History and Art of the Rhône - MS Lord Byron
History and Art of the Rhône - MS Lord Byron
8 Days Starting in Avignon, France and ending in Lyon, France
Visiting: Avignon, Arles, Ardèche Gorges, Vienne, Beaune, Lyon
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS Lord ByronGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
140
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Art and history come alive on a journey through the beautiful landscapes that inspired the work of famous artists, like Van Gogh, and the medieval towns and cities along the Rhône.
Magnificent Roman remains, the remarkable architecture of the Middle Ages and the light and beauty of the Provencal countryside - which inspired the genius of Van Gogh – await you on our cruise along the Rhône. From Avignon to Lyon this fascinating journey will take you to the artistic heart of this region where you can delve into centuries of history and discover the outstanding natural beauty of France. We’ll wander through the winding streets of medieval towns and villages and explore the cities that line these historic riverbanks in the company of our knowledgeable experts. Discover 15th century architecture and some of the most remarkable collections of sculptures and paintings in Europe - all amid the lush vineyards and sunbaked hills of Southern France.
Our popular Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence river cruise has been reimagined to include even more.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Avignon
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Avignon - On arrival in Avignon, we’ll transfer by coach to our ship moored in the city’s historic centre. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. After settling in to your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this five-star floating hotel before dinner.
Day 2
Location: Avignon
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Avignon - The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast. This morning, we'll embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome.
Igniting a century of prosperity, the pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count.
Most important is the stunning Popes' Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress. But the interior is even more impressive - it's a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless art, frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures.
The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable. But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candlelit halls and corridors while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age when it was truly the centre of Christendom.
After lunch, you’ll be free to explore as you wish. You could do some shopping or enjoy an idle afternoon in a quiet café in a shady Provencal square to watch the world go by - there's no judgment here. Take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons. Alternatively, join us on an optional included visit to the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, Le Petit Palais, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio.
Dinner on board is followed by a musical performance by a local pianist in the ship’s lounge as the ship sets sail towards our next destination, Arles, arriving later that evening.
Day 3
Location: Arles
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arles & Ponts Du Gard - You'll awake under the azure skies of deepest Provence amid the warm stone colours of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Seagoing ships could reach here, and the city became a regional capital, briefly ruling over Gaul, Spain and Britain.
Our guided tour will follow in the footsteps of the great genius and artist, Van Gogh, who spent over 14 months in Arles, from February 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café, The Yellow House and, of course, Starry Night. As we explore, you’ll get to admire some of his masterpieces at the Vincent Van Gogh Arles Foundation - as well as works by other artists – and visit the sights that inspired his work – The Yellow House, L'Espace Van Gogh and Place du Forum, to name a just a few.
After lunch we visit the amazing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000-year-old structure, which was the highest bridge built in the Empire –the Romans themselves considered it the most important testimony to their greatness. Its statistics are staggering - over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high, with its stones each weighing up to six tons.
To put this in perspective, the span of the Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge – and no mortar was used in its construction! The situation is lovely too, with pine- and cypress-covered hills adding to the harmonious setting.
After re-joining the ship, we’ll cruise along the Rhône and, during dinner, pass the imposing 15th-century castle at Tarascon which stands guard on the riverbank.
Day 4
Location: Ardèche Gorges
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ardèche Gorges & Chauvet Caves - This morning we’ll disembark the ship, now moored in Viviers, after breakfast. Whilst our ship effortlessly cruises upstream towards Le Pouzin, we will explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power.
Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc. We enjoy marvellous views at every turn of caves, grottoes and natural sculptures before returning to the ship moored in Le Pouzin.
We'll stop at the UNESCO-listed Chauvet Caves to explore a spectacular replica of the pre-historic caves – home to the best-preserved and oldest-known paintings in France. Discovered in 1994, by three cave explorers, the walls are covered in well-preserved paintings – said to be the oldest painting ever found. They're 36,000 years old - that's 18,000 years older than the decorated walls of the Lascaux cave in Dordogne – so you really are looking at the oldest art ever seen. We return to the ship for a late lunch.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board – perhaps catching up on some reading or just lazing in the sun as the temperature rises, before we arrive in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides, where another of the world’s most revered wines is produced. After dinner, perhaps take a stroll along the river and wander across the oldest suspension bridge in France to the pretty provincial town of Tournon on the opposite bank of the river, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues.
After dinner this evening, you can delight in a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance – a lively way to end an exciting day onshore!
Day 5
Location: Vienne
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vienne - During breakfast this morning, we’ll slip our moorings and cruise north through one of the most spectacular sections of the Rhône Valley, as the river squeezes and twists passed Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon and Saint-Vallier, with wooded cliffs rising high on both sides.
After lunch, we’ll arrive in the ancient Roman stronghold of Vienne, first a Celtic settlement, then a Roman stronghold under Julius Caesar. Here you'll be taken for a captivating tour, hosted by a local expert. Strikingly located in a narrow section of the Rhône, where the river meanders dramatically around a steep bluff, Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains, including the stunning Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, and a walk around its streets really brings its heritage to life.
We'll then continue on to the archaeological gardens of Cybèle. Here we'll wander around the remains of the administrative centre of the Gallo-Roman city with a local expert as they regale us with facts and stories that highlight the historic importance of the gardens. As we walk, you’ll spot the arcades of the forum portico, the wall of a municipal assembly hall, and the remains of houses and terraces. The gardens were named for the goddess Cybèle – goddess of motherhood, nature, fertility, and agriculture - after excavations in 1938 found a fragment of bas-relief dedicated to her. Grass and toppled columns are scattered around the traces of 1st-century houses and public buildings - it's a lovely park to wander around and relax.
Returning to the ship for dinner, we'll commence our cruise towards Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 6
Location: Beaune
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beaune - Overnight we’ll have made steady progress north and mid-morning we’ll arrive in and berth in Chalon, gateway to Burgundy and the home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography.
After lunch on board, we’ll travel to Beaune, via France’s famous Wine Road, passing an array of quintessential Alsatian villages and fortified towns. We’ll see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more. Beaune, Burgundy’s historic wine capital is wonderful to wander around.
Here we will visit, Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu, which stands at its centre of this historic town. Originally built in the 15th century as a hospital for the disadvantaged, it’s a jewel of High Gothic architecture, instantly recognisable for its colourful glazed roof tiles arranged in dazzling geometric patterns. The highlight is a large work, painted by Flemish artist Rogier van der Weyden, consisting of fifteen paintings on nine panels. The inner panels contain scenes from the Last Judgement and a large central panel spans both registers showing Christ seated on a rainbow in judgement, with the Archangel Michael below holding scales to weigh souls.
On our guided tour of the Museum Dieu, you’ll walk through the building’s unique history and day to day life of the Hôtel-Dieu - from the 15th century to the present day – with information on medical history and a collection of 5,000 pieces of furniture and other fascinating objects, ranging from tapestries and paintings to sculptures to pharmacy equipment.
As we slip our moorings and head to Lyon this evening, we’ll enjoy the sumptuous Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience.
Day 7
Location: Lyon
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lyon - One of river cruising’s great pleasures is the fascination of waking in a completely different location and, on waking this morning, the ship will arrive in Lyon. After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities.
The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, so Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified. In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here.
There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city, you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.
The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals, the world’s) gastronomic capital.
In the afternoon, we'll travel back in time to when Lyon was known as Lugdunum and Romans ruled. Thanks to its location, it was an epicentre of ancient trade. While much of what existed 2000 years ago has now disappeared, the remaining Roman ruins in the heart of modern-day Lyon are quite spectacular. There's an ancient theatre (the oldest Roman amphitheatre in France), a smaller Odeon and a museum to explore with a local guide.
Day 8
Location: Lyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home
Ship Details
MS Lord Byron
Ship Overview
How can one adequately sum up the wonderfully elegant, five-star MS Lord Byron? How can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world?
Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort.
We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury rivership builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared.
You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems… and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste.
Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swiss operated ship with 36 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS Lord Byron
Adults Only Areas:
no kids
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
luxury
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en
Ship Capacity:
140
Ship Crew Count:
36
Number of Decks:
3
Number of Cabins:
74
Ship Launch Year:
2013
Ship Length (Meters):
110 M
Ship Width (Meters):
11.4 M
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)
BarPanorama Lounge & BarDeluxe SuitesSuperior SuitesSuperior Stern SuitesDiamond Deck Cabins
Emerald Deck (Lower Deck)
Wellness CentreSuperior SuitesEmerald Deck Cabins
Ruby Deck (Middle Deck)
RestaurantKitchenSuitesRuby Deck Cabins
Sun Deck
Viewing AreaOutdoor Chairs and Sun LoungersDeck GamesSplash Pool
Cabins
Air conditioned cabins
Superior Suite & Stern Suite (Grade ESS DS SSS RS ES )
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.
Deluxe Suite (Grade DL )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, on the Diamond (top) deck there are four deluxe suites, at 22.5 square metres (242 square feet), beautifully appointed and incredibly comfortable, plus for a final homely touch, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. You will love them.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Grade R D E )
At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Grade 2LN_P2 R D E )
At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.
Standard Cabin (Grade D E )
These luxuriously appointed cabins are amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.
Superior Suite & Superior Stern Suite (Grade ESS DS SSS RS ES )
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Superior Suite & Stern Suite (Grade DS SSS )
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.
Dining
Restaurant on the Diamond Deck serving early bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (to be reserved on board subject to availability)
Main Restaurant - on the Ruby Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Lido Bar & Restaurant
Found on the Diamond Deck, the Lido Bar & Restaurant serves up early bird breakfasts, light lunches and, with onboard reservations, dinner. It's the perfect place to relax and while away an hour or two in comfort and take in the sights and sounds of some of Europe's finest rivers.
Main Restaurant
On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet allows you to opt for a hearty lunch or something lighter such as a fresh, simple salad – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, enhanced by fine table linen, china and sparkling glassware whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to. (complimentary)
Entertainment
The Sun Deck is the hub for entertainment onboard. The forward viewing area is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun-loungers, deck games including shuffleboard and giant chess, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes barbecues are held here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.
Panorama Lounge & Bar
On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful Lido Bar at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.
Souvenir Shop
Small boutique for you to shop for your souvenirs and keepsakes to take home
Enrichment
Excursions
On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.
Tours and Excursions
Riviera Travel cruise on the majestic Rhine and Danube - Europe’s essential arteries studded by atmospheric cities like Koblenz and Vienna. Standing guard, guests will see astonishing ‘fairytale’ castles whilst learning about mystical legends, historic strife and triumph. Plus there is the magical, meandering Moselle with its impossibly steep riverside vineyards and the lesser known, yet equally beautiful River Main, twisting through Germany’s rural heart. The Elbe, meandering though ‘Saxon Switzerland’, connects historic Berlin and baroque Dresden. In France, the Rhone flows majestically from almost the Burgundy vineyards to Avignon and Van Gogh’s Arles, in the heart of sun-kissed Provence. Finally there is the Seine, from iconic Paris through countryside beloved by impressionist painters to medieval Rouen and historic Bayeux. Guests will see it all.
Kids and Teens
Please note: MS Lord Byron does not provide facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.
Health & Fitness
Wellness area with sauna, and steam room
Sun Deck
Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
Wellness Area
The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Lord Byron - its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the on-board hairdresser (small additional fee).
Gratuities
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Useful Information
Age Requirements
For holidays other than cruises, we are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure. For cruises, the minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
Special Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
What's Included
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Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
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Free Superior drinks package
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
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All visits and excursions as mentioned
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Return flights or Eurostar and TGV
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Coach travel as mentioned
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Transfers from the airport/station to and from the port of embarkation
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English-speaking expert guides
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The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the crew and guides are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with coach transfers, mini-train tours, and river cruising on the MS Lord Byron, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey through the Rhône Valley.
Accommodation
Enjoy seven nights on board the luxurious MS Lord Byron, with spacious and tastefully furnished cabins or suites offering stunning river views.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the MS Lord Byron?
You will enjoy seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, all with river views.
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What meals are included during the tour?
All meals on board are included, from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day. This includes welcome cocktails and the Captain's dinner. Complimentary on-board tea and coffee are also provided.
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Are there any special performances or activities on board?
Yes, there are several special activities on board. On Day 2, there is a musical performance by a local pianist. On Day 4, you can enjoy a ballroom dancing performance with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance. On Day 7, you will enjoy the Captain's Dinner, featuring regional specialties.
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What kind of guided tours and excursions are included?
The tour includes guided tours of Avignon, Arles, Vienne, and Lyon. You will also visit the Palace of the Popes, the Petit Palais Museum, the Vincent Van Gogh Arles Foundation, the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, the Ardèche Gorges, the Chauvet Caves, and the Hospices de Beaune. Additionally, there is a visit to the Gallo-Roman theatre in Lyon.
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Is there any free time to explore on your own?
Yes, on Day 2 in Avignon, after lunch, you will have free time to explore the city as you wish. You can do some shopping, enjoy a café, or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes airport transfers, coach travel as mentioned, and travel to and from the port of embarkation. Additionally, there is a mini-train tour in Vienne.
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What is the significance of the places visited during the tour?
The tour visits several historically and culturally significant sites. Avignon was the seat of the Pope's court in the 14th century. Arles is known for its Roman monuments and its connection to Van Gogh. The Pont du Gard is a remarkable Roman aqueduct. The Ardèche Gorges and Chauvet Caves are natural and prehistoric wonders. Beaune is the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site with Roman and Renaissance heritage.
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Are there any special inclusions for solo travelers?
Yes, there are departures exclusively for solo travelers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for those traveling alone.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Tuesday
May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions