7-Night Burgundy & Provence for
Wine Lovers: Northbound
Sail on the beautiful Avalon Poetry II
November 10, 2026 - Departing from Arles, France.Ever dreamed of visiting French wine country? Now is your chance to make that dream a reality and sail down the Rhone and Saone rivers in a cruise designed especially for wine enthusiasts. These curated cruises by Avalon Waterways include the expertise of a Sommelier onboard and feature wine tastings, pairings and special wine dinners, along with a selection of wine-themed shore excursions. Avalon Suite Ships feature Panoramic Suites that allow you to face the view as you lie in your bed. In contrast to an ocean cruise, a river cruise offers a lot more in the way of scenery outside your stateroom window.
Avalon Waterways, a division of the Globus Family of Brands, has been recognized by Cruise Critic, Conde Nast Traveler and USA Today as a premier river cruise line with dynamic excursion choices and the best cabins in river cruising.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Embarkation & Day 1: Arles
November 10 & 11, 2026
We start our journey in the town that inspired Vincent Van Gogh with its bright, sunny days and Roman architecture. If you are feeling artistic, you can take in a workshop on Van Gogh's brush stroke techniques. Or, start your day off with a power walk through a town whose history dates back to ancient Roman occupation. Onboard, learn about the wines of Provence with a Certified Sommelier, who will accompany us throughout the cruise.
Day 3: Avignon
November 12, 2026
Known for its architecture, particularly its bridge of song, Avignon served as the seat of the papacy for much of the 14th century. Explore that part of the city's history by joining a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. The famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine's name means "Chateau" or "Palace" of the Pope and you will have the opportunity to visit the wine cellars of this world-renowned appellation
Day 4: Viviers
November 13, 2026
A medieval village in the midst of modern-day France is where we will find ourselves on the fourth day. Walk to the hilltop cathedral that shares its name with the village or tour the village itself. In the evening, enjoy a wine pairing dinner with the onboard Sommelier.
Day 5: Tain L'Hermitage
November 14, 2026This town is what river cruises are made for, with its beautiful castles and stunning vineyards gracing the banks of the Rhone. Tour the nearby town of Tournon on a morning hike or a guided walking tour, including a visit to a 16th century castle. In the afternoon, a wine and chocolate pairing awaits us onboard.
Day 6: Lyon
November 15, 2026
Lyon is the third-largest city in France, behind Paris and Marseilles and it is at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. It is widely known among foodies as the gastronomic capital of the country. Travel by bike or by foot through the city and the Old Town and, later, taste the light, fruity wines of Beaujolais.
Tournus & Chalon Sur Saone
Day 7: Tournus & Chalon-Sur-Saone
November 16, 2026
Located in southeastern Burgundy, Tournus borders the vineyard-adorned hills of Maconnais, where you can taste Chardonnay in a medeival castle! Return to the ship for a Sommelier-led wine and cheese tasting before sailing to our final port, Chalon-Sur-Saone
Disembarkation: Chalon-Sur-Saone
November 17, 2026
Our journey together comes to an end in Chalon-Sur-Saone in the heart of Burgundy, where we will disembark the Poetry II after breakfast onboard.
Photo Credit: Jeane Elliott.
Deluxe Stateroom
Starting from $2,830 per person
The elegant 172 sq. ft. Deluxe Staterooms on the lower deck provide windows to let the natural light in as you sail along the Rhone & Saone rivers in beautiful French wine country.
Deluxe Staterooms come with luxurious amenities such as ComfortCollection(TM) Beds, bathrobes and slippers, L'Occitaine bath products, nightly turndown service, a well-stocked minibar and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.
Panorama Suite
Starting from $4,629 per person
Book Avalon's signature 200 sq. ft. Panorama Suite for comfort and fabulous riverside views! In addition to the luxurious amenities included with the Deluxe Staterooms, Panorama Suites feature beds that face a 7' x 11' panoramic window with a French Balcony. The window opens 7 feet to create an open-air balcony.
