2 Week Rhone River Cruises

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Rhone cruises for 2 weeks

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MelissaRhone travel expert at TourRadar

12 Day France & Switzerland Itinerary, incl. Lyon and Lausanne
A 7-night Rhône adventure from Arles to Lyon showcases UNESCO sites and wine regions. Charming riverside towns await while you savor 20 included meals, featuring regional specialties and complimentary wines.
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- Days 1-2
  Marseille & Arles
  Plan to arrive in Marseille before 4:30 PM for your transfer to Arles. The drive takes about an hour. You'll have time to visit the incredible 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater in Arles. Late afternoon offers the best lighting for photos of the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. Watch your step at the amphitheater. The ancient stones can be slippery so wear shoes with good grip.
- Days 3-4
  Avignon & Viviers
  Get to the Palais des Papes in Avignon early at 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. You can walk the medieval walls later in the afternoon when it's cooler. The next day takes you to Viviers, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Walk its narrow cobblestone streets lined with weathered old buildings. Make sure to visit the hilltop cathedral for the best views of the town.
- Days 5-7
  Rhône River Valley
  Your cruise continues through wine country to Tournon, where you'll see a 16th-century castle perched above the Rhône. Lyon, known as France's food capital, is next. Explore the traboules (hidden passageways) in Vieux Lyon. Take the funicular up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for great city views. The segment ends in Beaune, where you can visit the famous Hospices with its distinctive colorful roof.
- Days 8-12
  Swiss Extension
  From Lyon, it's about a 2.5-hour drive to Lausanne on Lake Geneva. The Alpine views are spectacular. Take a morning boat trip to Château de Chillon to see the castle in the best light. A train ride through the Alps brings you to Gstaad and Glacier 3000, where you can walk the Peak Walk suspension bridge. As one visitor shared: "The cable car ride to Glacier 3000 is breathtaking - but bring warm layers even in summer as temperatures at the top can be near freezing."
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12 Days in France River Cruise, incl. Nice and Paris
The scenic Rhône River sets the stage for 7 nights of cruising through historic wine regions from Arles to Lyon. Local experts guide you through medieval villages, prestigious vineyards, and cultural landmarks.
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- Days 1-2
  French Riviera (Nice)
  Start your French adventure in Nice. Walk through Vieux Nice (Old Town) where cobblestone streets still look just like they did in the 1700s. Visit the Cours Saleya market early in the morning before it gets busy to find the best local produce and Provençal specialties. The sun is strongest from 12-3pm, so this is a good time to visit indoor spots like the Matisse Museum.
- Day 3
  Nice to Arles
  Take a 3-hour coach ride from Nice to Arles to board your river ship. After settling into your cabin, explore Arles' historic center. The light in Arles is especially beautiful at sunset - it's what inspired Van Gogh's paintings. Visit Place du Forum in the evening for great photos.
- Days 4-5
  Arles & Avignon
  Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Arles early to beat the crowds. Then sail to Avignon where you'll see the impressive Palace of the Popes. A recent visitor said: "The wine tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a highlight - make sure to try their famous Grenache blends, they're incomparable to anything else."
- Days 6-7
  Viviers & Tain l'Hermitage
  Explore medieval Viviers on foot. The walk up to the cathedral is steep but worth it. In Tain l'Hermitage you'll be in prime Syrah wine country. Take a morning walk through hillside vineyards for beautiful views of the Rhône Valley. You should definitely try the chocolate and wine pairing - this is where Valrhona chocolate comes from.
- Days 8-9
  Lyon & Burgundy
  Lyon is France's food capital. Start at Fourvière Hill for city views, then walk down through the traboules (secret passages) in Old Lyon. The next day takes you to the Mâconnais region for Chardonnay tasting. One guest noted: "The wine tasting at the medieval castle was incredible - learning about Burgundy wines from a Master of Wine while actually in Burgundy was unforgettable."
- Days 10-12
  Beaune & Paris
  See the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune before taking a 2-hour train ride to Paris. You can spend time exploring historic Paris or visit the main monuments. Book Eiffel Tower tickets for evening time when lines are shorter and you can watch the sunset. Have your last dinner in the Latin Quarter where you'll find real French bistros away from tourist spots.
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11 Day France Itinerary, incl. Paris and Rhône River Cruise
The 6-night Rhône cruise from Lyon to Arles takes you through Collonges, Avignon, and Viviers. Your voyage includes daily excursions and 16 meals showcasing regional specialties.
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- Days 1-4
  Paris
  Book your stay at Les Jardins du Marais in the historic center. Visit the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe in the morning to beat the crowds. When visiting the Louvre use the Porte des Lions entrance where lines are shorter but book your tickets online first. Plan your Giverny trip to Monet's garden in the early afternoon. The water lilies look best in this light and the gardens are most vibrant in late spring and early summer.
- Day 5
  Paris to Lyon
  Take the 2-hour TGE train to Lyon. The MS Van Gogh starts boarding at 4 PM followed by a welcome reception that evening. A helpful tip: Pack a small day bag since you might not get immediate access to your cabin.
- Day 6
  Lyon & Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or
  Head up to Fourvière Hill by funicular to save your energy for exploring. Bring good walking shoes for the cobblestone streets in Vieux Lyon. Try the local specialties at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food market.
- Days 7-8
  Avignon & Arles
  Book enough time to explore the Pope's Palace in Avignon. You'll want comfortable shoes and sun protection since there's limited shade. The Roman amphitheater in Arles is a must-see.
- Days 9-10
  Exploring the Rhône
  The Viviers cathedral tour takes you up narrow hillside streets so wear sturdy shoes. If you join the Gorges de l'Ardèche excursion you'll get amazing views but the bus ride is winding. Bring motion sickness medication if you're prone to it.
- Day 11
  Lyon Departure
  Your ship arrives in Lyon early morning. Book your flight from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in the afternoon since the transfer takes 30 minutes.
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