Sunday, Day One: Avignon, cruise to Aramon
Your cruise begins with a champagne reception to welcome you on board in Avignon and give you a chance to meet your crew, who will be with you for the duration of your fantastic voyage through the French countryside. An early evening cruise from Avignon to the Rural mooring of Aramon gives you your first delightful taste of life on the Rhône. Later in the evening, experience the superb skills of our chef. The cuisine is a real highlight of your trip, particularly when accompanied by wines from France’s finest vineyards.
Monday, Day Two: Visit Arles. Cruise to Avignon
Your first day excursion takes you on a walking tour of Arles, famous for its Roman ruins and also where Van Gogh spent much of 1888 and ’89 painting. After your tour enjoy time at leisure in this charming town before returning to the barge for delicious lunch on board. Spend the afternoon on board as you cruise to Avignon and watch the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. Cruise past the Pont Saint-Bénezet (the famous Pont d’Avignon) before mooring up at the quay facing the gate to the walled city. Disembark to visit the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes. Return to the Napoléon for drinks on the deck, followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Tuesday, Day Three: Cruise to Roquemaure Visit Avignon
A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by free time to enjoy some shopping or perhaps order a drink in a pavement café and watch the world go by. Return to the barge where lunch is followed by an afternoon cruise. Visit the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, summer home of the popes from Avignon, for a delicious wine tasting experience, there after returning to the boat in Roquemaure to relax on top deck with a refreshing cocktail, watching the sunset in this magnificent rural mooring. Later on in the evening, enjoy dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day Four: Cruise to Viviers. Visit a lavender farm
This morning enjoy a leisurely cruise as we pass through the Ecluse de Bollène, the second deepest lock in Europe with a drop of approximately 23 metres. After lunch arrive in Viviers, this evening’s mooring location, for a walking tour of this charming medieval town. Later, visit a local lavender farm before returning to the barge for dinner.
Thursday, Day Five: Visit Grignan. Cruise to La Voulte
Today’s visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and medieval château at the top of the town. Your guide takes you to visit a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a tasting. Lunch is at a delightful local restaurant before returning to the barge and a cruise to the market village La Voulte. Enjoy dinner on board.
Friday, Day Six: Cruise to Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon
This morning your chef accompanies you to a traditional French market in La Voulte, where you have the chance to pick out some local produce and discover more of the region’s specialties. Enjoy a leisurely lunch back on board featuring the ingredients from your visit today. During this part of the cruise, the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and has a completely different perspective. Mooring in Tain or Tournon, you are escorted to Mr Ferraton’s winery for your last dégustation. Enjoy a private tour and wine tasting just minutes from the barge. Back on board a farewell gala dinner, prepared by your chef, provides the perfect chance to reflect on the highlights of your memorable journey.
Saturday, Day Seven: Tain
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
CRUISE INQUIRY FORM
