Summary
Enjoy a fascinating cruise to one of the most picturesque corners of France, with the addition of a three-night stay in Switzerland, where you'll enjoy a mixture of culture and natural beauty in Alpine surroundings.
Our journey through France explores the beautiful Saône and Rhône rivers. There are guided tours to Lyon, Vienne and Beaune, plus a tour the magnificent Ardèche Gorges.
In Provence, where Van Gogh created his greatest works, you will be staggered by the engineering genius of the amphitheatre at Arles and the huge aqueduct at the Pont du Gard, and in awe at the Papal Palace in Avignon, with its renaissance art collection.
You'll have the chance to soak up the old-world charm of picturesque Annecy, before hopping over to Switzerland where you stay on the elegant shores of sparkling Lake Geneva with its chic lakeside towns, Mediterranean flavour and incredible Alpine backdrop. Cruise the sophisticated palm-fringed Montreux Riviera and experience the thrill of Glacier 3000 and the Golden Pass - one of the world’s most scenic mountain rail journey.
Themes: History & Culture
Itinerary & Map
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace...
Full description
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace...
Full description
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout l...
Full description
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history f...
Full description
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace...
Full description
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace...
Full description
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout l...
Full description
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history f...
Full descriptionDAY 1
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.
DAY 3
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
DAY 7
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
Dates & prices
Select guest
Flights included from London Heathrow and London Gatwick
Departs
Sun 4 Apr 2027
MS Thomas Hardy
from £3,789 pp
Enquire now Call 020 7590 0610Per person, based on two sharing, flights included. Updated daily and confirmed when you book. Flights from UK airports only.