Solo Travelers, Come Sail With Me!
This fall I am hosting another solo group with Riviera River Cruises and Emma Cakmak from A Passport To Travel. This seven-night sailing on through the South of France is the perfect opportunity for solo travelers looking to relax (and avoid a single supplement).
A dedicated solo departure, Riviera’s Burgundy, The River Rhone & Provence itinerary will depart Lyon on November 2, 2023 and take us to Avignon on November 9, with stops in charming towns along the way. Prices start at US$3,949 per person.
Here are a few things that we enjoy about the Rhone river:
- Provencal and Bourgogne Beauty. Gorgeous landscapes of Burgundy and Provence.
- Wonderful Wines. Beaujolais, anyone?
- Bicycling. We've enjoyed cycling along the Rhône and Saône rivers though the wine-producing region of Beaujolais and along the Île de la Barthelasse across from the city of Avignon.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Pope's Palace in Avignon and Pont du Gard, the iconic bridge crossing the Gardon River is one of the best-preserved legacies of ancient Roman architecture in France.
The Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Lyon
At the confluence point of the Rhone and Saone Rivers, Lyon has a rich history dating back to 43 BC. Lyon has become one of my favorite towns to visit, there is good shopping and even better food. The city is even home to a large park with a zoo in the center. Our overnight in Lyon will give us ample time to explore the city – both by day and by night.
Day 3 – Chalon & Beaune
Beaune was one of my favorite stops along the Rhone. Usually I like to explore on my own, but I was told the excursion to Beaune’s hospital was not to be missed. Seriously? Turns out the Cruise Director was right (as always). The hospital houses impressive pieces of stained glass and pieces of religious art that are worth going to see. The town of Beaune is also very charming, a large shop across from the hospital is the perfect place to grab a few French souvenirs.
Day 4 – Vienne & Tournon
In Vienne, we will travel by train to the top of a hill for a view of the city and Rhone river below us. Vienne and Tournon are charming cities with streets begging to be explored. Set out with a group excursion or simply wander through the small towns alone, by foot or by bicycle.
Day 5 – Ardeche Gorges
Day 5 will take us to the Ardeche Gorges, where limestone cliffs plunge into the Rhone below us. We will explore the Gorges before ending in Viviers, pictured in the middle and on the right above. Viviers could be pulled straight from a storybook, its winding roads and quaint shops provide lots of opportunity to explore.
Day 6 – Arles & Pont du Gard
Arles is perhaps best-known for its incredible Roman monuments and the fact that the impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh lived here from 1888 to 1889. Our shore excursion in Arles will take you to see many sites including the Roman amphitheater, one of the best preserved in the world.
Day 7 & 8 – Avignon
Avignon’s walled exterior provides a unique view from the ship, but as soon as I venture past those walls I find myself wandering the city streets for hours. Avignon is home to many local shops selling goods from the region (lavender, salt, soaps, etc). It’s a perfect place to end our journey.
Article ID: ART5035
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