The Rhone, Burgundy and Provence
8days from
£1,729*per person
Overview
Soak up the sun
Itinerary
- The following itinerary applies for 2024 only. For 2025 itineraries, please see the section below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Say farewell to A-ROSA STELLA, the crew and your fellow passengers as you disembark and begin your journey home.
- The following itinerary is for 2025 departures only. For 2024 itineraries, please see the section above.
- Your week-long cruise along the Rhône begins in historic Lyon, France's third-largest city. With a UNESCO-listed old town, complete with narrow alleyways, rear courtyards, popular quays and large squares on the Presqu’île, this city takes visitors on an extraordinary journey through different eras and cultures. You'll find stunning Beaujolais, famed for its gastronomy, right on your doorstep too. Awaiting you in Lyon will be A-ROSA STELLA and, after settling in aboard, you'll be whisked away this evening for a panoramic tour of the city's best sights - now illuminated against the dimming light. Enjoy fine food and wine and spellbinding views on your Rhône cruise.
- This morning wake up to the Rhône waterfront's idyllic scenery which you'll be able to admire from the comfort of your ship. You'll then arrive in Tournon, an oasis of relaxation, on the Rhône. Keep an eye out for Le Jardin d’Eden Park which really flourishes in the region's warmer climate. A haven for nature lovers, it’s also the perfect place for discovering new plants and trees, and is a must-see attraction. The town, which is near Lyon, also has a lot to offer for culture fans and history buffs. Continue on to Tain l'Hermitage, a town famed for its rolling vineyards, where you'll drop anchor for the evening.
- Take to Papal Avignon this morning, an elegant city which was home to a number of popes and nobles across the centuries, for time at leisure Enjoy exploring this imposing southern city with visits to the unmissable Palais des Papes on an excursion to Avignon’s ancient quarter. Elsewhere, Le Pont de Avignon - which you may have heard of in its famous song - promises spectacular views of the Rhône. The city and the surrounding region also have a warm climate thanks to the Mediterranean – which means a pleasant stay for you!
- Depart Avignon this morning for the quintessentially Provençal city of Arles. This sun-drenched city of terracotta-tiled rooftops occupies a broad bend in the River Rhône and boasts a wealth of 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.
- Enjoy a full day taking in Arles' breath-taking landmarks and charming shopfronts before A-ROSA STELLA departs this evening for Viviers.
- Wake up in Viviers, the medieval capital of the Vivarais region, famed for its impressive cathedral and old town. Deep in the Ardèche region, you'll have the chance to experience a quintessentially French way of life while you watch France’s history come alive in Viviers' diverse range of landmarks and attractions.
- Rise this morning as an excursion stop sees you pass by Vienne, once an important Roman city and the gateway to the heart of France. A number of ancient buildings from this period can still be seen today from the city's Roman amphitheatre, which is still used for events such as the summer jazz festival, to its well-preserved Roman temple in Vienne, surrounded by an impressive portico. Continue today back to Lyon, where you'll spend your final day of your cruise.
- Wave goodbye to A-ROSA STELLA and the gorgeous Rhône as you bring your week's cruise to an end with memories to last a lifetime.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Seven ports of call
- Two included excursions
- Sailing north into the Saone to Macon and Chalon (2024)
- 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 (2024)
- Enjoy a day trip to Viviers, the medieval capital of Vivarais (2025)
- Embark A-ROSA STELLA in Lyon
Our Price Includes
- Seven nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
- 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
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Dates and Prices
Ship Information
Cruise Overview
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.Other Information
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.
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.
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.
Holiday code
N1711Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.