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4 nights from

£1625

Christmas in Provence & the Rhône Valley

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited dates/availability)
FREE CABIN UPGRADE
22 Dec 2023 - free upgrade to Upper Deck cabin for new bookings
Basilica Notre Dame, Lyon, France
Papal Palace, Avignon, France
Lyon, France

Covering Christmas in a beautiful ‘breather’ of comfort and service, this is a leisurely, luxury cruise, sailing south from lovely Lyon, visiting medieval Viviers and Montelimar, strolling the historic streets of inimitable Avignon, and enjoying festive fare aboard

A delightful short break at any time of year, this tour is enhanced by the spirit of Christmas, seasonal festivities, and a few joyful surprises. Sailing on the MS Camargue of the renowned CroisiEurope river fleet, the cruise begins in Lyon, framed by the meeting of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, its Old Town alleys united as a UNESCO site, its iconic Notre Dame Basilica overseeing all in the superb, sophisticated city. Our first port of call is beguiling Viviers. The smallest city in France, with the country’s smallest cathedral, it is an almost unaltered medieval enclave, with exceptional architecture and the air of a living museum. From here, we visit Montelimar, then sail south for Christmas in Avignon. Beautiful, atmospheric, and UNESCO listed, it lines the banks of the Rhône with monuments from its Middle Ages heritage as the Papal City, where sturdy walls surround the cluster of churches and chapels, convents and cardinals’ palaces which bear witness to its past; and where you can attend midnight mass.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Lyon
  • Day 2  - Viviers
  • Days 3 & 4  - Avignon
  • Day 5  - Return flight
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Soane River, Lyon, France
Basilica Notre Dame, Lyon, France
Rhone River, Lyon, France
Lyon, France
Papal Palace, Avignon, France
Clock Tower, Viviers, France
Lyon City, France
Roman Bridge, Historic Monument Landscape, Viviers, France

Tour Highlights

  • New Cruise
  • 2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
  • No Single Supplement
  • Excursions Included
  • Drinks Included
  • Jules Verne Representative
Christmas In Provence & The Rhone Valley Map
Two suitcases next to each other

Luggage Collection & Delivery

We are delighted to work in partnership with The Baggage Man to ease the stress of luggage delivery. Have your baggage collected from your home and delivered to your vessel before you arrive.

DETAILS
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Covering Christmas in a beautiful ‘breather’ of comfort and service, this is a leisurely, luxury cruise, sailing south from lovely Lyon, visiting medieval Viviers and Montelimar, strolling the historic streets of inimitable Avignon, and enjoying festive fare aboard

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London Gatwick to Lyon and transfer to the mooring to embark on the MS Camargue for your four-night cruise. Join us for a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew; and enjoy a delightful float through the illuminated districts of ‘old’ Lyon.
(D)

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

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- Itinerary -

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner
Day 1

Fly from London Gatwick to Lyon and transfer to the mooring to embark on the MS Camargue for your four-night cruise. Join us for a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew; and enjoy a delightful float through the illuminated districts of ‘old’ Lyon.
(D)

Day 2

Relax aboard this morning, as the cruiser sails to Viviers for an afternoon walking tour of the sturdily fortified, medieval city. Small but perfectly formed around its flamboyant cathedral, its stone streets are sprinkled with architectural treasures from the former bishops’ palace, now the Town Hall, to the fine façade of the Knights’ House, and mansions gracing the Gran Rue. Travel by road to Montélimar, tempting sweet-toothed travellers with its world-renowned nougat since the 17th century. We visit a confectioner to learn how the nougat is made and, of course, to taste the special treat. Return to the vessel at Viviers and enjoy a Gala dinner aboard this evening.
(B, L, D) 

Day 3

Cruise through the morning to enchanting Avignon, piercing the Rhône with the four arches of the St. Benezet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon), and hemming its banks with myriad medieval buildings, encircled by city ramparts. A walking tour reveals the city’s unique heritage as the 14th-century seat of Catholic popes. Countless churches include the fortress-like façade of the Papal Palace, the world’s largest gothic monument, where we visit the staterooms and terraces, overlooking the river. Enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner and festive evening aboard; with the opportunity to attend midnight mass in Avignon (transfer cost to be paid locally).
(B, L, D)

Day 4

Spend Christmas Day at leisure in Avignon, perhaps to stroll past historic churches and palaces, now re-purposed as shops and houses, and discover the city’s many little squares.
(B, L, D)

Day 5

Disembark after breakfast and transfer from Avignon to Marseille airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)

Close Itinerary
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Notes:

Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board and access to the public lounge).

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

Vessels

MS Camargue Vessel, France, Exterior

MS Camargue Vessel, France, Lounge

MS Camargue Vessel, France, Restaurant

MS Camargue Vessel, France, Cabin

MS Camargue

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.

View Deck Plan

Departures & Prices

per person in a twin Lower Deck cabin
easyJet from Gatwick

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December
December 22 (Friday)
  • On Request: Please Call

£ 1625
Price Includes:

Air travel, all port charges, transfers, 4-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, cruise director, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated rail fares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Notes:

Unlimited drinks are included on the cruise, during lunch on 25th December a limited amount of drinks are included per person.

Supplements per person

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Single Supplement
  • No Single Supplement (limited availability)
  • 2023: Dec

Tour Only
  • Save
  • £200
  • Arrival transfer
  • £65
  • Departure transfer
  • with group included
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