Burgundy & Provence (Northbound)

About This Cruise

Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

Type

Ship

Avalon Poetry II

Departure Date

1 September 2026

Cruise Line

Avalon Waterways

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Itinerary

Day 1

September 1, 2026

Arles, France

Day 2

September 2, 2026

Arles, France

Day 3

September 3, 2026

Avignon, France

Day 4

September 4, 2026

Viviers, France

Day 5

September 5, 2026

Tain-l'Hermitage, France

Day 6

September 6, 2026

Lyon, France

Day 7

September 7, 2026

Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Day 8

September 8, 2026

Chalon-sur-Saône, France

France

Arles

ARLES (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingFlights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLESARLES-WINDOW-DETAIL.jpg

France

Arles

ARLES A Brush with GeniusVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNONARLES-PAINTING-CLASS.jpg

France

Avignon

AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNONAVIGNON-BRIDGE.jpg

France

Viviers

VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country VillageEnjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGEVIVIERS.jpg

France

Tain-l'Hermitage

TAIN L'HERMITAGE A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYONTOURNON.jpg

France

Lyon

LYON Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of FranceCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUSLYON-CAFE.jpg

France

Chalon-sur-Saône

TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNETOURNUS.jpg

France

Chalon-sur-Saône

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am.CHALON-SUR-SAONE-SUNSET.jpg

Overview

Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards.

Suite

Royal Suite

Room Features

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Premium hairdryer
  • L’Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Double sinks
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • USB Ports
  • One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins

Suite

Panorama Suite

Room Features

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Premium hairdryer
  • L’Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
  • USB Ports

Outside

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom

Room Features

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Premium hairdryer
  • L’Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Two windows
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
  • USB Ports

classic

Dining Room

The ship’s main venue is the Dining Room situated on the Sapphire deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening. 

cafe

Sky Grill

On a sunny day, enjoy hand carved meats and expansive buffets including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all a view courtesy of our Sky Grill.

cafe

Panorama Bistro

The Panorama Lounge & Bistro, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for a stunning view, offers a casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy a variety of regional and tapas-style dishes, hand-paired with local wines.

room

Room Service

Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.

Bar, Lounge

Panorama Lounge

Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor.

Reception

Reception

The Reception can be found on the Royal Deck.

Lounge

Club Lounge

Enjoy a quiet moment in the Club Lounge whilst enjoying a cappuccino.

Gym

Fitness Centre

On Board Fitness Center

Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon Suite Ship features an updated fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation.

Whirlpool Atop The Skydeck

Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon Suite Ship features an updated fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation.

Avalon travelers enjoy immersive experiences at every turn. Soak up the culture and cuisine of fascinating regions, then toast the day with therapeutic bubbles in the soothing Sky Deck whirlpool.

Yoga On Board

Before you set out to discover the lives of kings, queens and conquerors, you can easily find your inner warrior, cobra or happy baby. Avalon Adventure Hosts kick-start each day with a combination of yoga poses, Pilates exercises and gentle stretches in the fresh morning air on the Sky Deck or with panoramic views in the Panorama Lounge. Downward dogs welcome.

Spa

Hairdressing Salon

Visit the Hair Salon to pamper yourself with a new style by a professional hairdresser. Other treatments are available.

Sports Court

Deck Games Area

Relax after a long day and play a game with your fellow guests at the Game area towards the rear of the deck.