Rhone River Cruise including Lyon

Upon arrival in Lyon, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Lyon port to join our River Cruise. 

We will enjoy a Lyon city tour en route to our cruise, here we will discover its famous landmarks including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the charming Renaissance Vieux Lyon also known as Old Lyon.

In the afternoon we will transfer to our ship. 

Settle into our cabin and explore the range of facilities on board our ship as we embark on our 7-night cruise along the Rhone. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.
 

This morning, we will arrive in Macon known as the gateway to the vineyards of the Cote Maconnais. Enjoy the morning at leisure exploring the historic wine region, a must see on this visit to Macon is a trip to the Hameau Duboeuf wine museum where we can learn about the history and production of the Burgandy wines.

This afternoon we will visit Cluny Abbey, regarded as one of the most influential and powerful monastic centres in medieval Europe and whose church was considered the largest in Christendom until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. A highlight of this tour is a visit the remains of the five-aisled church. 

Today we will continue to explore the Burgundy wine region where we will arrive at Chalon -Sur-Saone, famous for its half-timbered houses, art galleries and specialty shops. Today we will have a guided excursion to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Our guided tour will start at the beautiful Hotel- Dieu, formally a hospital and now home to its famous museums and local wine cellars where we will enjoy a wine tasting of some local wines.

This morning, we will arrive at Lyon, the capital city of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Today we will time at leisure to further explore this charming city. 

Today we will sail into Avignon, we will have the day at leisure to explore this historical town, while we stroll around take in the grand Palace of the Popes and the Pont d’Avignon begore returning to the ship as we set sail towards Arles this evening.
 

This morning, we will have the chance to explore Arles on our included guided excursion, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh. During this guided tour we will see why Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its many ancient Roman sights and monuments especially the famous Roman Arena.

This morning, we can spend some free time exploring this beautiful region or we have the chance to join the optional excursion to the Valley of the Ardèche Gorge (payable locally). This afternoon relax on board the vessel as the ships sets sail and makes its way back up the waterways of the Rhone.

This evening you will enjoy a Captain's Gala Dinner while the ship travels to Lyon.

It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your Amadeus ship. After breakfast, we will be met by our local guide and transfer directly to Lyon airport for our flight home. It's time to start thinking about where to go on our next river cruise holiday!