Your itinerary

Day 1 Lyon

Make your own way to Lyon where you will join your Nicko Cruises ship. After time to settle into your cabin, meet your traveling companions over a welcome drink prior to dinner onboard this evening.

(D)

DAY 2 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE - BURGUNDY

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before arriving midmorning into Chalon-sur-Saône. Take a tour to Burgundy, famous not only for its wines, but also for the many religious houses, which played a major role in medieval Christianity. Nestled at the center of this wine-growing area is the picturesque city of Beaune. In the Middle Ages the old quarter of Beaune was the residence of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and many of its monuments stem from this period. After time to explore you will return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure onboard. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 MÂCON - VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-SAÔNE

On arrival in Mâcon, you have the option to get out and explore or enjoy the facilities onboard. Alternatively you could take the optional excursion to Cluny Monastery, one of the most influential monasteries in the early Middle Ages or the Château Cormatin, built by the Marquises of Huxelles in the early 17th century. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 VIVIERS

Your River Cruise Ship

NICKO CRUISES - MS BIJOU DU RHÔNE

Relax onboard the MS Bijou Du Rhône, with stylish and comfortable cabins featuring air-conditioning, private facilities, TV, phone, hairdryer and safe. Enjoy the large sun deck and soak up the scenery you sail past, play a game of giant chess, or watch the world go by in the panoramic bar and salon. Meanwhile the dining room serves a range of international and regional inspired cuisine.

Cabin upgrades are available - please call and speak to one of our Advisors.

See online for ship deck plans

8 DAYS FROM $5249

RIVER CRUISE

20 INCLUDED MEALS

MAX GROUP SIZE 25

As we arrive in Viviers in the early afternoon, enjoy lunch onboard before you disembark. Situated on the banks of the Rhône, Viviers is one of the smallest cities in France. Alternatively take the optional excursion to Ardèche Canyon including a visit to the Maison de la Lavende Ardèche and a miniature train ride through the lavender fields. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 ARLES

This morning we visit Arles. The painter Vincent van Gogh was fascinated by the special light in southern Provence, which inspired him to paint numerous masterpieces in Arles, on the banks of the Rhône. With an exciting Roman history as the provincial capital of the Roman Empire, today many of its historic and architectural sites bear witness to this past, including the huge amphitheater and the old city wall which you will see during your tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 AVIGNON

This morning’s tour to Avignon will showcase a lasting impact on European history. For a few decades in the 14th century, it was the city of the Catholic Popes and you will see evidence of this throughout your tour from palaces, castles, squares and streets to the papal palace itself. Also see the famous ruins of the Point Saint-Bénézet, which still straddles half of the mighty river Rhône. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 LYON

Lyon has been a prosperous trading hub ever since the time of the Roman Empire, when it was originally the capital of the Gauls. The city's old quarter has UNESCO World Heritage status and there are historic buildings and elegant squares to discover amidst these charming streets. During a guided walking tour you will see the medieval Place des Terreaux, where the Baroque Lyon Museum of Fine Art and City Hall dominate the surroundings. Also in the square is the Bartholdi Fountain, constructed in the 19th century to represent France as a chariotriding woman being pulled by the nation's four mighty rivers. Also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for some breathtaking views across the city. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 LYON

After breakfast onboard, it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your cruise comes to an end. (B)

CRUISES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WILL BE CONFIRMED WITHIN YOUR FINAL DOCUMENTATION

Explore the beauty of Porto's architecture and be transported back to the Middle Ages in the charming cities of the Portuguese hinterland whilst relaxing on this river cruise.