Day 1: London to Lyon
We leave St Pancras International on our early morning departure by Eurostar bound for Paris, and continue by high-speed TGV to Lyon where we join our floating hotel for the next four nights. After a welcome cocktail we enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment as we sail south. (D)
Day 2: Historic Arles and the Camargue
We spend a leisurely morning afloat as we wind our way past Valence, with its vast St Apollinaire cathedral dominating the skyline, and Montélimar, famous for its nougat. After lunch, we moor in Arles. You can set off on an optional excursion through the Camargue, an enchanting nature reserve formed of wetlands, pastures, dunes and salt flats. The grasslands provide grazing for sheep, cattle and horses, and scores of flamingos, egrets and ducks make the lakes their home. We enjoy free time in the peaceful coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where the Rhône and Mediterranean meet, before heading back to Arles. After dinner you can join an optional tour of this fascinating and delightful town known for its UNESCO-listed Roman remains and its associations with Van Gogh, who painted many of his famous works here. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Avignon and Viviers
This morning we cruise the short distance north to Avignon, a picturesque town encircled by medieval walls and dominated by the magnificent Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), which was built in the 14th century and was home to seven official popes who reigned here until the court returned to Rome. It has been occupied under many different guises over the years, including a prison and an army barracks. You have the option of joining a guided walking tour around the historic Old Town, before we cruise on to Viviers. This evening after dinner you can enjoy an optional guided walking tour of this charming medieval town, built around its Romanesque cathedral. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Ardèche Gorge and Tain l’Hermitage
Our optional excursion this morning takes us through the breathtaking Ardèche Gorge, with immense cliffs carved out of limestone rising up to 985 feet (300m) out of the water. We head towards the Pont d’Arc, a spectacular natural arch 112 feet (34m) high, and continue along the road hugging the rim of the spectacular gorge, with the meandering river snaking far below us. After returning for lunch on board, we have an optional excursion to the Vercors region and a tasting of the renowned Clairette de Die wine for which this area is justly famous. We follow the Rousset mountain pass which carries us through the spellbinding scenery of the Vercors Plateau, before reboarding the ship at Tain l’Hermitage. We sail towards Lyon during our
farewell dinner and gala evening on board. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Lyon to London
We cruise into Lyon over breakfast and disembark for our TGV to Paris, then continue by Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your cruise ship
Launched in 1995 and refurbished in 2006, the MS Camargue is part of CroisiEurope’s modern, air conditioned fleet of river cruisers. Each cabin has a shower/wc, television, hairdryer, safe and picture window. There is also a large sundeck, a comfortable lounge/bar and a separate restaurant where meals are served.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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