MS Rhone Princess, 7 Night Cruise and Hikes: The Rhône and the Saône Reveal the Richness of Their Terroirs ex Lyon, France Return

Between river and trails, set off on an unforgettable cruise that combines the charm of a river journey with the pleasure of hiking. From Lyon to Arles, passing through the jewels of the Rhône Valley and southern Burgundy, this trip invites you to discover in a different way the natural, cultural and historical treasures of southeastern France.Each day offers a stop rich in discoveries: from urban walks through the history of Lyon, to spectacular views from the Roche de Solutré, through the wild magic of the Camargue and the serenity of the Alpilles. Whether you're a passionate hiker or a curious walker, the excursions are designed to offer each guest a unique perspective on the landscapes encountered.Sail gently along the Saône and the Rhône, between picturesque villages, exceptional terroirs, and emblematic sites, all while enjoying the comfort of a welcoming boat, an attentive crew, and a friendly atmosphere.

Day 1
Boarding.Presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail.

Day 2
In the morning, included excursions:HIKERS: Urban hike in Lyon. (Duration: 3 hours of walking, 10 km and no elevation.)NON-HIKERS: Guided tour of Lyon.Afternoon cruise towards Mâcon.

Day 3
In the morning, included excursions:HIKERS: Hike to the Roche de Solutré. (Duration: approx. 2 hours of walking, 5 km and 120 m of elevation.)NON-HIKERS: Cluny Abbey.Afternoon and overnight cruise to Vienne.

Day 4
Included excursion for HIKERS / NON-HIKERS: Vienne.​Afternoon and overnight navigation on the Rhône towards Avignon.​Entertaining evening.

Day 5
Arrival in Avignon early morning. Onboard conference.Morning - Included excursion (HIKERS & COMPANIONS): Avignon and the City of the Popes.Navigation to Arles.Afternoon - Included excursions:HIKERS: 4x4 tour of the Camargue.NON-HIKERS: Camargue and visit of a traditional manade.Provençal evening and folk show onboard.

Day 6
Morning - Included excursions:HIKERS: Hike in the Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence.NON-HIKERS: Arles and visit to an olive oil producer.Afternoon navigation to Viviers.Evening - Included excursion HIKERS/NON-HIKERS: Viviers.

Day 7
Morning cruising towards Tournon.Included excursions:HIKERS: Hike to the ruins of Crussol Castle.NON-HIKERS: Tournon.Gala evening.Overnight cruise towards Lyon.

Day 8
Disembarkation

The MS Rhône Princess sails on the Rhône and the Saône rivers, from Burgundy to Provence. Discover a region rich in culture, full of natural beauty and mouth-watering delicacies. You will find yourself in the heart of landscapes that are among the most beautiful and unspoiled in France. The MS Rhône Princess is an intimate-sized standard ship, measuring 110 meters long and 11,40 meters wide. It can accommodate 138 passengers, in 69 cabins spread over two decks. Each of them, comfortable and spacious, offers amenities and provides guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The warm orange tones of the decoration, as well as the golden woodwork and ceilings, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located on the upper deck, the restaurant offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large bay windows allow guests to fully enjoy the panorama. The lounge bar with a dance floor is located on the same deck, while on the sun deck, an ideal place to relax and admire the landscapes, guests can enjoy comfortable sun loungers, as well as a large shaded area.

CroisiEurope has a fleet of Prestige category boats with cabins, which ply the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Spacious and light, they offer a welcoming and refined setting. Accommodation capacity varies from 100 to 180 passengers depending on the boat's design. At the cutting edge of technology, their facilities offer comfort and safety.

Carefully maintained and partially renovated each year, the CroisiEurope fleet is largely made up of recently built vessels, less than five years old, all with Veritas certification. The leading European river tour operator, our company owes its international reputation to its seriousness, its dynamism, its sense of innovation and its recognised value for money of long standing.

Vessels are rated four-star and food is superb – as you’d expect on a French-owned cruise line, staffed by French chefs and with top French and German wines aboard. One cruise of the Rhone and Saone Rivers in France concentrates on gastronomy and traditional French cusine, visiting Collonges Abbey, renowned for its great French chef, Paul Bocuse.

CroisiEurope is a family-owned and operated firm, with brothers and sisters running different aspects of the company and keeping a close eye on all operations to ensure excellence.

River cruising offers much free fun. Wake in the morning and observe the passing riverside scenery through your cabin window – perhaps from your bed. Gaze upon village churches or a patchwork of fields sparkling in the morning sun.

CroisiEurope’s network traverses a phenomenal number of European rivers and waterways. They range from the Guadalquivir and Guadiana (flowing through Spain and Portugal respectively); the Douro in Portugal, the Po and Venice Lagoon in Italy; the Rhone in Provence, plus the Seine from Paris to the Normandy Coast. And there’s more: the Moselle, the Neckar, the Saar, the Oder, the Havel, the Baltic Sea, the Camarge, the Rhine, the Main and the mighty Danube; the Tisza and the Black Sea; the Belgian and Dutch waterways. Everything from tulip time in Holland to Christmas Markets in Germany.

Drinks included with on board meals: mineral water, house wine, beer, fruit juice, and tea or coffee.