Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (Southbound)

7 nights from £2,150pp departing Tuesday 17th Nov 2026

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France.

A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® on the Saône in Chalon-sur-Saône, and cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic...

About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	17th17	NovNov	202626	Chalon-sur-Saône, France, embark on the Avalon Poetry II
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding Flights into Lyon must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS CHALON-SUR-SAONE-TOWN-SQUARE.jpg
	18th18	NovNov	202626	Tournus, France
TOURNUS Pearl of Southern Burgundy Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. CLASSIC Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town. DISCOVERY Join an excursion that will take you to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. DISCOVERY Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Mâcon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX TOURNUS.jpg
	19th19	NovNov	202626	Lyon, France
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill. LYON La Vie En Rose in Lyon Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Lyon. ACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship. Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON LYON-CAFE.jpg
	20th20	NovNov	202626	Lyon, France
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill. LYON Adventures in Food and Wine DISCOVERY Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France. DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine. DISCOVERY This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier. EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON LYON-BRIDGE.jpg
	21st21	NovNov	202626	Tournon-sur-Rhône, France
TOURNON A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards ACTIVE Hike in the vineyards and take in the breathtaking views from the hills (weather permitting), OR: CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, enjoy an onboard wine and cheese tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while sailing to Viviers after lunch. VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country Village CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON VIVIERS-SCENIC.jpg
	22nd22	NovNov	202626	Avignon, France
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers. AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. DISCOVERY Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Later, enjoy live onboard entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES AVIGNON-BRIDGE.jpg
	23rd23	NovNov	202626	Arles, France
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. ARLES A Brush with Genius ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. DISCOVERY Join an onboard wine and chocolate tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier. Take free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES ARLES-PAINTING-CLASS.jpg
	24th24	NovNov	202626	Arles, France, disembark the Avalon Poetry II
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. ARLES (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. ARLES-SCENIC.jpg

Avalon Poetry II

Launch Year

2014

Tonnage

2,022

Capacity

128

Cabins

Accessible

Sky Deck

Royal Deck

Sapphire Deck

Indigo Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Panorama Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
B	Panorama Suite (Sapphire Deck Aft)	£2,750	£2,750
A	Panorama Suite (Sapphire Deck Forward)	£2,800	£2,800
P	Panorama Suite (Royal Deck)	£2,850	£2,850

Room Features

Comfort Collection Beds
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Make-up mirror
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Marble countertops in bathroom
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
6-person sitting area
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Sofa
Coffee table
Complimentary Wi-Fi
One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
USB Ports

Royal Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
S	Royal Suite	£5,217	£5,217

Room Features

Comfort Collection Beds
Luxurious mattress toppers
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
European-style duvets
Soft & firm pillows
Extra blankets
Choice of bed configuration
Nightly turn-down service
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Alarm clock
Make-up mirror
Direct-dial telephone
Bathrobes & slippers
Well-stocked minibar
Complimentary water
In-room safe
Individual climate control
Elegant, contemporary design
Large mirror in bathroom
Marble countertops in bathroom
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
6-person sitting area
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk and chair
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Sofa
Coffee table
Double sinks
Complimentary Wi-Fi
USB Ports
One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Dining Room

The ship’s main venue is the Dining Room situated on the Sapphire deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening.

Room Service

Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Your Holiday Is Safe With Us

Our Fusion packages are all ABTA & ATOL protected ensuring that your booking is safe with us

Offer

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Holiday Summary

	7 nights cruising on the Rhone, Saone
	Beer, wine & soft drinks at lunch & dinner
	One complimentary shore excursion In every port
	Free Wi-Fi Included
	Exclusive special events
	Speciality wine pairing meal @ Panorama Bistro
	Bikes for passenger use
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Oceanview staterooms from		£2,150pp
E	Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Indigo Deck Forward)	£2,150pp
D	Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Indigo Deck Aft)	£2,150pp

Suite staterooms from		£2,750pp
A	Panorama Suite (Sapphire Deck Forward)	£2,800pp
P	Panorama Suite (Royal Deck)	£2,850pp
B	Panorama Suite (Sapphire Deck Aft)	£2,750pp
S	Royal Suite	£5,217pp

	Oceanview	Suite
	(All prices are £GBP per person)
Tue 7th Apr 202607 Apr 26		4,429
Tue 21st Apr 202621 Apr 26	3,386	4,785
Tue 19th May 202619 May 26	3,464	4,963
Tue 2nd Jun 202602 Jun 26	3,464	4,863
Tue 30th Jun 202630 Jun 26	3,186	4,585
Tue 14th Jul 202614 Jul 26	2,001	2,601
Tue 14th Jul 202614 Jul 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 14th Jul 202614 Jul 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 14th Jul 202614 Jul 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 14th Jul 202614 Jul 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 14th Jul 202614 Jul 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 28th Jul 202628 Jul 26	2,001	2,651
Tue 28th Jul 202628 Jul 26	2,300	2,950
Tue 28th Jul 202628 Jul 26	2,300	2,950
Tue 28th Jul 202628 Jul 26	2,300	2,950
Tue 28th Jul 202628 Jul 26	2,300	2,950
Tue 28th Jul 202628 Jul 26	2,300	2,950
Tue 11th Aug 202611 Aug 26	2,001	2,601
Tue 11th Aug 202611 Aug 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 11th Aug 202611 Aug 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 11th Aug 202611 Aug 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 11th Aug 202611 Aug 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 11th Aug 202611 Aug 26	2,300	2,900
Tue 25th Aug 202625 Aug 26	3,342	4,741
Tue 8th Sep 202608 Sep 26	3,542	5,041
Tue 6th Oct 202606 Oct 26	3,386	4,785
Tue 20th Oct 202620 Oct 26	3,074	4,473
Tue 3rd Nov 202603 Nov 26	2,518	3,917