The Rhone to the Mediterranean

Introduction

This wonderful, sun-kissed, summertime river cruise from the great city of Lyon sails south to the Mediterranean port of Saint-Louis. Travel through one of France's most delightful regions, and enjoy sunshine and relaxation, and experience outdoor life aboard your A-ROSA ship.

Your Premium All-inclusive package is the ideal way to get the very best out of your A-ROSA experience. Relax over a buffet dinner with new friends, pamper yourself with a treatment or massage at SPA-ROSA, or sip cocktails from the open-deck bar over a spot of giant chess. How you spend your time is up to you - this is river cruising your way. Call first at medieval Viviers, in its mountain-backed setting, and then enjoy a day in Avignon, where an included guided tour will bring this historic city to life. An overnight stay in former Roman stronghold Arles is followed by a cruise through the marshland of the Camargue to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, where the river flows out into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Turning upstream, you'll call at Tournon, opposite the vineyard-clad slopes of Tain l'Hermitage, before spending a final day in Lyon.

What's Included

Sailing south to medieval Viviers
A morning call and included guided tour of Avignon
An overnight stay in Roman Arles
Sailing through the Camargue to Mediterranean Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone
A call at Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage
A full day, overnight stay and included guided tour in Lyon
Embark A-ROSA STELLA in Lyon
Seven nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
Buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board
A large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks all day long
On-board activities and entertainment
Return train ticket for the Eurostar
Included coach transfers from the train station to the ship

Itinerary

Day 1

Make your own way from the UK to Lyon where your cruise begins. Head to the riverside to board your A-ROSA river cruiser, and then spend the rest of your day getting to know the boat and settling into life on board.

Day 2

After a lovely morning cruise down the Rhone, you'll stop in the exquisite town of Viviers. Stroll through its enchanting jumble of crumbling, narrow streets past quaint shops and coffee houses, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop, before your A-ROSA ship sails again in the evening.

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.

A-ROSA Stella

Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance

All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility.

Drinking water

The water on board is potable, and bottled water is provided in your cabin.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.

Dress code

The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.

Luggage

Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.

Pool

A heated pool can be found on the sun deck of the following ships: A-ROSA DONNA, FLORA, SILVA and STELLA.

Whirlpool

A heated Whirlpool can be found on the following ships: A-ROSA AQUA, and VIVA.

Cabin facilities

In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adapter.

Air-conditioning

All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.

Itinerary changes

On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Holiday provided by

Read further information about our partner and full Terms and Conditions by clicking here

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At a glance