CRUISE SUMMARY
In this cruise you will explore the colourful countryside in the south of France and the beauty of its historical cities, including the famous Ardèche Gorge before continuing into Provence and the Camargue, where the incomparable atmosphere inspired van Gogh. From Lyon, the cruise heads north on the Saône to Chalon-sur-Saône, with an excursion option to Burgundy, and then on the Rhône towards the Mediterranean Sea. Learn why the Romans felt so at home in Mâcon and Arles, then see the great buildings of Avignon, such as the papal palace.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Lyon
Lyon: Casting off 10:30 p.m.
Fly from London to Lyon and transfer to vessel. Embarkation from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Day 2: Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon
Chalon-sur-Saône: Mooring 11:00 a.m. – Casting off 6:00 p.m.
Burgundy excursion with a visit to Beaune and to the well-known Hôtel-Dieu with its striking, colourful roof. Time to explore by yourself.
Mâcon: Mooring 11:30 p.m.
Day 3: Mâcon, Belleville-sur-Saône, Trévoux
Mâcon: Casting off 12:00 p.m.
Excursion to the impressive and historic Cluny Monastery or excursion to the wonderful Château Cormatin.
Belleville-sur-Saône: Mooring 2:30 p.m. – Casting off 3:00 p.m.
Beaujolais excursion with a tour through the medieval village of Oingt and wine tasting at a vineyard (from Belleville-sur-Saône / to Trévoux).
Trévoux: Mooring 4:30 p.m. – Casting off 12:00 p.m.
Day 4: Viviers
Viviers: Mooring 12:30 p.m. – Casting off 6:30 p.m.
Sensational countryside on an excursion to the imposing Ardèche Canyon with its steep slopes and a visit to the lavender museum or canoeing in the Ardèche Canyon. Time to explore by yourself.
Day 5: Arles, Avignon
Arles: Mooring 3:00 a.m. – Casting off 6:00 p.m.
Guided tour through Arles, in the footsteps of the ancient Romans.
Excursion to the exceptional region of the Camargue and a visit to a bull farm.
Avignon: Mooring 10:30 p.m.
Day 6: Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Avignon: Casting off 3:30 p.m.
Guided tour through Avignon with the famous Pont d’Avignon and the papal palace.
Time to make your own discoveries.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Mooring 5:30 p.m. – Casting off 6:15 p.m.
Excursion to the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard (from Avignon to Châteauneufdu-Pape).
Day 7: Lyon
Lyon: Mooring 3:30 p.m.
City tour/walk through the old town of Lyon, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its impressive basilica. Shore leave for your personal visit.
Day 8: Lyon
Lyon:
Disembarkation until 9:00 a.m. Transfer to Lyon Airport or add a city stay (prices on request).
The excursions marked in red can only be booked on board. Mooring and casting off times are guidance times. We reserve the right to change itineraries and excursion programmes. If a route cannot be travelled due to low/high water or a ship defect, the shipping company reserves the right to take passengers on this route by bus, to accommodate them in hotels and/or change the route. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to change to another ship.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise along two great rivers in southern France, the Rhône and the Saône
- Option to book an active outing canoeing in the Ardèche
- Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans at the arena of Arles and the Pont du Gard aqueduct
- The wild horses and flamingos of the Camargue
- Historic Avignon and the Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge
SPECIAL OFFER
£250 – £500 per person off all the Rhone & Saone cruises (8 days) in 2021. Book by 30 April 2021.
MS BIJOU DU RHÔNE
2021 Guide prices per person in £
| Cabin category | Season B Prices From | Season C Prices From | Season D Prices From | Cabin Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Bed Main Deck | £1,595 | £1,995 | £2,095 | |
| 2 Bed Middle Deck Front | £2,095 | £2,195 | £2,295 | |
| 2 Bed Middle Deck | £2,195 | £2,295 | £2,395 | |
| 2 Bed Deluxe Middle Deck with Panormaic Window | £2,395 | £2,495 | £2,595 | |
| 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck Rear with Panormaic Window | £2,545 | £2,645 | £2,745 | |
| 2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck with Panormaic Front | £2,695 | £2,795 | £2,845 |
2021 Travel dates / Season
- 26.05. – 02.06.21 D
- 21.07. – 28.07.21 D
- 08.09. – 15.09.21 D
- 15.09. – 22.09.21 C
- 13.10. – 20.10.21 B
2022 Travel dates / Season
- 23.03. – 30.03.22 A
- 30.03. – 06.04.22 A
- 13.04. – 20.04.22 B
- 04.05. – 11.05.22 D
- 25.05. – 01.06.22 D
- 15.06. – 22.06.22 D
- 06.07. – 13.07.22 D
- 27.07. – 03.08.22 D
- 17.08. – 24.08.22 C
- 07.09. – 14.09.22 D
- 21.09. – 28.09.22 C
- 12.10. – 19.10.22 B
- 26.10. – 02.11.22 A
Cruises for other durations
We also offer a number of cruises on the Rhine and Danube for different durations from 4-13 days
Cruise Only Prices
We appreciate that you may want to make your own travel arrangements and can provide cruise only prices on request
City Hotel Stays
We can tailor-make any cruise itinerary with additional pre or post cruise hotels. Please enquire for our recommended hotels and prices.
Dates in bold are guaranteed English FIT sailings
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to and from vessel
- 7 nights cruise including all meals
- Unlimited drinks inc wine, beer, cocktails and all non alcoholic drinks
- Nightly onboard entertainment
- 4 Guided Excursions
- Free Wifi
- Gratuities
- Port fees and taxes
MS Bijou du Rhône
MS Bijou du Rhône
MS Bijou du Rhône Reception
MS Bijou du Rhône
MS Bijou du Rhône 2 Bed Cabin
MS Bijou du Rhône 2 Bed Deluxe Cabin
MS Bijou du Rhône Restaurant
MS Bijou du Rhône Panorama Salon
