a statue of Louis XIV.
- Marvel at the amazing Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Roman amphitheatre in Arles.
Watch the video
Offers
Calling all solo travellers!
We’ve waived the solo supplement on middle and upper deck cabins and suites on select dates below - the price is already applied so book now to secure your next adventure!
Departure month | Departure date |
---|---|
August 2024 | 01, 08, 15, 22, 24, 29 |
October 2024 | 11, 17, 24 |
For terms and conditions, please see the offer page.
*Dates and prices available as of 3rd May 2024
We’ve lowered our prices on most of our 2024 departures on the Burgundy, River Rhône and Provence cruise, with savings across all decks.
The discount has already been applied to the price you see online, so it couldn't be easier to take advantage of this saving! Book now to secure your price.
See below the selected dates, highlighting their savings!
Date | Saving |
---|---|
13 June 2024 |
Save £100 |
29 August 2024 |
Save £50 |
12 September 2024 |
Save £100 |
19 September 2024 |
Save £100 |
26 September 2024 |
Save £200 |
3 October 2024 |
Save £100 |
Raise a glass and enjoy our free Superior drinks package on all European river cruises.
With lunch in our restaurants:
- Regional and house wines and draught beers, including non-alcoholic
- Soft drinks and juices
From 6pm to midnight in our bars and restaurants, all of the above plus:
- Cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits, mixers and regional wine
- Selection of pre and after-dinner drinks
There’s even more to enjoy on a group holiday with family or friends - now 1 in every 8 guests goes free when you book a river cruise as a group of 8 or more.
Experience the delights of Southern France on the Rhône, marvel at the vineyard slopes of the Douro valley or absorb the breathtaking views of the baroque cities on the Danube. You could use the saving to upgrade to a more luxurious cabin, to add on the drinks package, or to simply have more money in your pocket when you explore the local areas. Whether you’re travelling as a group of friends, a society or organised club, you can relax knowing you’ve got unbeatable value for money.
With our dedicated Groups Booking Team, you’ll be looked after every step of the way - call them on 01283 901216 to find out more.
Your itinerary
Arrival in Avignon
The adventure begins as your board your five-star ship in Avignon.
Avignon
This morning we explore Avignon on a guided tour, including the stunning Pope's Palace, then you are free to explore this afternoon.
Arles & Pont Du Gard
You'll have a guided tour of Arles, its Roman remains and learn about how it inspired Van Gogh. This afternoon we visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct.
Ardèche Gorges & Tain l'Hermitage
After breakfast we tour the stunning Ardèche Gorges. Then relax on board as we sail towards Tain l'Hermitage.
Vienne
This morning we sail through the most spectacular section of the Rhône Valley. After lunch we arrive in Vienne for a guided tour.
Chalon & Beaune
Cruising along the Saône we reach Chalon-sur-Saône, from where we visit Beaune, Burgundy's wine capital for a tour and wine tasting.
Lyon
We spent our final day in Lyon. After a guided tour in the morning, the rest of the day is free for you to explore.
Return home
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Lyon
Begin the adventure as you board your five-star ship in Lyon.
Lyon
Enjoy a guided tour of Lyon in the morning, before we start our cruising heading north on the Saône in the afternoon.
Chalon & Beaune
Awake berthed in Chalon, from where we visit Beaune, Burgundy's wine capital for a tour and wine tasting.
Vienne & Tain l’Hermitage
Visit Vienne on a guided tour, then sail through the most spectacular section of the Rhône Valley towards Tain l’Hermitage.
Ardèche Gorges
Cruise downstream before we tour the naturally beautiful Ardèche Gorges.
Arles & Pont du Gard
Take a guided tour of Arles, its Roman remains and learn about how it inspired Van Gogh. This afternoon we visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct.
Avignon
Explore Avignon on a guided tour, including the stunning Pope's Palace, in the morning then you are free to explore this afternoon.
Return home
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Extend your holiday
Why not extend your enjoyment? Explore a little longer by adding a tour extension to discover even more of the world with us.
Call us on 01283 742300Lake Geneva & Golden Pass
3 night tour
On selected dates, add a three night stay near Lake Geneva, plus take a ride on the iconic Golden Pass railway.
Available ships
MS Lord Byron
- Built
- 2013
- Crew
- 36
- Passengers
- 140
Every single element of the MS Lord Byron is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort.
MS William Shakespeare
- Built
- 2014
- Crew
- 35
- Passengers
- 140
Our long history with the MS William Shakespeare dates back to 2015.
MS Thomas Hardy
- Built
- 2017
- Crew
- 44
- Passengers
- 167
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes the MS Thomas Hardy from similar vessels.
Extras & upgrades
Hassle-free travel
Opt for a convenient door-to-door service with transport from your home to your choice of regional airport or train station, available as an added optional with every holiday.
To purchase the door-to-door service please call our reservations team.
Travel connections
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
Lyon - start or end of cruise
Arrival or departure airport | Transfer time |
---|---|
Marseille Airport | 3hrs 30 mins including comfort stop |
Montpellier Airport | 3hrs 30 mins including comfort stop |
Lyon Airport | 45 mins |
Geneva Airport | 1hr 30mins |
Lyon Station | 45 mins |
Avignon - start or end of cruise
Arrival or departure airport | Transfer time |
---|---|
Marseille Airport | 1hr 30 mins |
Montpellier Airport | 1hr 30 mins |
Lyon Airport | 3hrs 30 mins including comfort stop |
Nice Airport | 3hrs including comfort stop |
Avignon Station | 45 mins |
FAQs
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free Superior drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights or Eurostar and TGV
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport/station to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter France however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
- Currency: Euro
- Flight Time: Approx. 1 hr 50 mins to 2 hrs
- Eurostar & TGV Journey Time: Approx. 7 hrs (London-Lyon or vv), 8hrs (Avignon-London or vv)
- Language: French
- Time Zone: GMT+1
- Country: France
Our ships are moving vessels, therefore, you may experience some noise on board. Noise levels tend to be louder when the ship is manoeuvring, docking, and can vary depending on the river conditions and weather. Cabins in the middle and towards the front of the ship are less likely to be affected than those at the rear.
The deposit for this holiday is £500pp, then the remaining balance of the holiday is due a minimum of 101 days before you depart.
Availability
- Departing
- When
- Guests
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Tour style | Date | Departs | Departing from | Accommodation | Price from | Call to action |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 08:45 |
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MS Lord Byron | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 08:00 |
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MS Lord Byron | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 14:25 |
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MS Lord Byron | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 14:25 |
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MS Lord Byron | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 09:05 |
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MS Lord Byron | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 09:05 |
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MS Lord Byron | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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07 May 2024 | 17:00 | Avignon - Cruise Only | MS Lord Byron | £2,399.00 pp | Book now |
River Cruise
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09 May 2024 | 07:00 |
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MS William Shakespeare | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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09 May 2024 | 11:05 |
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MS William Shakespeare | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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09 May 2024 | 17:00 | Lyon - Cruise Only | MS William Shakespeare | £2,399.00 pp | Book now |
River Cruise
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09 May 2024 | 11:05 |
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MS William Shakespeare | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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River Cruise
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09 May 2024 | 08:10 |
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MS William Shakespeare | £2,599.00 pp | Book now |
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