Ralph Grizzle's Dream Cruise 2025

Cruise For 7 Nights From Arles To Lyon

At My Favorite Time Of Year To Cruise | October 16, 2025 - October 23, 2025

What’s a Dream Cruise? It’s a river (or canal) cruise that pulls together the best of Europe. For me, that’s traveling in comfort along enchanting waterways, with multiple opportunities for destination immersion, cultural encounters, pedaling and hiking – and sharing the experience with others who are passionate about travel.

Our floating boutique hotel will be AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina, featuring 76 cabins and accommodation for 152 guests. The ship is named for AmaWaterways’ co-founder, so you know it’s special.

We enjoyed the Dream Cruise very much. It was stressless and easy. We hope to do another one if life permits us with you next year. We like the idea you were traveling on your own Dream Cruise. That gave us confidence to trust you as you believed in your own cruise. And you definitely made sure we all enjoyed it too.

The itinerary takes us to romantic (and Roman) cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters. We will begin our cruise in Arles, where we will trace the steps of famous artists including Van Gogh and Picasso. In Avignon, we’ll explore the sprawling commune with an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. We’ll savor savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. We will even become experts in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. We’ll end our cruise in Lyon, France’s culinary capital. A full list of the itinerary and tours is below.

It probably was the trip of a lifetime for us! And we liked the fact that you can be as active or relaxed as you want to be with no pressure.

All staterooms have river views and more than half feature AmaWaterways’ unique twin balconies, comprised of a French balcony plus a walkout balcony. I enjoyed the white marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed, multi-jet showers and granite countertops.

The ship features two restaurants: the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, which features regionally inspired menus. You have the option to dine at the reservations-only Chef’s Table during our 7-night Dream Cruise. There is no additional charge for dining in this aft-situated upscale restaurant. The Chef’s Table is surrounded by windows and offers spectacular views of the rivers

AmaKristina also features a fitness room and Sun Deck, heated pool.

But as nice as AmaKristina is, the ship is not the star of the show. The stars are the rivers, the destinations along them and the activities available to us each day.

While I prefer active excursions (and there will be plenty of those for us), you need not be at a high fitness level to enjoy the Dream Cruise. We’ll have excursions and tours for any level of fitness, whether you’re mobility challenged or fit as a fiddle.

That's me doing what I love best - cycling along the Rhone river.

Why Travel With Me?

Well, for starters, it’s my “Dream Cruise.” No one else is offering such a cruise. Plus, I’ve cruised a lot on these rivers and will not only share my knowledge along the way but also participate in many of the activities. And I will help you find “secret” jewels along the way that other tourists fail to discover.

Unpack Once And Enjoy 7 Nights On Board

Provence
Arles to Lyon | 7 Nights | October 16, 2025 - October 23, 2025

Provence Pricing | 7 Nights

Cabins Remaining

Provence 7-Night Dream Cruise

Category	Configuration	Brochure Rate	Savings	Per Person Rate
E SOLD OUT	Fixed Window	$4,839	500	SOLD OUT
D SOLD OUT	Fixed Window	$5,138	500	SOLD OUT
CB SOLD OUT	French Balcony	$5,838	500	SOLD OUT
CA	French Balcony	$6,238	500	$5,738
BB SOLD OUT	Twin Balcony	$6,838	500	SOLD OUT
BA SOLD OUT	Twin Balcony	$7,038	500	SOLD OUT
AB SOLD OUT	Twin Balcony	$7,238	500	SOLD OUT
AA SOLD OUT	Twin Balcony	$7,438	500	SOLD OUT
SS SOLD OUT	Twin Balcony	$8,738	500	SOLD OUT

USD per person in double occupancy (cruise only). Port charges included. If you are on a mobile device and can't see the entire table, swipe the table to scroll.

Staterooms

Click on stateroom images to enlarge.

NOTES:

Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Bedding Configuration Options: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. See Avid Travel Media’s Participant Agreement

Dream Cruise 2025 Deposit & Participation Agreement

This form will allow you to make your deposit via Credit Card, subject to a 3% convenience fee, or Bank Transfer and ACH, with no additional fees. Note that all payments are non-refundable. Please purchase travel insurance from a reputable provider in case your travel plans change due to illness or other matters.

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River Cruise Advisor’s Participant Agreement*

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River Cruise Advisor’s Participant Agreement
By signing our reservation form or clicking “I agree” on our website or by purchasing space on our hosted cruises, you will signify your agreement with the following terms and conditions, which form an agreement between Avid Travel Media Inc. d/b/a River Cruise Advisor, a North Carolina corporation (“we” or “us”) and you, on behalf of yourself and all members of your traveling party.

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THESE TERMS, WHICH ARE BINDING ON YOU AND CONTAIN SIGNIFICANT FEES FOR CANCELLATION AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, INCLUDING LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES FOR BAGGAGE AND OTHER PROPERTY, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH; CLASS ACTION WAIVER, TIME LIMITS FOR CLAIMS AND SUITS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY

1. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: For this trip (the “River Cruise”), we arrange with others for the services described in these Terms, and your confirmation. Carriers and Suppliers are independent third parties which are separate entities and are deemed not to be our principals, agents, employees or partners. WE ACT SOLELY AS A SALES AND MARKETING AGENT FOR THE CRUISE LINE (THE “CARRIER”) AND OTHER SUPPLIERS OF SERVICES (THE “SUPPLIERS”) AND DO NOT OWN OR OPERATE ANY MOTORCOACH, SHIP OR OTHER MODE OF TRANSPORTATION, HOTEL OR ACCOMMODATION. ACCORDINGLY, WE DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR, AND YOU WAIVE, RELEASE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE SHALL NOT BE ANY CLAIM OR RECOURSE AGAINST US FOR, OR AS A CONSEQUENCE OF: BREACH OF DUTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENT OR WILLFUL OR INTENTIONAL ACT, FAILURE TO ACT OR OMISSION BY ANY CARRIER OR SUPPLIER. Carrier, Supplier and your obligations and liabilities are subject in each case to terms and conditions of each Carrier and Supplier’s contract, and any and all laws, regulations and international conventions that apply under those contracts, including, but not limited to choice of law, jurisdiction for disputes, limitations of liability, and time limitations for claims and suits.

YOU AGREE THAT WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE, LOSS (INCLUDING PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, AND LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY) OR EXPENSE OCCASIONED BY ANY ACT OR OMISSION OF ANY CARRIER OR SUPPLIER, OR ANY PROVIDER OF A TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN, OR INSURER, OR OF ANY OTHER PERSON. If the services of a Carrier or Supplier cannot be delivered or there are changes in any planned service for any reason beyond our control, we will make an effort to arrange similar services. Any resulting additional expenses will be your responsibility.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE RIVER CRUISE OR ANY RELATED TRAVEL OR ACTIVITIES, AND OUR LIABILITY, IF ANY, SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID TO US.

We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, or weather hazards. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at www.travel.state.gov, click on “Find International travel Information” then click on “Country Information”, and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel, then click on “Destinations” and scroll to the name of the destination country.

2. Deposit and Final Payment: To confirm a cruise or cruise and land reservation, we require a non-refundable deposit ranging from $100 to $2000 per person. A non-refundable final payment is due no later than 90 days before the travel start date. If the River Cruise is sold out at the time we receive your reservation form and deposit, we will contact you and ask if you wish to be added to a waiting list. We reserve the right to accept or decline any prospective participant for any nondiscriminatory reason in our sole discretion.

3. Cancellation Charges: In the unfortunate event you or a member of your traveling party must cancel travel, notice must be given to Avid Travel Media by contacting us at (954) 600-8835 during normal business hours, which are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. The effective date of the cancellation is the date we receive the cancellation notice. A change in sailing date, name changes, or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. Your decision not to participate on the trip due to State Department warnings, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.  If a flight or other delay for any reason prevents you from joining the River Cruise on the departure date and time, you will be considered a no-show, and we cannot provide a full or partial refund or credit toward a future cruise, but you may join the River Cruise late at your expense. There are NO exceptions to our cancellation policies. We are chartering a ship and making other arrangements with Suppliers that require us to incur very substantial costs of operation.Therefore, your deposit and final payment are non-refundable. We strongly recommend trip insurance to cover potential losses. However, if you find a replacement for yourself or any other members of your traveling party, we will charge a change fee of $250 if, no later than 15 days before departure, we receive the written notice of the replacement and a signed reservation form from the new participant. If we receive notice of the change after that date, we will not provide a refund.

You acknowledge that your cancellation will cause us difficulty in selling a replacement cruise or cruise & land reservation and thus the cancellation policies apply regardless of whether your cruise or cruise & land reservation is resold. You agree that any losses sustained by us in the event of cancellation would be very difficult or impossible to quantify, and the cancellation fees are fair and reasonable as liquidated damages.

4. Pricing: All prices are in US dollars. In the event that a price is incorrect due to an electronic error, typographical error, human error or any other error causing the fare to be listed, quoted or advertised for an amount not intended, we reserve the right to correct the erroneous fare by requiring you to pay the correct fare intended, or we may cancel your trip. Prices are based on two persons sharing one suite. There is an additional cost for single occupancy.

5. Airlines: Airline arrangements are optional and not included in the River Cruise price. If you choose to include airline arrangements, airfares included in your trip are subject to change without notice.  Please check with us for conditions applicable to your airline ticket. Airfares are subject to price increases until you have paid in full. Even after you have paid in full, airfares are subject to supplemental price increases imposed by governments, and you hereby consent to any such price increases. We will not change your requested seat assignments on commercial aircraft without permission.  However, airlines often change seat assignments to satisfy their loyalty members or because of equipment changes (aircraft type). We are not notified of these changes in advance, and often clients are not made aware of these changes until they arrive at the airport.  We are not responsible for seat assignment changes made by the airline. Frequent flyer programs are private agreements between airlines and passengers, and we cannot be held responsible for mileage discrepancies involving airline loyalty reward programs.

6. Transfers: When transfers between hotels and airports and the pier are included on the trip price, transportation of participants and their baggage is provided only when participants travel with the rest of the group. If your schedule is different from this, private transfers are available at extra cost and must be requested in writing. Carry-on bags must be carried by River Cruise participants. Porterage is generally not included unless otherwise stated in the individual itinerary inclusions. In some situations, porterage may not be possible. Be sure to consult the River Cruise information to be sure.

7. Taxes and Tips: If a land package is involved, tips are not included (unless stated) in the land package price, but taxes for hotel accommodations and airfare are generally included. Departure taxes within foreign countries are NOT included since they vary widely. Each airport departure may require a separate departure tax which will have to be collected from each River Cruise participant prior to boarding.

8. Prices Do Not Include: Published prices do not include passport and visa fees, baggage fees, travel protection, vaccinations, laundry, gratuities or other items or services of a personal nature.

9. Changes in Cruise and Cruise & Land Itineraries: Carrier seeks to provide services as published or stated in the final documents. But deviations to planned cruise, cruise & land itinerary or any other aspects of the travel may occur. If conditions make cruise routes unsafe for navigation or in other respects, or raise sufficient doubt about safety, Carrier reserves the right to modify or provide alternate services. These may include, but are not limited to, providing accommodation on the docked ship and/or substituting ground arrangements. An effort will be made to try to arrange elements of the cruise and cruise tour similar to those originally planned, but the level of similarity may vary. Such changes will not entitle you to any credit or a refund. Cruises, cruise & land trips, and all other aspects of the cruise and travel are subject to change with or without notice.

10. Cancellation by Carrier: Carrier reserves the right to cancel, change or postpone any cruise departure date and itinerary. In the event of a complete cancellation of a departure by Carrier, we will refund any money that the Carrier remits to us. Otherwise, all monies paid are non-refundable. We strongly advise that you protect your investment by purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellation.

11. Cancellation by Us: We reserve the right to cancel the cruise for insufficient participation, in which case we will refund any money that the Carrier remits to us. and shall have no further liability for damages or compensation of any kind.

12. Personal Changes: Your deviation from the published itinerary for any reason will not entitle you to any reduction in charges.  will bear a full charge for any unused services.

13. Carrier Information: The Carrier is AmaWaterways GmbH, an entity organized under the laws of Switzerland. Other vessels may fly under flags from different nations and be organized under those laws. You will receive a copy of the Carrier’s ticket contract, which constitutes your agreement with the Carrier. We have no liability for any losses you incur as a result of the Carrier’s exercise of its contractual rights.

14. Passport and Visas: A valid passport is required for each participant. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after the scheduled return date to your home country. Your name, as listed on your passport and visa (if required), must exactly match your name as listed on your airline ticket and cruise documents. Non-US citizens must consult the appropriate consulates regarding visa and other document requirements. Obtaining required visas and any other required travel documentation, and assuring these are complete and correct in all ways, is the sole responsibility of each participant. We are not in a position to obtain or verify the accuracy or completeness of any participant’s visa or other required documentation and shall not be responsible or liable for delay or missed portion of any part of the itinerary or other problems resulting from the participant lacking the appropriate travel documentation.

15. Disabled Participants: Handicapped facilities are not available on board or in many places visited on the cruises and cruise tours we offer. If you or a member of your traveling party have a disability and reasonable accommodation may enable you to use the services, please let us know how you believe we can help. Please inform us in writing, at or immediately after making the reservation, but in any event as early as possible, of any mobility impairment or other condition, whether physical, emotional or mental, which may require accommodation or use of an assistive device during the travel.  A reasonable effort will be made to accommodate special needs, but we are not responsible for denial of service by Carriers, hotels, or other Suppliers. A participant, who, due to impairment, is not self-sufficient, may need to travel with a companion who shall take responsibility for assistance needed during travel and in case of emergency. An individual with a disability that would result in a direct threat to the health and safety of others or to that individual may be excluded, if it is determined there is a significant risk that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level. If you fail to timely inform us of any impairment or condition and/or your participation poses a safety risk to participant or direct health or safety threat to others, you may be excluded from parts or all of the trip. We have no liability for any condition, treatment, your failure to inform us of an impairment, or resulting exclusion.

16. Medical: Medical doctors are not available on any vessel. If medical services are required, you are solely responsible for all related charges. We will not be responsible or liable for sufficiency of our efforts to reach medical providers, unavailability, delay, quality or other aspect of any such services. We strongly recommend that,  at time of booking and well before departure, you review your health and medical conditions and insurance and obtain supplemental health and medical insurance for the travel, as needed. Medicare and Medicare supplement plans do NOT cover medical expenses while abroad.

17. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless from and against any losses arising out of: (a) your or any members of your traveling party’s failure to comply with applicable law; or (iii) your or any members of your travel party’s failure to comply with these terms and conditions.

18. Governing Law and Exclusive Jurisdiction: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of this agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules which would cause the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. With respect to any suit related to this agreement, each party irrevocably (if) agrees that this agreement shall be performable in North Carolina; and (ii) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal or state courts in Buncombe County, North Carolina; and (iii) waives any objection which it may have at any time to the laying of venue in such court, any claim that suit has been brought in an inconvenient forum, or any claim that such court has no jurisdiction.

19. DISPUTES: YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT: (I) ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION AGAINST US ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THE TRIP SHALL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION; AND (II) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS AND AWARDS SHALL EXCLUDE ATTORNEYS’ FEES. YOU FURTHER agree to present any claims against us within 30 days after the Cruise ends and to file within one year of the incident, and you acknowledge that this expressly limits the applicable statute of limitations to one year.

20. RELEASE: IN CONSIDERATION OF OUR GRANTING PERMISSION FOR YOU AND YOUR TRAVELING PARTY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RIVER CRUISE, YOU, FOR YOURSELF, HEIRS, ADMINISTRATORS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY FOREVER RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE US, OUR OFFICERS, SHAREHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS, (THE “RELEASED PARTIES”) FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, LOSSES, COSTS, CLAIMS,DEMANDS, ACTIONS, AND CAUSES OF ACTION WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR INJURY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEATH, THAT MAY BE SUSTAINED BY YOU OR MEMBERS OF YOUR TRAVELING PARTY, OR TO ANY PROPERTY BELONGING TO YOU, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, OR OTHERWISE, WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE RIVER CRUISE, OR WHILE IN, ON, OR UPON THE PREMISES, VESSELS, OR OTHER CONVEYANCES WHERE OR WHILE THE RIVER CRUISE IS BEING CONDUCTED, WHILE IN TRANSIT TO OR FROM THE RIVER CRUISE, ON IN ANY PLACE OR PLACES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RIVER CRUISE.

YOU AGREE THAT IT IS YOUR EXPRESS INTENT THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL BIND THE MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY AND SPOUSE, HEIRS, ASSIGNS, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (IF YOU ARE DECEASED), AND SHALL BE DEEMED AS A RELEASE, WAIVER, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE THE ABOVE-NAMED RELEASED PARTIES.

21. Safety:  The River Cruise involves time ashore and on a ship and physical activities associated with cruises. You are fully aware of risks and hazards connected with participating in the River Cruise. You are fully aware that there may be risks and hazards unknown to you connected with participating in the River Cruise. You hereby elect to voluntarily participate in the River Cruise, to enter upon premises, vessels, and conveyances, and to engage in activities knowing that conditions may be hazardous, or may become hazardous or dangerous. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you understand that sailing on a ship and physical activity, by their very nature, carry certain inherent risks, including but not limited to the hazards of bodies of water (drowning, damage to the ship, etc.), accidents, actions of participants and other persons, including but not limited to criminals and terrorists. I understand that the Released Parties do not operate the ship and cannot control the actions of the ship operator, AmaWaterways, any other participant, or any other persons, including but not limited to criminals and terrorists. By your participation, you certify that you are fully aware of and accept these inherent dangers.

22. MISCELLANEOUS: No alteration, cancellation, variation of, or addition to these terms and conditions shall be of any force or effect unless reduced to writing and signed by us. If there is a conflict between any part of these terms and conditions and any present or future law, the part that is affected shall be curtailed only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of that law.You hereby consent to our use of pictures or video of you in our marketing materials without compensation. Facsimile or scanned transmission of any signed document shall be deemed delivery of an original.

UPDATED: October 19, 2023

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Britton proved to be so popular on my 2024 Dream Cruise that I have invited her to co-host with me on our 2025 Dream Cruise on the Rhone. Our sailing begins in Arles on October 16 and ends in Lyon on October 23, 2025. We hope you can join us for an unforgettable adventure.

Our Itinerary and Included Tours

October 16, 2025 Arles

Board AmaKristina for our Rhone River Cruise

October 17, 2025 | Arles

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Join a guided walking tour where you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Arles such as its Roman Amphitheater and the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. During the afternoon, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music. Next, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal tradition and enjoy a tasting. Finally, experience the beauty of Saint Rémy de Provence, the location where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night.

Arles

Walking Tour
or Bike Tour
or Van Gogh Walking Tour

October 18, 2025 | Avignon

Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Depending on your interests, you have three choices of excursions in the morning. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. Alternately, you can enjoy a bike tour through the city. During the afternoon, you can go to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of ancient engineering.

Avignon

Morning walking tour and Papal Palace
or Avignon Bike Tour
or Taste of Avalon
Pont du Gard

October 19, 2025 | Viviers

Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. You can also explore Viviers on a guided walking tour, where you’ll see iconic sights such as Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Or stretch your muscles on a hike to Viviers’ St. Vincent Cathedral, taking in beautiful views of the Châteauneuf du Pape dam, the Donzère Gorge and the town of Montelimar with its magnificent château. You can also set off on a guided bike tour, exploring the beauty of Southern France as you ride along the Rhône River.

Viviers

Grignan Truffle Farm
or Viviers Walking Tours
or Viviers Hike
or Viviers Bike Tour

October 20, 2025 | Tournon

Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of the wines.

Tournon

Steam Train Ride
or Red Wine & Chocolate
or Hermitage Hike & Wine-Tasting

October 21, 2025 | Vienne

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route.

Vienne

Roman Ruins Walking Tours
or Mount Pipet Hike
or ViaRhone Bike Tour

October 22, 2025 | Lyon

Take a walking tour that starts in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant. There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you. Alternately, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. Later in the day, visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard. Plus, enjoy a tasting of their specialty.

Lyon

Lyon City Tour
or Les Halles Market Tour
or Lyon Bike Tour
Beaujolais Excursion and Tasting

October 23, 2025 | Lyon

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Lyon as you prepare for your flight home or onward journey.

I hope you can join my Dream Cruise. I'll work to make this a memorable trip for all of us. The setting could not be better: comfortable accommodations and an outstanding crew; Europe's best rivers during the perfect time to cruise them; and sharing the experience with people who are passionate about cultural immersion, destination exploration and enjoying the company of one another as we cruise through the heart of Europe.

Ralph Grizzle

River Cruise Advisor