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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.

4.5
Star Image
from 402 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Riviera Travel
  • Ship: MS Lord Byron / MS Thomas Hardy
  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Departure: April 2025
£1,799pp
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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

Trustpilot Reviews

European Rivers Speciality Cruise Deals

Explore the Fascinating History, Heritage, and Art of the Rhône River Valley with Crui.se

7 Nights
April 2025

History and Art of the Rhône

  • Avignon
  • Arles & Ponts du Gard
  • Ardèche Gorges & Chauvet Caves
  • Vienne
  • Beaune
  • Lyon
£1,799pp Est. Price per person
  • MS Lord Byron & MS Thomas Hardy  

History and Art of the Rhône Cruise Review

“We’re regular cruisers but have never taken a speciality river cruise before, so this was a real eye-opener plus, it’s on a river route not so well known, so it truly was a voyage of discovery with cities we have never visited before. The wine choices both on and off the ship are amazing, and the Provencal countryside is the perfect accompaniment to quiet time on board. Expect gastronomic delights not least because this voyage visits Lyon, but the on-board cuisine is five-star, too. An unusual and fascinating trip and definitely one we would recommend.”

Justin and Denise, Cirencester

History and Art of the Rhône FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

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.

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