Magical Rhône River Cruise 2012, France

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We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar for Lille, where we continue by TGV to Lyon. Here we will board on our floating hotel, where we will enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner with entertainment. We spend the night in Lyon.

We start the day with an optional guided tour to discover Lyon. In the afternoon we sail to Macon, where we will spend the night. During this time, the guests can enjoy the facilities that the ship offers them. 

Today an optional excursion will be offered to discover Cluny, where you have the chance to visit the Benedictine Abbey. We will have lunch on board and in the afternoon we cruise to Vienne. In the evening the guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner and entertainment on board. 

You may wish to join the guided tour offered today to explore Vienne. We continue our trip during lunchtime sailing to Avignon. 

Our first stop today is Avignon, where you can join the optional tour to visit the City of Popes and its Papal Palace. We continue our trip during lunchtime sailing to Arles, where you have the option to join the excursion through the nature reserve of Camargue. We enjoy some spare time in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, before returning to the ship. This evening guests will enjoy Provençal Folklore entertainment on board.

This morning guests can enjoy time to relax and visit Arles independently. Then we'll go to the countryside, and learn how Provençal olive oil is made. During the afternoon we sail towards Viviers.

Today's optional tour will give you the chance to discover Viviers. Then we'll sail to Tain l'Hermitage, the winegrowing town, where we can enjoy an optional wine tasting in a local cellar. As part of the acts for the end of the trip, the guests are invited to join the gala dinner and the evening of entertainment on board this evening.

After a final breakfast on board, we'll get to Lyon, where we'll take the TGV to Lille and then continue by Eurostar service to St Pancras International in London.

More about the trains

Eurostar: The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris, Lille and Brussels. In your dedicated Standard Premier (the highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers) carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

TGV: Introduced in 1981, France's TGV was the original European high-speed train. First linking Paris to Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer the best option. The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

Where you'll stay

CroisiEurope: this company's ships offer a comfortable and relaxing way to discover the European rivers. Ships offer common areas to their guests, including a lounge bar area, a shop selling souvenirs, a large sun-deck and a dining room. Even if the dress code on board is casual, don't forget to bring a more formal outfit for the gala dinner the last day. The cabins include air conditioning, suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and WC as well as satellite television, internal telephone, radio, hairdryer, safe and a large picture window to enjoy the views.