WELCOME ON BOARD THE RIVERSIDE RAVEL

South of France has it all! Embark in 2,000-year-old Lyon with its secret covered Traboules (passageways) zig-zagging around the city and world-renowned foodie culture.  Traveling south, enter the waters of the legendary Rhône to discover just what makes this region so special: ancient Vienne and Viviers, France`s tiniest city;  savor the wines and chocolate of Tain l`Hermitage; pretty, Provençal Tarascon; Vincent Van Gogh`s beloved Arles, where the artist prolifically captured the area`s allure on canvas more than 200 times; and stately Avignon.   Up on the ship`s Sun Deck, an unforgettable al fresco dinner is on offer (weather permitting), as well as evening drinks as the ship moves slowly through the breathtaking Rhône Delta - très magnifique!  Riverside also lets you select activities for a more personal experience, like a day trip to  iconic Aix-en-Provence, or the Camargue with its pink flamingos and wild horses. For the chance to get out and really get moving, active excursions include kayaking and sightseeing by eBike. 

There is a photograph of the famous French composer Ravel in a casual pose in a leather armchair, looking dapper in a fine suit with waistcoat and silk tie. This photograph symbolises the Riverside Ravel. Travelling on this ship means enjoying comfort and culinary delights, experiencing sensuality, and enjoying an unforgettable luxury river cruise in France. As in Ravel's famous Boléro, she glides slowly and steadily along the Rhône and Saône - and is an attraction in herself.

Cruising on Riverside Luxury Cruises offers several advantages and experiences that make it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a high-end cruise experience: Watch Video here

Luxurious Accommodations:
Riverside Luxury Cruises typically offer opulent staterooms and suites with elegant furnishings, premium amenities, and personalized service. Whether you choose a standard cabin or a lavish suite, you can expect comfort and sophistication.

Fine Dining:
Gourmet cuisine is a hallmark of luxury cruises, and Riverside Luxury Cruises are no exception. These cruises often feature multiple upscale restaurants with diverse menus crafted by top chefs. Guests can enjoy exquisite meals paired with fine wines and impeccable service.

Personalized Service:
One of the defining features of luxury cruising is the high level of personalized service. On Riverside Luxury Cruises, guests can expect attentive and anticipatory service from a dedicated team of staff members who strive to exceed expectations and cater to individual needs and preferences.

Onboard Amenities:
From lavish spas and fitness centers to boutique shops and elegant lounges, Riverside Luxury Cruises boast an array of onboard amenities designed to enhance the guest experience and provide opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and enrichment.

Onboard Amenities:
From lavish spas and fitness centers to boutique shops and elegant lounges, Riverside Luxury Cruises boast an array of onboard amenities designed to enhance the guest experience and provide opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and enrichment.

Exclusive Itineraries:
Riverside Luxury Cruises often visit unique and less-traveled destinations, allowing guests to explore exotic locales in style and comfort. These cruises may also offer exclusive shore excursions and experiences curated to cater to discerning travelers.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lyon (Embarkation)
Welcome to Lyon!
Your Ship is Ready for boarding.
Featured Excursion: Highlights of Lyon
The best of Lyon is on full display during this engaging guided tour featuring Fourvière Hill, the Presqu'île peninsula, and the charming UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.  Come face to face with Lyon's icons on this enriching guided tour. Begin at Fourviere, a hill just west of the Old Town that was site of the original Roman settlement in 43 BC. With its many chapels and monasteries, it's known among the Lyonnais as the "hill that prays." It is also home to the world's two oldest active funiculars! Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere overlooking the city, as well as the amazing Roman theater. Next, relax on a panoramic coach ride through Presqu'ile, a sliver of land between the Rhone and Saone Rivers that is considered the vibrant heart of Lyon. Pass Terreaux Square, home to the famous Hotel de Ville and Musee des Beaux-Arts, as well as Place Bellecour, one of the largest open squares in Europe and the city's "Kilometer 0."  Finally, enjoy a guided stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old Town Lyon, exploring the ancient gems and intriguing traboules (hidden passageways).
Enjoy Dinner onboard.

Day 2 Vienne
This city is a jewel for people interested in both yesterday and today. Vienne is a small town, but already boasted 30,000 inhabitants in the 2nd century. Trade and steam navigation brought an upswing in the 19th century. And what can you expect to see? Definitely the Archaeological Museum, the St-Romain-en-Gal museum complex with the “House of the Ocean Gods” and the remains of the former thermal baths. And afterwards, it’s best to sit down in a café and enjoy the present.
Featured Excursion: Rhône Valley eBike Adventure & Wine Tasting
Hop on the seat of an electric bike and join an expert guide for a relaxing ride past the vineyards of the Rhône Valley-complete with a winery tour and tastings of locally produced wines!  Enjoy fresh breezes and beautiful landscapes on this electric bike excursion past the scenic vineyards of the Rhone Valley. Ride effortlessly along the river before arriving at an esteemed local winery for a guided tour and tasting of exceptional Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu wines. Afterward, take advantage of free time to browse the boutique or museum before the eBike ride back to your ship.

Day 3 Tain-L'Hermitage
Just opposite Tournon, Tain-l'Hermitage is a town in the Drôme department, to the north of Valence. Côtes du Rhone wine and gourmet chocolate make Tain-l’Hermitage a popular destination with epicurean travelers and are the main attraction for visitors. All excursions to Tournon will be operated from here.
Featured Excursion: Valrhona Chocolate and Wine Discovery
Discover Valrhona, a powerhouse among the world's exceptional chocolatiers, where you'll learn all about the creation of the mouthwatering treat, along with the art of pairing chocolate and wine!  For more than a century, Valrhona has supplied the world's best chefs and culinary artisans with rich French chocolate in a wide range of flavors. This tantalizing excursion takes you to Valrhona, the City of Chocolate.  Step behind the scenes to learn the secrets of this worldwide favorite, from farm to final product. Your tastebuds will cheer as you join wine and chocolate experts to discover the incredible affinities between Rhone Valley red and white wines and Valrhona's Grand Cru dark and milk chocolates.

Day 4 Viviers- Chateauneuf-du-Pape
If you like historic towns, you will love Viviers! Thanks to Bishop Charles de la Font de Savine, Viviers was spared from the destruction during the French Revolution and has kept its medieval structure until today. The best way to explore the divided city is on foot, but be careful, the stairs to the upper town are numerous. It is worth it, however, if only for the view. Visit the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. It is said to be the smallest cathedral in France.
Featured Excursion: The Lavender and Nougat of Provence
Stretching from the southern Alps to the Rhone Valley, the Drome Provencale is known around the world for its picture-perfect beauty. From June to early August, when the vast fields of lavender bloom, the countryside becomes deep blue and entrancingly aromatic. Join an expert guide aboard a comfortable coach for this half- day encounter with quintessential Provence. Be sure to bring your camera because we'll make plenty of stops to ensure you get show-stopping photographs. Before returning to your ship, stop at a local nougaterie to learn about-and sample-this delectable southern France confection.

As your ship cruises from Viviers to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, join Jezabel, a wine- and product-tasting expert, for an enjoyable introduction to the flavors of the Rhone River. Learn about the history and traditions as you sample goat cheese, truffle butter, nougat, chocolate, candied chestnuts, lavender, blueberry, chestnut biscuits, and more-paired with Cotes du Rhone wines and other wine labels for unexpected flavor sensations.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape literally translates to "The Pope's new castle," and indeed, the history of this area is firmly entwined with papal history due to its proximity to Avignon. It is renowned for its stunning wines, producing full-bodied red wines made primarily from Grenache grapes, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. The town is presided over by its stern castle with a history dating back to the 9th century.
Featured Excursion: Private Wine Tasting
No trip to France is complete without a personal encounter with the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape-and this Evening  tour and tasting at a prestigious wine estate delivers the experience beautifully! Join a knowledgeable sommelier in the barrel-filled aging room for a tasting of four red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, expertly paired with an assortment of traditional French breads and cheeses.

Day 5 Avignon
It is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhône, and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Bénézet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it must be said, out of sheer laziness: For the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. He had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon. A monument.
Featured Excursion : Discover Avignon Walking Tour With Palace of the Popes
Join an expert guide for a stroll through Avignon's remarkable Old Town, featuring an inside visit to the formidable Palace of the Popes!  Explore the historical center of Avignon on this mesmerizing 3-hour guided walk. Led by an expert guide, learn about the powerful popes of 14th-century Avignon-and what prompted their construction of the city's massive fortress and impressive fortified walls. Immerse yourself in the elegant squares, tree-lined boulevards, and maze of narrow cobblestone alleyways as you encounter Old Avignon's highlights, including remains of the and maze of narrow cobblestone alleyways as you encounter Old Avignon's highlights, including remains of the  famous St. Benezet Bridge and an inside visit of the awe-inspiring Palace of the Popes, the largest gothic palace in Europe.

Day 6 Tarascon - Arles - Rhone Delta
Tarascon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, is steeped in history. The magnificent Tarascon Fortress, built in the 15th century, stands as an imposing symbol of the town's medieval heritage. Constructed between 1401 and 1433, it served as a first line of defense on the border territories of the Rhone River and as a residence for King René, who held the titles of King of Naples, Duke of Anjou, and Count of Provence. This formidable fortress has been exceptionally well- preserved and now houses a museum showcasing historic artifacts, art, and furniture. The town's Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture,is another architectural gem. Tarascon's rich history extends to its annual "Fête de la Tarasque," which celebrates the mythical Tarasque monster, a unique local legend.
Featured Excursion: St. Remy: In the Footsteps of Nostradamus & Van Gogh
This fantastic half-day outing visits nearby Saint-Remy-de-Provence with its fascinating Nostradamus and Van Gogh associations and sweeping Old World charm! A taste of authentic French atmosphere awaits in the perfectly perfect village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.  Birthplace of Nostradamus in 1503, an expert guide will show you the house that the seer shared with his wife and six children and where he wrote the prophecies that still captivate the world today! As you stroll along St Remy's lovely cobblestone streets, you'll also experience the same enchantment that captivated Vincent van Gogh. Learn what caused the artist to check himself into the Saint-Paul de Mausole psychiatric hospital in 1889 -and which local sights and scenes inspired his productive year here that saw the creation of almost 150 paintings, including "The Starry Night." After your tour, enjoy free time to explore further or to relax with a coffee at one of the inviting Old Town cafes!

This pearl of Provence is surrounded by the most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Today, Arles is the epitome of important art and a contemporary witness to an eventful history, from the amphitheatre to proud patrician houses. And what would Arles be without van Gogh – strolling through the town in the footsteps of this great artist – that too is unforgettable.  We will enjoy delightful evening drinks on the Sun Deck (weather permitting) as your ship moves quietly through the spellbinding Rhône Delta.
Featured Excursion: The Manade Ranch Culture of the Camargue
Discover the cowboy culture of the Camargue during this stand-out visit to an authentic French manade (ranch) where Camargue bulls and horses are bred and raised.  Get a taste of France's wild and woolly side during this exciting excursio into the legendary Camargue. As you transfer to your destination, admire the vast plain with its brine lagoons, reed-covered marshes-and population of pink flamingos! Finally, arrive at a "manade," a livestock ranch that plays an integral role in this remarkable region. Meet the passionate people who work daily with Camarque horses and bulls according to age-old traditions. Hear about their breeding programs, and watch as the herdsmen sort the cattle. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of typical Camargue foods, including brandade (a mixture of cod and potatoes), local wine, and more.

Day 7 Tarascon - Avignon
Tarascon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, is steeped in history. The magnificent Tarascon Fortress, built in the 15th century, stands as an imposing symbol of the town's medieval heritage. Constructed between 1401 and 1433, it served as a first line of defense on the border territories of the Rhône River and as a residence for King René, who held the titles of King of Naples, Duke of Anjou, and Count of Provence. This formidable fortress has been exceptionally well-preserved and now houses a museum showcasing historic artifacts, art, and furniture. The town's Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, is another architectural gem. Tarascon's rich history extends to its annual "Fête de la Tarasque," which celebrates the mythical Tarasque monster, a unique local legend.
Featured Excursion: eBiking to Pont du Gard
Both natural and manmade wonders take center stage during this enjoyable guided electric bicycle tour through the area surrounding Avignon.  The incredible natural beauty surrounding Avignon awaits on this exhilarating eBike tour. Led by an expert guide, hop aboard an electric bicycle and explore Remoulins, nestled between the Gorges of the Gard nature reserve and the Rhone Valley. Along the way, pass beautiful villages such as Castillon-du-Gard and Vers-Pont- du-Gard, and stop for photos at Pont du Gard, the iconic 1st-century Roman aqueduct that today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This Evening  - Riverside Signature Event Dinner at Domaine de Panéry
Beauty, atmosphere, fine wines, and a gourmet al fresco dinner - this delightful Riverside Signature Event at the Domaine de Panery winery will be an evening you'll treasure forever!  Escape into the magnificent Rhone Valley and experience an unrivaled world of flavors and peaceful, South of France ambiance. Atmospheric live music welcomes you to the Domaine de Panery, where a fascinating visit of the breathtaking estate includes the wine cave and details about the award-winning products created here:
organic reds, whites, and roses, and cold-pressed, organic Arbequina, Picholine, Arbosane, and Koronïki olive oils. Enjoy a tasting of the wines surrounded by the delightful gardens, vineyards, and olive orchards, then dine al fresco on an exquisite multi-course dinner featuring dishes composed from the freshest seasonal ingredients -Aveyron cheeses, Provencal garden vegetables, tender meats from the Luberon region, fish right from the
Mediterranean, and heavenly desserts.

Day 8 Avignon
Disembarkation.
Your Cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Contact us Today
If you're ready to embark on a journey of luxury and indulgence with Riverside Luxury Cruises, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to book your unforgettable experience. Our team is standing by to assist you with any questions you may have and to help you plan the perfect cruise tailored to your preferences. Contact us now to secure your spot and start counting down the days until your dream voyage begins!