On the Rhône with 2 Nights in Paris (Southbound)
June 14, 2026 to June 23, 2026
Aboard: Avalon Poetry II
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams.
Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. These are just a few of the ways our wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you choose how to interact with the scenery, the artistic, and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class – the world is your oyster on an Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone.
Itinerary

Day 1: Paris, France
Welcome to Paris! The day is yours to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Consider browsing along Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience.
Day 2: Paris
The City of Light
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Sightseeing which will show you magnificent must-see sights, OR:
Active Excursion
Enjoy a Guided Biking Tour which will reveal some of the highlights of Paris–such as the Eiffel Tower and Palace de la Concorde–from a different point of view; enjoy a peaceful break on the Seine riverbanks.
breakfast
Day 3: Paris-Lyon (Embarkation)
Board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
breakfast
dinner
Day 4: Lyon
A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active Excursion
Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:
Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière.
EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON
breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 5: Tain L'Hermitage/Tournon - Viviers
Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge
Active Excursion
For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:
Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.
Discovery Excursion
Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers.
VIVIERS
Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories
Discovery Excursion
For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales, and ghost stories of this enchanting town.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS
breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 6: Viviers-Lock Bollene
River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines
Active Excursion
Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:
Active Excursion
Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR:
Active Excursion
Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:
Discovery Excursion
Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast.
Cruise through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON
breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 7: Avignon
Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence
Active Excursion
Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles’ covered market.
This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional E-Bike Ride through Gard region.
You may choose to spend free time exploring Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 8: Arles
A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion
Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer, with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, 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
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer.
Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 9: Port-Saint_Louis
Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta
Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship.
Active Excursion
Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day 10: Arles (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
breakfast
Your Ship: Avalon Poetry II

Staterooms
12
Suites
52
Length
361 ft
Crew
37
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!
Avalon Suite Fleet
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
- Elevator
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Fitness & Wellness
- Active shore excursions, both included and optional
- Fitness Center
- Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including: - Bikes
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Canoe and kayak excursions
- Fitbits®
- Walking Sticks
- Binoculars
- Daypacks
- Yoga Mats
- Fitness bands
- *Personal-use bikes and watercraft not available on Avalon AlegriaSM
Avalon Suites and Deluxe Staterooms
- Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
- Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked mini-bar
Dining
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
- Daily breakfast buffet 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 featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
- 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
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and be Well Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Suites and Staterooms
Explore Your Journey