A-ROSA River Cruises - Rhone Route Classique 2023

Rhône Route Classique 2023

to discover

EXPERIENCE THE EVOCATIVE SIGHTS, SCENTS AND TASTES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE

Switch to life in the slow lane on a relaxed sojourn along the beautiful Rhône and Saône rivers. Spend days exploring historic honey-hued towns and villages, famous wine country and sunkissed Provence. Taste your way around France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon, discover the history of picturesque Avignon, home to the magnificent Palais des Papes, and walk in the footsteps of famous artists in Arles.

With a wide choice of optional excursions available, including the rugged ‘wild’ Camargue and the outdoorsy paradise of the Ardeche, your cruise on the Rhone will be simply ‘magnifique’.

Saone

PLEASE NOTE

What's included

Return UK flights or rail to Lyon

Return overseas transfers

7 night cruise on a Premium All-Inclusive basis:

Extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner: choose waiter-style service or take your pick from our gourmet buffet with live

Special welcome dinner

Savour regional specialties, afternoon tea and snacks

Sun deck BBQs and cooking demonstrations

Raise a glass with premium and local-branded drinks served around the clock: including specialty teas and coffees, soft drinks, beers, spirits, and a selection of wines, cocktails and

Highlight tour and dining experience

Discover like a local with tips from unique A-ROSA Destination Scouts

Two cultural performances during your cruise

Nightly entertainment

Use of all on-board facilities including SPA-ROSA, sauna, swimming pool, relaxation room and gym plus a 15% discount on spa treatments

Services of an on-board cruise director

Little extras like FREE room service, Wi-Fi and luxury cabin amenities including bathrobes and slippers

All port taxes

Enhance your journey with the info-packed A-ROSA App

Taste the destination

We’ll complement our delicious international dining with the very best authentic regional cuisine. Here's a sample of what to expect...

TRADITIONAL FLAVOURS

Bouillabaisse – classic French fish soup with a delicious tomato sauce, served with warm baguettes and garlicky aioli

THE MAIN EVENT

Boeuf Bourguignon - a rich French beef stew, using wines from Burgundy

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Éclair - cream puff swans filled with delicious chocolate mousse

appetit!

Itinerary

Day 1

FLY OR TRAVEL BY TRAIN TO LYON AND EMBARK

DEPART 18.00

Fly or take the train from the UK to Lyon, and transfer to the A-ROSA STELLA for your 7-night cruise.

The so-called ‘Stomach of France’, Lyon is the epicentre of exceptional local produce and home to some of the most renowned chefs in the world. The Rhône and Saône meet here to beautiful effect – Lyon is sandwiched between the two creating a stunning backdrop to the city. As we say au revoir to Lyon, you’ll sail past the atmospheric old town as we journey on to Chalon-sur-Saône.

Day 2

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

ARRIVE 09.00, DEPART 20.00

TOP TIP

Look out for our arrival and departure times. When you're not discovering a new destination, you'll be soaking up the glorious views as you meander down the river.

Today we explore beautiful Chalon-sur-Saône. This charming riverside city is the second largest in Burgundy. Life here revolves around Saint-Vincent Square with its impressive 11th century Cathedral surrounded by glorious timber-framed houses straight from a picture book.

After exploring the quaint centre, why not pay a visit to the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, dedicated to the inventor of photography and filled with fascinating exhibits. There’s a choice of optional tours here, including the chance to see Dijon, which needs little culinary introduction.

UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE

As a special highlight of your cruise, we’ll treat you to an insightful tour followed by a fantastic local dinner on board – now there’s something to look forward to!

Day 3 MÂCON

ARRIVE 02.00, DEPART 14.00

Today we arrive in picturesque Mâcon, the most southerly town in Burgundy. Walking through its romantic, cobbled streets, pastel-painted buildings and canal tiled roofs provide a dreamy backdrop to the river. Located in prime wine territory, there is an opportunity in the afternoon to learn about Beaujolais wine making, including tastings, on an optional excursion.

Arrive in...

TRÉVOUX 18.00, DEPART 19.00

This afternoon, we’ll spend an afternoon meandering along the river to Trévoux, a petite French town tucked away on the banks of the Saône. Take a short stroll ashore or re-join the ship from your Beaujolais excursion.

Arrive in...

LYON 22.00

Arrive back in Lyon in the evening where we moor overnight. Admire this magnificent city from the river, illuminated by lights.

Day 4

LYON DEPART 14.00

We’ll delve deeper into Lyon today on your choice of optional tours or flexible, independent exploration. Discover the 4th century secret passageways of the UNESCO-listed old town or visit one of Lyon’s many museums including the Fine Art Museum. Watch the world go by from the elegant riverside promenade or explore the Presqu’île, home to many beautiful buildings including the city hall and Lyon’s opera house. However you spend the day, Lyon is the perfect place to soak in the renowned French joie de vivre.

Day 5

CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

ARRIVE 10.30, DEPART 11.00

This morning we call at delightful Châteauneuf-du-Pape – the famous wine-growing region in the Rhône valley and location of the Avignon popes’ summer residence. From here, you can take an optional excursion to tour Châteauneuf-du-Pape, rejoining the ship in Avignon.

Arrive in...

AVIGNON 13.30

Once the centre of the Roman Catholic church, Avignon is a small but mighty city packing a punch in historic and cultural riches. Get a close-up of the incredible Palais des Papes, the largest gothic palace ever built. Elsewhere, wander through history-steeped streets and take a breather in Docher des Doms, a leafy hill top garden. Here, you can watch the sunset over this idyllic city.

Day 6

AVIGNON

DEPART 12.00

Good morning, Avignon! After an overnight stay here, a few more hours in this historic heavyweight beckon. For early risers, why not watch the sunrise at the Pont D’Avignon? The atmospheric beauty of this 12th century bridge partially spanning the Rhône will be perfect in the early morning light. Or perhaps tuck into some delicious French pastries at one of Avignon’s many patisseries. There’s also a great choice of optional excursions including the chance to hunt out fresh produce at a local market and marvel at the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard.

Arrive in...

ARLES 15.30, DEPART 21.00

Arles is the Provençal city par excellence. Here, sundrenched terracotta-tiled rooftops provide a colourful setting on a bend in the River Rhône. It was once a leading Roman city and today boasts the fascinating evidence of that bygone era including a Roman Amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century. Famously, Arles was home to Vincent van Gogh and it was here he produced over 200 paintings. From Arles, you can opt to visit the wildlife of the Camargue in the Rhône River Delta on an excursion by coach or jeep.

Day 7

VIVIERS

ARRIVE 08.00, DEPART 08.30

We’ll moor in Viviers briefly this morning. Full of quaint French charm, expect a pretty patchwork of quaint streets snuggled next to the riverside. We stop here for those who wish to take an optional excursion to the Ardeche Gorges and evocative lavender fields – a must in this corner of the world.

Arrive in...

LA-VOULTE-SUR-RHÔNE 12.30, DEPART 13.30

Arrive at La Voulte-sur-Rhône, a tiny village on the banks of the Rhône with an impressive ancient castle. Amble through the sleepy streets before re-joining the A-ROSA STELLA as she sails back towards Lyon. This afternoon, relax on the sun deck as you wind your way back through the bucolic countryside enjoying a dip in the pool or a cocktail from the bar.

Day 8 LYON

DISEMBARK AND RETURN TO THE UK

Disembark after breakfast and say goodbye to the A-ROSA STELLA. Transfer to the airport or train station for your journey home.

INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE

Exclusive destination tour followed by a highlight dinner and drinks. During the cruise, you will also enjoy two on-board cultural experiences like live music performances or traditional dancing.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AND EXPERIENCES

Once you have booked, you can pre-register for the following optional excursions: (All pre-registered excursions are payable on board, subject to availability. Prices below are the current guide prices per person which may change depending on the exchange rate.)

DAY 2 - CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

CITY WALK THROUGH CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE WITH VISIT OF LOCAL MARKET £21

Led by an expert local guide, learn about the charming history of Chalon-sur-Saône. Includes St Laurence Island, Place Saint-Vincent and the Museum of Photography.

DIJON – THE CAPITAL OF DUKES OF BURGUNDY

Take a gentle journey through Burgundy’s rolling vineyards to Dijon and visit the home of the historical Dukes of Burgundy.

DAY 3 - MAÇON

£69

WONDERFUL BEAUJOLAIS – THE HAMEAU DUBŒF WINE MUSEUM £79

Learn about the historic process of winemaking and its importance to the region at this wine exhibit. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the famous local tipple.

DAY 5 - CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE - STUNNING CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE £59

This small town is world-famous for its incredible wine. Visit its historic estates and taste their excellent product.

DAY 5 - AVIGNON - CITY WALKING TOUR WITH A VISIT TO POPES PALACE £32

Follow historic medieval rues to the imposing Popes Palace.

DINNER AT LA MIRANDE RESTAURANT £399

Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Provence at Michelin-starred La Mirande with this private dining experience for 2.

DAY 6 - AVIGNON - MARKET HALL OF AVIGNON £29

Take a peek into the culinary world of Southern France as your A-ROSA chef guides you through the market preparing delicacies for you to taste.

TRACING THE ROMANS IN PROVENCE – THE PONT DU GARD £65

Visit the extraordinary 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.

DAY 6 - ARLES - THE CAMARGUE – A WONDER OF NATURE £55

A wild paradise at the Rhône River delta, expect to see the world-famous white horses of the Camargue alongside a host of other remarkable wildlife, flora and fauna.

JEEP TOUR THROUGH THE CAMARGUE AND TO THE PARC ORNITHOLOGIQUE £89

Set off on a jeep adventure to observe over 400 bird species in this magnificent wetland.

HORSE RIDING THROUGH THE CAMARGUE £399

A private experience for up to 6 people, you'll set off with experienced ranchers from the Mas Saint Germain and explore this magnificent landscape on horseback.

DAY 7 - VIVIERS - ARDÈCHE GORGES AND LAVENDER SCENT £72

Take a tour of the spectacular 300-metre deep Ardèche gorges followed by a visit to one of the primary lavender producers of the region.

KAYAK ADVENTURE FOR UP TO 4 PEOPLE £459

Paddle down the Ardèche river and experience its stunning beauty from the water.

Why choose A-ROSA River Cruises?

With over 20 years’ experience sailing Europe’s most beautiful waterways, A-ROSA River Cruises have crafted the art of uniquely relaxed and flexible journeys to spectacular cities, charming towns and awe-inspiring natural gems.

Expect the perfect balance of scenic sailing and longer days and overnight stays in port allowing you to immerse yourself in each of the expertly hand-picked destinations. On board your spacious and modern A-ROSA ship, the atmosphere is warm and cosmopolitan with an attentive crew and leisurely atmosphere which you’ll see in touches like the expansive gourmet buffet dining served without set times and table sizes.

There’s a great value Premium All-Inclusive package included on every cruise with an extensive drinks menu serving up everything from freshly-mixed cocktails to specialty coffees. Raise a glass to unforgettable moments and complete enjoyment on board your next holiday with A-ROSA River Cruises.

A-ROSA STELLA

Welcome aboard A-ROSA STELLA, the relaxed and flexible way to explore the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Take your pick from a choice of comfortable air-conditioned cabins, all complete with a private bathroom with shower, bathrobes, safe, TV, hairdryer, and complimentary WI-FI. River views come as standard, and you can choose from a picture window on deck one or opt to upgrade to a private Juliet balcony on deck two or three letting the spectacular river panoramas come to you.

The spacious sun deck has a heated pool, sun loungers and a putting green. Weather permitting, look forward to al fresco dining and BBQs up here too.

The main restaurant offers stellar views across the river alongside a varied menu of authentic dishes and international cuisine served waiter or buffet style.

The ship’s lounge is great for a relaxed coffee in the daytime, or livelier evenings with entertainment including local musicians or traditional dancers.

SPA-ROSA is the home of wellness with a relaxation room, sauna, gym and professional treatment rooms. You’ll receive an extra 15% discount on spa treatments as well, so what better excuse?

Make it yours

Choose to add extra time in the south of France and make your holiday completely unique. We can tailormake your entire experience with a fantastic choice of hotel stays before or after your cruise so you can enjoy our favourite destinations for a little longer.

PACKING TIPS

One of the most exciting things about a river cruise is the variety of destinations you’ll visit.

On board your ship, the dress code is relaxed which means you can enjoy the public areas and restaurants in the clothing you feel most comfortable in.

Make sure you book the exciting guided jeep excursion to the Camargue region from Arles. Learn all about this unique wetland with wild white horses, pink flamingos in beautiful countryside. It’s only 20 minutes’ drive from the city but a complete world away!

- SHARON WILSON -

INSIDER TIP.

On shore, we recommend packing for a variety of weathers depending on the time of year you plan to travel.

Ensure you bring your favourite pair of walking shoes, trainers or sandals for discovering new cities, plus layers for cooler days and a rain jacket or coat too.

One thing you won’t want to forget – your camera.

Useful information

The on board currency is Euros. Tips are entirely discretionary.

We're an international line, so expect a cosmopolitan feeling on board and announcements in both English and German.

We no longer require proof of vaccination or testing to join our ships. Our friendly team can help to advise on any local requirements or up-to-date Foreign Office advice.