FranceCruise though France’s wine country
- 13 days
- 11 nights
- 31 meals
Set sail on an elegant journey between Lyon and Provence, through the prestigious vineyards of the Rhône Valley. Explore the cultural treasures of Lyon, Avignon, and Arles, savour exquisite wines, and fall under the charm of villages famed for their historical architecture. End your trip in Annecy and Chamonix, with stunning Alpine scenery and flavourful Savoyard cuisine. A true feast for the eyes and the palate.
Cities on itinerary:
Lyon, Mâcon, Vienna, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhône, Annecy, Chamonix, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Manigod, Geneva
- Moderate
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Wine-themed cruise with excursions
- Tour of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
- Legendary vineyards and tastings along the Rhône
- Ride to the Aiguille du Midi on France’s highest cable car
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montréal – Lyon
Fly to Lyon.
- Day 2: Lyon
Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with a glass of wine or beer included. Charlemagne Hotel 4* (L)
- Day 3: Lyon
Spend a free day exploring the charming city of Lyon. Board MS Rhône Princess for a welcome cocktail. Enjoy an evening of entertainment aboard the ship. (B-D)
- Day 4: Lyon – Mâcon
In the morning, take a guided tour of Lyon including the Basilica of Fourvière, Old Lyon, and its famous traboules—hidden passageways between medieval courtyards. Continue to Lyon’s iconic Halles Paul Bocuse, a landmark of French fine dining, for a sausage and cheese tasting with a glass of wine. Return to the ship and sail to Mâcon. Enjoy a captain’s dinner on board. (B-L-D)
- Day 5: Mâcon – Vienne
Travel through rolling countryside dotted with castles and picturesque villages. Visit Hameau Dubœuf, Europe’s first wine-themed park, for a captivating journey through the world of winegrowing and winemaking. Return to the ship and sail to Vienne. (B-L-D)
- Day 6: Vienne – Avignon
Take a morning excursion to the iconic vineyards of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie, jewels of the Rhône Valley. Condrieu is renowned for its exquisite 100% Viognier white wines, offering aromas of stone fruits and white blossoms. Côte-Rôtie’s distinguished Syrah wines combine power and elegance, with subtle notes of Viognier. Sample wine at a top local producer. Return to the ship and sail to Avignon. Take in an afternoon talk and evening entertainment. (B-L-D)
- Day 7: Avignon – Arles – Camargue
Begin with a guided tour of Avignon, nicknamed the “City of the Popes,” exploring its dazzling history and exceptional heritage. Step inside the Palais des Papes, an impressive fortress and lavish palace that embodies the might of the medieval Church. Return to the ship and sail to Arles. In the afternoon, go on a guided tour of Arles, the city that inspired Van Gogh. (B-L-D)
- Day 8: Arles – Viviers
Take a morning excursion to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a quintessential Provençal village in the Alpilles Regional Park. Sample wine at a local producer’s estate before heading back to the ship and sailing to Viviers. Go on an evening guided tour of Viviers, a beautifully preserved medieval town renowned for its exceptional architectural heritage. (B-L-D)
- Day 9: Viviers – Tournon-sur-Rhône – Lyon
In the morning, sail to Tournon-sur-Rhône and enjoy a lively onboard talk. Arrive in the city in the afternoon. Continue to Tain-l’Hermitage, nestled beneath the famed Hermitage slopes, which define the local winegrowing landscape and sit at the heart of the Northern Rhône’s historic vineyards. Sample wine at a renowned local estate, then enjoy a gala dinner. (B-L-D)
- Day 10: Lyon – Annecy (147km)
Disembark and travel to Annecy for a guided tour of the “Venice of the Alps,” a city renowned for its charming canals and enchanting alpine setting. Have lunch at a downtown restaurant, then visit the PACCARD Bell Museum in Sevrier. Novotel Annecy Centre Hotel 4* (B-L-D)
- Day 11: Annecy – Chamonix – Annecy (201km)
In the morning, travel to Chamonix and ascend the Aiguille du Midi via one of the world’s most spectacular cable cars for sweeping views of the Mont-Blanc massif. Enjoy a traditional Savoyard lunch followed by free time to explore Chamonix. (B-L-D)
- Day 12: Annecy – Menthon-Saint-Bernard – Manigod – Annecy (55km)
Depart in the morning for the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, owned by the same family for 23 generations. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then head to the Col des Aravis to tour a Reblochon cheese farm in Manigod. Enjoy a farewell dinner with a glass of wine or beer included. (B-L-D)
- Day 13: Annecy – Geneva – Montréal (40km)
Head to the Geneva airport and fly back to Montréal. (B)
Inclusions
Montréal – Lyon and Geneva – Montréal flights
Transportation by tour bus
Transfers
4 nights in 4* accommodations
7-night cruise in a main deck stateroom
Drinks with meals and at the bar (except champagne and wine list selections) during the cruise
Service of a French-speaking host guide and local guides
Free internet access aboad the ship
Travel guidebook & explore gift
Applicable taxes
Travel insurance
Baggage handling
Tips and personal expenses
Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section
Get the right coverage with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance
Take off with peace of mind thanks to protections tailored to your needs and budget. As a member, you enjoy up to 20% off your premium.
Sail aboard the MS Rhône Princess
Launched in 2001 and renovated in 2011, MS Rhône Princess accommodates 138 passengers. It offers cultural cruises from Lyon to the Mediterranean in a welcoming, refined setting.
Four-anchor ship cruising the Rhône and Saône
Natural splendour, cultural heritage, and gourmet delights
Panoramic restaurant
Big picture windows to take in the whole panorama during meals
Lounge bar with dance floor
Inviting space for cocktail games and evening entertainment
Authentic, welcoming atmosphere
Orange and chocolate tones with woodwork and gilded ceilings
Comfortable staterooms
Spacious staterooms, many with panoramic windows
No departure on the date you wanted? Trip fully booked?
For personalized assistance, call 1-844-869-2439 or email us.
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Our explore pledge: Travelling differently together
Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:
- French-speaking tour host
- Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
- Members earn CAA Dollars back
- 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
- Rewards for loyal travellers
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, according to the stateroom category indicated. Other stateroom categories are available. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. A minimum number of guests is required to ensure the presence of a CAA-Quebec Travel host. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.
If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.