Welcome to France. Your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Discovery: Join a guided tour for an evening drive of Lyon, lined with incredible landscapes, from Fourvière Hill for a city bird’s eye view, to Presqu’île district, for catching the heart of Lyon and its ever-changing river bank view.

Active: Take a guided urban hiking through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:

Discovery: Take a guided culinary walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:

Discovery: Join our cooking class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.

This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path guided optional tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière.

Active: For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a guided excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:

Active: Join a guided hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR:

Discovery: Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:

Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of Tournon, twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.

Discovery: Join a cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.

VIVIERS
Discovery: For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime guided tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town.

Active: Immerse yourself in the scenery with a guided kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary OR find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a guided hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre OR Join a guided visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist.

Classic: Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhône.

Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.

Active: Join a leisurely guided e-bike ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR:

Discovery: Visit an authentic provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:

Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress, the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles’ covered market.

This afternoon, you may choose to join a guided optional tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a guided optional excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard, the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts.

You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.

Active: Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR:

Discovery: Attend a painting workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, OR:

Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.

This afternoon, join an optional excursion or enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the sky deck of your ship.

Active: Take a guided bike ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species including pink flamingos along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:

Discovery: Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a guided tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed.

Classic: Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.