Christmas in Provence & the Rhône Valley

Fly from London Gatwick to Lyon and transfer to the mooring to embark on the MS Camargue for your four-night cruise. Join us for a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew; and enjoy a delightful float through the illuminated districts of ‘old’ Lyon.
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Relax aboard this morning, as the cruiser sails to Viviers for an afternoon walking tour of the sturdily fortified, medieval city. Small but perfectly formed around its flamboyant cathedral, its stone streets are sprinkled with architectural treasures from the former bishops’ palace, now the Town Hall, to the fine façade of the Knights’ House, and mansions gracing the Gran Rue. Travel by road to Montélimar, tempting sweet-toothed travellers with its world-renowned nougat since the 17^th century. We visit a confectioner to learn how the nougat is made and, of course, to taste the special treat. Return to the vessel at Viviers and enjoy a Gala dinner aboard this evening.
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Cruise through the morning to enchanting Avignon, piercing the Rhône with the four arches of the St. Benezet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon), and hemming its banks with myriad medieval buildings, encircled by city ramparts. A walking tour reveals the city’s unique heritage as the 14^th-century seat of Catholic popes. Countless churches include the fortress-like façade of the Papal Palace, the world’s largest gothic monument, where we visit the staterooms and terraces, overlooking the river. Enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner and festive evening aboard; with the opportunity to attend midnight mass in Avignon (transfer cost to be paid locally).
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Spend Christmas Day at leisure in Avignon, perhaps to stroll past historic churches and palaces, now re-purposed as shops and houses, and discover the city’s many little squares.
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Disembark after breakfast and transfer from Avignon to Marseille airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
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