Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

  • From £4,290
  • |
  • 15 Days
  • |
  • 14 Guided Tours
  • |
  • 4 Countries

Tournon, France

  • Riverside view with vintage lamp post

Tournon lies secluded between the river and the vineyard-blanketed granite slopes that nurture fine vintages. An ancient castle, built snugly into a rock, overlooks the riverside setting. A settlement has perched on this hill since Celtic times, but the stunning views from its overlook have never changed. The name of its neighboring wine-producing region, Tain-l’Hermitage, comes from the hermit who planted vines here after returning from the Crusades. Today, his vines are awash in sunshine and produce a port-like wine and some stellar whites.

Scenic Sailing: Rhône River

  • Scenic river cruise through lush valley

The lure of fine cuisine, charming villages and breathtaking vistas is never-ending along the Rhône River. Journey along this graceful waterway, meandering past vine-clad banks, and incredibly preserved echoes of medieval times and the days of the Roman Empire. The several locks through which the ship passes have helped to tame its waters, once unnavigable because of rapids, shallows and whirlpools. Today, a voyage along this stretch is a pleasant, gentle experience, surrounded by the hills and soaring mountains of the Rhône Valley.

Vienne, France

  • Ancient Roman temple in urban setting

Situated in France’s Côtes du Rhône region, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon’s countryside. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with a history that can be traced through its architecture. Among its Roman remains and artifacts, the Roman Temple of Augustus & Livia dates back to the 1st century AD. Its Roman amphitheater, nestled in the hills of Mont Pipet, is one of the best preserved in the nation. Vienne also boasts remarkably preserved medieval buildings and market ruins. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-André-le-Bas.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Vintage steam train at rural station

Tournon Steam Train

Traverse one of France’s most picturesque corners during a train excursion into the wilds of the Doux Valley.

Included
Vintage steam train at rural station

Tournon Steam Train

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      

Ride the Rails into an Untouched Wilderness

Traverse one of France’s most picturesque corners during a train excursion into the wilds of the Doux Valley. Meet your guide at the ship and transfer to the train station, where you will board the Train des Gorges, a meter-gauge steam train and engine listed as French historic monuments. Embark on a charming journey on board this nostalgic railway and head into the verdant Doux Valley, a conservation area where panoramic views appear around every turn. This untouched region is inaccessible by road, making it a pristine wilderness of unrivaled beauty and clean air. You will skirt along the Doux River, chugging through the serene countryside, heading into verdant valleys and past sylvan woodlands. After your scenic train ride, return to Tournon and journey back to your ship.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Aerial View of Vineyard by River

Rhône Valley Vineyard Hike

Explore the landscape, history and culture of the northern Rhône Valley wine country.
Aerial View of Vineyard by River

Rhône Valley Vineyard Hike

Duration: 4 hours      

Birthplace of Syrah

Explore the landscape, history and culture of the northern Rhône Valley wine country. Drive up to the Chapel of St. Christophe for an expansive view of the vineyards around the small town of Tain-l’Hermitage. According to legend, Knight Gaspard de Stérimberg built the small chapel in 1224, spending his remaining days as a hermit after returning from the Crusades. Walk through the vineyards that produce the world-famous Hermitage wine and learn about the history of local viticulture; this is the birthplace of syrah, one of the most popular grape varieties in the world. You will arrive at Tain-l’Hermitage and have the opportunity to taste the full-bodied red wines from the vineyards through which you just walked, accompanied by locally produced Valrhona chocolate. After, you will return to Tournon by crossing the pedestrian bridge built by Marc Séguin, the inventor of the suspension bridge.

* Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.
Natural stone arch over calm river

Charming Ardèche

Take in the natural beauty and endless charms of France’s picturesque region shaped by the Ardèche River.
Natural stone arch over calm river

Charming Ardèche

Duration: 9 hours      

Lavender Museum, Gorges and a Cliffside Village

Take in the natural beauty and endless charms of France’s picturesque region shaped by the Ardèche River. Enjoy a scenic drive with your guide and learn about one of the region’s most renowned harvests: lavender. Stop at the Lavender Museum and see its distillery, where the essential oil is extracted from the flower. Feel free to peruse the botanical garden, collection room and distillation warehouse. Continue to the Ardèche Gorge, one of France’s most spectacular natural wonders. Stop to admire this deep ravine, known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” and see the magnificent Pont d’Arc, a massive natural bridge that spans almost 200 feet across the gorge. Later, during a home-hosted visit while in the picturesque medieval village of Viviers, enjoy a welcome drink and a brioche as you listen to stories from your hosts about local life. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.