Embark on an intimate river cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers, winding through the heart of France's legendary wine country with a Certified Sommelier as your guide. This is France at its most authentic—medieval villages perched above vineyards, Roman ruins standing silent witness to centuries, and wine cellars where generations of knowledge flow as freely as the wines themselves.

From the cobbled streets of Avignon to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, from hidden châteaux in the Burgundian countryside to exclusive tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you'll experience France as few travelers do. With just 10 guests aboard the 166-passenger Avalon Poetry II, this October 2026 departure offers the intimacy of traveling with friends while enjoying the expert guidance of your sommelier host throughout your journey.

Choose to begin with the sun-soaked French Riviera or dive straight into wine country—your France awaits.

October 13–20, 2026 | Arles to Lyon

Pure river cruise through Burgundy & Provence wine country
$6,629 - $8,529 per person double occupancy (cruise fare $6,390 - $8,298 + port charges $231)

Add 1 or 2 additional nights in Nice before your journey begins
$229 per person, per night (October 11 and/or October 12)

Continue to the City of Light after your river cruise
$687 per person (includes high-speed train, hotel, breakfast, and guided sightseeing)

All prices shown are per person, double occupancy

• $2,500 savings per couple

🍷 Certified Sommelier experience
Expert wine guidance throughout your journey at no additional cost

Booking Deadline for per couple savings : February 10, 2026
Required Deposit: $250 per person (non-refundable)

This exclusive group rate valid while sufficient staterooms remain.

October 13–20, 2026 | Arles to Lyon

Day 1 – Sunday, October 13: Arles (Embarkation) ⚓
Dinner included

Arrive in Arles and board your Avalon Suite Ship. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm; guests must be on board by 5 pm. Overnight docking in Arles.

Day 2 – Monday, October 14: Arles 🎨
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Choose your experience:

• Power walk through Arles with your Adventure Host
• Painting workshop learning Van Gogh's techniques
• Guided walking tour of Arles including the 1st-century Roman Amphitheater

Attend a wine lecture hosted by your Certified Sommelier. Overnight docking in Avignon.

Day 3 – Tuesday, October 15: Avignon 🏰
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Choose your experience:

• Discover Avignon by bike
• Guided tour of the fortress city and Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world
• Visit the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Live entertainment on board this evening. Overnight docking in Avignon.

Day 4 – Wednesday, October 16: Viviers ⛪
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Leisurely morning cruise to Viviers.

Choose your experience:

• Hike to Viviers' hilltop Cathedral
• Guided walking tour exploring the Romanesque cathedral and Old Town

This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier. Evening/overnight cruise to Tain l'Hermitage.

Day 5 – Thursday, October 17: Tain l'Hermitage 🍫
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Choose your experience:

• Morning hike through Tournon
• Guided walking tour of one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle

Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier while cruising to Lyon. Live entertainment this evening. Overnight docking in Lyon.

Day 6 – Friday, October 18: Lyon 🍷
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Choose your experience:

• Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike
• Guided tour from Fourvière Hill through the medieval Old Town and Place des Terreaux
• Guided tour to the Beaujolais region to learn about its celebrated wines

Live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. Evening/overnight cruise to Tournus.

Day 7 – Saturday, October 19: Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône 🧀
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Travel into the rolling Mâconnais region to explore world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and enjoy wine tasting in the cellars of a medieval castle. Later, savor a cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier. Live entertainment on board. Overnight docking in Chalon-sur-Saône.

Day 8 – Sunday, October 20: Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation) 🚢
Breakfast included

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights from Lyon airport should not depart before 8 am.

Please Note: In the event of water level issues or other circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary may be operated by motorcoach or adjusted as needed. Guided tours and activities are subject to weather conditions and may change.

Sail with a Certified Sommelier who shares elite experience and unsurpassed knowledge throughout your journey. From presentations and tastings to perfectly paired dinners, enjoy insights into French wines you won't find anywhere else.

Taste wines in the cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, explore Chardonnay vineyards in the Mâconnais region, and visit Beaujolais country with private tastings in a medieval castle—experiences curated specifically for wine enthusiasts.

Walk the streets that inspired Van Gogh in Arles, explore the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, wander through Lyon's Renaissance quarter, and discover villages where Roman ruins blend seamlessly with medieval architecture.

Beyond traditional wine tastings, enjoy specially designed food and wine pairing dinners, chocolate and wine pairings, and cheese and wine tastings—all hosted by your expert sommelier.

Choose your pace each day with options ranging from guided walks and bike tours to power hikes and painting workshops—all designed to help you connect authentically with each destination.

• 7 nights aboard Avalon Poetry II in your choice of suite or stateroom
• All onboard taxes and service charges

• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
• Welcome and farewell receptions
• Unlimited onboard beverages including specialty coffee, tea, soft drinks, and sparkling wine
• Wine and beer with onboard lunch and dinner
• Expert-led wine tastings and pairing dinners throughout your cruise

• Services of a Certified Sommelier throughout your river cruise
• Choice of guided excursions in Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, and Tournus
• Exclusive wine cellar visits and tastings
• Onboard cultural entertainment and enrichment
• Adventure Host-led activities

• All port charges ($231 per person)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
• Personal headsets for guided tours

• International airfare
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Beverages not listed as included
• Optional extensions (available separately)
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel protection (highly recommended)
• Gratuities

The 166-passenger Avalon Poetry II brings Avalon's signature Panorama Suites to France's rivers—where your suite becomes a front-row seat to the changing landscapes of wine country.

At the heart of Avalon's design philosophy is their innovative Suite Ship concept. More than 80% of staterooms are Panorama Suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform an entire wall into your personal vista of passing vineyards, medieval villages, and riverside landscapes. These windows open wider than any others on Europe's rivers, and the bed faces the view—so your first sight each morning is the French countryside.

The ship's Open-Air Balcony in every Panorama Suite extends your living space outdoors. Unlike traditional river ships with French balconies, you can actually step outside to feel the morning air over your coffee or enjoy an evening glass of wine as you sail.

Panorama Suites (Category P) – 200 sq ft

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows, Open-Air Balcony, bed facing the view, seating area, premium amenities

Royal Suites (Category S) – 300 sq. ft.

Premium accommodations with enhanced space and luxury features

The main dining room offers regional cuisine and wines with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring you never miss the view. The Sky Deck provides open-air relaxation with comfortable seating and shade, while the Club Lounge becomes your gathering place for pre-dinner cocktails and evening entertainment.

The Avalon Poetry II offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship, along with a fitness center featuring modern equipment and a full-service hair salon. Elevator access to all decks ensures comfortable navigation, while the Sky Deck provides a serene retreat with premium loungers. Your onboard Adventure Host and Cruise Director are available to enhance your experience, and a computer station is accessible for guest use. Dining aboard includes a European-style buffet breakfast each morning, with à la carte options for lunch and dinner allowing you to choose dishes that suit your preferences.

Protecting your investment provides peace of mind.

Please note: This protection plan covers the cruise and optional extensions only. Comprehensive whole-trip insurance policy based on your complete travel costs (including airfare ) or supplemental insurance are also available. Contact me for a personalized quote.

What's Covered:

• Trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Emergency medical coverage while traveling
• Emergency medical transportation
• Baggage loss and delay coverage
• 24-hour travel assistance services

Pricing by Cruise Vacation Value:

$519 per person for cruise vacations $6,001 and above

Important: Pre-existing medical conditions are covered when protection is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. Protection rates are based on your cruise fare and may increase with optional extensions or room upgrades.

For complete terms and conditions specific to your state, visit https://www.archinsurancesolutions.com/coverage/Globus

Deposit: $250 per person (non-refundable)
Secures your stateroom

Final Payment Due: Approximately 60 days prior to departure
Specific date will be confirmed upon booking

Group Savings Deadline:
Book by this date to receive $2,500 per couple savings

Time is limited to secure your place on this intimate October 2026 wine lovers' journey:

• ✓ Group savings of $2,500 per couple
• ✓ Certified Sommelier throughout your cruise

The deposit deadline to lock in these benefits is approaching.