From the “foodie’s favourite” city of Lyon to Beaujolais vineyards, Roman temples, the medieval towns of Provence, and the wild beauty of the Camargue, this river cruise is a tour through time and traditions, between the scenic banks of the Rhône and Saône
(limited dates/availability)
For all 2024 bookings made up to 31 October 2023, deduct £60 per person
Day 1 - Lyon
Day 2 - Saône / Mâcon
Day 3 - Cluny
Day 4 - Vienne
Day 5 - Avignon / Camargue
Day 6 - Arles / Viviers
Day 7 - Tournon
Day 8 - Return Journey
First, choose your form of transport from London to Lyon, flying from Heathrow or travelling by train on the Eurostar and high-speed TGV. Embark on your vessel, the spacious river cruiser MS Camargue, its 54 cabins complemented by a sun deck, stylish dining room, and lounge bar. Then relax and enjoy the journey, which starts with a slow float from lovely, lively Lyon, at the confluence of the rivers, sailing upstream on the Saône, as it heads for the hills of Beaujolais vineyards, to moor at Mâcon, with ochre and umber painted houses at the water’s edge and narrow lanes at its heart. Displaying its historic use as the route for Roman armies and medieval merchants, the Rhône runs 300km south from Lyon to its mouth on the Med, now tamed through river locks, but still passing Roman and medieval monuments on its banks at Vienne, and watchtowers crowning the old town of Touron. Avignon adds pretty squares and city walls, with convents and cardinals’ palaces a testament to its past; and Arles, with its ancient amphitheatre, is like sailing through a Van Gogh gallery. Here the river splits into two, the Grand and Petit Rhône flanking the wonderfully wild Camargue, with salt lakes, flamingos and famous white horses.
Excursions Included
Drinks Included
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Jules Verne Representative
No Single Supplement
Day 1 Fly from London to Lyon, or travel by Eurostar and high speed TGV. Transfer to the mooring to embark on your cruise vessel for your seven-night cruise, which begins with a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew. (D)
Day 2 A morning tour of Lyon, famed as the ‘gastronomic capital’ of France, framed by the meeting of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and boasting Europe’s largest pedestrian square. Its Croix-Rousse silk workshops and Vieux Lyon’s medieval ‘traboules’ alleys unite as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Confluences Museum adds futuristic architecture, and the iconic Notre Dame Basilica oversees all in this superb city. Sail upstream on the Saône this afternoon, seeing the Beaujolais wine hillsides, and passing the vineyards of the eponymous white wines of Mâcon, where we overnight. Enjoy a pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 3 A tour by road this morning takes us to the Romanesque, Benedictine Abbey of Cluny. Founded in 910 by William the Pious (Duke of Aquitaine), in its medieval heyday the monastery held enormous influence across Europe, in artistic, religious and political fields. At its downfall, much of the once huge, multi-towered abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution. Return to the cruiser to sail on the Rhône to Vienne, where the river roams around the town, set on a high bluff. (B, L, D)
Day 4 View the highlights of Vienne on a walking tour of the town, a medieval provincial capital, which displays its past in Roman temples and an amphitheatre; then cruise south on a super-scenic journey toward Avignon, relaxing aboard as the MS Camargue carries you through a squeezed narrow section of the river, and snakes past sleepy villages and wooded cliffs, to the gentle landscapes and Mediterranean ambience of the Rhone Valley. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Arrive in enchanting Avignon, piercing the Rhône with the four arches of the St. Benezet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon), and lining its banks with myriad medieval buildings, encircled by sturdy ramparts. A walking tour reveals its unique heritage as the 14th century seat of Catholic popes, its countless churches and chapels including the fortress-like façade of the Papal Palace, the world’s largest gothic monument. Cruise to Arles; then enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Arles, or join us on an optional afternoon tour, by 4x4 vehicle, of the Petite and Grande Camargue Nature Reserve (£90, pre-bookable). (B, L, D)
Day 6 Morning walking tour of Arles. The one-time home of Vincent Van Gogh, its street scenes may seem familiar from his hundreds of paintings, and magnificent Roman remains include the incredibly well-preserved amphitheatre. Later, visit an olive oil producing estate, where we include a tasting. Cruise to Viviers and enjoy an evening walking tour of the fortified medieval town, small but perfectly formed around it 12th century cathedral. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Cruise this morning to Tournon. The pretty provincial town, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues, looks across the river to left bank Tain L’Hermitage, its steep hills cloaked in the vines of Côtes-du-Rhône wines. An afternoon tour includes the Rhône Chateau Museum and a wine tasting. Enjoy a farewell Jules Verne drinks party and Gala Dinner aboard this evening. Cruise overnight to Lyon. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Disembark in Lyon for your return journey to London by air or rail.
Notes
Cabins are available from 6pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible).
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Renovated in 2015, the MS Camargue II is a superior-category ship with a bright and spacious interior inspired by the Camargue region. The vessel is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. Enjoy International and French refined cuisine with a choice of high-quality wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Reception, lounge bar with dance floor, sundeck and WiFi (free/limited). 54 air-conditioned cabins over two decks with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, satellite TV and picture windows. 20 twin/double cabins on the Upper Deck with French balconies and 34 twin/double cabins on the Main Deck with large windows.
A Premium vessel launched in 1999 and refurbished in 2018 to a high standard. The MS Van Gogh is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established over 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family.
All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service with the occasional buffet. Reception, lounge bar with small dance floor, sun deck and WiFi (free/limited). 54 air-conditioned cabins over two decks with private facilities, safe, satellite TV and picture windows. 20 twin/double cabins (160 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck and 34 twin/double cabins (160 sq. ft.) on the Main Deck.
Notes
September 2024 departures will cruise on the MS Van Gogh.
May & July 2024 departures will cruise on the MS Camargue.
Lyon Extension
Two nights with breakfast at the charming 5-star Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa, set in a historic building. The hotel is just a few steps from the famous Place Bellecour, the Vieux Lyon district and the Fourvière Basilica.
A city tax is payable locally, currently €3.30 per person per night.
Day 1 Transfer to 5-star Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa for two nights.
Day 2 At leisure to explore Lyon. (B)
Day 3 Transfer to Lyon railway station or airport for your return journey. (B)
A 5-star hotel set in a historic building on the Presqu'île of Lyon, on the banks of the Rhône river, 850 metres from Lyon National Opera House. Restaurant, bar, small indoor pool, spa and WiFi (free). 133 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
per person in a twin/double Main Deck cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
(limited dates/availability)
For all 2024 bookings made up to 31 October 2023, deduct £60 per person
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability)
Jul 25
Single supplement £625
Cabin Upgrades
Upper Deck (twin/double) £195
Upper Deck (double for sole use) £820
Flight & Rail Options
British Airways Club Europe - On request
Eurostar/TGV – Standard Class £120
Eurostar/TGV – Standard Premier Class £255
Optional Excursions
4x4 Camargue excursion £90
Extension Options
Extension - Lyon
Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa - 2 nights £380 (Jul £300)
Single supplement £245 (Jul £185)
Tour Only
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer (railway station) add £50
Arrival or departure transfer (airport) £65
Price Includes
Air or rail travel, UK departure taxes, overseas airport taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, Jules Verne Representative, cruise director, guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes:
If extending in Lyon, a city tax is payable locally, currently €3.30 per person per night.
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VAT No. 805146159
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