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Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

Provence and The Elegant Rhône

Eight-day Rhône river cruise from London via Paris and Lyon

Illustration of Provence and The Elegant Rhône

Vacations By Rail's Provence and The Elegant Rhône is an eight-day escorted river cruise combining rail travel from London with luxury cruising on the Rhône and Saône rivers. The journey begins with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, followed by a TGV train to Lyon, where passengers board the five-star MS Amadeus Provence. Over seven nights, the ship sails south through the heart of Provence and Burgundy, calling at Avignon, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Beaune. Passengers enjoy guided walking tours of medieval towns, a nostalgic ride on the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, exploration of the Ardèche Gorge with its Pont d'Arc stone arch, and a Burgundy wine tasting in Beaune. All meals, drinks with dinner, shore excursions, and transport are included. The trip suits couples seeking romantic elegance, food and wine enthusiasts, history lovers drawn to the Palace of the Popes and Roman monuments, and travellers who prefer guided comfort with minimal logistical planning.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement pricing is not disclosed; confirm cost with the operator before booking.
  • First Class and Standard Class rail options are available but the price difference and availability are not detailed.
  • The trip involves a full day of train travel on Day 1 (Eurostar and TGV); Day 8 also requires six hours of rail and coach to return to London.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: aboard ship, sailing to Tournon-sur-Rhône

    Boarding our luxurious ship in Lyon

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and take the Eurostar to Paris, then a regional train to Lyon. Coach transfer to the ship, MS Amadeus Provence, settle into cabins, welcome cocktail on the sun deck and first five-course dinner before sailing for Tournon-sur-Rhône.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: aboard ship, Avignon

    The steam powered Train de l'Ardèche

    Coach to Tournon St Jean station to ride the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux region. Return to the ship and cruise to Avignon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: aboard ship, sailing to Arles

    Exploring Avignon & Palais des Papes

    Guided tour of Avignon via Le Petit Train d'Avignon, visiting the Palace of the Popes. Free time in the city, then the ship sails for Arles.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: aboard ship, sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône

    Arles walking tour, Pont du Gard or the Camargue Delta

    Guided walking tour of Arles, including the Arles Arenas and St Trophyme Cathedral. Choice of excursion: the Camargue Delta wetlands (wild horses, flamingos) or the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct. Overnight sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: aboard ship, sailing to Lyon

    The Ardèche Gorge, 'Europe's Grand Canyon'

    Scenic tour of the Ardèche Gorge including the Pont d'Arc stone arch and Serre de Tourre viewpoint, plus a visit to the Lavender Museum. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin and sail toward Lyon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: aboard ship, sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône

    France's gastronomic center, Lyon

    Guided tour of Lyon's Old Town and traboules, concluding with a praline tasting. Afternoon at leisure, then the ship sails for Chalon-sur-Saône.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: aboard ship, Lyon

    Arriving in the Burgundy wine region

    Coach to Beaune for a guided city tour and Burgundy wine tasting. Return to the ship and sail back toward Lyon, finishing with a gala dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Day 8 - Traveling home

    Disembark in Lyon after breakfast, coach to Lyon railway station, train to Paris, and Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, connect via TGV to Lyon, then transfer to MS Amadeus Provence for the welcome cocktail and first five-course dinner on the sun deck.
  • Day 2Ride the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, then return to the ship for the afternoon cruise to Avignon.
  • Day 4Choose between the Camargue Delta (wild horses and flamingos) or the Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct as an optional excursion while docked in Arles.
  • Day 5Tour the Ardèche Gorge, including the Pont d'Arc stone arch and Serre de Tourre viewpoint, and visit the Lavender Museum before returning to the ship in Le Pouzin.
  • Day 7Visit Beaune for a guided city tour and Burgundy wine tasting in the heart of the wine region, then return to the ship for the gala dinner.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First and Standard Class rail options available
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, a TGV train to Lyon, the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, and all coach and ship transport.
Is this trip escorted?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager and Cruise Director throughout the tour.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included every day, plus a drinks package with dinner each evening of the cruise. Day 1 includes dinner only; Day 8 includes breakfast only.
Which ship is used?
MS Amadeus Provence, a luxury river cruise ship with five-star service and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.
What excursions are included?
Guided tours of Avignon, Arles, Lyon, and Beaune; a ride on the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche; and a tour of the Ardèche Gorge are included. Excursions in Avignon, Arles, and Beaune include optional variations such as the Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, and travel insurance are not included. These can be arranged separately.

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