Cruise itinerary : Burgandy & Provence (Southbound)
Day 1: Chalon-Sur-Saone. France (embarkation)
Day 2: Tournus
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.
Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin.
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.
Overnight docking in Trevoux. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.
Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
Overnight docking in Lyon Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lyon
Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelAdventures in Food and WineActive - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals.
Evening cruise to Tournon. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Tournon – Viviers
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Evening overnight cruise to Avignon. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Avignon
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.
Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
Evening cruise to Arles. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Arles
A brush of genius
Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
Take free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine.
Overnight docking in Arles Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Arles (disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. Breakfast
Departure dates and prices 2026 Burgandy & Provence (Southbound) : 7% discount on all dates
Prices shown exclude flights and transfers
Avalon brochure price in black
Travel 55 discount price in red
Telephone Avalon on 0330 0588 237 and quote the code TRAVEL55
| Cruise WJL 8 Day River Cruise Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles . The price listed does not include your airfare, taxes or fees, call Avalon for a quote. Don't forget to quote TRAVEL55 for your 7% discount off cruise only price | ||||
| Departure Dates | Ship (Avalon) | Stateroom | Suite | Royal Suite |
| April 7 | Poetry II | £2150 £2000 |
£2800 £2605 |
Sold Out |
| April 21 | Poetry II | £3386 £3149 |
£4935 £4590 |
Sold Out |
| May 19 | Poetry II | £3464 £3222 |
£5063 £4709 |
£6563 £6104 |
| June 2 | Poetry II | £3664 £3408 |
Sold Out | Sold Out |
| June 30 | Poetry II | £2150 £2000 |
£2800 £2605 |
£5885 £5474 |
| July 14 | Poetry II | £2150 £2000 |
£2800 £2605 |
£5685 £5288 |
| July 28 | Poetry II | £2150 £2000 |
£2900 £2698 |
£5685 £5288 |
| August 11 | Poetry II | £2150 £2000 |
£2800 £2605 |
Sold Out |
| August 25 | Poetry II | £3142 £2923 |
£4541 £4224 |
£6041 £5619 |
| September 8 | Poetry II | £3542 £3295 |
Sold Out | Sold Out |
| October 6 | Poetry II | £3386 £3149 |
Sold Out | £6285 £5846 |
| November 3 | Poetry II | £2518 £2342 |
£3917 £4643 |
Sold Out |
| November 17 | Poetry II | £2150 £2000 |
£2800 £2605 |
Sold Out |
|
Prices above do not include international air travel. To add flights anPoetry IId overseas transfers to your holiday, please call Cosmos. Prices are per person, based on double room occupancy. Extra nights before and after your tour may be available, call Cosmos. Please see Cosmos Terms & Conditions for further details. Please check tour details with the operator at time of booking as Cennet Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors showing on it’s website |
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Avalon Waterways
Burgundy & Provence (Southbound)
7% discount on cruise price - 8 Days
2026 price from £2000
Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, which sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Beautifully nestled among vineyards, you’ll find the city of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk. Continue your river cruise to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day..
We have only a small number of Avalon cruises on our site, they really do have a very wide choice of cruises. To see the collection request a brochure here
Travel 55 in association with Avalon Waterways. To book a luxury cruise call direct on 0330 0588 237 and quote the code TRAVEL55 you will then receive a 7% discount off the cruise only price as listed in brochure or Avalon website.
Avalon choice
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises.
Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.
Classic - Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery - We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active - Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
Air arrangements
Hassle free complete holiday booking
Rather than spending hours researching flights to coordinate with your holiday start and end dates, let Avalon handle the details. When they book your flights, if there are any changes to your holiday schedule, they make the air changes for you (subject to airline revision fees and/or airline-imposed change or cancellation fees).
As a completely independent travel company, they have no ties to any one airline. Avalon negotiate the lowest possible airfares with the world's finest carriers on your behalf. Plus, Avalon’s buying power means generally better rates for you.
Start sooner, stay longer
Avalon makes it easy to experience holiday your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise.
YourWay offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Bucharest, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with YourWay custom itineraries.
Call Avalon for more details - their number is 0330 0588 237, don't forget to quote TRAVEL55 for 7% discount off cruise price only
A view with a room
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. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.
Avalon Poetry II
The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard. Stretch out at day's end and wake to the world at your feet with Comfort Collection bed that faces the view. It truly is a view with a room! Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro. The Avalon Poetry II truly is poetry in motion!
