Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône - MS Lord Byron
Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône - MS Lord Byron
8 Days Starting in Lyon, France and ending in Avignon, France
Visiting: Lyon, Beaune, Vienne, Gorges de l'Ardèche, Arles, Avignon
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS Lord ByronGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
140
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
From the vine-clad slopes of Burgundy to rainbow-coloured floral displays and the fragrant lavender fields of Provence, enjoy a fantastic cruise to one of the most picturesque corners of France.
Our journey through France explores the unrivalled natural beauty of the Rhône river as it runs its course through sun-soaked landscapes from Lyon to Avignon. We'll step ashore to explore a beautifully restored historic garden and discover the gorgeous vistas and charming parks that inspired the artistic genius of Van Gogh. And wander through Lyon, Vienne and Beaune with an expert local guide. As we pass verdant terraced vineyards, enjoy the beautiful fragrance of Provencal lavender and gaze in awe at the stunning Ardèche Gorge and its remarkable suspended gardens - all accompanied by a glass or two of Burgundy's finest wine.
Our popular Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence river cruise has been reimagined to include even more of the natural beauty this region is known for – perfect for nature lovers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Lyon
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Lyon - After arriving in Lyon, we’ll transfer by coach to our ship moored in Lyon’s historic centre. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. There's plenty of time to settle in to your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation and familiarise yourself with this five-star floating hotel.
Day 2
Location: Lyon
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lyon - We’ll enjoy breakfast on board before a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities. The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified.
The green spaces are certainly not lacking in Lyon - Parc de la Tête d’Or, in the north of the 6th arrondissement, is one of France's largest parks and a wonderful place to spend a leisurely morning. A breath of fresh air in a thriving city. On our visit, budding horticulturalists will especially love exploring the three rose gardens with over 350 varieties on vibrant display (in total there’s over 30,000 rosebushes – that must take a lot of pruning).The park’s botanical gardens are a living plant museum, home to 15,000 botanical species, including an alpine garden, a herbarium, the largest collection of greenhouses in France – better watch where you step here, there’s lots of carnivorous plants, over 1,000 species of orchids and 1,400 endangered plants on display.
While you enjoy your first lunch on board, the ship will quietly slip its moorings. Cruising upstream towards our next destination, Chalon-sur-Saône, we’ll catch the first glimpses of the vine-clad slopes of the hazy green Beaujolais hills as we approach one of the world’s most revered red-wine-producing regions. On our left, you’ll see the picturesque villages of Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas, Chénas and many more, while on the right you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest mountain.
As the afternoon drifts into evening, what could be better than a cool, crisp glass in the lounge before enjoying this evening’s culinary delights in the restaurant, prepared by our outstanding chef.
Day 3
Location: Beaune
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beaune - Overnight we’ll have made steady progress north and wake up in Chalon, gateway to Burgundy and the home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. As we travel towards Beaune, today’s destination, we’ll see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more.
Nearby is medieval Beaune, which we’ll visit for a short walking tour around the town and a wine tasting at a local cellar. As you might expect from Burgundy’s wine capital, Beaune is surrounded by vineyards that are centuries old. And - thanks to the gentle slopes with well-drained soils rich in iron and hot summers – the region produces some of the best wine in the world. Here, wine is not simply a drink - it's an embodiment of the culture. Landscapes, traditions and local history are stored in each bottle. It's no wonder they produce some of the best wines in the world here.
The town itself is wonderful to wander around and, at its centre, is the Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu. Originally built in the 15th century as a hospital for the disadvantaged, it’s a jewel of High Gothic architecture, instantly recognisable for its colourful glazed roof tiles arranged in dazzling geometric patterns.
A prestigious annual wine auction takes place here each November, with proceeds going to benefit the Hospices de Beaune and its charity work - in 2022, the wine auction netted a whopping €29,788,500, breaking their own 2014 record. Of course, you can’t visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wines, so we visit the cellars of a leading traditional winemaker for a tour and wine tasting before free time to explore at leisure.
Later, we’ll return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening on board taking advantage of the ship’s five-star facilities as we cruise the beautiful countryside towards Vienne.
Day 4
Location: Vienne
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vienne & Tournon - Overnight, our ship will cruise gently downstream and, as we enjoy breakfast in Vienne, there's time to explore this pretty town, including its central park, Jardin de Ville. Its flower beds are bursting with colourful blooms that break up the manicured lawns. It's the perfect place to stop and enjoy a morning coffee. Two calming pools are decorated with rocks and an old Roman road, and the remains of columns punctuate the otherwise pristine garden.
Later, our ship will moor in the pretty provincial town of Tournon. Here, we'll visit the aptly named Garden of Eden for a guided tour. Formally the park of the monastery of the Cordeliers Brothers, there's one hectare of botanical space with shaded corners hiding fountains and ponds. Designed as a place of contemplation, there's a serene quiet in between the century-old boxwoods. You'll stumble on remarkable panoramic views of the entire valley on the terraces that are nestled at the foot of the tower. You can follow the meanders of the Rhône which flow through the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage.
With its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues on one side of the river and steep vine-covered hillsides of Hermitage (where some of world’s most revered wines are produced) on the other, our mooring in Tournon offers a fitting view as we enjoy another exquisite dinner.
Day 5
Location: Gorges de l'Ardèche
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ardèche Gorges - This morning we'll cruise effortlessly downstream. In the distance, you’ll catch glimpses of the Alps and, as we approach Valence, the landscape gradually becomes less green with more ochres and magentas, the houses have sloping terracotta roofs typical of the Mediterranean and the air carries heady aromas of pine and cypress. You can only be in the Midi or – as we call it – the south of France. It’s so relaxing to catch up on some reading or just laze in the sun.
This morning we'll cruise effortlessly downstream. In the distance, you’ll catch glimpses of the Alps and, as we approach Valence, the landscape gradually becomes less green with more ochres and magentas, the houses have sloping terracotta roofs typical of the Mediterranean and the air carries heady aromas of pine and cypress. You can only be in the Midi or – as we call it – the south of France. It’s so relaxing to catch up on some reading or just laze in the sun.
After lunch, we'll explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power. Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc.
Caves, grottoes and natural sculptures create marvellous views at every turn before we return to the gentler slopes of the Rhône Valley.
We'll also visit a local lavender museum set amongst fields of fragrant lavender planted in neat rows across the landscape. This fragrant plant originated in Persia thousands of years ago, it was used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Celts - so there's plenty of history to discover - it was even thought to be a remedy against the plague. We'll learn how these beautiful purple fields become little bottles of essential oils explaining everything from harvest to distillation - maybe even stock up on some of their local lavender produce to take home.
We'll return to the river later, where our ship will be moored in charming Viviers, a medieval town clustered around its 12th-century cathedral. We'll slip our mooring and proceed through the famous lock at Bollène, one of the deepest in France, as you relax over dinner. Tonight, we enjoy an on-board ballroom dancing performance.
Day 6
Location: Arles
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arles & Pont du Gard - You'll wake under the azure skies of deepest Provence and amid the warm stone colours of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Seagoing ships could reach here, and the city became a regional capital, briefly ruling over Gaul, Spain and Britain.
Our guided tour will help you appreciate the finer points of Arles’s magnificent Roman remains, including the splendid amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, the earlier theatre built during the reign of Augustus and the Alyscamps, the ancient necropolis with its extraordinary atmosphere.
The genius of an artist Van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year, from February 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provencal countryside. His painting Hospital in Arles, depicted the beautiful courtyard in bloom in 1888. In the L’Espace Van Gogh courtyard you can barely see the passage of time between then and now; the garden is still full of lustrous flowers which burst open in the afternoon sun.
After lunch we'll visit the amazing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000-year-old structure, which was the highest bridge built in the Empire –the Romans themselves considered it the most important testimony to their greatness. Its statistics are staggering: over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high, with its stones each weighing up to six tons.
To put this in perspective, the span of the Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge – and no mortar was used in its construction! The situation is lovely too, with pine- and cypress-covered hills adding to the harmonious setting. Re-joining the ship, we cruise along the Rhône and, during dinner, pass the imposing 15th-century castle at Tarascon standing guard on the riverbank.
This evening we’ll enjoy the sumptuous Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience as the ship sails towards Avignon.
Day 7
Location: Avignon
Accommodation Name: MS Lord Byron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Avignon - Today, we'll embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome.
Igniting a century of prosperity, the Pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count.
Most important is the Popes' Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures. The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable.
But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candle-lit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age when it was truly the centre of Christendom.
At the end of our tour, you can join in a stroll up the hillside to the Rocher De Doms. Your reward? Panoramic views of the French countryside. The gardens, which were landscaped in the 19th century, hide a reservoir that once supplied the city with water. And it's a favourite with locals and tourists alike. With shady trees, generously planted shrubs and a large pond, it's the perfect setting for festivals such as the Ban des Vendanges annual wine harvest festival in late August. Throughout the seven acres, there are signs - in French and English - outlining the park's history and observation tables pointing out the surrounding landmarks.
But the crown jewel of the park is the statue in the middle of the pond. The Venus with Swallows, by Félix Charpentier, was moved from its original setting in Place Carnot to Rocher des Doms due to the display of nudity. Right next to the pond is a favourite spot for locals who relax and people-watch.
Later, return to the luxurious surroundings of our ship, finding a quiet spot to contemplate the many wondrous gardens and flora places you’ve seen and smelled!
After dinner, you can sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who'll entertain us with French songs on board.
Day 8
Location: Avignon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home
Ship Details
MS Lord Byron
Ship Overview
How can one adequately sum up the wonderfully elegant, five-star MS Lord Byron? How can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world?
Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort.
We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury rivership builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared.
You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems… and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste.
Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swiss operated ship with 36 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS Lord Byron
Adults Only Areas:
no kids
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
luxury
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en
Ship Capacity:
140
Ship Crew Count:
36
Number of Decks:
3
Number of Cabins:
74
Ship Launch Year:
2013
Ship Length (Meters):
110 M
Ship Width (Meters):
11.4 M
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)
BarPanorama Lounge & BarDeluxe SuitesSuperior SuitesSuperior Stern SuitesDiamond Deck Cabins
Emerald Deck (Lower Deck)
Wellness CentreSuperior SuitesEmerald Deck Cabins
Ruby Deck (Middle Deck)
RestaurantKitchenSuitesRuby Deck Cabins
Sun Deck
Viewing AreaOutdoor Chairs and Sun LoungersDeck GamesSplash Pool
Cabins
Air conditioned cabins
Superior Suite & Stern Suite (Grade ESS DS SSS RS ES )
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.
Deluxe Suite (Grade DL )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, on the Diamond (top) deck there are four deluxe suites, at 22.5 square metres (242 square feet), beautifully appointed and incredibly comfortable, plus for a final homely touch, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. You will love them.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Grade R D E )
At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Grade 2LN_P2 R D E )
At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.
Standard Cabin (Grade D E )
These luxuriously appointed cabins are amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.
Superior Suite & Superior Stern Suite (Grade ESS DS SSS RS ES )
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Superior Suite & Stern Suite (Grade DS SSS )
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.
Dining
Restaurant on the Diamond Deck serving early bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (to be reserved on board subject to availability)
Main Restaurant - on the Ruby Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Lido Bar & Restaurant
Found on the Diamond Deck, the Lido Bar & Restaurant serves up early bird breakfasts, light lunches and, with onboard reservations, dinner. It's the perfect place to relax and while away an hour or two in comfort and take in the sights and sounds of some of Europe's finest rivers.
Main Restaurant
On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet allows you to opt for a hearty lunch or something lighter such as a fresh, simple salad – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, enhanced by fine table linen, china and sparkling glassware whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to. (complimentary)
Entertainment
The Sun Deck is the hub for entertainment onboard. The forward viewing area is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun-loungers, deck games including shuffleboard and giant chess, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes barbecues are held here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.
Panorama Lounge & Bar
On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful Lido Bar at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.
Souvenir Shop
Small boutique for you to shop for your souvenirs and keepsakes to take home
Enrichment
Excursions
On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.
Tours and Excursions
Riviera Travel cruise on the majestic Rhine and Danube - Europe’s essential arteries studded by atmospheric cities like Koblenz and Vienna. Standing guard, guests will see astonishing ‘fairytale’ castles whilst learning about mystical legends, historic strife and triumph. Plus there is the magical, meandering Moselle with its impossibly steep riverside vineyards and the lesser known, yet equally beautiful River Main, twisting through Germany’s rural heart. The Elbe, meandering though ‘Saxon Switzerland’, connects historic Berlin and baroque Dresden. In France, the Rhone flows majestically from almost the Burgundy vineyards to Avignon and Van Gogh’s Arles, in the heart of sun-kissed Provence. Finally there is the Seine, from iconic Paris through countryside beloved by impressionist painters to medieval Rouen and historic Bayeux. Guests will see it all.
Kids and Teens
Please note: MS Lord Byron does not provide facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.
Health & Fitness
Wellness area with sauna, and steam room
Sun Deck
Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
Wellness Area
The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Lord Byron - its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the on-board hairdresser (small additional fee).
Gratuities
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Useful Information
Age Requirements
For holidays other than cruises, we are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure. For cruises, the minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
Special Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
What's Included
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Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
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Free Superior drinks package
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
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All visits and excursions as mentioned
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Return flights or Eurostar and TGV
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Coach travel as mentioned
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Transfers from the airport/station to and from the port of embarkation
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English-speaking expert guides
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The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, and meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Excursions
Any optional excursions or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the crew and guides are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with coach transfers, airport transfers, and all meals on board the MS Lord Byron, including welcome cocktails and the Captain's dinner.
Accommodation
Enjoy seven nights on board the MS Lord Byron in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, all offering river views and tastefully furnished, spacious accommodations.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the MS Lord Byron?
You will enjoy seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, all with river views.
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What meals are included during the tour?
All meals on board are included, from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day. This includes welcome cocktails and the Captain's dinner.
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Are there any special events or performances during the cruise?
Yes, there will be an on-board ballroom dancing performance and a performance by a local pianist who will entertain with French songs.
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What kind of guided tours are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes guided tours of Lyon, Beaune, Vienne, The Garden of Eden in Tournon, the Ardèche Gorges, Arles, the Pont du Gard, and Avignon including the Pope's Palace and Rocher de Doms.
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Is there any wine tasting included in the tour?
Yes, there are wine tastings included in Beaune, Burgundy's wine capital, and you will also sample superb wines of Burgundy amid beautiful vineyards.
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What natural landscapes will we explore during the tour?
You will explore the magnificent Ardèche Gorges, the vine-clad slopes of the Beaujolais hills, and the picturesque villages of Burgundy. Additionally, you will visit the Garden of Eden in Tournon and the Rocher des Doms in Avignon.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
You will visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, the Roman remains in Arles including the amphitheatre and theatre, and the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour package.
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What kind of activities are available on board the ship?
On board the ship, you can enjoy the five-star facilities, relax in the lounge with a glass of wine, and participate in special events like the Captain's Dinner and on-board performances.
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Will there be any opportunities to learn about local culture and history?
Yes, the guided tours and visits to historical sites like the Palace of the Popes, the Roman remains in Arles, and the Pont du Gard will provide ample opportunities to learn about local culture and history. Additionally, the visit to a local lavender museum will offer insights into the area's iconic plant.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 16, 2026 - May 23, 2026Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 23, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 28, 2026Friday - Friday
Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 04, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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