Lyon & Provence

Avignon-France-river-cruise-viking-lyon-and-provance

Cruising through Lyon and Provence

On this eight-day Rhône journey, you'll see Provence through an artist's eyes, from the sunlit landscapes that enchanted van Gogh to the historic heart of Avignon at the Palace of the Popes. In Arles, try your hand at painting in the footsteps of the masters, then explore ancient Roman sites like Les Arènes amphitheater and the Pont du Gard. Excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy, and enjoy tastings of Beaujolais wines. You'll hunt for truffles and witness chèvre cheese-making firsthand. This voyage immerses you in the art, history, and flavors that inspired visionaries like Cézanne and Chagall.

About this UnTour Cruise

Itinerary Highlights Stroll through Avignon’s historic center, explore the Roman ruins of Arles, wander the charming streets of Viviers, enjoy a scenic vintage train ride through the Ardèche plateau, and savor exquisite wine tastings in the Beaujolais hills, all while indulging in Lyon’s renowned culinary delights along the way.

Air Options Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.

What's included

8-day cruise with river-view stateroom
7 complimentary shore excursions in every port of call
All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
All port charges
Onboard Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)

Itinerary

Please Note: Itinerary is reversed on certain dates.

From Avignon to Lyon

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon, France

Welcome to the heart of Provence! After your flight to Marseille, you’ll be whisked to your ship, docked along the charming Rhône in Avignon. Once settled, wander the town at your own pace, taking in its riverside beauty, or join a “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get a feel for this enchanting place. (D)

Day 2: Avignon’s Papal Heritage

Start your morning with a guided stroll through Avignon, once home to seven popes. Walk through the historic center, visit the iconic Pont d’Avignon, and take in the lively Place de l’Horloge. The tour will lead you into the majestic Palace of the Popes, where Gothic architecture tells tales of its grand past as a papal residence. In the afternoon, feel free to explore or join an optional tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to sip world-famous wines in the nearby vineyards. We set sail for Arles tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Discovering Arles

Wake up in Arles, where a morning walking tour reveals the town’s blend of Roman ruins and medieval charm. Admire Les Arènes, a Roman amphitheater still in use, and the Church of Saint-Trophime, with its ornate carvings. The city’s unique light has long captivated artists, and you’ll see why as you stroll its vibrant streets. Spend the afternoon as you wish—wandering local shops or savoring a riverside café before rejoining the ship. This evening, enjoy dinner as we cruise towards Viviers. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Viviers’ Timeless Streets

Step back in time with a morning walk through Viviers, a medieval town rich in history. Discover the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, Renaissance buildings, and the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. Enjoy lunch onboard as we continue along the Rhône, bound for Tournon. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tournon to Vienne

Today, a vintage train ride takes you through the rugged gorges of the Ardèche plateau, offering spectacular views of the Doux River’s winding path. Return for a scenic cruise to Vienne with lunch onboard. Then, a walking tour introduces you to Roman temples, an amphitheater, and the stunning Cathedral of St. Maurice. Tonight, we remain docked in Vienne. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Charming Lyon

Disembark in Lyon for a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Start with panoramic views from Fourvière Hill, visit the splendid Basilica of Notre Dame, and walk through the cobbled lanes of Old Lyon, with time to explore the city’s shops and renowned culinary scene. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Beaujolais Vineyards

After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep. See the legendary Moulin-à-Vent, the windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region, learn about the art of winemaking in a small museum and enjoy a tasting in one of Beaujolais’s famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lyon

After breakfast, it’s time to say au revoir to the Rhône. Transfer to Lyon airport for your return journey, taking memories of Provence’s landscapes, flavors, and history with you. (B)

Excursions

Enjoy a complimentary shore excursion in every port, designed to bring you closer to the heart of each destination.

Pre-Cruise Options

More days means more to discover – with packages you can add before or after your cruise. Each opportunity creates even more opportunities to uncover the region’s treasures.

3 nights on the French Riviera from $1,049

Experience the allure of Nice and the sunlit charm of southern France. Bask on the Côte d’Azur’s renowned beaches, explore the lively streets of coastal towns, or take a day trip to legendary Monaco.

2 nights in Aix-en-Provence from $999

Step into the enchanting landscapes that captivated artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne. Wander through Aix-en-Provence’s elegant streets, discovering its storied past, rich gastronomy, and celebrated wine culture—all set against the beauty of classic Provence.

Post-Cruise Options

3 nights Paris from $999

Lose yourself in the allure of France’s capital. Explore masterpieces in the Louvre, stroll along the famed Champs-Élysées, or take in panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower in this iconic “City of Light.”

Combine Your Cruise with an UnTour!

Please note there may be a few gap days between cruise and UnTour; inquire for details.

Ship

Viking Longships

Crafted by renowned naval designers Yran & Storbraaten, the Viking Longships redefine river cruising with eco-friendly innovations, spacious design, and touches of luxury. Choose from staterooms with private verandas or French balconies, each offering ideal spots to enjoy Europe’s scenic rivers. Two signature Explorer Suites feature 270° views and wraparound verandas for an even closer connection to the journey. With a Sun Deck, Aquavit Terrace, and amenities like hotel-style beds and in-room conveniences, each vessel combines thoughtful comfort with state-of-the-art engineering and space for 190 guests.

Ship Features

95 comfortable outside staterooms
Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area; organic herb garden and solar panels; putting green, chess and walking track
Aquavit Terrace with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship and grills for al fresco dining
Observation lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
Library corner and onboard boutique
Elevator
Free shipwide WiFi
Laundry service
Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride

Stateroom Amenities

95 staterooms include: 2 Explorer Suites, 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms
All suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom
Hotel-style beds 79" x 63" (with optional twin-bed configuration)
Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily
Bathrobe and slippers available upon request
Individual climate control
Space under bed for storing suitcases
Wardrobe with wooden hangers
Voltage: 220V and 110V
40-inch flat-panel TV with movies on-demand and premium satellite channels, plus "View From the Bridge" video

Cabins:

Explorer Suite: Private wraparound veranda off the spacious living room offers 270-degree views, Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as a French balcony, in the bedroom, Large bathroom with double sinks, shower, heated mirror & floor, premium bath products, 445 sq. ft.

Veranda Suite: Full-size veranda off the spacious living room, Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as a French balcony, in the bedroom, Large private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, 275 sq. ft.

Veranda Stateroom (A & B): Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to a full-size veranda, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, 205 sq. ft.

French Balcony Stateroom (C & D): Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to create a French balcony, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, 135 sq. ft.

Standard Stateroom (E & F): Half-height picture window, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, 150 sq. ft.

Disclaimer

Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.