Exploring any country by river provides the traveller with extra insight, understanding and a lasting memory. This is particularly true of France where Mother Nature has provided the most perfect means of observing a great swathe of the country and as we meander along the scenic Rhone we will explore one of her loveliest corners. The Rhone, dubbed the ‘River of Angels’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, offers a passage through history past great architectural treasures, through some truly wonderful scenery and an ever-changing countryside dotted with cypress, umbrella pine and vines.
Our programme combines excursions ashore to nearby towns and sites as well as time at leisure, so you can truly relax and experience all that the region has to offer. There will be the opportunity to explore France’s gastronomic capital Lyon and visit Avignon, the great City of Popes which boasts a number of splendid museums, churches and palaces. We will also discover some of the many impressive Roman sites including the amphitheatre at Arles, the Roman theatre of Orange and the magnificent Pont du Gard. In addition, no trip to Provence would be complete without visiting the surrounding countryside and we will visit the Ardeche Gorges as well as some of the surrounding hillside villages. All this will be accomplished with ease from the comfort of the delightful MS Van Gogh.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Van Gogh
For our voyages along the Rhone we have chartered the delightful MS Van Gogh from our associates at Croisi Europe. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 105 passengers and offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. She is a charming vessel and joining you on board will be a Noble Caledonia team including a Cruise Director, Tour Manager and Guest Speaker.
23rd to 31st May Itinerary
Day 1 London to Lyon, France.
Fly by scheduled flight to Lyon. Upon arrival transfer to the MS Van Gogh and embark. Meet your fellow travellers this evening during welcome drinks and dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Lyon.
Day 2 Lyon.
Today begins with a guided tour of the old part of the city, including the amazingly decorated 19th century hilltop Basilica of Notre Dame. Take a walk through the ‘Halles de Lyon’, a famous food market where renowned chefs are often spotted selecting their ingredients. The afternoon is free to wander past the shops and cafes on the banks of the Saone. Sail south to Vienne during dinner.
Day 3 Vienne.
We will spend this morning in the fine Roman town of Vienne, beautifully located in the Rhone Valley and surrounded by hills. On our walking tour, we will learn about its Roman era with a visit to the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Roman theatre located in the centre of town. Also visit the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral St Maurice. Relax on board this afternoon as we continue sailing south.
Day 4 Ardeche Gorges & Chateau Grignan.
This morning we will visit the Ardeche Gorges with its magnificent scenery, most notably the spectacular limestone cliffs and the Pont d’Arc, the largest natural arch in Europe. We will also stop at a lavender museum where we will learn about the secrets of the flower and its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. Return to the ship for lunch after which we will drive to Grignan. A charming hillside village, Grignan was made famous by Madame de Sevigne in her letters. Here we will visit a truffle farm where we will have the chance to taste some of these local delicacies. Continue to Chateau de Grignan which, originally built in the 11th century, was transformed into a luxurious residence during the Renaissance.
Day 5 Orange & Chateauneuf du Pape.
This morning we have a half day tour of Orange, site of the greatest of all Roman theatres to survive in the West. The magnificent, semicircular Theatre Antique, situated in the centre of town, was built just before the birth of Christ. Accommodating 7,000 spectators, its acoustics are superb. This is also the only Roman theatre still possessing its original Imperial statue of Caesar Augustus, which, at 12 feet in height, is one of the tallest in existence. After lunch on the ship we will enjoy a wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape, an area renowned for its rich ruby reds.
Day 6 Pont du Gard & Uzes.
Today we will drive to Pont du Gard, the impressive Roman aqueduct built in the first century as part of a system to bring water to Uzes and Nimes. Later, continue to historic Uzes, a gem of a town with a captivating history and some imposing and very beautiful buildings including the castle of the Ducs d’Uzes. This afternoon we will sail to Avignon. Perhaps enjoy an evening stroll through the narrow streets inside the Medieval walls.
Day 7 Avignon & Abbaye Saint-Andre.
The great City of the Popes boasts a number of splendid museums, churches and palaces. Our guided walking tour will include the Palais des Papes, one of the wonders of Provence and the largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. We will also visit the Cathedral and famous Pont Benezet, a bridge that spans the Rhone between Villeneuve les Avignon and Avignon. After lunch on board, we will visit Abbaye Saint-Andre’s beautiful gardens with its Florentine inspiration and excellent views of Avignon and the Rhone Valley. The Abbey is located atop the hill known as Mont Andaon and now lies within the impressive Saint-Andre fortress.
Day 8 Arles.
Our final morning will be spent exploring Arles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles sits on a low hill where the Rhone river branches in two parts to the sea. The town dates back to the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. The Roman sites are unique in that they are integrated into the houses and buildings of the town. During our walking tour we will see the huge amphitheatre and the former Cathedral of St Trophime, a Romanesque Basilica constructed in the 12th century. After lunch on the ship, enjoy some free time before we sail upstream to Avignon. This evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 9 Avignon to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Marseille or Nice airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
N.B The inbound transfer time from Avignon to Marseille Airport is 1 hour 15 minutes, and from Avignon to Nice Airport is 2 hours 45 minutes.
31st May to 8th June Itinerary
Day 1 London to Avignon, France.
Fly by scheduled flight to Marseille or Nice airport. Upon arrival transfer to the MS Van Gogh in Avignon and embark. Meet your fellow travellers this evening during welcome drinks and dinner. The ship moors overnight in Avignon.
Day 2 Avignon & Abbaye Saint-Andre.
The great City of the Popes boasts a number of splendid museums, churches and palaces. Our guided walking tour will include the Palais des Papes, one of the wonders of Provence and the largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. We will also visit the Cathedral and famous Pont Benezet, a bridge that spans the Rhone between Villeneuve les Avignon and Avignon. After lunch on board, we will visit Abbaye Saint-Andre’s beautiful gardens with its Florentine inspiration and excellent views of Avignon and the Rhone Valley. The Abbey is located atop the hill known as Mont Andaon and now lies within the impressive Saint-Andre fortress.
Day 3 Arles.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles sits on a low hill where the Rhone river branches in two parts to the sea. The town dates back to the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. The Roman sites are unique in that they are integrated into the houses and buildings of the town. During our walking tour we will see the huge amphitheatre and the former Cathedral of St Trophime, a Romanesque Basilica constructed in the 12th century. After lunch on board, enjoy some free time before we sail upstream this evening.
Day 4 Pont du Gard, Uzes & Chateauneuf du Pape.
Today we will drive to Pont du Gard, the impressive Roman aqueduct built in the first century as part of a system to bring water to Uzes and Nimes. Later, we continue to historic Uzes, a gem of a town with a captivating history and some imposing and beautiful buildings including the castle of the Ducs d’Uzes. After lunch on board the ship we will enjoy a wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape, an area renowned for its rich ruby reds.
Day 5 Orange & Viviers.
This morning we have a half day tour of Orange, site of the greatest of all Roman theatres to survive in the West. The magnificent, semicircular Theatre Antique, situated in the centre of town, was built just before the birth of Christ. Accommodating 7000 spectators, its acoustics are superb. This is also the only Roman theatre still possessing its original Imperial statue of Caesar Augustus, which, at 12 feet in height, is one of the tallest in existence. Sail later to Viviers and enjoy some free time in this charming town.
Day 6 Ardeche Gorges & Chateau Grignan.
This morning we will visit the Ardeche Gorges with its magnificent scenery, most notably the spectacular limestone cliffs and the Pont d’Arc, the largest natural arch in Europe. We will also stop at a lavender museum where we will learn about the secrets of the flower and its culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses. Return to the ship for lunch after which we will drive to Grignan. A charming hillside village, Grignan was made famous by Madame de Sevigne in her letters. Here we will visit a truffle farm where we will have the chance to taste some of these local delicacies. Continue to Chateau de Grignan which, originally built in the 11th century, was transformed into a luxurious residence during the Renaissance.
Day 7 Vienne.
We will spend this morning in the fine Roman town of Vienne, beautifully located in the Rhone Valley and surrounded by hills. On our walking tour, we will learn about its Roman era with a visit to the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Roman theatre located in the centre of town. Also visit the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral St Maurice. Relax on board this afternoon as we continue sailing north.
Day 8 Lyon.
Today begins with a guided tour of the old part of the city including the amazingly decorated 19th century hilltop Basilica of Notre Dame. Take a walk through the ‘Halles de Lyon’, a famous food market where renowned chefs are often spotted selecting their ingredients. The afternoon is free to wander past the shops and cafes on the banks of the Saone. This evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 9 Lyon to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Lyon airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
N.B. The transfer time from Marseille Airport to Avignon is 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Nice airport to Avignon is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Dates and Prices
23rd to 31st May Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy23 to 31 May 2022 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Main Deck Twin | £2995 | £2795 |
2 Upper Deck Twin with French Balcony | £3195 | £2995 |
3 Main Deck Single | £3495 | £3295 |
2 Upper Deck Twin with French Balcony for sole use | £3895 | £3695 |
31st May to 8th June Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy31 May to 8 June 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Main Deck Twin | £2995 | £2795 |
2 Upper Deck Twin with French Balcony | £3195 | £2995 |
3 Main Deck Single | £3495 | £3295 |
2 Upper Deck Twin with French Balcony for sole use | £3895 | £3695 |
Tour Reference Code: RCVG2305222/RCVG310522
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Van Gogh on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm daily (please note premium brands & sparkling wine are not included) • Shore excursions • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Van Gogh
For our voyages along the Rhone we have chartered the delightful MS Van Gogh from our associates at Croisi Europe. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 105 passengers and offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. She is a charming vessel and joining you on board will be a Noble Caledonia team including a Cruise Director, Tour Manager and Guest Speaker.
Travelling with You
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Imogen Corrigan
Imogen served for nearly twenty years in the British army, retiring in the rank of Major at the end of 1994. She then went to the University of Kent to study Anglo-Saxon and medieval history and art, graduating with 1st Class Honours. She became a freelance lecturer, running study tours for several travel companies and lecturing for the Arts Society and Noble Caledonia.
She has a wide range of lecture subjects encompassing most of Europe from the west of Ireland to Istanbul, and from North Cape to Morocco, covering 1,000 years of history. Imogen is always interested in ideas, artistic techniques and motifs travelling and especially in trying to understand the mind-set of the people who lived at that time.
Her first book: Stone on Stone: the Men who built the Cathedrals is due to be published in 2019.
Imogen Corrigan will be on the following tour dates: 23 to 31 May 2022 • 31 May to 8 June 2022
Tour Extensions
- Pre-Cruise Annecy Extension 20 May departure
- Post-Cruise Aix-en-Provence Extension 31 May departure
- Pre-Cruise Aix-en-Provence Extension 28 May departure
- Post-Cruise Annecy Extension 8 June departure
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If you would like to spend some time in France before embarking the MS Van Gogh, we are offering a three night extension in the charming city of Annecy.
Annecy
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Annecy, France.
Fly by scheduled flight to Geneva and transfer to our hotel in Annecy. Meet later tonight for our welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Annecy.
After breakfast we explore Annecy in more depth. Discover the Palace of the Island, a former prison and courthouse which is now a museum with an emblematic 12th century building, and Rue Sainte-Claire, lined with pretty arcaded houses. Overlooking the city we will see the castle, the former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, which is now a museum dedicated to archaeology, ethnology, art, history and alpine lakes. Our morning tour will end with a beautiful walk along the marvellous Lake Annecy. Enjoy lunch aboard a cruise whilst witnessing the picturesque lake and mountain scenery. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Yvoire.
Depart this morning for a tour of Yvoire. On the shores of Lake Geneva, this adorable Medieval village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. With over 700 years of history, we will witness the charming ramparts, fortified gates and the impressive 14th century castle and garden. Return to Annecy and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Annecy to Lyon.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Lyon with a stop en route for a guided tour of the ancient fortified Medieval town of Perouges. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will transfer to the MS Van Gogh. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
20 to 23 May 2022 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1245 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation in Annecy, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not included: Travel insurance.
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For those wishing to spend some more time exploring this wonderful region, we are offering the opportunity to join a three night extension in Aix-en-Provence.
Aix-en-Provence
The Itinerary
Day 1 St-Remy-de-Provence & Le Jardin de l’Albertas.
Disembark this morning and enjoy a tour of St Remy de Provence. Nestled in the hills of Les Alpilles, the town centre is full of narrow Medieval alleyways, fountains and squares. We will visit Saint Paul de Mausole where Vincent Van Gogh was interned for a year. It was here where he painted 150 canvasses, including “Olive Grove” and “Starry Night”. After lunch in a local restaurant we will visit Le Jardin de l’Albertas. Later transfer to our hotel in Aix-en-Provence. The evening is free to dine independently. (B, L)
Day 2 Sainte Victoire Mountain & Aix-en-Provence.
After breakfast at our hotel, we will drive to Sainte Victoire Mountain, the subject of many of Paul Cezanne’s paintings. Back in Aix-en-Provence, we have some free time for lunch then will meet our guides for our afternoon walking tour where we discover the town’s leafy boulevards and public squares lined with 17th and 18th century mansions. Fountains hold an important place in the architecture here and the city is also known as the ‘city of a thousand fountains’, a name which it more than lives up to with its many beautiful and intricate marble sculpted fountains that can be found in nearly every square. We finish with a visit to the Granet art museum. Dinner tonight is under your own arrangements. (B)
Day 3 Cassis.
We depart this morning for Cassis where we will enjoy a boat trip through the Calanques National Park. Enjoy some free time for lunch under your own arrangements, after which we will return to Aix-en-Provence for a late afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Aix-en-Provence to London.
Transfer to Marseille airport for the scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
31 May to 3 June 2022 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1245 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation in Aix-en-Provence, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L- Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Before embarking the MS Van Gogh in Avignon, we are offering the opportunity to join our three night pre-cruise extension in Aix-en-Provence.
Cassis
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Aix-en-Provence, France.
Fly by scheduled flight to Marseille and transfer to our hotel in Aix-en-Provence. Meet later tonight for our welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Sainte Victoire.
After breakfast at our hotel, we will drive to Sainte Victoire Mountain, the subject of many of Paul Cezanne’s paintings. Back in Aix-en-Provence, we have some free time for lunch before we meet our guides for our afternoon walking tour where we discover the town’s leafy boulevards and public squares lined with 17th and 18th century mansions. Fountains hold an important place in the architecture here and the city is also known as the ‘city of a thousand fountains’, a name which it more than lives up to with its many beautiful and intricate marble sculpted fountains that can be found in nearly every square. We finish with a visit to the Granet Art Museum. Dinner tonight is under your own arrangements. (B)
Day 3 Cassis.
We depart this morning for Cassis where we will enjoy a boat trip through the Calanques National Park. Here, long narrow deep fjord-like inlets have cut into the limestone cliffs. Enjoy some free time for lunch under your own arrangements, after which we will return to Aix-en-Provence for the late afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 4 St Remy-de-Provence to Avignon.
After breakfast we will enjoy a tour of St-Remy-de-Provence. Nestled in the hills of Les Alpilles, the town centre is full of narrow Medieval alleyways, fountains and squares. We will visit Saint Paul de Mausole where Vincent Van Gogh was interned for a year. It was here where he painted 150 canvasses, including ‘Olive Grove’ and ‘Starry Night’. After lunch in a local restaurant we will transfer to the MS Van Gogh moored in Avignon. (B, L, D)
N.B. Please be advised that train travel is not available in conjunction with this extension.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
28 to 31 May 2022 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1245 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation in Aix-en-Provence, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L- Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you would like to spend some more time in France after disembarking the MS Van Gogh we are offering a three night extension in the charming city of Annecy.
Annecy
The Itinerary
Day 1 Lyon to Annecy, France.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Annecy with a stop en route for a guided tour of the ancient fortified Medieval town of Perouges. After lunch, continue to Annecy where we take a stroll through the Old Town with its charming canals, flowery banks, little bridges and beautiful houses with colourful facades. Transfer to our hotel for check in and meet later for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 2 Annecy.
After breakfast we explore Annecy in more depth. Discover the Palace of the Island, a former prison and courthouse which is now a museum with an emblematic 12th century building, and Rue Sainte-Claire, lined with pretty arcaded houses. Overlooking the city we will see the castle, the former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, which is now a museum dedicated to archaeology, ethnology, art, history and alpine lakes. Our morning tour will end with a beautiful walk along the marvellous Lake Annecy. Enjoy lunch aboard a cruise whilst witnessing the picturesque lake and mountain scenery. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Yvoire.
Depart this morning for a tour of Yvoire. On the shores of Lake Geneva, this adorable Medieval village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. With over 700 years of history, we will witness the charming ramparts, fortified gates and the impressive 14th century castle and garden. Return to Annecy and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Annecy to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London. (B)
N.B. Please be advised that train travel is not available in conjunction with this extension.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
8 to 11 June 2022 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1245 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation in Annecy, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Roses of the Rhine
A passage along the Rhine river celebrating the region's splendid gardens aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Basle / Freiburg & Titisee-Neustadt / Strasbourg / Baden-Baden / Speyer / Heidelberg / Steinfurth / Eltville / Rudesheim / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz / Bonn / Cologne / Arnhem / Rotterdam / Amsterdam
Music & Wine on the Rhine & Moselle
A relaxing journey along the Rhine & Moselle Rivers from Basle to the Low Countries aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Basle / Strasbourg / Speyer / Heidelberg / Mainz / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz / Cochem / Trier / Bonn / Arnhem / Amsterdam
Passage along the Elbe
An eight night river cruise between Prague and Berlin aboard the MS Elbe Princesse
Elbe Princesse
Itinerary at a glance
- Prague / Saxon Switzerland / Dresden / Meissen / Wittenberg / Magdeburg / Potsdam / Berlin
Passage along the Douro - 2023
Discover the beauty of the Douro Valley aboard the MS Gil Eanes
Gil Eanes
Itinerary at a glance
- Oporto / Regua / Salamanca / Almeida / Coa Valley / Pinhao / Lamego / Oporto
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000