8 Days Burgundy & Provence River Cruise - Avalon Poetry II
Duration:
7 Nights
From €2,519pp
21 July, 28 July, 04 August, or 18 August 2026
8 Day River Cruise Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône
NO SOLO SUPPLEMENT
This week, we focus on a very special French river cruise which has unique charms and where you cruise on one of Avalon Waterways smaller ships, accommodating just 128 guests.
Embark on a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône
Day 1- ARLES (EMBARKATION)
Day 2- ARLES
Day 3- AVIGNON
Da y 4- VIVIERS
Day 5- TAIN L'HERMITAGE
Day 6- LYON
Day 7- TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Day 8- CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)
Avalon Poetry II
The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard. Stretch out at day's end and wake to the world at your feet with Comfort Collection bed that faces the view. It truly is a view with a room! Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro. The Avalon Poetry II truly is poetry in motion!
Ship Features:
- Elegant, contemporary design
- An Avalon Adventure Host available for fitness activities and active excursions
- Avalon After Dark experiences to elevate your river cruise evenings
- Complimentary wine and beer with all onboard dinners
- Complimentary soft drinks throughout the day
- Al fresco dinner at the Sky Grill (on selected days, weather and itinerary permitting)
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
- Outside viewing deck
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
- Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
- Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes/e-bikes, Nordic walking sticks, & maps
- Fitness center
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
- Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
- Convenient Elevator Service
- English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
- Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
- Complimentary headsets to hear every word of excursion commentary from your Local Guide
- Virtual DJ Music System playing hits from 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today.
- Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
- Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Daily buffet breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh options and daily a la carte specials
- Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily lunch buffet with regional and classic dishes, Avalon Fresh® options, and chef specialties, including carving & pasta stations
- Al fresco lunch on the Sky Deck (schedule and weather permitting) or light luncheon fare in the Panorama Lounge
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats, and sandwiches
- Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
- Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
- Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
- FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- Options at every meal to accommodate dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, plus dishes may be prepared upon request to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Included Happy Hour every evening (after embarkation day), featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Day 1 - ARLES (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
Day 2- ARLES
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active Excursion
- Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion
- Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:
Classic Excursion
- Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices.
EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
- Olive Oil Tasting in Les Baux de Provence
- From the Cathedral of Images to Saint-Rémy
Day 3- AVIGNON
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion
- Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
- Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.
Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.
Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
- Pont du Gard, Ancient Engineering Wonder
- Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Experience
Da y 4 - VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.
Active Excursion
- Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
- Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.
Discovery Excursion
- Later, enjoy a tasting of Local Specialties on board your ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
- Château Grignan & the Lavender Fields of Provence
- "Black Diamond" Truffle Encounter
Day 5 - TAIN L'HERMITAGE
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion
- Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:
Classic Excursion
- Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
In the early afternoon cruise to Lyon.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
Day 6 - LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Active Excursion
- Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
- Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.
Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
- Delights of Beaujolais with Wine Discovery
- Medieval Pérouges
Day 7 - TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Discovery Excursion
- Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
Discovery Excursion
- Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
Day 8 - CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Head to airport for departure home
Special 2026 Avalon SUITE SALE - from €2,519pp
NO SOLO SUPPLEMENT
Deluxe Stateroom €2,519pp – Twin or Solo occupancy
Panorama Suite from €3,119pp – Twin or Solo occupancy
Flying from Dublin (€100 supplement ex Cork)
- Return Flights from Dublin (€100 supplement ex Cork)
- Choice of spacious staterooms, including Panorama Suites with beds that face the view
- Choice of daily onshore excursions
- Complimentary Room Service in all staterooms, with Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Gourmet cuisine with regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner onboard
- Complimentary Happy Hour
- Professional Cruise Director and guest-to-crew ratio of 3:1
- Onboard gratuities
Prices are correct as of 17 June. Subject to availability & change*
