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- Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports or return Eurostar / TGV from London St Pancras International
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
- 8 Included experiences
- 5 guided tours including glorious Lyon, charming Beaune with wine tasting, historic Vienne, splendid Arles and intriguing Avignon
- 3 visits including the magnificent Ardèche Gorges, the remarkable Pont du Gard and beautiful Tournon
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Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence River Cruise
MS William Shakespeare
18th Jul 24
7 Nights
1
Avignon, France
Fly or join the Eurostar for your journey and board MS Lord Byron for your 7-night cruise
2
Avignon, France
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.
3
Arles & Pont du Gard, France
Sail into the Carmargue wilderness region and Provence capital of Arles. Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is best known as being the inspiration for many of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh's most famous artworks. Meander through the city, stopping by the 2000 year-old Roman Amphitheatre, Eglise St-Trophime, and Montmajour Abbey. Explore the rich and fascinating history of the Crytoportiques sub-terranean Roman ruins or marvel at the collection of Picasso drawings and La Croix fashion designs at Musee Reattu. Enjoy the hustle and bustle and shopping at Le Marche d'Arles or escape to the tranquillity of the Camargue Nature Park.
4
Ardeche Gorges & Tournon
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.
5
Vienne, France
6
Beaune and Burgundy
7
Lyon, France
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.
8
Avignon, France
Disembark the cruise ship and transfer to the airport or the Eurostar for your return flight home.
Hays Extras
MS William Shakespeare
Overview
Specially commissioned and designed to our exacting specifications, she is, without doubt, one of the world’s finest river cruise ships. We have worked tirelessly with one of Europe’s most experienced and respected luxury shipbuilders, Veka Group, to create the perfect ship, featuring many unique, ground breaking innovations. The finest of materials have been used in construction with virtually no expense spared; its sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, highly polished brass and wrought iron fittings, thick pile high-quality carpets, luxuriously comfortable deep armchairs and settees will absolutely delight you. In addition the ship’s spacious layout, subtle and tasteful lighting, elegant décor, luxurious cabins and excellent facilities are undoubtedly the very best on cruise ships today. Superb attention to detail continues outside the vessel, where the extensive use of glass and polished stainless steel complements her sleek modern profile perfectly. As the ship glides, serenely, through the water, she truly is a wonderful sight to behold! As you would expect, the ship also incorporates the very latest in modern construction techniques and safety systems, ensuring your cruise is as comfortable and secure as possible. Finally the ship carries just 140 passengers and with 35 crew, a 4:1 ratio ensures excellent service levels. With many similar size vessels carrying 180 passengers or more, you will find the extra space, especially in the restaurant, very noticeable indeed.
Food & Drink
Main restaurant on middle deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Entertainment
The Sun Deck is the hub for entertainment onboard. The forward viewing area is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun-loungers, deck games including shuffleboard and giant chess, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes barbecues are held here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.
Then, as the evening progresses into darkness, subtle lighting evolves down on the Hamlet Deck, through colour and intensity accompanied by gentle piano background music, creating a very special ambience. However should you prefer a good book to read you can always visit the library, which, with its leather-effect wall linings, offers a genteel environment reminiscent of the golden age of cruising.
Health & Fitness
Wellness area with sauna and fitness equipment for you to use at your leisure.
Kids & Teens
Please note: MS William Shakespeare does not provide facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.
Terms & Conditions
T&Cs Apply
Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence River Cruise
£1,949
From PP
MS William Shakespeare
18th Jul 24
7 Nights
£1,949
From PP
