Hiking Cruise: Discover everything the Rhône and Saône regions have to offer (port-to-port cruise)

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.

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board. Our ship will begin to cruise to Mcon. Don't miss Lyon lit up at night as we depart!

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, 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.

In the morning, excursions included:NON-HIKERS: Join us for an optional guided tour of Lyon and learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules, that go from street to street.HIKERS: Urban hike through Lyon. Discover the off-the-beaten-path secrets in Only Lyon.Well cruise to Tain-lHermitage in the afternoon, arriving in the evening.

Tain-l'Hermitage, France, is a picturesque town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly its Syrah and Hermitage varietals. Nestled along the Rhône River and surrounded by lush vineyards, it offers scenic views and a charming atmosphere. The town features historic sites like the 12th-century Hermitage Chapel and the Cité du Chocolat, celebrating local culinary delights. With its blend of fine wine, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Tain-l'Hermitage is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of Provence.

Tain-l'Hermitage, France, is a picturesque town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly its Syrah and Hermitage varietals. Nestled along the Rhône River and surrounded by lush vineyards, it offers scenic views and a charming atmosphere. The town features historic sites like the 12th-century Hermitage Chapel and the Cité du Chocolat, celebrating local culinary delights. With its blend of fine wine, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Tain-l'Hermitage is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of Provence.

In the morning, excursions included:NON-HIKERS: Tour the Vercors. The Vercors Massif contains impressive sites and breathtaking views. Well discover many of these on a trip through its natural park. Peaks, trails, rushing streams, steep cliffs, and rolling mountain pastures await. The Vercors Massif was also a strategic location for the French Resistance during World War II. Well visit the quaint town of Die, known for its delicious sparkling wine, and enjoy a tasting.HIKERS: Soyons in the Ardche. This hike leaves from the village of Soyons and takes you to the splendid bird's-eye view of the Rhne River, valleys, and mountainsincluding the Mont Blanc summit. (An approximate 2.25-hour hike over 3.1 miles (5 km) with a 525-foot elevation gain (160 m)).After our excursion, well return on board the ship. Well spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, arriving during the evening.

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, 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.

In the morning, excursions included:NON-HIKERS: Avignon and the Papal Palace.HIKERS: Hike along the pont du Gard, memories of the Garrigue.Return on board and our ship will cruise to Arles, arriving in the middle of the afternoon.In the afternoon, excursion included:FOR ALL: Guided walking tour of Arles.

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, 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.

In the morning, excursions included:NON-HIKERS: Coach tour of the Camargue. Sit back and admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamencos, black bulls, and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Discover the salt and rice fields that make the area so well known. Well visit a manadewhere bulls are raised and horses are trainedto learn about the various traditions in the area.HIKERS: The Alpilles Mountains and Les Baux-de-Provence. The Alpilles are a small range of low, limestone mountains. Join us for a hike through the most famous hills in Provence. This is an approximate 2- to 2.5-hour tour for 3.1 miles (5 km) with a 492-foot elevation gain (150 m).This afternoon, our ship will cruise to Martigues. Tonight is our festive gala evening.