'Napoleon' Rhone & Provence Cruise

Sunday, Day 1 - Lyon

Board the barge moored in Lyon for your cruise along the River Rhône. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you the chance to meet your crew and guide, who will be with you for this exceptional voyage through the French countryside. An evening cocktail cruise through the centre of Lyon is a wonderful introduction to life on the river. Later in the evening, experience the superb cooking skills of your private chef. Dinner is a real highlight, particularly when accompanied by wines from France's finest vineyards.
 

Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Les Roches-de-Condrieu. Visit Lyon

Shortly after breakfast your guide will take you on a walking tour of Lyon, France's second city, renowned for its culture and gastronomy. Dominating the skyline is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Shoppers are sure to appreciate the top-quality stores and chic boutiques. Or you may prefer to relax in a sunny pavement café and simply watch the world go by. Return to the barge for a cruise down the river to Condrieu. The River Rhône is a major, fast-flowing waterway, where you will pass a variety of private and commercial barges and pleasure craft. Relax on deck and watch the beautiful scenery glide by before dinner is served.
 

Tuesday, Day 3 - Cruise to Tain-l'Hermitage/Tournon. Wine Tasting

This morning, enjoy cruising past the magnificent vineyards of the Côtes-Rôties and Côtes du Rhône that seem to descend right to the river's edge. In the afternoon, a wine tasting has been organised for you at a local winery, just steps from where the barge moors. Take time to explore the delights of Tain-l'Hermitage, which include the famous Valrhona chocolate shop, before returning to the barge for dinner.
 

Wednesday, Day 4 - Cruise to Viviers

Relax on the top deck and admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley as the barge glides towards Viviers in the morning. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this charming medieval town. Return to the Napoléon to play the traditional Provençal game of pétanque. Sit down to reflect on the day's adventures over a delicious dinner on board.
 

Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to Roquemaure. Visit Grignan

After breakfast, your guide escorts you on a scenic drive through the countryside to visit Grignan. This Provençal village, known for its wild roses and 12th-century château, is where Madame de Sévigné lived and wrote her witty and eloquent letters, first published in 1725. Enjoy time exploring the quaint village and cobbled alleyways before taking lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back to the barge, stop at a truffle farm to learn about and sample the world-renowned delicacy. Back on board, the barge continues to cruise south to Roquemaure, passing through the Bollène-Écluse, a lock with one of the longest drops in Europe, which measures over 23 meters.
 

Friday, Day 6 - Cruise to Avignon. Visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon

Relax on board before accompanying your guide to the 14th-century summer home of the Popes of Avignon. Enjoy a tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a private tasting of the region’s famous wines. Rejoin the Napoléon for a lunch cruise to Avignon, during which you'll sail past the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet (otherwise known as the Pont d'Avignon). Reach our mooring, which is opposite the gate to the walled city, and alight for a guided tour of Avignon, including the Palace of the Popes and free time for shopping or relaxing in a café. Back on board, indulge in a farewell gala dinner and the chance to exchange stories about your journey highlights.
 

Saturday, Day 7 - Avignon

After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.