Day 1: Marseille

Fly to Marseille. Transfer from the airport to your ship, docked in Avignon. After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town on the scenic Rhône River, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented. Dinner included.

Day 2: Arles

Disembark after breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore Arles on your own. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 3: Avignon

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, see the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner are served on board your ship. We depart for Viviers this evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 4: Viviers

This morning join a walking tour of Viviers’ Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Once a 5th-century Roman settlement, today the cobblestone streets are dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. This afternoon, we set sail to Tournon. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 5: Tournon

Board the Train de l’Ardèche this morning for a locomotive ride through the deep gorges of the Ardèche plateau, cut by the Doux River. Return to your ship and enjoy lunch on board as we cruise past dramatic landscapes. Arrive in Vienne this afternoon, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice on a walking tour before dinner on board the ship. We remain docked in Vienne this evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 6: Lyon

After breakfast, disembark in Lyon for a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Your ship remains docked overnight. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 7: Lyon

After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep and enjoy a tasting in one of Beaujolais’s famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 8: Lyon

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Lyon airport for your return flight. *Or, extend your time in France with three exciting E in Paris, one of the world’s most romantic cities. Breakfast included.

Extension Packages

Paris | 3 Nights

Extend your journey in Paris; experience the romance of France’s capital city. Three nights at the Le Méridien Etoile (or similar), daily breakfasts, guided city tour and ship/hotel transfer are included, along with the services of a Viking host.

French Riviera | 3 Nights

Discover even more of southern France on the French Riviera; relax on the famous beaches of the Côte d’Azur, or visit legendary Monaco. Three nights at the Le Méridien Nice (or similar), daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfer are included along with the services of a Viking host.

Burgundy’s Vineyard | 3 Nights

Discover the world-renowned country of Burgundy and explore the grandeur of Dijon on this fully escorted extension. Visit Ducal Palace, the local covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel and sample some of Burgundy’s famous vintages in Beaune. Three nights at the Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau (or similar), 3 guided tours, daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfer are included along with the services of a Viking host.