Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of France as you explore picturesque vineyards, savour gourmet cuisine, and discover historic gems along the way. This is the ultimate getaway for food and wine enthusiasts!
Join Me and Indulge in the Flavors of France: Sip & Savour Cruise on the Rhone River.
Hello Food & Wine Lovers,
I am thrilled to invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey through the heart of France, designed especially to tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the rich culinary heritage of France. From September 2nd to 9th, 2025, we'll start making memories by embarking on a relaxed luxury group cruise along the Rhone River with Avalon Cruises, exploring the culinary delights and beautiful landscapes of Southern France.
Why This Cruise is Perfect for You
The southern Rhone river in France is THE place to be - and it's truly magical to experience it on a river cruise and this specially curated cruise will take you through some of the most renowned food and wine regions of this region. With a focus on local flavors, gourmet experiences, and exceptional wines, this cruise is a feast for all the senses.
Cruise Highlights
- Gastronomic Delights in Lyon: Enjoy Lyon's world-class restaurants, bustling markets, and exquisite local dishes that make it the culinary heart of France.
- Charming Villages: Visit picturesque villages like Viviers and Tournon, where we will savor authentic regional cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients.
- Culinary Treats: Participate in cooking classes and workshops with expert chefs, learning to create French culinary masterpieces.
- Discovery: Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos or a guided tour and tasting at an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park.
Special Amenities for Our Group
To make this cruise even more special, I am offering exclusive amenities for our group:
- Discounted Deposit: You can secure your booking for just $250 / person CDN! Once you make that deposit, you can choose your stateroom and start enjoying the anticipation. You have until May 31st, 2025 to pay the balance – it really doesn’t get any easier to finally take that river cruise you’ve been dreaming of.
- Pre-paid Gratuities and Port Charges : Everything is taken care of in advance and in Canadian dollars, allowing you to focus on what matters - enjoying your vacation.
- Special Group Rebate: Pricing on cruises in France in September is usually very high but you can benefit from our exclusive group rates. We’ve negotiated a special savings of $2700 / couple off published rates, making this special cruise even more accessible.
Itinerary and Pricing
The world is your oyster on this cruise as you can choose just how you’d like to interact with the scenery, the artistic and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class, the wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active included excursions lets you choose.
Sept 2: Embarkation – Arles
· Welcome to Arles - your ship is ready for boarding
· Evening sailing to Port St Louis and overnight
Sept 3: Port St Louis
· Enjoy the many included excursions available to you such as bike riding through the Camargue Natural Park.
· Sail to Arles and overnight
Sept 4: Arles
· A variety of morning excursions are waiting for you
· In the afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll or relax in a lovely park or local market just a short walk from the ship or find a roman ruin.
· Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
· Evening cruise to Avignon
Arles streets are wonderful for strolling
Roman ruins – who knew? Arles Arena
Sept 5: Avignon
· You be able to see the famous Pont du Gard bridge (the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts)
· You can also e-bike through the Gard region, visit a Perfume producer in Provence, or go to the amazing Les Halles’ covered market – so many choices!
· Don’t forget to buy some Nougat to bring home – Avignon is famous for it and it’s so delicious and fresh!
Nougat in every flavour you can think of
Les Halles – A Foodies Nirvana!
Sept 6: Viviers
· Looking for something different? How about River Gorge Kayaks, underground wine cellars or ghost stories?
· Sail through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollene
· Overnight cruise to Tournon
Sept 7: TOURNON / TAIN L’HERMITAGE
· Like chocolate? Have a true chocolate experience with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and museum. Once you’ve had a taste of Valrhona chocolate, you’re spoiled for anything else.
· How about a unique experience with panoramic views on a guided rail-bike along the Gorges du Doux?
· Want to try your hand at cooking? Join a cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat.
· Overnight docking in Lyon
Just follow the signs to Chocolate Heaven
Quaint Train Station in Tournon
Sept 8: Lyon
· Is urban hiking your thing? Take a guided tour through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade.
· Still hungry? Take a guided Culinary walk to discover architecture and local specialties or join a cooking class.
· This evening, enjoy Lyon’s vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner onboard.
· Overnight docking in Lyon
Lyon from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere
Dates and Pricing
- Dates: September 2nd - 9th, 2025
- Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Starting Price: $5047 CDN per person (special group rate) for the Standard Riverview cabin and starting at $7096 CDN for the Panorama Staterooms.
The Panorama Suites are simply amazing!
Why Choose Avalon Cruises?
With Avalon Cruises, there is truly something for everyone. If you want to be active (cycling, hiking, paddling, etc.) you can! If you want to do a daily walking tour in a new place, you can do that. If you want to 'discover' (cooking classes, painting workshops, chocolate factories, wineries and more) than this is THE cruise for you! But, if you want to relax, read, and watch the world slip silently by - than that's good too! Oh, and no worries about sea-sickness; you're on flat water, gently gliding along the river.
And it's definitely not one of those ocean liners with thousands of people! Nope!! With under 200 guests and 47 staff to take wonderful care of us, it's a small group and we'll have our every whim catered to!
On this cruise, you will enjoy:
- Luxurious Suites: Spacious and elegantly appointed suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views.
- Gourmet Dining: Onboard dining experiences featuring menus crafted by renowned chefs, highlighting the best of French cuisine.
- Wellness Facilities: Relax and rejuvenate with our onboard spa, fitness center, and wellness classes.
- Personalized Service: Our dedicated staff is committed to making your cruise experience unforgettable.
How to Book
I've secured a special group rate with fantastic perks and extras - just for this voyage and I would love for you to join me on this incredible culinary adventure. To secure your spot, please contact me directly. Spaces are limited, and this exclusive offer is available for a limited time – once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Everything is flexible. If you want to use points for your flights, no problem. If you want to include flights, I can take care of that. If you wish to arrive into Marseilles a day or two early, I can arrange for that also. Not ready to go home after you disembark? You could continue on to Paris, or an optional extension to the Riviera in lovely Nice; let’s talk about your options.
I think I’ve thought of every detail, but if you have any special requests, I’m all ears! I can customize this trip to ensure it's perfect for every guest.
Don’t miss this chance to explore the Rhone River with fellow food and wine enthusiasts. Book your spot today and prepare for a journey filled with exceptional flavors, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable memories. Join us on this annual Sip & Savour group tour - it's going to be truly magnificent!
- Phone: 905-842-8490
- Email: hstuartobee@thetravelagentnextdoor.com
Bon appétit and see you on board!