Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or an energetic adventurer, your Active & Discovery cruise on the Rhône River offers just-right included activities and excursions to suit your interests. With Avalon Choice inclusions, you can select the experiences that are perfect for your preference and pace. From Classic to Active to Discovery experiences, you can each destination your way. Begin in the culinary capital of France—Lyon—where you can choose a culinary walk to discover architecture and local specialties, or take a cooking class. Embark on a kayak excursion or simply linger in a sidewalk café; stroll Avignon’s papal palace or attend a wine tasting in an underground cave. With so many included choices, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your day—from a ghost tour in Viviers to a guided bike ride through the Gard region, to a chocolate factory tour.

Take a painting workshop in Arles—in the style of Van Gogh. Visit an oyster farm or ride a bike through Camargue Regional Nature Park to spot flamingos. You’ll have the classic sightseeing and relaxing activities in each destination, along with your choice of included arts, culture, and cuisine excursions. Our Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise with Avalon Choice includes activities and excursions to experience the Rhône River your way and at your pace.

Day 1
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (D)

Day 2
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE - Take a Guided Urban Hiking through Lyon's secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city's 19th-century silk trade, OR:
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colours, aromas and taste-exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourviere.
EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE/TOURNON (B,L,D)

Day 3
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge
ACTIVE - For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
ACTIVE - Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, OR:
DISCOVERY - Have a true "chocolate experience" with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon-twin city to Tain-l'Hermitage and one of France's oldest medieval cities. You'll see its imposing 16th-century castle.
DISCOVERY - Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.
VIVIERS: Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories
DISCOVERY - For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS (B,L,D)

Day 4
River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories
ACTIVE - Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l'Ardeche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhone tributary, OR:
ACTIVE - Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, OR:
ACTIVE - Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting-under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:
CLASSIC - Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollene and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhone.
Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollene on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON (B,L,D)

Day 5
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
ACTIVE - Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR:
DISCOVERY - Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created,OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world's largest gothic fortress-the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles' covered market.
This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, , or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard-the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon-known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon's medieval walls.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B,L,D)

Day 6
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today,s special activities.
ACTIVE - Experience the legends of Val d,Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrieres de Lumieres, OR:
DISCOVERY - Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles, Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)

Day 7
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone Delta
Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.
ACTIVE - Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species-including pink flamingos-along the trails of the Mediterranean's Rhone delta, OR:
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
DISCOVERY - Visit one of France's most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!
OVERNIGHT DOCKING PORT-SAINT-LOUIS (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)

New to the legendary waters of Europe in 2014, the Avalon Poetry II® offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Like its sister ships, the Avalon Artistry II® and Avalon Visionary®, the Poetry II® features two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites? are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.