Wine Lovers (Burgundy & Provence)

 

Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (Southbound)

This is your chance to cruise through the vineyards of southern France — sipping, sailing, and savoring your way from Burgundy to Provence. With Avalon’s exclusive Wine Lovers itinerary, each day features tastings, local flavors, and postcard-worthy villages.

 

 
November 17-24, 2026
 

 

CRUISE ROUTE

WJL-T7 2026 Map

 

BENEFITS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH US

Limited amount of waived single supplements (only $4,399 for a double occupancy room!)

Only 150 guests total onboard

Exclusive wine tastings by sommeliers

 

ITINERARY & AVAILABLE EXCURSIONS

(the excursions listed are examples of possible excursions; please ask our travel specialists for booking and package details)

 

Day 1: Chalon-sur-Saône (Embarkation)

Board your boutique ship and toast to the journey ahead.

Day 2: Tournus – Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Classic Excursion: Explore this historic monastic town with a local guide.

Day 3: Lyon – The Heart of French Cuisine

Classic Excursion: Discover Lyon’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discovery Excursion: Try local specialties during a guided Culinary Walk.

Day 4: Lyon – Adventures in Food & Wine

Discovery Excursion: Take a guided tour to the Beaujolais wine region for tastings.
Optional: Explore more of Lyon’s culinary treasures.

Day 5: Tain l’Hermitage / Tournon

Classic Excursion: Enjoy wine and chocolate tastings on both banks of the river.

Day 6: Avignon

Classic Excursion: Tour the Palace of the Popes & sample Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine.

Day 7: Arles / Port-Saint-Louis / Camargue Region

Classic Excursion: Visit Arles’ Roman Amphitheater and follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps.
Optional Excursion: Explore the Camargue, famous for wild horses and pink flamingos.

Day 8: Arles (Disembarkation

Bid farewell to France’s most iconic wine regions.

 

 

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About the Sailing

420 days to go

Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Waterways

Departing Chalon sur Saone on Tuesday, November 17th 2026

7-night trip going to European Rivers (River Cruises)

Visiting: Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Lyon, Tournon sur Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles

Itinerary | About the Ship | Deck Plans | Ports of Call

Staterooms

Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Stateroom

Stateroom Type: Ocean View

Located on the Indigo Deck (Forward & AFT) 

Suite features include: 

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Two windows
  • Writing desk and chair

Per Guest

Guest 1

Price: $4,399.00
Total: $4,399.00

Guest 2

Price: $4,399.00
Total: $4,399.00

includes all applicable taxes and fees

See All Occupancy Pricing

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Itinerary

  • Day

    Date

    Port

    Arrive

    Depart

  • Day 1

    Date 11/17/2026

    Port Chalon sur Saone

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 2

    Date 11/18/2026

    Port Tournus

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 3

    Date 11/19/2026

    Port Lyon

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 4

    Date 11/20/2026

    Port Lyon

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 5

    Date 11/21/2026

    Port Tournon sur Rhone

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 5

    Date 11/21/2026

    Port Viviers

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 6

    Date 11/22/2026

    Port Avignon

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 7

    Date 11/23/2026

    Port Arles

    Arrive --

    Depart --

  • Day 8

    Date 11/24/2026

    Port Arles

    Arrive --

    Depart --

About the Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting for 128 passengers. Like its sister Suite Ships, it features two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform∘ into a unique open-air balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites∘ are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a fitness centre, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro.

Details and Deck Plans

Year Built 2014 Capacity 128
Year Refurbished -- Elevators 1
Registry -- Restaurants 2
Tonnage 0 Bars 1
Cabins 64 Pools --
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins N Theaters N
Shops N Library Y
Meeting Rooms N Casino N
Spa Y Disco N
Fitness Center Y Children's Program N
Internet Cafe Y

Ports of Call

Chalon sur Saone (Day 1)

This lovely town in the heart of Burgundy is a starting point for excursions to Dijon. Historic sights in Dijon include the crypt of St. Benigne, the Norte-Dame quarter, and the Palais des Ducs which today houses the City Hall and the Fine Arts Museum.
Attractions & Activities
Considered an important center for the wine trade, Chalon-sur-Saone is the entrance to France's famed Dijon region. The city's fine quays border the Saone River at its junction with the Canal du Centre. The two lofty steeples of the 17th century Church of St. Pierre can be seen from anywhere in the city. Other architectural treasures and historical sites include the crypt of St. Benigne and 13th century Church of St. Vincent.

Tournus (Day 2)

The beauty of Burgundy with its romantic castles, churches, and royal palaces, comes to life on a tour of this lively city. See the cloister of St. Philibert. Then head for the medieval city of Beaune. Visit the famous Hotel-Dieu, which houses Van dr Weyden´s painting of the Last Judgement. Crown your tour with a wine tasting at a chateau in the vineyards.

Lyon (Days 3, 4)

Set along a narrow peninsula between the Rhone and Saone Rivers, Lyon is located in the heart of France's Provence region. Visitors can take in panoramic views from atop Fourviere Hill and step into the past when they tour Vieux Lyon's (Old Lyon's) cobblestone streets and 16th century architecture. Now an important educational center, Lyon's cultural life is reflected in its buildings, museums and houses. Dominating the skyline is the Basilica of Fourviere, known for its lavish interior decorations of marble and mosaics.

Tournon sur Rhone (Day 5)


Viviers (Day 5)

Located in one of the most beautiful areas in Southern France, Viviers has retained its Old World charm. The town was developed around its Romanesque cathedral, with facade, porch, and solitary tower that still survive today. Enjoy a privately-arranged organ demonstration.

Avignon (Day 6)

Sheltered by medieval walls, Avignon's maze of narrow streets is filled with churches, museums and palaces tracing the history of this ancient, vibrant city. Visitors can capture a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding Rhône River valley from the top of Cathedral Hill. Avignon is known as the "City of Popes," due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy during the 14th century, when a series of popes abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Still remaining from this time of this papal residence, the lavish Palais des Papes, a fortress, church and palace was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309-1377, seven popes resided in this stunning building, one of the world's most unique and grandiose examples of gothic architecture.

Arles (Days 7, 8)

Discover sun-drenched vistas and ancient monuments that inspired Van Gogh and Cezanne. Known as the "Little Rome of Gaul," a stroll through the narrow and winding streets of Arles is like stepping back in time. Enjoy the many cafes located by the Place du Forum and the Place Voltaire, as well as designer boutiques.