2 for one cruise offer to discover France

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Arosa Stella (Cruise only)

*** SPECIAL OFFER *** Book any 2012 cruise on this ship before 31 Jan 2012 to get EUR 150 per person off the prices shown here. *** The A-Rosa Stella is a state-of-the-art river cruiser offering a selection of cruises on the French Rhône and Saône rivers. With a focus on well-being, the A-Rosa Stella has a range of unique facilities including a sauna with one-way glass walls, a steam room, a bio-sauna and a full spa offering a range of traditional and Hawaiian Lomilomi massages. On deck you'll also find a swimming pool, putting green, shuffleboard and a giant chess set. The ship's 86 modern cabins are airy and spacious and many feature their own French balcony and in the restaurant, the executive chefs prepare a variety of mediterranean, regional and traditional culinary treats. **Please note that cruises on this ship are operated in German with information also provided in English.**

Embark

Transfers between Lyon station or airport and the ship are included. The A-Rosa Stella will depart Lyon at 5pm.

Day 1: Lyon

After transferring to the ship, board the A-Rosa Stella in Lyon and take some time to settle in to your cabin. Depart Lyon in the late afternoon and then enjoy your first gourmet meal on board.

Day 2: Chalon-sur-Saône

This morning, the ship will dock at Chalon-sur-Saône in southern Burgundy. With its rich cultural heritage and traditions, this town represents a magnificent image of the Burgundy region. From here, you can join an optional excursion into the heart of Burgundy, passing through the notable wine villages of Pommard, Mersault, Chassagne and Puligny. In Beaune itself you will have time to stroll around the picturesque old town and you will visit one of the leading wine producers of the region. During the afternoon, you may wish to take a cycling tour along the ‘Chemin Vert’, a path surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern France. In the early evening, the A-Rosa Stella makes a brief stop at Tournus where you can disembark for an optional visit to the fascinating cloister at Cluny. After the trip, return to the ship to continue your journey to Mâcon.

Day 3: Mâcon

This morning there is some free time for you to explore Mâcon, the southernmost town of the Burgundy region. Here, you will notice that the town has a slightly more Mediterranean feel, with canal tile roofs and buildings painted in soft pastel colours. During the afternoon, the A-Rosa Stella continues her journey south, passing by Lyon as she travels from the Saône onto the Rhône.

Day 4: Viviers

During the late morning, the ship arrives into Viviers, in the Southern Ardèche. Here you can join an optional excursion which takes you through one of the most beautiful landscapes in Southern France. Your tour will include a visit to one of the numerous caves in the area, such as the Grottes des Madeleines, which has no less than 25 subterranean halls, or the Grotte Chauvet, home to the oldest cave paintings in the world. You will also enjoy a visit to one of the Ardèche's lavender producers to learn about the different types of lavender and their uses.

Day 5: Arles

You will arrive into the city of Arles in the early morning and after breakfast, you can choose to join one or two of the tours on offer: The optional walking tour of Arles will take you to the city's well-preserved Roman remains, including the impressive amphitheatre. You will also learn about the city's connection with Van Gogh, who lived here in 1888 and completed no less than 300 paintings and drawings during his stay. There is also an optional excursion into the heart of the Camargue, one of the last remaining coastal areas on the Mediterranean which has not been developed into large holiday resorts. Travel by jeep off the beaten track and into the swamplands where you can see the wild horses that are famous in the region. In the early afternoon, the A-Rosa Stella leaves Arles and heads to the charming city of Avignon.

Day 6: Avignon

If you are looking for an active start to the day, why not join an early morning tour of Avignon by bike. Before the rest of the tourists are awake, you can enjoy a close look at the major sights of the city, such as the Popes' Palace. The sight of the sun rising over the Rhône is one that will undoubtedly remain in your memory. Or, if you prefer, take an optional walking tour of the city later in the morning. Visit the Palais des Papes, see the Church of St Agricol and walk up to the viewpoint at Rocher des Domes where you will appreciate some fantastic views of the river valley and the famous 'Pont d'Avignon'. During the afternoon, the A-Rosa Stella continues her journey northwards towards Vienne.

Day 7: Vienne - Lyon

This morning you will pass through Vienne, which originally prospered as one of Rome's major wine ports on the Rhône. From here, continue to Lyon, a stunning city located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. During the afternoon, you can join an optional tour of the city by coach, or you can choose to take a closer look at the original city of Lyon by bike.

Day 8: Lyon

Your cruise comes to an end this morning as you disembark in Lyon for your onward journey.

Disembark

At the end of the cruise, a transfer back to the station or airport in Lyon is included.

Includes

7 Nights' accommodation on board the A-Rosa Stella.
Full Board (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day).
Transfers between the ship and the station or airport at Lyon
Mineral water with main meals and in the cabins
20% discount in the ship's spa.

Excludes

International transportation and domestic travel to and from Lyon.
Optional excursions (these tours will be offered in German and English and the cost of the tour is dependent on the number of participants booking the tour in any given language).
Beverages (other than those mentioned above).
Gratuities.
Visas (where required).
Personal Insurance.