Sail from Lyon to Avignon aboard Riverside Ravel, discovering Roman history, celebrated vineyards and medieval towns along the Rhône. With butler service, fine dining and carefully chosen excursions, this journey with Riverside Luxury Cruises offers an ideal introduction to luxury river cruising.
Explore Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, before boarding Riverside Ravel and settling into your spacious suite with personal butler service
Choose from included Riverside Choice excursions, from cycling through vineyards to exploring Roman landmarks and medieval streets
Visit Tain l'Hermitage, renowned for its celebrated wines and the famous Valrhona Cité du Chocolat, with opportunities to sample both
Enjoy a Riverside Signature visit to a leading Châteauneuf du Pape estate, including a vineyard tour and expertly guided wine tasting
Riverside Ravel's generously proportioned suites offer king size beds, elegant bathrooms and panoramic windows that bring the changing Rhône scenery into view
Your journey begins in Lyon, France's celebrated gastronomic capital, where you'll board the elegant Riverside Ravel. Settle into your beautifully appointed suite and meet your personal butler before setting sail along the Rhône. If you arrive early, there's the opportunity to explore Lyon on a guided walk through its UNESCO-listed Old Town, uncovering its hidden traboules, Roman heritage and vibrant atmosphere. This evening, enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board, featuring exceptional cuisine inspired by the region, as your cruise gets underway.
Wake to the picturesque landscapes of the Rhône Valley as you arrive in historic Vienne. Once an important Roman settlement, the town is home to impressive ancient landmarks, including its remarkably preserved Roman Theatre and the Temple of Augustus and Livia. Choose from a selection of Riverside Choice excursions, perhaps exploring the city on foot or cycling through the surrounding vineyards with an included wine tasting. Return to the ship for an afternoon of scenic cruising.
Today you'll discover the flavours of Tain-l'Hermitage, one of France's most celebrated wine regions. Select from a range of Riverside Choice experiences, from tasting renowned Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage wines to visiting the famous Valrhona Cité du Chocolat. Back on board, spend the afternoon however you wish—relax by the pool, enjoy a cocktail or attend one of the enriching talks and tastings hosted by the crew.
Begin the day exploring the beautifully preserved medieval town of Viviers, where cobbled streets, elegant stone buildings and centuries of history create the feel of an open-air museum. A choice of excursions may include a truffle-hunting experience or a visit to the remarkable Chauvet Cave. Later, continue to legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape for an exclusive Riverside Signature experience at a renowned wine estate. Tour the vineyards, learn about the region's unique terroir and enjoy an expertly guided tasting paired with traditional French breads and cheeses.
Your cruise concludes in the magnificent city of Avignon. Before disembarking after breakfast, take in views of the imposing Palais des Papes and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet. You will be transferred to Marseille Airport for your return flight.