Day 3
You'll dock in Avignon just after midnight. The 'City of the Popes' is one of Europe's best-preserved fortified medieval cities. The monumental Palais des Papes is a sight to behold, while local life revolves around the Place de l'Horloge, where you'll find the city's famous astronomical clock and cafe terraces just perfect for watching the world go by. Don't miss the remains of the Pont Saint-Benezet, the "Pont d'Avignon" made famous by the French folk song.
At midnight A-ROSA STELLA will set sail again, cruising further down the Rhone overnight.
Day 4
You'll reach stunning Arles at dawn. The city reveals its Roman past through superbly preserved ruins - an amphitheatre, baths, a chariot racetrack and the famed Les Arenes amphitheatre. The great cathedral of St-Trophime and several museums add extra glamour to this city that inspired both Van Gogh and Gauguin.
Away from the city you'll have the chance to explore the windswept but beautiful landscape of the Camargue. This vast region of lagoons and tiny islands is home to wild white horses, black bulls and flocks of flamingos, and is patrolled by the iconic French 'cowboys', the Gardians.
A-ROSA STELLA will stay in Arles overnight, leaving you free to spend as much time in the city as you like before returning to the ship.
Day 5
Leaving Arles in the morning, you'll begin a superb cruise down the lowest reaches of the Rhone through the unspoilt marshlands of the Camargue. Take in the sights from the top deck as you drift down to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone. Stroll along the pale sands of Plage Napoleon, cool off with a dip in the Med or relax in one of the town's quiet cafes and bars.
In the evening your ship will turn back up the Rhone and cruise north to your next destination.
Day 6
After a lovely day relaxing on board A-ROSA STELLA, you'll arrive in beautiful Tournon. Idyllically located opposite the vineyard-clad slopes of Tain-l'Hermitage, and set beneath the towers of its ancient castle, Tournon is a wonderful place to visit. Why not sample some of region's celebrated wines or spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in a quaint cafe?
Day 7
This morning you'll arrive back in Lyon, France's great second city. Step ashore to explore this former centre of the silk trade, and discover Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'ile peninsula on an included guided walking tour. Cultural highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Notre Dame Basilica and the stunning Roman amphitheatre - the Theatres Romains de Fourviere.
Spend the day soaking up the city's atmosphere and, tonight, either dine on board or head back ashore to enjoy a meal in this legendary capital of French gastronomy.
Day 8
Disembark in Lyon as your cruise comes to an end and you begin your journey home.