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Christmas in Provence & the Rhône Valley

Basilica Notre Dame, Lyon, France Basilica Notre Dame, Lyon, France
Papal Palace, Avignon, France Papal Palace, Avignon, France
Lyon, France Lyon, France

Covering Christmas in a beautiful ‘breather’ of comfort and service, this is a leisurely, luxury cruise, sailing south from lovely Lyon, visiting medieval Viviers and Montelimar, strolling the historic streets of inimitable Avignon, and enjoying festive fare aboard

A delightful short break at any time of year, this tour is enhanced by the spirit of Christmas, seasonal festivities, and a few joyful surprises. Sailing on the MS Camargue of the renowned CroisiEurope river fleet, the cruise begins in Lyon, framed by the meeting of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, its Old Town alleys united as a UNESCO site, its iconic Notre Dame Basilica overseeing all in the superb, sophisticated city. Our first port of call is beguiling Viviers. The smallest city in France, with the country’s smallest cathedral, it is an almost unaltered medieval enclave, with exceptional architecture and the air of a living museum. From here, we visit Montelimar, then sail south for Christmas in Avignon. Beautiful, atmospheric, and UNESCO listed, it lines the banks of the Rhône with monuments from its Middle Ages heritage as the Papal City, where sturdy walls surround the cluster of churches and chapels, convents and cardinals’ palaces which bear witness to its past; and where you can attend midnight mass.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Lyon
  • Day 2  - Viviers
  • Days 3 & 4  - Avignon
  • Day 5  - Return flight
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Tour Highlights

  • New Cruise
  • 2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
  • No Single Supplement
  • Excursions Included
  • Drinks Included
  • Jules Verne Representative
Soane River, Lyon, France
Basilica Notre Dame, Lyon, France
Rhone River, Lyon, France
Lyon, France
Papal Palace, Avignon, France
Clock Tower, Viviers, France
Lyon City, France
Roman Bridge, Historic Monument Landscape, Viviers, France
Christmas In Provence & The Rhone Valley Map

Covering Christmas in a beautiful ‘breather’ of comfort and service, this is a leisurely, luxury cruise, sailing south from lovely Lyon, visiting medieval Viviers and Montelimar, strolling the historic streets of inimitable Avignon, and enjoying festive fare aboard

Itinerary

Day 1

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.
(D)

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

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- Itinerary -

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner
Day 1

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.
(D)

Day 2

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 17th 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.
(B, L, D) 

Day 3

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 14th-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).
(B, L, D)

Day 4

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.
(B, L, D)

Day 5

Disembark after breakfast and transfer from Avignon to Marseille airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)

Close Itinerary
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Notes:

Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board and access to the public lounge).

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin Lower Deck cabin
easyJet from Gatwick

Sorry - there are currently no available departure dates available for this tour. 

Price Includes:

Air travel, all port charges, transfers, 4-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, cruise director, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated rail fares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Notes:

Unlimited drinks are included on the cruise, during lunch on 25th December a limited amount of drinks are included per person.

Supplements per person

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Tour Only
  • Arrival transfer
  • £65
  • Departure transfer
  • with group included
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