Rhône Route Méditerranée 2022 - A-ROSA STELLA

Up to 300 metres deep, the Ardèche has carved out the typical limestone, forming one of the most beautiful landscapes in France. This includes the fairy-tale grottos. Along the river you will drive to one of the numerous grottos of the area, such as the Grottes des Madeleines with its subterranean halls. Continuing your trip to one of the lavender producers in the Ardèche-area, you will be shown the different types and species of lavender, as well as their usage in medicine, decoration and perfume production.

Ready for an exciting adventure? From Viviers the bus will take you to the kayak station. After a briefing with detailed information you will paddle on one of the world's most famous kayak trails. Through calm waters and exciting rapids, you will experience the beautiful landscape. In between, you can have a picnic before you paddle back to the valley station.

Where land and sea merge, something wonderful is created. The Camargue is a natural wonder. And you will experience it first hand on this bus tour - with its flocks of flamingos and the famous white horses, the fauna is truly unique. Today, the free-roaming white Camargue horses and Camargue cattle are not wild animals anymore, but are kept on wide pastures that are typical for the region. We will continue to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a major pilgrimage site and a touristic hub of the Camargue. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church from the 9th century houses sacred relics of Marie Saloné and Marie Jacobé. Since 1448, a pilgrimage to the church has been held twice per year. The centre of veneration of Saint Sarah, also known as Sara the Black, is also here in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a place of pilgrimage for Roma. After a short walk you will have some free time.

The small Alpilles mountain range rises between Avignon and Arles. On its southern slope lies Les Baux-de-Provence, a stronghold of the art of minstrelsy in the Middle Ages. Strolling through the alleys, the turbulent history of this town comes alive again. The view over the plain, above which Les Baux-de-Provence towers like a fortress, is also impressive. From here, the next destination is not that far away - the Carrières des Lumières. This former quarry with its caves now serves as a breathtaking art exhibition where you get the feeling of standing in the middle of a work of art. With light and laser projection, the artworks are thrown onto the cave walls, turning the whole cave into an illuminated work of art.

Discover and observe numerous bird species in their natural environment. The Parc Ornithologique covers 60 hectares and is home to the birds of the Camargue. Walk through the park, enjoy the birdsong and hundreds of pink flamingos. Then set off by jeep on a wonderful adventure across the Camargue. The Camargue is an Eldorado for nature lovers and freedom lovers. Say hello to the white wild horses and enjoy the unique nature and beautiful landscapes.

Meet Chef Erick and start your private cooking experience with a walk to the Arles food market. There are several stalls on site selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and fish. Together you will stroll through the market and get all the ingredients you need for your cooking class. Afterwards, the cooking can begin. Wield the wooden spoon and prepare a delicious lunch with the help of Chef Erick. We wish you bon appétit!

The Camargue is a paradise not only for the white wild horses, but also for riders. The Mas Saint Germain, a typical ranch in the national park, awaits you and takes you on a one-hour tour through the magnificent landscape. Of course, you will also prepare the horse for your ride and bring it back to their pasture or stable afterwards.

Your private English-speaking guide will pick you up in front of the ship and show you Arles according to your wishes. Stroll through the most beautiful city in France, at least that's what the French say. Discover the city centre with its numerous Roman buildings or take a look at the amphitheatre. Let the Roman era pass by and experience the city where even Vincent van Gogh spent a year creating numerous masterpieces.

That’s what the French say, anyway. But the only way to be sure is to experience the charm of Provence’s former capital for yourself. We recommend that you begin your excursion by sampling some delicious calissons d’Aix, local sweets made with almonds and melon. Preferably in one of the many cafés along the elegant Cours Mirabeau. Or you could follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, the great Impressionist artist, who had a studio in Aix. And after you’ve had a look around the city, there’ll still be enough time to purchase a typical Provençal souvenir, such as herbs or soap.

Near the ship is one of the oldest monuments in the city - a lighthouse and watchtower. This is the first stop of the excursion and from the observation deck of the tower, which dates back to 1737, you will have a great view over the small town of Port Saint Louis. Afterwards, you will take the coach to Domaine Attilon, an organic winery in the heart of the Camargue. Here you will explore the winery and production and of course taste the wonderful wines. At the beach in the south of Port Saint Louis, you will briefly enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea and the mouth of the Rhône, before you drive to an oyster farm nearby. The final highlight of this excursion awaits you here. You will learn how organic oysters are bred and processed here, and with another glass of organic wine you will of course be allowed to slurp the fresh oysters. You can't get any closer to the sea.

A private yacht will meet you in Port Saint Louis and take you off on a very special tour. In this area the Rhône Delta branches out into small arms through the Camargue, creating a unique landscape. In fact, the area is so wet that it’s even possible to grow rice here. During your tour you’ll take in stunning natural scenery and little villages – and you’ll have the chance to discover the famous Camargue horses and bulls. You’ll also sail out to a Mediterranean oyster farm, where you’ll learn all about how these shellfish are bred. And, naturally, there’ll be an opportunity for you to sample some oysters paired with a local wine.

From the ship we take you to the kitesurfing school in Port Saint Louis. Port Saint Louis offers a great place for kitesurfers, in wild nature and with a strong wind, it is a meeting point for all water sports lovers. Once there, you will receive a briefing on professional kitesurfing and all important safety rules. Afterwards, you are ready to go. Let your kite glide through the waves and enjoy the feeling of absolute freedom.  An experience for beginners and advanced is waiting for you!

Available from June to August

Through narrow alleys and past the numerous small city palaces, chapels and churches, this excursion will lead you to the famous Palais du Pape. In the beginning of the 14th century Pope Clemens V settled here, followed by further popes and cardinals. The visit of this fortified site takes you to the great halls, to the chapels, to the private chambers of the Pope and to the terrace with magnificent views of Avignon and the Rhône. Each year in July, one of the largest theatre festivals in the world takes place around the palace. After visiting the palace you will pass the church of St. Agricol and to the ruins of the famous Pont d’Avignon.

From Avignon, we head east into the heart of Provence, to the mountain villages of Gordes and Roussillon. Their old houses nestle against majestic ochre rocks and seem to merge with them. Then discover the "ochre nature trail" - the rocks here offer the visitor a special play of colours. Where the ochre industry once flourished, you will find a landscape in a wide variety of ochre shades - from a radiant yellow to a bright red. Numerous nuances of the ochre tone as well as the play of light and shadow make the sight unforgettable. After a walk through the impressive landscape, we return to the ship.

In the 14th century, Avignon was the centre of Christianity. Its cultural richness, as well as monuments and city walls that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have contributed to Avignon becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2000. Avignon's most famous feature is the bridge sung about in the famous children's song. The Papal Palace with its ornate chambers and chapels is also worth a visit. Visit the multifaceted city with your English-speaking tour guide according to your wishes and preferences.

Today you’ll feel like a VIP. Near Avignon you can climb a Cessna or Piper with a maximum of three people. Such small machines can fly particularly low and are very manoeuvrable, making for an exceptional flying experience. During your 30-minute round trip you will enjoy a unique view of the Pont du Gard, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux, Alpilles and the cities of Beaucaire and Tarascon.

Enjoy a culinary experience in the heart of Provence for two. At the Michelin-starred restaurant la Mirande, the pleasure of French cuisine awaits you with a 3-course menu. Dine in the restaurant's oldest room, where popes used to dine, and get closer to Avignon's history in a different way.

Not offered for the following cruise date: A-ROSA LUNA 22 October 2022

Board a charming miniature train and take a ride through the beautiful vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, where you’ll enjoy glorious views across the Rhône Valley and the small towns of Tain l’Hermitage and Tournon. Once the train has reached the top of the hill, you’ll sample five different wines from this well-known growing region. The train will then take you back to the ship.

We take you on a hike through the second largest wine-growing region in the northern part of the French Rhône Valley. With your wine expert, you will walk past the vines to the famous vineyards of Saint Joseph and Hermitage. The famous wine route runs through the beautiful countryside and offers unforgettable panoramas. During the hike through the vineyards, a wine tasting is of course not to be missed. In Saint Joseph you will have the opportunity to taste a white wine and in Hermitage a red wine.

The indoor food market of Lyon is named after Paul Bocuse – and with good reason. This star chef was based in Lyon and so he often shopped here. There are plenty of tasty specialities for you to sample here. But France’s second-largest metropolis has a lot more to offer beyond that. Your tour will continue through the city centre, where you’ll take in some wonderful sights.

After a 45-minute drive, you will reach one of the most spectacular places in France: Pérouges. The image of the town, founded in pre-Christian times, is characterised today by medieval buildings. Because of its historical flair, several filmmakers have already shot here. And when you stand on the cobbled village square, you will feel like you are in a medieval film yourself.

Your guide will be waiting outside the ship to show you how to use your segway. In a small group you will explore the old town of Lyon with its impressive sights and the French lifestyle. After the tour across the peninsula you will return to the ship.

Join us on the trail of one of the best chefs of the 20th century. Paul Bocuse was the most important pioneer of nouvelle cuisine and internationally known like hardly any other French gastronome. In the centre of Lyon is the Halles Bocuse, one of the most famous markets in Lyon, where locals also go to enjoy the displays on offer.  Feast your way from stall to stall and enjoy the French delicacies. For example, excellent cheese and delicious white wine at Mons, where over 100 different types of cheese are on offer. Of course, the tasting of oysters, French charcuterie (delicatessen meats), chocolate and macarons is not to be missed.

What better way to get to know French cuisine than with a private cooking class? Discover French delicacies up close with us! Near Bellecoure, your chef is waiting for you. Once you arrive at the restaurant, you will start preparing the dishes and learn about the specialities of French cuisine and how to prepare them. Discover your passion for French cooking and enjoy a delicious meal!

Would you like to explore the old town privately with a tour guide and enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Presqu’Île, the city’s peninsula? Your guide will show you around and provide lots of valuable insights. After all, Lyon has so much to offer – and that applies to its cuisine too. Find out where to get the best coussins de Lyon – a sweet speciality made in the city – and much more.

Lyon is a multifaceted city brimming with cultural and culinary delights. It’s up to you to decide what you want to see: the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the old town with its legendary traboules (small secret passageways) or perhaps the famous facade paintings on the Presqu’Île, the city’s peninsula. Your driver will take you wherever you’d like to go – and your personal guide will then show you the city’s hidden treasures. You can book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.