Rhône River Cruises

From the Rhône Glacier in the Swiss Alps, at a height of around 7,050 feet, the Rhône flows southwest towards Lake Geneva – a raging mountain torrent that collects ever more glacier water as it goes. From Switzerland it flows far more slowly into France, making its way between the Alps and the Massif Central to the Camargue delta and the Mediterranean Sea. Before railroads and highways were even thought of, the Rhône was an important inland trade and transportation route, connecting the cities of southern France to Mediterranean ports.

Until the 19th century, most passengers traveled in water coaches or barges. Drawn by men or horses, they carried painted crosses covered with religious symbols as protection against the hazards of the journey – strong currents, shallows, spring floods and melting ice. Although the riverside scenery remains as dramatic as ever, your river cruise on the Rhône will be an altogether more sedate experience. As your floating hotel conveys you serenely through spectacular valleys, gorges, and wooded river cliffs, past snowy Mont Blanc and alongside picturesque villages, vine-covered hillsides and medieval skylines, you’ll appreciate the locks that now make our Rhône journey such a smooth and pleasurable affair. Your Rhône river cruise takes you through Burgundy – true wine country.

The tiny villages we pass and often stop at read like a knowledgeable wine list, with evocative names like Meursault, Volnay, Pommard and Gevrey-Chambertin. In medieval Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital, you’ll visit the cellars of a traditional winemaker for an exclusive tour and tasting. But this idyllic Rhône river cruise through Provence has yet more delights to offer – from the renaissance splendor and atmospheric old town atmosphere of Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, to the ancient stronghold of Vienne, the magnificent Roman remains of Arles, immaculately preserved medieval Avignon and the stunning 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Free Superior drinks package on all European river cruise departures

 

 

Enjoy a free Superior drinks package on all European river cruises. Fall in love with some of the world's most scenic rivers, passing charming landscapes and cityscapes. Add to that a well-timed, well-chosen glass of wine or classic cocktail (best enjoyed at sunset, up on deck) – and the temptation becomes too great to resist.

With lunch in our restaurants:

• Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic  
• Draught beer, including non-alcoholic  
• A selection of soft drinks and juices 

From 6pm to midnight in our bars and restaurants, all of the above plus:

• Our cocktail and mocktail of the day  
• House spirits and mixers (gin, vodka, rum and whisky)  
• A recommended regional wine during dinner  
• Martini & Sherry pre-dinner  
• Port & Brandy after dinner  

View more about our Superior drinks package.

Cruise Director Tony on cruising with Riviera River Cruises