CroisiEurope · MS Rhone Princess

A Christmas in Provence

From

£699 pp

Flights from London Gatwick, cruise and transfers

See sailings & cabins

Ship: MS Rhone Princess
Hotel before: Hôtel Mercure Lyon Centre Château Perrache
Length: 5 nights
Sailings: 4 dates
Dining: All Inclusive
Flights from: London Gatwick, London Luton, London Heathrow

In the price

What's included

Return Flights from UK to Lyon
Airport tax
One night Stay in Lyon at Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache
Breakfast included in Lyon
4 nights' accommodation aboard the CroisiEurope river cruise ship. - MS Mistral / MS Rhone Princess
All meals on board the cruise.
Drinks included with meals and at the onboard bar.
Welcome cocktail on board.
Festive gala dinner and evening entertainment.
Guided visit to the Papal Palace in Avignon.
Excursion to Les Baux-de-Provence and its Santon Museum.
Guided tour of Arles and the International Santonniers Fair.
Presentation on Provençal Christmas traditions and the Thirteen Desserts, including a tasting.
Visit to the Cité du Chocolat in Tain-l'Hermitage.
Visit to the Maison Chapoutier wine cellar, including a wine tasting.
Free Wi-Fi on board.
Headsets for excursions.
Welcome from the captain and crew.
Onboard activities.
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance.
All port fees.

Not included

Travel insurance
Shore excursions
Personal expenses

Step one

Choose your sailing

It's a fly-cruise, so the price moves with the airport you fly from — and the cheapest airport isn't the same one every week. Choose your airport, then a date.

Flying from

Sailings flying from London Gatwick

Departs

Nights

Ship

Per person

Best price Sat 28 Nov returns Thu 3 Dec 2026 5 nights MS Rhone Princess £699 per person Call to book › Call 0208 183 0518

Tue 1 Dec returns Sun 6 Dec 2026 5 nights MS Rhone Princess £749 per person £50 less from LTN Call to book › Call 0208 183 0518

Tue 8 Dec returns Sun 13 Dec 2026 5 nights MS Rhone Princess £699 per person Call to book › Call 0208 183 0518

Wed 9 Dec returns Mon 14 Dec 2026 5 nights MS Rhone Princess £699 per person Call to book › Call 0208 183 0518

Your route

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival in Lyon – Hotel Stay

Arrive in Lyon, one of France's most captivating historic cities. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the charming streets, admire the city's architecture or soak up the festive atmosphere before your Christmas river cruise begins. Accommodation: Hotel in Lyon.
Day 2

Lyon – Embarkation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning exploring Lyon at leisure before making your way to the cruise departure point. Board the river cruise ship at approximately 5:00 pm and settle into your cabin. Meet the crew over a welcome cocktail as the ship begins its journey towards Avignon. Meals: Dinner on board. Accommodation: On board the river cruise ship.
Day 3

Avignon – Papal Palace

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising through the beautiful Rhône Valley. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Papal Palace on an included excursion. Discover the grand halls, chapels and historic apartments of this remarkable Gothic landmark. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Avignon's historic centre and festive streets. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Accommodation: On board the river cruise ship.
Day 4

Avignon – Arles – Les Baux-de-Provence

Cruise towards Arles while discovering the region's festive customs during an onboard presentation about Provençal Christmas traditions and the famous Thirteen Desserts. In the afternoon, visit the charming hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its Santon Museum. Continue to Arles for a guided city tour and a visit to the International Santonniers Fair, celebrating the region's traditional nativity figurines and craftsmanship. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Accommodation: On board the river cruise ship.
Day 5

Tain-l'Hermitage – Chocolate & Wine Experiences

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising along the Rhône before arriving in Tain-l'Hermitage. Visit the Cité du Chocolat to discover the art of chocolate-making and enjoy a tasting. Continue to the Maison Chapoutier wine cellar to learn about the region's winemaking heritage and sample local wines. Return to the ship for a festive gala dinner and evening entertainment as the cruise heads back towards Lyon. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Accommodation: On board the river cruise ship.
Day 6

Lyon – Disembarkation

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Lyon at approximately 9:00 am. Your festive holiday concludes with wonderful memories of Provence's Christmas traditions, historic towns and culinary experiences.

On board

Your ship

MS Rhone Princess

MS Rhone Princess The MS Rhône Princess sails on the Rhône and the Saône rivers, from Burgundy to Provence. Discover a region rich in culture, full of natural beauty and mouth-watering delicacies. You will find yourself in the heart of landscapes that are among the most beautiful and unspoiled in France. The MS Rhône Princess is an intimate-sized standard ship, measuring 110 meters long and 11,40 meters wide. It can accommodate 138 passengers, in 69 cabins spread over two decks. Each of them, comfortable and spacious, offers amenities and provides guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The warm orange tones of the decoration, as well as the golden woodwork and ceilings, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located on the upper deck, the restaurant offers a delicat

Before you board

Your hotel

Hôtel Mercure Lyon Centre Château Perrache★★★★

Hôtel Mercure Lyon Centre Château Perrache is praised by many travelers for its relaxing atmosphere and convenient central location near the train station. Guests enjoy the spacious and comfortable rooms, though some note issues with soundproofing and maintenance. Amenities like the breakfast buffet earn rave reviews, despite occasional crowding. Service is generally friendly and professional, although some mention lapses in responsiveness. While cleanliness is commendable, a few guests report issues in the dining area. Some travelers feel the hotel is pricey, considering the variable room quality.

About this cruise

France

LYON - AVIGNON - ARLES - TAIN L’HERMITAGE - LYON In France, each region has its own holiday traditions and legends. The season is jam packed full of local customs marking the end of the year. Come and share these experiences on a unique trip. Discover the magic of Christmas in Provence, including the santons—clay figurines that decorate local nativity scenes— at the miniature village in Paradou and the origins of the 13 desserts as the traditional way to end a Christmas meal in the region. Slip into the holiday spirit as you crisscross inspirational sites, intriguing cities, and charming villages in Provence.