Every lovely Rhône cruise starts in Lyon – A-ROSA cruises do at least. And there is good reason for this: Lyon is a wonderful, modern city with an impressive old town and top-notch cuisine. Lyon partly owes its great culinary reputation to the award-winning French chef Paul Bocuse, who chose it as the headquarters for his brasserie, restaurant and cafe empire. The city is known for its simple yet high-quality fare, which is based on regional products and which gave the city its nickname la ville de gueule (‘the city of the palate’).
You’ve probably heard of the famous bridge in the song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’. This bridge actually exists, or at least part of it does: wars and floods reduced the bridge’s original 22 arches to 4. In 1660, after yet another flood, the bridge was abandoned. Aside from the bridge, you’re likely to be most delighted by Avignon’s palaces, wines and culture. The Papal Palace is monumentally impressive, particularly in the evening when it is illuminated by a light show.
Chalon is upstream, where the Saône flattens out, the turning point for modern ships. The pier is very close to the core of the town, so you can get directly from the ship in a beautiful walk to everything that is worth seeing here, such as a museum that documents the birth of photography here in Chalon, or to the Cathedral Saint-Vincent, which stands on the eponymous square, or better the heart of the historic center, the Place Saint-Vincent.
Wonderful! Lyon is a must-see! With its historic city centre, listed as a World Heritage Site, its narrow alleyways, courtyards, lively quays and large squares on the peninsula, and more than 200 monuments lit up at night, the city of Lyon offers the opportunity for an unusual journey through eras and cultures. And just outside the door in the north-west is the Beaujolais. Let yourself be spoilt and enchanted on your Rhône cruise. A dream is waiting for you here.
Your idyllic Rhône cruise will now call at Chalon-sur-Saône. Its 80,000 inhabitants make it the second-largest city in Burgundy today. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Saône region by bicycle or visit the city, with its many beautiful old townhouses and the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, which is definitely worth seeing.
Welcome to the French town of Mâcon, the capital of the department of Saône-et-Loire. Mâcon is also the southernmost city in the Burgundy region and the centre of the Mâconnais district. Many guidebooks describe it as the ‘Gateway to Beaujolais’. The friendly, almost Mediterranean character of Mâcon’s inhabitants is underscored by a veritable sea of flowers in the city. You are sure to enjoy your time here.
Follows
Arles in southern France is the Provençal city par excellence. This sun-drenched city of terracotta-tiled rooftops occupies a broad bend in the River Rhône. Many of its monuments have named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What’s more, Arles was once a great Roman port. As if all that weren’t reason enough to visit, the city was also home to Vincent van Gogh for a while. Did you know that?
Avignon is one of the most popular ports of call on A-ROSA’s Rhône cruises. It is an imposing, historic city in southern France that was home to several of the Catholic popes at one time. Make sure to visit the unique and unmissable Palais des Papes on an excursion to Avignon’s ancient quarter. The city and the surrounding region have a warm climate thanks to the Mediterranean – which means a pleasant stay for you!
Have you ever stayed overnight in Avignon? You will certainly have had a good night’s sleep on the A-ROSA ship in Avignon. Enjoy the start of the day with a nice breakfast on board and take in Avignon once again before continuing your journey on the Rhône.
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.
€ 299.00 per Reservation for max. 6 people
approx. 2.5 Hours
walking
Moderate
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
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.
€ 759.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people
approx. 1.5 Hours
Transfer, walking and flight
Moderate
Excursion depends on weather conditions.
From the ship, you will go by coach to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will receive a brief introduction to the history of this famous wine village. At Maison Ogier, you will be welcomed in the boutique and learn more about the winery. This is followed by a guided tour of the historic wine cellars, where you will gain insights into traditional wine production. Finally, enjoy a 3-course lunch accompanied by matching wines from the house before returning to the ship.
€ 0.00
approx. 5 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
Just a couple of kilometres away from the Rhône, you’ll find Châteauneuf-du-Pape – a famous wine-growing region in the Rhône valley. The town’s main attraction is the ruin of the Avignon popes’ summer residence.
The multifaceted Vienne was once an important Roman city and, thanks to its location on the Rhône, the gateway to the heart of France. A number of ancient buildings from this period can still be seen today. For example, there is a Roman theatre, which is still used for events such as the summer jazz festival. There is also a very well preserved Roman temple in Vienne, surrounded by an impressive portico.
Today you are in Lyon and can savour further culinary highlights on your gourmet trip. Perhaps you will follow in the footsteps of Paul Bocuse? There are so many delicacies waiting for you.
Your unforgettable river cruise on the Rhône River comes to an end. Firstly, enjoy the lavish breakfast on board. Afterwards, you will certainly have another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the beautiful city of Lyon before setting off on your journey home. Homesickness for the A-ROSA ship and the Rhône River with its marvellous landscapes in France is not out of the question. See you soon and ahoy!
Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.
Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.
1 Children up to and including 11 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1 when accompanied by at least one (2 adults in Cat. G) supervising adult. For children between 12 and 15 years of age a fixed price is charged on Deck 1 when accompanied by a superivising adult: cruises up to 5 nights € 60 per night/per child and from 7 nights € 90 per night/per child. From Deck 2 onwards, children up to and including the age of 15 accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to the age of 7 accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B – D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA, children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
2 Drinks only according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
3 If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.
PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.
Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus
Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 24.50 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy the most popular cocktails, long drinks and spirits in addition to the already included premium drinks. (during bar opening hours)
Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
