ABTA protected
History and Art of the Rhône
Scroll to sail
History and Art of the Rhône
Travel the very scenery that inspired artists like Van Gogh as you meander through the beautiful Provencal countryside and river scenery with picturesque medieval towns and cities dotted along the banks of the River Rhône.
Cruise from Avignon to Lyon, where the pastoral landscape is interspersed with fascinating excursions to historic locations. Visit ancient architecture and view significant collections of sculptures and paintings.
At the heart of the Burgundy wine region, combine fine vintages with regional cuisine aboard a luxury river cruiser that takes care of every need with spacious and stylish accommodation and 21st-century comfort and convenience. Enjoy this beautiful cruise with your hosts, Riviera Travel.
4.5
from
402 reviews
-
Cruise Line: Riviera Travel -
Ship: MS Lord Byron / MS Thomas Hardy -
Duration: 7 Nights
-
Departure: May - Aug
History and Art of the Rhône Cruise Prices
History and Art of the Rhône Gallery
History and Art of the Rhône Cruise Itinerary
Explore the history of beautiful Alsatian towns and cities whilst discovering the tranquil Provencal countryside, which has inspired countless artists throughout the centuries. This 7-night cruise combines the best heritage and culture with stunning landscapes and river scenery, not to mention a glass or two of Burgundy’s finest vintages. Your cruise partner is a luxury river ship with elegant, spacious accommodation and award-winning cuisine.
Day 1
Avignon
Embark your luxury cruise ship moored in the heart of historic Avignon.
Day 2
Avignon
Enjoy a guided tour of Avignon, once home to the Papacy, which explains the wealth of monuments, churches, chapels, and fine architecture. There is an optional visit to see the art collection at Le Petit Palais and a piano recital on board ship after dinner.
Day 3
Arles & Ponts du Gard
Take a guided tour of Arles, famed for its warm-coloured stone buildings and historic monuments and once home to Van Gogh as he painted the Provencal countryside. Later, visit the magnificent Pont du Gard aqueduct, a feat of Roman engineering.
Day 4
Ardèche Gorges & Chauvet Caves
The Ardèche Gorges feature sheer limestone cliffs nearly a thousand feet in height and remarkable rock formations. Later, see the Chauvet Caves and their ancient wall paintings, followed by dinner and an on-board ballroom dancing performance.
Day 5
Vienne
Enjoy some of the Rhône Valley’s most spectacular scenery before arriving in Vienne with ancient Celtic and Roman antecedents and a treasure trove of history. Visit the archaeological gardens of Cybèle, a fascinating mix of history and plant life.
Day 6
Beaune
Beaune is surrounded by some of the most picturesque wine-making villages visible as you travel the famous Wine Road. Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy and is a beautiful and historic town and the tour includes a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu.
Day 7
Lyon
Enjoy a guided tour of Lyon at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, a location that has created a fascinating history. Discover the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading back to the ship to enjoy the Captain’s Dinner.
Day 8
Lyon
Disembark your river ship and make your way to the airport or railway station to begin the journey back to the UK.
Day 1
Lyon
Embark your luxury cruise ship moored in the heart of historic Lyon.
Day 2
Lyon
Enjoy a guided tour of Lyon at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, a location that has created a fascinating history. Discover the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading back to the ship to enjoy the Captain’s Dinner.
Day 3
Beaune
Beaune is surrounded by some of the most picturesque wine-making villages visible as you travel the famous Wine Road. Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy and is a beautiful and historic town and the tour includes a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu.
Day 4
Vienne
Enjoy some of the Rhône Valley’s most spectacular scenery before arriving in Vienne with ancient Celtic and Roman antecedents and a treasure trove of history. Visit the archaeological gardens of Cybèle, a fascinating mix of history and plant life.
Day 5
Ardèche Gorges & Chauvet Caves
The Ardèche Gorges feature sheer limestone cliffs nearly a thousand feet in height and remarkable rock formations. Later, see the Chauvet Caves and their ancient wall paintings, followed by dinner and an on-board ballroom dancing performance.
Day 6
Arles & Ponts du Gard
Take a guided tour of Arles, famed for its warm-coloured stone buildings and historic monuments and once home to Van Gogh as he painted the Provencal countryside. Later, visit the magnificent Pont du Gard aqueduct, a feat of Roman engineering.
Day 7
Avignon
Enjoy a guided tour of Avignon, once home to the Papacy, which explains the wealth of monuments, churches, chapels, and fine architecture. There is an optional visit to see the art collection at Le Petit Palais and a piano recital on board ship after dinner.
Day 8
Avignon
Disembark your river ship and make your way to the airport or railway station to begin the journey back.
HISTORY AND ART OF THE RHÔNE CRUISE SHIPS
European Rivers Speciality Cruise Deals
Explore the Fascinating History, Heritage, and Art of the Rhône River Valley with Crui.se
Riviera Travel 
Departure:
May to
Aug
VISITING: Avignon Arles & Ponts du Gard Ardèche Gorges & Chauvet Caves Vienne Beaune Lyon
AVG PER PERSON*
£
1,899
Riviera Travel Departure:
Apr to
Oct
VISITING: Avignon Arles / Pont Du Gard Ardèche Gorges / Tournon Vienne Beaune / Burgundy Lyon Return Home
AVG PER PERSON*
£
1,409
Riviera Travel Departure:
May to
Oct
VISITING: Lyon Macon Chalon , Beaune & Burgundy Ardèche Gorges Avignon , Pont du Gard & Uzès Arles & Les Baux-de-Provence Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Camargue & Ornithological Park Orange & Châteauneuf-du-Pape Return Home
AVG PER PERSON*
£
2,949
History and Art of the Rhône Cruise Review
History and Art of the Rhône FAQ
Can I get Wi-Fi on board the cruise ship?
Complementary Wi-Fi is available throughout your luxury cruise ship. Just sometimes, download speeds and service can be affected by terrain and even weather conditions. However, coverage is usually good on this cruise so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Do I need a visa for this cruise?
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter France but you will need a valid passport that is in date for the entire duration of your trip. If you have any concerns about official paperwork, talk to a member of our friendly reservations team when booking.
I am on a restricted diet. Is this a problem for the ship’s catering team?
All the ship’s food is prepared fresh every day, and our chefs make the most of local produce and regional menus. There is always a choice of vegan and vegetarian dishes, and our team can also cater for tailored meals to suit individual guests’ requirements. Remember to discuss your dietary needs with our friendly reservations team when you book.
Cruise With Confidence
Our mission at crui.se is to help you and your loved one’s book and experience the best cruise holiday imaginable. We’re different in that, our customers come first, not our suppliers or profit margins. Get in touch and let us help you set sail.
Over 20 cruise brands to choose from
Low deposits from £500
All Inclusive cruises
Best deals & discounts
Community driven
Brand agnostic
We take care of everything
Custom built cruise holidays
