France: Rhone All-Inclusive Ultra Lux Riverside Luxury Cruise with Butler Service, Premium Drinks Package & $1,500 LE Credit
Setting the standard in riverside cruising, Riverside Luxury Cruises has paired with Luxury Escapes to bring you an exclusive, seven-night voyage that unlocks the awe-inspiring beauty of southern France in opulence beyond your wildest dreams. Sailing onboard the resplendent Riverside Ravel from picturesque Avignon, you will experience the majesty of the Rhone in true all-inclusive luxury. Be spoilt for choice with carefully curated excursions, tours and tastings – from Arles’ artistic offerings and the medieval architecture of Avignon to gastronomic Lyon and the vineyards and chocolatiers of Tarascon.
Prepare for elegance aboard Riverside Ravel, where every detail – from gilt accents to jewelled chandeliers – has been designed to provide a world-class cruising experience. Indulge with daily all-inclusive drinks and dining, including premium spirits and fine wines. On board, be immersed in grandeur with a private butler, premium spirits and a selection of fine wines, a personal minibar stocked with your favourite drinks, plus the services of a dedicated crew. With a maximum capacity of just 110 passengers, a two-to-one guest-to-crew ratio and the largest staterooms on Europe’s waterways, this exquisite ship is the essence of sophistication.
Discover Europe’s finest in all-inclusive decadence like never before. Whether savouring a hearty boeuf bourguignon or the flaky crust of a tarte tatin while cocooned in Waterside Restaurant’s royal blue velvet armchairs, or toasting sunset views with a French 75 at Vista Upper Deck’s open-air bar, rest assured the only finger you’ll ever raise is for the next round.
Take in Provence during a journey to the charming town of Tain L’Hermitage, or you might prefer to visit the extraordinary pebble-built Palace of Ferdinand Cheval. As you pause in Vivers, you might choose to sniff your way around a working truffle farm, embark on a wine cave adventure and tasting or head to the National Nature Reserve of the Ardeche Gorges for a day of hiking and kayaking. With your choice of curated excursions offered in every port – and personal butler service to prepare you for each day ahead – Riverside Luxury Cruises ensures you’ll love roaming along the Rhone.
Your cruise takes you to: Avignon – Arles – Tarascon – Chateauneuf-du-Pape – Viviers – Tain L’Hermitage – Lyon.
Your cruise includes:
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Ravel
- One night of pre-cruise accommodation at Mercure Pont D’Avignon Centre Hotel
- $1,500 Luxury Escapes credit to be used toward flights
- 21 meals included – Eight breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary laundry service, in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily) to ensure your cruising experience is a breeze
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Post-cruise transfer to the airport
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
Dining & bars
- Bistro
- Vista Upper Deck
- Waterside Restaurant
- Vintage Room
- Coffee and tea station
Entertainment
- Fitness centre
- Counter-current pool
- Spa
- Bicycles
- Jogging track
- Library
Other services
- Butler service
- Laundry service
- Elevator
- Wi-Fi
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins in Avignon and ends in Lyon.
Your cruise departs Avignon at 2pm on Day 2 and arrives in Lyon at 10am on Day 9. Please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
A transfer from the ship to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) or Lyon TGV station is included on the last day only.
An arrival airport transfer to your pre-cruise accommodation – or from the accommodation to the cruise ship – is NOT included, please plan accordingly.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. This package includes $1,500 Luxury Escapes credit which you may use toward purchasing flights. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Avignon
Bonjour! Welcome to France!
Avignon offers a spellbinding glimpse into France’s fascinating history and extraordinary architectural tradition. During the heyday of the 14th century, Avignon served as home to the Pope and his court.
Upon your arrival at Avignon – Provence Airport (AVN), make your own way to your pre-cruise accommodation, Mercure Pont d’Avignon Centre Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city near the Palais des Papes. Tonight is at your leisure – highly recommended is an evening walk along the banks of the Rhone, followed by dinner at any of the city’s charming restaurants.
Accommodation: Mercure Pont D’Avignon Centre Hotel or similar
Day 2: Avignon (Embark Riverside Ravel)
After breakfast, you’ll have a few hours to enjoy the city and immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic heritage before embarkation.
At approximately 2pm, you will be able to board Riverside Ravel and settle into your cabin. Try ascending to the Vista Deck to admire the views over the remarkable Rhone River and enjoy the rest of the day familiarising yourself with the opulent Riverside Ravel or continuing to explore Avignon on your own, before enjoying a gourmet meal and settling in for your first restful night onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 3: Avignon
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and venture ashore for one last full day in Avignon. Take advantage of Riverside Luxury Cruises’ incredible off-shore excursions, all included in your package, and perhaps head out early to visit the impressive Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct via kayak, eBike or coach.
Return to the ship for lunch then, in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a guided city tour. Visit the famed Pont Saint-Benezet and Sur le Pont d’Avignon bridges to uncover their fascinating history, including the legendary dance and the tragic fate of its builder, before continuing your exploration along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town centre. Then, if you wish to delve deeper, stop by the stunning Palais des Papes, the largest medieval Gothic palace in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander through the vast halls and grand rooms, you’ll be transported back to the 14th century, a time when Avignon was the seat of the Catholic Church.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 4: Arles
Following a sumptuous breakfast, venture ashore in Arles, where you’ll have ample time to discover the city’s enchanting blend of art, history and culture. In the morning, either stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and experience the city’s enchanting beauty, as you follow in the footsteps of legendary painter Vincent van Gogh or drive out to the countryside to discover the medieval charm of the village of Les Baux-de-Provence and experience a sound and light show in an old unused quarry, deep beneath the Alpilles mountains.
Arles boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, with many landmarks recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Arles Amphitheatre. You may choose to visit these on your own in the afternoon or join another excursion to visit charming Aix-en-Provence – artist Paul Cezanne’s hometown – or off to the picturesque, coastal Camargue region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 5: Tarascon – Chateauneuf-du-Pape
After breakfast, stop at the charming medieval town of Tarascon, steeped in ancient myths and legends dating back millennia. It’s here that Saint Martha of Bethany was said to have tamed the ferocious Tarasque, the dragon-like creature that gave its name to Tarascon, and which is immortalised in the town’s annual festival. Take an optional guided walk through the magnificent castle and revel in the town’s soaring history.
After exploring Tarascon, stop after lunch in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, once the seat of the Catholic Church and now a vibrant winemaking region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 6: Viviers
Relax on board this morning as you glide north towards Viviers. Nestled in the heart of the Rhone Valley, this enchanting town is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. A stroll through the charming cobblestone streets will transport you back in time to the medieval era, as you discover historic churches, elegant mansions and hidden squares. Be sure to visit the stunning Cathedral of St. Vincent, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture that dates to the 12th century.
As you explore the town’s fascinating history and cultural heritage, you’ll be enchanted by the warm hospitality and charming atmosphere of this captivating destination. Today’s optional excursion includes a visit to a truffle farm and architectural gem, Chateau de Grignan or a hike through the Ardeche Gorge. You’ll also have a chance to visit the famous Chauvet Cave to view cave art that is over 36,000 years old.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 7: Tain L’Hermitage
Located on the banks of the Rhone River – opposite the Tournon-sur-Rhone and imposing medieval fortress Chateau de Tournon – the charming town of Tain L’Hermitage is famed for being the home of legendary chocolatier Valrhona and countless winemakers.
In the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to either join a history walk through the town’s ancient streets or visit the extraordinary palace of Ferdinand Cheval. Built entirely out of pebbles over three decades of work, this unlikely palace is an enduring piece of French naive art that has fascinated the likes of Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst and Anais Nin.
Tuck in for a delicious afternoon – you’ll have a choice of either a vineyard hike and wine-tasting experience or a pastry-making workshop hosted by Valrhona.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 8: Lyon
Today your odyssey upon the Rhone takes you to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, defined by its beauty and rich cultural heritage. In the morning, choose to either explore the winding streets and hidden alleyways of the cobbled Old Town – where you’ll discover stunning Renaissance architecture, charming cafes and artisanal boutiques – or else take in the breathtaking views from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere – a magnificent hilltop church that overlooks the city – and visit the Gallo-Roman Museum, a unique Roman amphitheatre that chronicles five centuries of the city’s history. In the afternoon, you’ll have time for either a visit to the enchanting country town of Perouges or to a vineyard outside nearby Oingt, where you’ll be treated to a tasting of regional Beaujolais.
Professed oenophiles however may wish to take a full-day excursion into the land of Chardonnay wine country. Highlights of this extended daytrip include a guided visit of Macon, a refined lunch at Le Moulin de Gastronome and a wine and liqueur tasting at La Roche de Solutré, a renowned estate dating back to the 6th century built on the hills surrounding a stunning limestone monolith.
Make time to wander along the banks of the Saone River and sample local cuisine at one of Lyon’s renowned Bouchon before re-boarding your luxurious vessel for one last night onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Ravel
Day 9: Lyon
It’s time to say farewell to France. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast