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At a glance
Visiting:
Length:
7 nights
by air
Price from:£2,034pp
Request Brochure - The Rhone, Burgundy and Provence
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
The Rhone, Burgundy and Provence
Soak up the sun
Enjoy the choice, comforts and casual atmosphere of cruising, A-ROSA style, as you explore this delightful region of Southern France.Your premium All-Inclusive cruise is the perfect way to experience the Rhone. Watch the world slip by on the top deck, head to the gym for a workout or take advantage of great discounts on treatments in the on-board SPA-ROSA. Later, why not organise an early evening meal with friends, make new ones at the bar or book a special meal in the ship's reserved dining area?Step aboard in Lyon to cruise north into the Saone to historic Chalon, gateway to the Cote d'Or wine region and then to lively, Burgundian Macon with its cafe-lined riverbank and brightly painted half-timbered houses.
Cruise gently back to Lyon then sail south into the Rhône where you’ll stay overnight in glorious Avignon, with its famed ‘pont’ and Palace of the Popes, and enjoy a guided tour. The cruise completes with calls in exquisite former Roman stronghold Arles and charming Voulte-sur-Rhône, before a last cruise back to Lyon.
Taste the Destination
A-ROSA offers widest choice of international dishes compared to most other river cruise operators, plus you can enjoy local dishes exploring France from a culinary perspective, including:
La Flûte de Chaud Pain - a warm baguette with ham and cheese, ideal for a light lunch
Bourride - a shellfish chowder with a rouille sauce is a culinary speciality of Provence, based on seafood, vegetables, and served with aioli and olive oil.
Bouillabaisse - a traditional Provencal fish originating from Marseille.
Boeuf Bourguignon - a classic French beef stew, using wines from Burgundy.
Éclair - cream puff swans filled with delicious chocolate mousse.
Holiday Highlights
Seven ports of call
Two included excursions
Special Provincial cuisine evening in Avignon
Sailing north into the Saone to Macon and Chalon
Overnight stays in Lyon and Avignon
Included guided tour of Avignon
Calls in Roman Arles and La-Voute-sur-Rhone
Saint-Philibert de Tournus - all that remains of the town's Benedictine abbey
Return travel from the UK to France or Switzerland (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Free Wi-Fi on board
On-board activities and entertainment
Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
15 per cent off on a range of beauty and wellness treatments in the on-board spa, SPA-ROSA
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
All port taxes and surcharges
Itinerary
Day
1
Travel to Lyon or Geneva, and transfer to the dock to board A-ROSA STELLA. Your Rhone river cruise begins tonight, leaving you free to spend your time getting to know the ship and enjoying your first dinner on board. Alternatively, make your own way from home to the ship, in your own time, in time to embark.
Day
2
A full day is spent in Chalon-sur-Saone, France. This historic Cote d'Or town has a beautiful medieval quarter, a fascinating wine museum and a museum dedicated to local hero Joseph Niepce, now generally considered the true inventor of photography.A-ROSA STELLA leaves Chalon in the evening, continuing south overnight.
Day
3
You'll arrive in Macon in the early morning. This famed wine-producing town on the banks of the Saone boasts a lively, cafe-lined promenade. Spend time shopping, relaxing with a drink or explore the city's cultural highlights such as the Museum of Fine Arts or Macon Cathedral. In the afternoon A-ROSA STELLA leaves Macon and continues her voyage south, returning to Lyon for an overnight stay.
Day
4
Wake up in Lyon, where the Rhone turns south towards the Mediterranean. Enjoy France's UNESCO-listed 'second city' to life. A prosperous gateway to both the Alps and sun-kissed Provence, for centuries this city was the wealthy centre of the silk trade. After enjoying Lyon, you'll head out again in the afternoon and begin a pleasant, scenic cruise down the Rhone.
Day
5
Around lunchtime today you'll arrive at Avignon, the historic City of the Popes. One of Europe's best-preserved medieval strongholds, Avignon is dominated by the monumental Palais des Papes. The engaging, bustling city is centred on the Place d'Horloge, which is lined with cafes and market stalls -perfect for watching the world go by. Join a guided tour to discover the city, and don't miss the crumbling remains of the Pont St-Benezet or the "pont d'Avignon" from the famous French folk song.
Day
6
Spend the morning pottering around the streets of Avignon and finishing the remainder of your sightseeing. A-ROSA STELLA departs at noon, and cruises still further south to Arles.
Once the capital of Roman Gaul, Arles is home to some superb ancient ruins. See the painstakingly unearthed baths, chariot racetrack and the elegant skeleton of Les Arenes amphitheatre. The great cathedral of St-Trophime and several fascinating museums add to the attraction of this city that so inspired both Van Gogh and Gauguin.Your river cruiser will depart tonight, and begin the long, gentle journey back upriver.
Day
7
Enjoy a final day on-board A-ROSA STELLA relaxing on the sun-deck (weather permitting) or in the pool, and enjoying the benefits of your Premium All-inclusive package. Around lunchtime you'll make a brief stop in La Voulte-sur-Rhone before continuing your voyage back to Lyon in the afternoon and overnight.
Day
8
Say farewell to A-ROSA STELLA, the crew and your fellow passengers as you disembark and begin your journey home.
A-ROSA STELLA
Each of A-ROSA's elegant river cruise vessels has been built specifically for the river upon which it sails, offering spacious, contemporary public areas, light, bright cabins and a casual-yet-stylish cruising experience.
Facilities
Relax on a comfy sun lounger, admiring the views of castles, vineyard-clad hills and enchanting riverside towns and villages (perhaps with a drink from the bar), or enjoy a game of shuffleboard or giant chess with friends. Each river cruiser has either a whirlpool or plunge pool, perfect for keeping cool on those warmer days. On fine days you'll also find A-ROSA chefs on the top deck, barbecuing so you can enjoy a lunch with a view.
Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance
All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Optional shore excursions
Optional excursions are available on all cruises. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.
Dress code
The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.
Luggage
Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.
Pool
A heated pool can be found on the sun deck of the following ships: A-ROSA DONNA, FLORA, SILVA and STELLA.
Cabin facilities
In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adaptor.
Air-conditioning
All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.
Drinking water
The water on board is potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.
Itinerary changes
On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.