Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise with Lake Geneva and Golden Pass Extension

6 nights - 29 Jun 2027

MS Thomas Hardy| Rhone Holiday ID: 096660

Avignon

Arles

Le Pouzin

Vienne

Beaune

Lyon

Montreux

Lausanne

Avignon Avignon Avignon Avignon Arles Le Pouzin Vienne Vienne Vienne Vienne Vienne Beaune Lyon Montreux Lausanne

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Ruby Deck

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Diamond Deck Suite

~~WAS £4248pp~~ From £4078PP

(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Riviera Travel under ATOL number 3230

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Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

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THE
RIVER VOYAGES DIFFERENCE

Our sister brand RiverVoyages is Europe’s leading expert in river cruise holidays. Click here to view this itinerary in full and speak to our team of river cruise specialists, here to help you plan your perfect cruise along the world’s most scenic waterways. With access to exclusive offers and savings, we’re ready to help you plan every detail of your next river cruise holiday.

Itinerary

List Timeline

Avignon

Arrival in Avignon - Your holiday begins in Avignon, where your five-star cruise ship awaits on the banks of the Rhône. Boarding is in the late afternoon so, if you arrive earlier, you'll have time to explore the city at your leisure from a convenient central location before joining the sh... Read More

Day 1

29 June 2027

Avignon

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Day 2

30 June 2027

Avignon

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Day 3

01 July 2027

Arles

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Day 4

02 July 2027

Le Pouzin

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Day 5

03 July 2027

Vienne

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Day 6

04 July 2027

Beaune

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Day 7

05 July 2027

Lyon

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Avignon

Arles

Le Pouzin

Vienne

Vienne - During breakfast this morning, we’ll slip our moorings and cruise north through one of the most spectacular sections of the Rhône Valley, as the river squeezes and twists pasts Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon and Saint-Vallier, with wooded cliffs rising high on both sides.Tradit... Read More

Beaune

Beaune & Burgundy - Overnight we have made steady progress north and we now cruise on the Saône. This morning, we 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 we se... Read More

Lyon

*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

29 June 2027

Avignon

30 June 2027

Avignon

Avignon - The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we 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 stunning 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.This morning, you’ll have a couple of exciting options to choose from. You can embark on a guided tour of the charming city of Avignon, exploring the Pont Saint-Bénézet, a stunning medieval bridge spanning the Rhône River, followed by an inside tour of Pope’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note that this visit includes uneven terrain and many steps inside the palace.Alternatively, after the visit to the bridge, you can take a captivating ride on the petit train through Avignon. The choice is yours! After lunch you’re free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting the nearby Petit Palais, the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons.You may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by.Returning on board for dinner, the ship sets sail towards our next destination, Arles, arriving later that evening. Afterwards, sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who'll entertain us with French songs on board.Personalise Your Holiday -Camargue with Manade visitPrice: £81pp (2026) and £86pp (2027)Duration: 4 hoursInstead of spending time at leisure in Avignon, join us for a short drive through the Camargue towards the coast. Here, we'll visit a local manade, a type of farm typical of the Camargue that specialises in breeding bulls and horses. While exploring the area by cart, we will learn more about this unique method of raising free-roaming animals, which incorporates traditional farming techniques. The experience will conclude with a glass of local wine.After our visit, we will return to the ship in time for dinner on board.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run

01 July 2027

Arles

Arles & Pont Du Gard - You awake 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. This morning, you'll have a couple of guided tours to choose from, each led by a knowledgeable local guide.You can choose to learn about Arles’ Roman history. 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.Alternatively, if you are interested in art - especially Van Gogh - you can opt for a tour of Arles, where you learn about his life and work. The disturbed but great 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 Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café, The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers. After lunch we 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 in Avignon, we cruise towards Viviers during dinner.

02 July 2027

Le Pouzin

Ardèche Gorges & Tain l'Hermitage - This morning we disembark after breakfast and whilst our ship effortlessly cruises upstream towards Le Pouzin, we will 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 stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc. We enjoy marvellous views at every turn of caves, grottoes and natural sculptures before returning to the ship moored in Le Pouzin.During your tour of the Ardèche, you have two exciting options to choose from:You could explore the beautiful Lavender farm, which includes a fascinating museum where you can learn all about the process of cultivating lavender and the distillation of essential oils. In addition to the museum, there’s a boutique where you can purchase various lavender products. This option allows for a leisurely experience, perfect for anyone interested in the art and science of lavender.Or, if you're up for a challenge, you can visit the Grotte de la Madeleine. A prehistoric cave composed of limestone, with a complex network of chambers and passages that contains a collection of fascinating art, dating back to around 17,000 years ago. Please note that this option involves a demanding trek with 250 steps down and then back up, so it's best suited for those who are physically prepared for the hike. This afternoon is free as we cruise to Tain l'Hermitage. During our sailing, we'll take a playful and enlightening foray into the world of wine. Test your senses with a blind tasting of five carefully selected wines, blending local viticulture with ancient history as we reconstruct Roman wine and enjoy an interactive experience.Later, we moor in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides, where another of the world's most revered wines is produced: Syrah. After dinner in the ship's restaurant, delight in a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance!

03 July 2027

Vienne

04 July 2027

Beaune

05 July 2027

Lyon

Lyon - Start the day with a leisurely breakfast and why not take that second cup of tea up on deck and enjoy the river breeze as the delightful scenery slips by. We’ve a morning’s sailing ahead so there’s time to enjoy one last visit to the fitness area before we make our stately final approach into Lyon just before lunch is served.This afternoon enjoy 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. In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here.There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals, the world’s) gastronomic capital.In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and the city boasts a huge array of speciality food shops and eateries, including 20 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and countless little places to eat.After the tour you are free to explore Lyon further before returning to the sumptuous surroundings of your ship. This evening we enjoy the superb Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience. Afterwards head to the lounge and contemplate the wondrous places you have seen and experienced over a drink with your newfound friends.

Explore MS Thomas Hardy

Main Restaurant

The ship’s main restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables for just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel.

Excursions

World-renowned destinations

Our expertly crafted tours take you to some of the world's most famous cities, from European favourites - like Paris and Rome - to more exotic locales, like Tokyo and Cusco. Our Tour Managers and local guides will introduce you to the very best of each city. Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal, stroll through the ancient streets of Rome or stand in awe of the Great Wall of China.

But that’s not all. Away from the bright lights of bigger cities, our tours take you through the countryside to smaller towns and villages to witness rural life and meet the locals. From tucked-away medieval farms in France to serene temples in the Japanese wilderness, or vibrant markets in Morocco, each reveals a new facet of local life and provides you with the opportunity to speak to residents.

Authentic experiences

While exploring, our team have hand-picked fantastic experiences to help you delve deeper into the heart of your destination. This could be tucking into a recipe that's been handed down through generations, spotting native animals in their natural habitat or a local cultural performance. We've marvelled at Moroccan women as they make argan oil, been welcomed to New Zealand by the Māori with a performance of song and dance and stepped into the intoxicating world of flamenco in Seville. And there's so much more to discover.

These authentic cultural encounters aren't just memorable; they're transformative, offering a deeper understanding of the places and people you meet.

Explore our destinations

European Tours

From medieval villages of southern France, to Norway's natural wonders, iconic Swiss peaks to beautiful Istanbul, we have something for everyone in our European escorted tours.

Worldwide Tours

At Riviera Travel, we have a passion for giving you the best experience possible, and our Worldwide Escorted Tours are no exception.

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Dining on an Escorted Tour

Discover the perfect blend of food and travel. Savor local flavors, cultural traditions, and unique dining experiences on expertly planned holidays.

Hotels on an Escorted Tour

Enjoy restful nights on your travels with handpicked hotels offering comfort, style, and stunning locations. Relax, recharge, and feel at home anywhere.

Meet our Tour Managers

Throughout every Riviera Travel holiday, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour manager, whose sole mission is to ensure you have a superb time.

Offers on Touring Holidays

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Panorama Bar

The superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist.

Fitness Centre & Spa

On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!

Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)

Panorama Lounge & Bar
Riverview Kitchen
Reception
Souvenir Shop
Travel Desk
Diamond Deck Suites
Superior Suites
Superior Stern Suites
Deluxe Balcony Suites

Ruby Deck (Middle)

Restaurant
Kitchen
Ruby Deck Suites
Superior Suites

Emerald Deck (Lower)

Fitness Centre
Hairdressers
Wellness Area
Emerald Deck Suites

MS Thomas Hardy Cabins & Suites

Suite

Suites

Standard cabins on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy (supplements may apply) and are subject to availability.

Standard Suites are 17 square metres (183 square feet) and feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony.

Features

Individual climate control
Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

FLOORPLANS

Facilities

Queen or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
Room Service Available
TV
Free Wi-Fi
Safe
Desk
Suite Benefits
Coffee Machine
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Air Conditioning