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Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise

MS Lord Byron

1st Apr 27

7 Nights

From

£2,249PP

Itinerary
Ship

Day 1

Arrival in Lyon

Day 2

Lyon

Lyon is France's third largest city and sits at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Pay a visit to Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière hilltop church with its extravagant interior and Museum of Sacred Art. Explore over 2,000 years of history as you discover the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, Renaissance architecture along Vieux Lyon's cobbled streets and secret alleyways; and the Presqu'île peninsula's scenic plazas, opera house, and city hall. Culture fans make a beeline to Musee des Beaux-Arts, Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, and Institut Lumière. Escape to the tranquil botanical gardens, animal-filled zoo, and pedal-boating lake at Parc de la Tete d'Or. Don't miss the traboules; covered passageways below buildings that connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Day 3

Beaune

The charming town of Beaune sits at the heart of France's Burgundy region, between Dijon and Autun. Explore the compact old town area with its 15-century Hotel-Dieu hospital complex, Church of Notre-Dame, and the clock tower. Stroll around the town's ancient ramparts and admire Porte Saint-Nicholas, Chateau de Beaune, Theatre de Verdure, and the Square des Lions. Step back in time at Musee des Beaux-Arts and Jules-Marey Museum, before discovering the history of wine-making at the Museum of Wine.

Day 4

Vienne & Tain l’Hermitage

The ship has cruised downstream overnight and you can enjoy breakfast in Vienne before your guided tour. Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains, including the stunning Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia. Embark a little train to take you to the top of the city, Mont Pipet hill, where vistas of the Rhône await; it's also the setting for the spectacular 1st-century AD Roman amphitheatre that once accommodated 13,500 spectators. Soak up the history as the train weaves through the charming, narrow streets of the old town. Wander back to the ship for lunch, during which the cruise continues along the Rhône past Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon, and Saint-Vallier. The pretty provincial town of Tournon is your next port with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues on one side of the river. On the opposite riverbank are the steep vine-covered hillsides of Hermitage, where another of the world’s most revered wines is produced.

Day 5

Ardèche Gorges

This morning the cruise continues downstream; in the distance you'll catch sight of the majestic Alps, before the landscape turns less green and Mediterranean-like with terracotta roofs and the aromas of cypress and pine trees scenting the air. After a leisurely lunch, the Ardeche Gorges come into view - sheer limestone cliffs that plunge 1,000 feet into the water and meander through rock formations to the huge natural arch, the Pont d'Arc. Admire the emerging caves, grottoes, and natural sculptures around every turn as the scenery becomes gentler as the ship returns to the Rhone Valley and the medieval town of Viviers. The ship moors here for a short time so you can view the stunning 12th-century cathedral, before continuing through the deep Bollene lock as you relax over dinner this evening.

Day 6

Arles & Pont du Gard

Open your curtains to greet Arles in deepest Provence; home to many UNESCO-listed historic monuments. Your guided tour introduces you to Arles’s magnificent Roman remains; including the amphitheatre, the earlier theatre, and the ancient necropolis. Artist Van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year, from February 1888; Arles and the Provencal countryside inspired 300+ of his works, including The Night Café, The Sower, and Sunflowers. After lunch, you'll visit one of the wonders of the ancient world; the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct. Standing over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high; the span of Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge. Admire the surrounding pine and cypress-covered hills before rejoining the ship. The cruise continues along the Rhône and, during dinner, passes the impressive 15th-century castle at Tarascon standing guard on the river bank.

Day 7

Avignon

The fortified town of Avignon sits on the Rhone River and has a rich history. Tour the historical centre with its cobbled streets and shops, before admiring the hilltop Palais de Papes, Cathedral Notre Dames des Doms, and stunning views over the famous 'Pont de Avignon'. Gaze in awe at the paintings of Botticelli, Carpaccio and Giovanni de Paolo at Musee de Petit Palais. Relax with a coffee as you take in the views of the 19th-century City Hall and Opera in Place d'Horloge. Travel to the nearby town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard to admire the impressive Le Pont du Gard three-level stone aqueduct bridge.

Day 8

Return home

Why Book

MS Lord Byron Cabin Options:

Standard Cabin from £2,249pp

Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise Highlights:

Free all-inclusive drinks package
7 nights on board a five-star ship
Return flights & transfers
Full board dining
11 included experiences
Free Wi-Fi
All port charges

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

MS Lord Byron

Overview

How can one adequately sum up the brand new, wonderfully elegant five-star MS Lord Byron? How can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world? Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort. We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury rivership builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared. You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems … and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste. Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swissoperated ship with 35 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience.

Food & Drink

Start your morning with a full English Breakfast or opt for a lighter bite like fresh fruit and cereal. For lunch, enjoy the selection of sandwiches, burgers and pasta dishes. And don't forget dessert - there are enough options to satisfy any sweet tooth. At the end of the day, sit down to a carefully crafted four-course à la carte dinner featuring familiar dishes as well as soon-to-be favourites inspired by the destinations you visit.

Kids & Teens

Please note: MS Lord Byron does not provide facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.

Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions: Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing the lowest category stateroom/cabin/suite unless otherwise stated. Single supplements may apply. Offers are subject to availability and can change without any prior notice and may go up or down in price. Cruise Line campaign(s) and saving messages are strictly controlled by the Cruise Line(s) and are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Flight inclusive packages, where promoted, are based on the cheapest UK departure airport so please ask for further details. Advertised hotels, if any, are suggested however are changeable at a possible additional cost. All prices and port itineraries are correct at the time of print but are subject to change by the Cruise Line(s) without prior notice. Hays Travel reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in this brochure. Some ports of call may be tendered whereas vessels drop anchor a short distance away and use small boats to reach the shore. Full board to all-inclusive inclusions vary by the Cruise Line(s) and restrictions may apply. Some onboard facilities and items may incur a charge. Select destinations may require travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to be completed prior to travelling. Hays Travel LTD excepts no responsibility or compensation for any incomplete forms or declined entries from the respective country or countries that the individual(s) are visiting.