Rhône Cruise 2012 

We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar for Lille, travelling in Standard Premier Class. A light meal and drinks are served during the journey. From Lille we continue by rail down through France, travelling in First Class on the high-speed TGV to the vibrant city of Lyon. We transfer to our floating hotel, the MS Maribelle, to begin our seven-night cruise along the Rhône. The pace of your holiday is set by you alone; you may wish to take part in optional shore excursions (payable locally), explore independently or simply relax, take advantage of the superb facilities and enjoy the passing scenery and sunshine from the top deck of the ship. We enjoy our first dinner on board the ship this evening. (E,D)

We wake up this morning in delightful Tournus, a town on the River Saône full of charming streets and alleyways, and dominated by the impressive St Philibert Abbey, founded in 875. From our mooring in Tournus you have the opportunity to take an excursion into the Burgundy countryside, where you pass vineyards famous the world over and travel to the Château de Cormatin, a 17th century castle set in beautiful landscaped gardens. This afternoon, an optional guided walking tour of nearby Beaune gives an insight into medieval life in Burgundy and includes the famous Hôtel Dieu. The distinctive patterned tiles of this iconic building, a 15th century hospital, are typical of this area and add to the character of this charming town. Later, having followed the river upstream, we arrive into Châlon-sur-Saône, a pretty town of half-timbered houses. Known as the birthplace of photography, you can trace the roots of this art form in the local museum, or explore the Cathedral of St Vincent, parts of which date back to the 8th century. (B,L,D)

We spend the morning in Mâcon, the southernmost town in Burgundy and a lively place with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. You have the opportunity to join an excursion this morning exploring the Wine Road of Mâconnais, including a guided tour of the local vineyards. The tour finishes with a wine tasting in the historic Château de Pierreclos, an imposing castle dating from the 12th century and set amidst verdant vines stretching as far as the eye can see. We depart Mâcon this afternoon and cruise on towards Viviers. (B,L,D)

We continue cruising and arrive in the delightful walled town of Viviers, where we have the afternoon at leisure. The landscape here is dominated by terraced chestnut woods and orchards, fortified villages and farmsteads. An optional shore excursion explores the gorges and mountains of the incredibly picturesque Ardèche canyon. We leave Viviers this evening and cruise towards Arles. (B,L,D)

Today we draw ever closer to the Mediterranean, as the river branches out into the Grand and the Petit Rhône. We moor in the Roman city of Arles this morning, where you can find some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France, including the breathtaking arena. Arles was once home to Vincent Van Gogh, and it is here that he painted his famous work 'Café Terrace at Night'. Bird and nature lovers can join the excursion to the Camargue river delta this afternoon, where over 400 species of birds, including the flamingo, can be seen along with herds of white horses and black bulls. The excursion also takes in the historic town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, dominated by its church and surrounded by white-washed houses. This evening we cruise to Avignon, where we moor overnight. (B,L,D)

Home to seven successive popes, the city of Avignon was the capital of Christendom during the 15th century. In a bid to rival the Papacy, Avignon architects designed structures like the sturdy city fortifications and the impressive Palais des Papes, which you can admire during a guided tour. Following a morning of soaking up the culture of this fascinating town, you have the option of visiting the Pont du Gard, to admire the vast aqueduct built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The excursion also takes in the remarkable village of Les Baux de Provence, which perches on a rocky outcrop amongst the Provençal hills. (B,L,D)

From Avignon, cruise back down river to another Roman town - Vienne. Here ancient ruins and glamorous 18th century buildings jostle for attention. In the afternoon you have the choice of staying on board or taking an excursion to visit the city of Lyon and the nearby Les Halles where you can sample some of the local produce at this well known market. Lyon's old city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We enjoy one last evening together on board. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we disembark and join the TGV service, travelling in First Class to Lille, where we connect with the Eurostar service to London. We travel in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board during the journey to St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday