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
Booking Summary: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A booking form will be emailed to you after purchase. Please complete the Traveller’s Details within 48 hours.
IMPORTANT: Failure to complete your booking form may result in forfeiting your booking. Once your booking form has been finalised a member of the Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add beverage packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 17 August 2024 (cruise departs 18 August 2024)
- 28 September 2024 (cruise departs 29 September 2024)
- 9 November 2024 (cruise departs 10 November 2024)
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation), and you will be prompted to complete your Traveller Details within 48 hours of purchase
- Once your traveller forms are completed, they will be sent to the Luxury Escapes Cruise Concierge team, who will then contact you to advise if your cruise is confirmed
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable and non-changeable.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Melody Suite: 17sqm, king bed (convertible into twin beds), panoramic balcony window
- Symphony Suite: 18sqm, king bed (convertible into twin beds), walk-in closet, panoramic balcony window
- Seahorse Suite: 22sqm, king bed (convertible into twin beds), walk-in closet, panoramic balcony window
Pre-Cruise Accommodation
- Avignon – Mercure Pont D’Avignon Centre Hotel (Classic Room) or similar
IMPORTANT:
- Cabins are on a ‘guarantee’ basis and will be allocated by the cruise line closer to sailing. Specific cabin, deck and location requests cannot be accommodated.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers or two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are on application only prior to purchase. Subject to availability. Surcharges may apply.
- Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Inclusions
- 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
Onboard Dining
- Dining onboard is open seating
- Included dining is available at the following restaurants: Bistro, Vista Upper Deck, Waterside Restaurant and Vintage Room
Age Restrictions
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting cabin, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21 for the duration of the voyage.
- Infants under 3 months cannot be accommodated onboard.
- Please note there are no child-minding facilities onboard.
- Guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy or later at any time during the cruise cannot be accommodated due to safety concerns. Pregnant guests under 24 weeks must provide a doctor’s letter upon request confirming fitness to travel and estimated due date.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations are required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Currency Onboard and Tipping
- The currency onboard is EUR.
- Service charges (gratuities) for onboard personnel are included in your package. Please note that this doesn’t apply to local drivers and guides.
Baggage and Timings
- Timing provided on the itinerary is based on current schedules provided by your airline and can change at any time without notice.
- A checked baggage allowance 1x 23kg and carry-on luggage of 7kg applies. Any additional baggage must be purchased at the airport by the customer.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Shore Excursions
Please note shore excursions cannot be confirmed until after booking. Shore excursions are subject to availability.
Excursions described in the itinerary are subject to change before the time of your cruise, though similar ones will be offered to you. A representative from Riverside will be in touch prior to your trip to confirm the excursions available and to schedule you for the ones you wish to take.
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
Deposits
The deposit amount is 25% and the final payment date is due 110 days prior to embarkation. Please note: other deposit options may be available on your package which differ from the above and which will be outlined in the ‘fine print’ and payment section of the specific package.
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. While the cruise line will make all reasonable efforts to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, factors such as weather, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances may affect scheduled itineraries.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by Riverside Luxury Cruises, one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.