Rhone River Cruises

The Rhône begins in the Swiss Alps and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, passing through picturesque regions and historic cities in Switzerland and France.

As an ancient trade route, the Rhône connected northern Europe with the Mediterranean and played a key role in the region's cultural and economic development.

Romans built cities along its banks, while medieval Lyon thrived on the silk trade. It played key roles in wars, art and commerce and, today, it powers hydroelectric dams and navigation.

At the moment, we offer two different tours along the Rhône, each with a unique itinerary. Most of the destinations below are included, while others are optional excursions. Each tour provides a detailed itinerary so take your time selecting the one that suits you best. Some of the highlights of our Rhône river cruises through the central-eastern region in France include:

• Lyon: Lyon's stunning riverfront makes it a picture-perfect stop on your cruise. As the capital of French gastronomy, it's the ideal place to indulge in some of the world's finest cuisine. Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, uncover its fascinating silk-weaving heritage and savour gastronomic delights such as charcuterie and Grattons Lyonnais.
• Tournon sur Rhône: This is one of the most picturesque stretches of our Provence and The Elegant Rhône cruise. Imagine rolling hills and vineyards, complete with grand châteaux and stately homes. It's the perfect backdrop for taking in the scenery from the sun deck.
• Beaune: Nestled in the heart of Burgundy's wine region and surrounded by endless vineyards, this medieval town is a true gem. Enclosed by historic town walls, it offers a chance to step back in time while savouring the exceptional wines that have earned the region its stellar reputation.
• Avignon: Known for its striking cathedral and historic centre, it's easy to see why Avignon has earned World Heritage Site status. The city's charming cobbled streets, bustling squares and the famous Pont d'Avignon add to its timeless appeal.
• Pont du Gard: An ancient Roman aqueduct, this three-tier bridge is a great optional excursion on your Rhône cruise. It's a spectacular piece of engineering with a fascinating history behind it and, although it's over 2,000 years old, it's been extremely well preserved for you to enjoy today.
• Arles: If you're a fan of Vincent van Gogh, this is a must-visit - he created many masterpieces here, including 'Starry Night over the Rhône' and 'Café Terrace at Night'. The town also boasts well-preserved Roman ruins and markets selling fresh produce, from cheese to lavender products.
• Camargue Delta: Here, the Rhône meets the Mediterranean Sea, forming stunning wetlands that attract wildlife such as pink flamingos and wild horses. Don't miss the opportunity to come here if you love immersing yourself in natural surroundings.
• Ardèche Gorge: Visit the 'Grand Canyon of Europe' and marvel at the towering limestone cliffs and striking green waters of the Ardèche River. Nearby, you'll find lush green forests and the Pont d'Arc, a natural stone arch that marks the entrance to the canyon.

If you choose our Mont Blanc Express and Rhône Cruise, you can also experience the delights of Switzerland, from Lake Geneva to riding the Mont Blanc Express.

April to October is ideal for enjoying the Rhône's landscapes and seasonal activities. Our Rhône cruises tend to take place between June and August as the weather is usually warm and sunny at this time of year, with average daily temperatures in France sitting between 22-24°C depending on which area you're in. Further south, temperatures rise to reflect the warm, Mediterranean climate.

The MS Amadeus Provence offers a fine on board experience. Enjoy five-star service and round-the-clock support from our Cruise Managers, ensuring a friendly face is always there for you on your Rhône river cruise.

The ship is spacious, featuring a sundeck where you can take in panoramic views from sunrise to sunset. Meanwhile, the inviting panoramic bar and lounge provide a plush indoor retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows. In need of some R&R? Head to the spa and wellness area for a rejuvenating treatment.

There are numerous cabin options available, including classic and deluxe rooms, as well as suites with even more space and added luxuries to enjoy, such as a walk-out balcony and river-view lounge area.

You'll have complimentary Wi-Fi, while each room comes with climate control for added comfort plus tea & coffee-making facilities that are refilled every day. Your ensuite shower will also be replenished with Rituals spa products daily.

Depending on your chosen tour, you may also stay in luxury accommodations on land, including five-star hotels.

Before your Rhône river cruise, we can arrange a hotel in central London or near your departure airport for an additional cost, adding extra convenience to your trip. Speak to one of our travel experts and we'll see how we can accommodate your needs.

Our journeys range between eight and 11 days, offering the perfect balance of guided experiences and free time.

Yes, all rail and coach travel during your tour is included, taking a concern off your mind when planning your trip. Stick with Standard Class rail options or upgrade to First for even more comfort throughout.

You also have the option to upgrade your trip with UK rail connection tickets, booked by one of our Tour Advisors.

Rail tours are at the heart of Great Rail Journeys, so we're delighted to be able to offer rail and cruise packages.

Our 'Provence and The Elegant Rhône' and 'Mont Blanc Express and Rhône Cruise' tours offer you the chance to ride the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux region or on the Mont Blanc Express from Switzerland to France.

• Guided city tours and sightseeing: Our Rhône river cruises allow you to get up close to the region's wonders and gain invaluable insight from our local guides.
• Wine and gastronomy experiences: Wine tasting and vineyards are a huge part of France's gastronomy, plus you'll have the chance to visit plenty of local markets. You can also enjoy exceptional onboard meals by chefs with a deep knowledge of the local cuisine.
• Cultural and historical experiences: Discover well-preserved Roman ruins in destinations like Arles, as well as art history insight with Van Gogh walks in areas that inspired his world-famous paintings.

With a relaxed pace, insightful guides, and carefully planned routes, our Rhône cruises are a great choice for newcomers to river cruising. With spacious, well-equipped cabins and inviting communal areas, they offer all the comforts of home and more. The stress-free, all-inclusive experience, combined with 24/7 support, makes them an ideal choice for first-time river cruisers.

Savour local dishes, from coq au vin to Lyonnaise specialities, paired with exquisite Rhône Valley wines.

We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise, as well as a Gala Dinner. We also include drinks packages with your dinner while on the cruise.