Table Of Content
Explore the ruins of the early 14th-century castle, constructed as a summer residence for the popes of Avignon. A highlight is, of course, sipping on silky reds — produced right here in the vineyards surrounding the town – at a local winery such as Château de la Gardine, where visitors can join a tour and a tasting. Discover the Saône with Viking, as gentle countryside and historic cities unfold before you.
Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise
A highlight is the Pont d'Arc, a hulking arched rock formation that forms a natural bridge, spanning almost 200 feet across the gorge. Paddlers in yellow canoes and kayaks flock to this blissful stretch of river during spring and summer, with beaches lining the river. Sunbathe or join the fun on the river to soak in this fabulous stretch of French countryside. You will be amazed by the engineering genius of the staggering amphitheatre at Arles and the huge aqueduct at the Pont du Gard.
Viking Rhône River Cruise: Sweeping Scenic Landscapes
Along the Rhône and Saône you can discover untamed nature, dreamlike landscapes, and nostalgically modern cities. Whether the wild Carmargue, the vast colourful lavender fields of Provence or metropolises like Marseilles and Avignon, a river cruise on the Rhône is an incomparable experience. You will already be able to feel the typical French flair in the ports. But even more so when you go on an excursion into the city and the surrounding area, where you can stroll through picturesque old towns, enjoy coffee or tea in a cosy street café, and explore impressive cathedrals and buildings. Our A-ROSA LUNA has been a popular choice among German-speaking guests in the past, but she offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who seek to explore the beautiful Rhône and Saône Rivers.
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This 500-mile swathe of the Rhône drifts through Provence's purple-hued lavender landscape and into France's luxuriant wine country. Discover the historic ports of Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhône, Viviers and Avignon, and marvel at rolling vineyards and picturesque villages. From tracing Roman ruins in Arles to bird-spotting in the Camargue, here are some of the best things to see and do on a Rhône River cruise with Viking. The romantic Rhône flows from the Alps in Switzerland, through Lake Geneva, southeast into France, before emptying into the Mediterranean. In France, river cruise lines, including Viking, offer travelers the opportunity to sail on this wonderful waterway, from Lyon down to Arles, or vice versa. Our cruises are hassle-free because all the details are handled for you by experienced tour directors.
In between visiting medieval towns and delightful wine villages, there are stretches of relaxing scenic sailing. As with all Viking river cruises, this itinerary can be sailed in reverse to start or end in Paris. Cruising upstream, we catch the first glimpses of the vine-clad slopes of the hazy green Beaujolais hills as we approach one of the world’s most revered red-wine-producing regions. On our left, we see the picturesque villages of Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas, Chénas and many more, while on the right you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest mountain. The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome.
The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters, and private apartments are all unmissable. This was Avignon’s brief golden age when it was truly the center of Christendom. Continuing down the Rhône, our next stop is the medieval walled town of Viviers. Once a Roman settlement and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals, the town is an architectural open-air museum. Step back in time and wander the narrow lanes and tree-lined streets during a guided walking tour that showcases the history as well as the Romanesque and Renaissance architectural influences of this pedestrian-friendly town. Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage.
Until the 19th century, most passengers traveled in water coaches or barges. Drawn by men or horses, they carried painted crosses covered with religious symbols as protection against the hazards of the journey – strong currents, shallows, spring floods and melting ice. Although the riverside scenery remains as dramatic as ever, your river cruise on the Rhône will be an altogether more sedate experience. Your Rhône river cruise takes you through Burgundy – true wine country. You awake under the azure skies of deepest Provence, amid the warm stone colors of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions.
Tournon
The interior fixtures and amenities are identical to the Emerald Balcony Suites, the Emerald Staterooms have a small fixed picture windows due to the lower deck position. All Staterooms are equipped with a flat screen TV with infotainment system, individual air conditioning system, a personal safe, fridge, hairdryer, hotel-style beds, an ensuite bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi and bottled water daily. Staterooms feature individual climate control, complimentary water, flat screen TV, personal safe, and en suite bathrooms with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobe, and slippers.
Ships
Here you'll be taken by train for a captivating tour, hosted by a local expert. Later, we’ll visit a wine estate in a neighboring town for a guided tour and tasting of their wines before returning to the property for a free evening. This morning we disembark after breakfast and whilst our ship effortlessly cruises upstream towards Le Pouzin, we will explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power.
And what would Arles be without van Gogh – strolling through the town in the footsteps of this great artist – that too is unforgettable. Travelling through the Ardèches gorge, with its spectacular sheer cliffs, is truly a wonder of nature and you might well stop at the charming walled town of Viviers, full of ancient buildings and a 12th century cathedral, the smallest in France. With so many tantalizing options, most Rhône cruisers' biggest dilemma is deciding how to spend their time. This ultimate Rhône River cruise guide will reveal the ports, adventures beyond, and tips for you to make the most of your time on this historic and scenic waterway. Combine the heritage and beauty of the Rhône with cruising through three other countries -- the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland -- on Viking's new 15-day Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland sailing that also takes in the panoramic Rhine. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise.
13 Best River Cruises in the World to Take in 2024 - AFAR Media
13 Best River Cruises in the World to Take in 2024.
Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Viviers is a very beautiful old town nestled between hills and the river, and its narrow, cobblestoned lanes invite exploration. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons. You may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by. Perhaps though, return to the luxurious surroundings of our ship, finding a quiet spot to contemplate the many wondrous places you’ve seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea. Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets, and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries, and graceful sculptures.
For nature lovers, it’s also the perfect place for discovering new plants and trees, and is a must-see attraction. The town, which is near Lyon, also has a lot to offer for culture fans and history buffs. Welcome to the French town of Mâcon, the capital of the department of Saône-et-Loire.
A quick stop in the village of Viviers pairs with Tournon for ships sailing either direction. The free tour is worth a post-dinner walk in this relaxed, beautifully-preserved 5th-century town set in gentle mountains. In Lyon sample the culinary treasures of Beaujolais on a private visit to a wine chateau before meeting a local truffle farmer and his dogs and taking part in a hunt for the prized delicacy. Here you'll be welcomed by wine producers whose families have cultivated the vineyards for generations and enjoy an exclusive tour around the atmospheric cellars. Rhone River cruises explore the beautiful Provence region in southern France. Often, sailings of the Rhone are paired with sailings of the Saone River, which runs through the Burgundy region.
Of course you can’t visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wines, so we visit the cellars of a leading traditional winemaker for a tour and tasting before returning to the ship for lunch. Overnight we have made steady progress north and mid-morning we arrive in and berth in Chalon, the gateway to Burgundy and the home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. On today’s tour, we see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more. Of course, you can’t visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wines, so we visit the cellars of a leading traditional winemaker for a tour and tasting.
Here in the Rhône region, the typical French attitude to life is also very apparent. Watch France’s history come alive in Viviers, and enjoy the diverse range of attractions that the city has to offer. As we move closer to the Mediterranean, the scenery on this cruise starts to change, becoming wilder and more untamed.
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