Itinerary
- Day 1
Marseille to Avignon
You'll fly into Marseille and transfer to your Viking cruise ship waiting in Avignon. Once you're aboard, the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Head into town on your own to walk around this charming spot on the Rhône River, or join the welcome walk if you want someone to show you the layout and get your bearings.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Welcome walk to stretch legs and get oriented in Avignon
Landmarks/POIs Avignon - Day 2
Avignon to Arles
After breakfast, you'll disembark for a guided walk through Arles to see the Roman arena and the Romanesque Church of Saint-Trôphime. The architecture here really reflects the city's artistic side. You'll have free time in the afternoon before heading back to the ship for dinner as it heads toward Avignon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Arles
- Visit Les Arènes (Roman arena)
- Visit Church of Saint-Trôphime
Optional Activities
- Independent exploration of Arles
Landmarks/POIs Les Arènes Church of Saint-Trôphime - Day 3
Avignon
Your guided tour takes you through Avignon's historic center with stops at Pont d'Avignon and Place de l'Horloge. The Palace of the Popes is the main event, a massive Gothic structure that's worth the time. You'll have the afternoon free to wander around, and there's an optional wine tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape if that interests you. Dinner happens onboard as the ship sails to Viviers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Avignon historic center
- Visit Pont d'Avignon
- Visit Place de l'Horloge
- Guided tour of Palace of the Popes
Optional Activities
- Optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape with vineyard visit and wine tasting
- Independent exploration of Avignon
Landmarks/POIs Pont d'Avignon Place de l'Horloge Palace of the Popes - Day 4
Viviers to Tournon
The guided walk takes you through Viviers' Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance streets, and you'll stop at the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. This settlement has been around since the 5th century, so there's real history under your feet. After the tour, you can relax on the ship as it sails toward Tournon in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Viviers Old Town
- Visit St. Vincent Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs St. Vincent Cathedral - Day 5
Tournon to Vienne
This morning you'll board the Train de l'Ardèche for a scenic ride through the gorges along the Doux River. The landscape here is really dramatic. Back on the ship for lunch, then you'll cruise to Vienne while taking in the views. Later, you'll tour the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the amphitheater, and St. Maurice Cathedral before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Train de l'Ardèche locomotive ride through Ardèche gorges
- Guided walking tour of Vienne
- Visit Temple of Augustus and Livia
- Visit Roman amphitheater
- Visit Cathedral of St. Maurice
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Augustus and Livia Roman Amphitheater of Vienne Cathedral of St. Maurice - Day 6
Vienne to Lyon
In Lyon, you'll drive up to Fourviàre Hill for views over the whole city, then tour the Basilica of Notre Dame and St. Jean Cathedral. The Palace of Justice is also part of the drive around the city. After that, you can walk through Vieux Lyon's cobblestone streets with time to shop or grab some of the famous local food. The ship stays docked overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive to Fourvière Hill viewpoint
- Guided visit to Basilica of Notre Dame
- City drive past St. Jean Cathedral and Palace of Justice
- Walking tour of Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Optional Activities
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Dining at local French restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Fourvière Hill Basilica of Notre Dame St. Jean Cathedral Palace of Justice Vieux Lyon - Day 7
Beaujolais
You'll drive through the Beaujolais hills to see where the wine comes from. There's a stop at the Moulin-à-Vent windmill and a small museum about winemaking, followed by a tasting at one of the local cellars. Back on the ship for lunch, and then you have the afternoon to yourself.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Beaujolais region
- Visit Moulin-à-Vent windmill
- Museum visit about winemaking
- Wine tasting in a Beaujolais cellar
Landmarks/POIs Moulin-à-Vent - Day 8
Lyon to Marseille
After breakfast, you'll head to Lyon airport for your return flight. If you'd rather extend the trip, there's an optional three-night package in Paris available instead of flying home right away.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional 3-night post-tour extension in Paris
