Experience the Rhone River Cruise – April 2024
Experience the Rhone River and the wonders of Provence with Riverside Luxury Cruises and your hosts Mary Emmer & Barney Kaminsky of Sojourn Travel.
April 22 – April 29, 2024
Join us on board the Riverside Ravel as we follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France on the Rhone and Saone Rivers.
Embark on this journey along the Rhône and Saône rivers, experiencing the unparalleled food and wine of the region, as well as uncovering its numerous hidden gems. Wander the streets of Arles, brought to life in the works of Van Gogh. Explore the grand Palace of the Popes in Avignon, or, perhaps something more adventurous for those who are looking for a bit of adventure. Discover this timeless region, where tradition is as deeply ingrained as the ancient vines that sprawl across the hillsides.
Details In A Nutshell
- Departs Avignon April 22, 2024 – Returns to Avignon April 29, 2024
- Cruise Line: Riverside Luxury Cruises
- Ship: Riverside Ravel
- Hosted by Mary Emmer & Barney Kaminsky of Sojourn Travel
- From Avignon to Avignon: Including Arles, Viviers, Tain L’Hermitage, Lyon, Viviers, & Tarascon.
Ship Details & Included Services
- Riverside Ravel – Registered in Germany
- Length 134.91 metres
- Width 11.45 metres
- Year of Build – 2018
- Guests – 110
- Suites – 55
- Butler service for every suite
- All-Suite ship with King-size beds
- Exceptional service with a suite-to-crew ratio of 1:1
- Daily shore excursions
- Pre-paid gratuities – including guide/bus driver
- 5 dining venues with open seating dining with no set time
- Premium beverage package including premium wine, spirits, and French champagne
- Minibar
- Complimentary Wifi
- Port and service charges
Cuisine
There are some things in life you can simply rely on. French cuisine is one of them. Voyages on the Riverside Ravel are culinary awakenings. With their fine creations, the Riverside chefs take up the themes of the area that the ship is currently traveling through, and all the products come from the region in question. Everything is made by hand on board, from the jam to the bread and bread rolls. Convenience is a taboo word in the galleys of Riverside Luxury Cruises and you will soon find out while enjoying one of several dining venues on board the Riverside Ravel.
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you.
Waterside Restaurant
- Breakfast & Lunch – Enjoy an extensive Breakfast and Lunch selection in our Marketplace (buffet-style).
- Dinner (Open Seating). A talented team of chefs will spoil you with innovative dishes inspired by the seasons and the region through which you are traveling.
Bistro
- Late Risers Breakfast
- Open during the day, Dinner. The Bistro was inspired by coffee houses throughout Europe. During the day you’ll find a selection of homemade pastries, waffles, ice cream, specialty coffees, and much more!
Vista Bar
- Drinks
- A special location with delicious drinks and the most special ingredient of all – the BEST view on board!
Palm Court
- Drinks
- Entertainment
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Avignon, France
Monday, April 22, 2024
Avignon is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhone and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Benezet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it is said, out of sheer laziness, for the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. Instead, he had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon.
Day 2: Arles, France
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
This pearl of Provence is surrounded by the most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Today, Arles is the epitome of important art and a contemporary witness to an eventful history, from the amphitheater to proud patrician houses. And what would Arles be without van Gogh – strolling through the town in the footsteps of this great artist – that too is unforgettable.
Day 3: Viviers, France
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
If you like historic towns, you will love Viviers! Thanks to Bishop Charles de la Font de Savine, Viviers was spared from destruction during the French Revolution and has kept its medieval structure until today. The best way to explore the divided city is on foot, but be careful, the stairs to the upper town are numerous. It is worth it, however, if only for the view. Visit the Saint Vincent Cathedral. It is said to be the smallest cathedral in France.
Day 4: Tain L’Hermitage, France
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Just opposite Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage is a town in the Drome department, to the north of Valence. Cotes du Rhone wine and gourmet chocolate make Tain-l’Hermitage a popular destination with epicurean travelers and are the main attraction for visitors. All excursions to Tournon will be operated from here.
Day 5: Lyon, France
Friday, April 26, 2024
Lyon is, at the same time both old and new, providing a tranquil yet thrilling experience, all while maintaining a cozy, small-town atmosphere. This city offers a fulfilling immersion into the authentic French lifestyle, showcasing its beauty and intricacies. And when we talk about fulfillment, we can’t help but highlight the culinary delights—have we talked about the delectable food yet? Take your time to enjoy a meal at a bouchon, relax by the riverbanks, and fully embrace the unique and enriching experience that Lyon has to offer, with plenty of delights to indulge in—particularly the gastronomic delights and the 2000 years of rich history!
Day 6: Viviers, France
Saturday, April 27, 2024
If you like historic towns, you will love Viviers! Thanks to Bishop Charles de la Font de Savine, Viviers was spared from destruction during the French Revolution and has kept its medieval structure until today. The best way to explore the divided city is on foot, but be careful, the stairs to the upper town are numerous. It is worth it, however, if only for the view. Visit the Saint Vincent Cathedral. It is said to be the smallest cathedral in France.
Day 7: Tarascon & Arles, France
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Tarascon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region of southern France, is steeped in history. The magnificent Tarascon Fortress, built in the 15th century, stands as an imposing symbol of the town’s medieval heritage. Constructed between 1401 and 1433, it served as a first line of defense on the border territories of the Rhone River and as a residence for King Rene, who held the titles of King of Naples, Duke of Anjou, and Count of Provence. This formidable fortress has been exceptionally well-preserved and now houses a museum showcasing historic artifacts, art, and furniture. The town’s Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, is another architectural gem. After the morning stop in Tarascon, we continue on to Arles for an afternoon stop.
Day 8: Avignon, France
Monday, April 29, 2024
Avignon is a city of unparalleled beauty. It curves its way over the river Rhone and has done so since 1840. The Pont Saint-Benezet acquired international fame through the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Crossing it, you find yourself immediately in front of the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It arose, it is said, out of sheer laziness, for the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not wish to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. Instead, he had himself crowned in Lyon and had a palace built in Avignon.
Your Choice Of Luxury Staterooms
Choose from any of these lovely suites and enjoy our recommended Premium All-Inclusive Pricing With Excursions.
What does Premium All-Inclusive Pricing include?
- 7 Nts on an All-Suite ship with King-size beds
- Butler service for every suite
- Exceptional service with a suite-to-crew ratio of 1:1
- Daily shore excursions
- Pre-paid gratuities – including guide/bus driver
- 5 dining venues with open seating dining with no set time
- Premium beverage package including premium wine, spirits, and French champagne
- Minibar
- Complimentary Wifi
- Port and service charges
All prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 passengers sharing a stateroom). If you are traveling alone, single supplements will apply to all suites except Melody suites. Space at these prices is limited! Pricing is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Melody Suite
$4336.00 Per Person
- Deck 2
- 188 SQ. FT.
- King-size bed (convertible to 2 singles)
- Accommodates up to 2 guests
Symphony Suite
$4694.00 Per Person
- Deck 3
- 188 SQ. FT.
- King-size bed (convertible to 2 singles)
- Accommodates up to 2 guests
Seahorse Suite
$5408.00 Per Person
- Deck 2
- 237-253 SQ. FT.
- King-size bed (convertible to 2 singles)
- Accommodates up to 2 guests
Riverside Suite
$5765.00 Per Person
- Deck 3
- 253 SQ. FT.
- King-size bed (convertible to 2 singles)
- Accommodates up to 2 guests
Optional Pre/Post Cruise Extensions
Why not extend your visit and enjoy an optional Pre or post-cruise extension?
Talk to us about your Pre/Post plans and we can suggest the perfect beginning and/or end to this fabulous week on board the Riverside Ravel.
Reservations, Payments, Insurance, and Miscellaneous Info
To Book Your Space – Call or email us to let us know you’re sailing the Rhone with us, and we’ll get your stateroom reserved.
Folks, these prices are special, and space is limited so let us know you’re joining us ASAP.
Contact either one of us directly (email or phone below) to let us know you’re thinking of joining us on the Rhone in 2024. We’d love to have you 🙂
Barney – barneykaminsky@gmail.com (262-389-0659)
Mary – maryemmer@gmail.com (262-389-0658)
Deposit – A deposit of 10% of the cruise fare per person is required within 72 hours of booking your stateroom.
Final Payment – Due 90 days prior to departure.
Airfare – The cost of air will vary depending on when you purchase your tickets and whether you’re doing the pre/post extensions in Budapest and Prague. We’ll be happy to quote your air cost as soon as you let us know you’re interested in joining us on this journey of culture and fun.
Insurance – We will discuss your insurance options with you as soon as we have you booked on the cruise.