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Planet Rail · Tailor-made river cruise holiday

Colours of Provence Cruise

Eight-day Rhône river cruise from London to Arles with Eurostar

Illustration of Colours of Provence Cruise

Planet Rail operates this eight-day river cruise on the AmaCello, combining Eurostar rail travel from London with seven nights sailing the Rhône Valley from Lyon to Arles. The journey blends leisurely time on the ship with guided shore excursions and independent exploration of historic and gastronomic destinations. Days follow a consistent pattern: wake on board, choose from guided walking tours, wine tastings, or cycling excursions at each port, then return to the ship for inclusive meals with wine and drinks. The itinerary passes through France's culinary heart and the Provençal wine country, with guided visits to Beaujolais wineries, the Papal Palace in Avignon, Roman temples and amphitheatres in Vienne and Arles, and opportunities for truffle hunting and chocolate tastings. The ship is your accommodation throughout, eliminating the need to pack and unpack at new hotels each night. This style suits couples and travellers seeking guided comfort combined with free time to explore at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 3,995) includes flights at each end; rail travel to and from the cruise is an add-on at an additional GBP 395 per person for First Class Standard Premier.
  • Shore excursions on days 3 to 7 include guided options and independent time, but the specific mix and availability of guided versus unguided activities within each port day depends on your selections.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lyon (on board AmaCello)

    London to Lyon and the AmaCello (or similar)

    From London St. Pancras International board the Eurostar direct service to Lyon (on some days a change of trains in Lille is necessary), with a light meal and drinks on board. On arrival at Lyon Part-Dieu make your own way to your floating hotel, the elegant AmaCello, with a Welcome Dinner on board this evening.

    Meals: dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: On board AmaCello

    Discovering Lyon

    Discover dynamic Lyon, starting on Fourvière Hill, part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage historic region and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to the old town and a guided walk through the St. Jean district with its covered walkways known as 'traboules'. Afternoon at leisure or join a guided bike tour.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienne (on board AmaCello)

    Collonges and the Beaujolais Wine Region

    Excursion to the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d'Or or 'land of the golden stones', with a wine tasting at a traditional winery. Return to the ship and set sail for Vienne, where the ship moors for the evening with time to explore at your own pace.

  4. Day 4overnight: On board AmaCello

    Exploring Vienne

    A walking tour follows in the footsteps of the Romans: the well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, Saint Maurice Cathedral, and St. Pierre Abbey, one of the oldest surviving churches in France. Alternatively take a guided bike tour along the Via Rhôna or a guided hike to the Monastery at Mount Pipet.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board AmaCello

    Tournon

    A choice of three excursions: a train ride along the Gorge du Doux to the little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain; a red wine and chocolate pairing presentation at Le Château de Tournon; or cycle or hike through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage with a winery visit.

  6. Day 6overnight: On board AmaCello

    Avignon

    In the 'City of Popes', choose from a guided walking tour including the Papal Palace and the medieval walls of the UNESCO-listed centre, a visit to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, or a tasting tour of regional specialties. In the afternoon enjoy free time, a bike tour, or the hilltop village of Grignan followed by a truffle hunt with a farmer and his dog.

  7. Day 7overnight: On board AmaCello

    Arles

    Choose to visit the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum where Van Gogh lived and painted, then the Carrières de Lumières art projection; or Les Baux de Provence and an olive farm; or Aigues-Mortes and the Camargue National Park. Afternoon walking tour of Arles including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheatre, a bike tour to the Roman ruins, or a Van Gogh walking tour with the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast leave your floating hotel, take the train to Lille and connect with the Eurostar to London, with a meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service, arriving into London St Pancras International.

    Meals: breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided walk through Lyon's old town and the St. Jean district, exploring its covered walkways called traboules, followed by a visit to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière on Fourvière Hill.
  • Day 3Excursion to the Beaujolais wine region with a tasting at a traditional winery, then the ship sails south for Vienne.
  • Day 5Optional train journey along the Gorge du Doux to Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, or red wine and chocolate pairing presentation at Le Château de Tournon, or cycling and hiking through Tain l'Hermitage vineyards.
  • Day 7In Arles, choose among visiting the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum where Van Gogh lived, the Carrières de Lumières art projection, Les Baux de Provence, or the Camargue National Park; afternoon includes a walking tour of the Roman amphitheatre and Romanesque cathedral.

Included

  • Flights at each end of the cruise
  • All meals on board
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Shore excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
The from-price includes flights at each end of the cruise. Eurostar and connecting rail travel from London to Lyon and return cost an additional GBP 395 per person in First Class Standard Premier.
What is included in the package?
All meals on board the AmaCello, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, and your overnight accommodation on the ship for seven nights.
Is the cruise escorted or independent?
You make your own way to and from the ship. Shore excursions from the ship are guided; each port day also includes free time and independent options.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar operates the London St Pancras to Lyon route (direct or with a change in Lille). The return journey runs Lyon to London via Lille. A scenic train excursion along the Gorge du Doux is offered as an optional activity on day 5 in Tournon.
What is the ship?
The AmaCello, a river cruise ship with a capacity of 144 passengers, serves as your floating hotel throughout the journey.
How many days is the cruise?
Eight days total (seven nights), running from London to Arles via Lyon, Collonges, Vienne, Tournon, and Avignon.

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