RHONE & PROVENCE RIVER CRUISE
Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Cavaillon, Carpentras, and Viviers
Custom Group Departures
8
days
Lyon to Lyon Including: Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Cavaillon, Carpentras, and Viviers
J-Expeditions River Cruises brings to you that je ne sais quoi of travel experiences as we sail the stunning Rhone River through the heart of Provence. On the MS Bijou du Rhone you will travel in exceptional comfort and enjoy quality the finest quality service, all with classical ambiance. Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways from the comfort of your floating 5 star hotel.
J-Expeditions River Cruises and the MS Bijou du Rhone (or similar) brings you the highest levels of hospitality and service because we are devoted to satisfying your every wish. Now in our 5th river cruise season our reputation along with our years of travel experience, guarantee you will feel pampered in every way and enjoy each and every moment, both on the river and on land.
THE JOURNEY
This fascinating journey takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhone, right in the heart of French Provence; a land of exception, appreciated throughout the world for the beauty of its landscapes and inimitable lifestyle. Provence’s azure-blue skies, natural scenery, remarkable heritage, chirping cicadas, lavender fields and hilltop villages make it a holiday destination dreams are made of. With our starting point in the World UNESCO Site of Lyon, the cruise goes downstream to Arles, then return upriver visiting Avignon, Cavaillon, Carpentras, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Viviers, then return to Lyon. This cruise encompasses art, history and culture in places that bear witness to thousands of years of European history. Your experience is further enhanced by your on-board J-Expeditions River Cruise historians, lecturers and educators, who bring to life each region, rich Jewish history and heritage.
This captivating journey takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhone, right into the heart of French Provence, an exceptional region, known throughout the world for the beauty of its landscapes and incomparable lifestyle. Provence’s azure-blue skies, breathtaking, natural scenery, remarkable Jewish heritage, chirping cicadas, lavender fields, and wistful hilltop villages make it the holiday destination of your dreams.
Our starting point is the city of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage destination. From there we sail downstream to Arles, and return upriver stopping in Avignon and Viviers. Along the way we will visit those cities along with Carpentras, Cavaillon, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue before returning to Lyon. Your cruise takes in art, history, and culture in places that have borne witness to thousands of years of European, French, and Jewish history. Your trip will be made even more memorable by your on-board J-Expeditions River Cruise historians, lecturers, and educators, who will bring to life each stop’s rich Jewish heritage.
Our all-inclusive program includes delicious French inspired cuisine, engaging lectures, Shabbat programming, on-board activities, and local tours in Arles, Avignon, Cavaillon, Carpentras, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Viviers, as we explore the area’s fascinating and pivotal history of the Jewish people.
Imagine watching the river from your very own cabin. Each bright and airy cabin has a panoramic window with unrestricted views so you can look out on the river as it takes you to new places, and reveals charming landscapes and unforgettable places. All you have to do is sit back and relax. The elegance, comfort, and personal service aboard your J-Expeditions River Cruise ship create a cocoon of inspiration and calm. Experience relaxing European travel with the unrivaled ease of river cruising!
THE SHIP
Experience the sleek beauty of the MS Bijou du Rhone (or similar) as we glide through the south of France. As soon as you set foot on the ship, its coziness and hospitable atmosphere will overtake you and you can relax. Make yourself comfortable in the lounge and drink in your surroundings. The restaurant, surrounded by tall glass walls, offers an unobstructed view of the river and its banks. Watch bucolic landscapes pass as you enjoy fine food and good company. The cabins on the Bijou du Rhone offer guests a private retreat, with outside views that take in the river and surrounding landscape.
CRUISE PROGRAM
SCHEDULE
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Day 1 (Tu): *Pre-Night Lyon
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Day 2 (We): (Airport transfers available from Lyon Airport for fee): 16:00 check-in,
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Day 3 (Th) River Day & Arles: Day on the river arrive Arles 20:00
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Day 4 (Fr) Arles, guided city tour with private kosher winery tour & tasting, Shabbat in Arles
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Day 5 (Sa): Shabbat in Arles, afternoon walking tour, depart Arles 23:00
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Day 6 (Su): Avignon: Arrive 4:30, Guided city tour
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Day 7 (Mo) Avignon: Guided city tours of Cavaillon, Carpentras, boat departs 22:00
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Day 8 (Tu) Viviers: 5:00 arrival, guided tour, boat departs 16:00
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Day 9 (We) Lyon: 8:00 arrival, 9:30 final disembarkation
*Please note mooring and casting off times are guides. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programs. If a section of the river is closed to traffic because of high or low water, or a disabled ship, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along that section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In some cases it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are part of riverboat cruising. There just isn’t anything that can be done about Mother Nature.
Gentle Walker Program: We welcome guests with limited mobility but want all guests to understand that challenges will exist both on board and during shore excursions. There are stairs between decks and our ships do not have elevators. In addition there are split-level decks and/or significant thresholds that could make movement difficult. Shore excursions are a mix of walking and bus touring that requires movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs. Therefore, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult as crew availability is very limited in most circumstances. Motorized scooters are typically not suited and cannot be used on-board. Guests have the option of taking taxis and meeting the group at our designated meeting points to cut down on the amount of walking from site to site. Please note that this is at the expense of the individual guest and must be arranged by guests themselves. The ship’s reception can be of assistance in ordering taxis from the dock.
Security: The safety of our passengers is something we take very seriously and we consider it our most important responsibility. Our policy is to be in constant contact with local municipalities as to our arrival and departure at our various locations.