Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 – July 30
Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) where private transportation takes you to the port in Lyon. Board your boutique river cruise ship in the afternoon and settle into your stateroom with panoramic windows. This evening, gather on the sun deck for a welcome reception as you meet your fellow travelers, then enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring regional French cuisine. The ship remains docked overnight in Lyon.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 2 – July 31
After breakfast, discover Lyon on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, exploring hidden traboules, the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the vibrant Les Halles food market where local vendors have sold their wares for generations. Return to the ship for lunch as you set sail north along the Saône River toward Burgundy. This afternoon, relax on the sun deck or attend an onboard wine lecture. The ship docks this evening in Chalon-sur-Saône, gateway to Beaune.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 3 – August 1
This morning, journey by coach to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you’ll visit the magnificent Hospices de Beaune with its iconic tiled roof. Tour a prestigious wine estate for tastings of renowned Burgundy vintages in centuries-old cellars, then enjoy free time to explore Beaune’s charming medieval streets and artisan shops. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of cruising. Join a French cheese tasting on board before dinner.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 4 – August 2
Wake to find the ship docked in the twin towns of Vienne and Tain-l’Hermitage. Explore Vienne’s well-preserved Roman theater and Temple of Augustus this morning, then cross the Rhône River to Tain-l’Hermitage for a tasting at a renowned Côtes du Rhône winery with views of the terraced hillside vineyards. Return to the ship for lunch as you set sail deeper into the Rhône Valley. Attend an onboard lecture about Roman history in Provence before dinner.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 5 – August 3
This morning, embark on a scenic drive into the dramatic Ardèche Gorges, where limestone cliffs tower 300 meters above the winding river. Stop at breathtaking viewpoints and see the natural stone arch of Pont d’Arc, one of France’s most photographed landmarks. After lunch on board, the ship continues sailing south through Provence’s changing landscape. This evening features a farewell-to-Burgundy dinner with wine pairings from the regions you’ve explored.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 6 – August 4
Arrive in Arles, the beloved city of Vincent van Gogh, where you’ll walk in the artist’s footsteps visiting sites he immortalized in paintings. Tour the magnificent Roman amphitheater and ancient theater, both remarkably preserved and still hosting events today. This afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, the three-tiered Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River, where you can walk across the top for spectacular views. Return to the ship for dinner as you sail toward Avignon.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 7 – August 5
Discover Avignon this morning on a guided tour of the imposing Palace of the Popes, Europe’s largest Gothic palace, and walk across the famous Pont d’Avignon. This afternoon, transfer by private coach to Marseille with a stop in elegant Aix-en-Provence for a stroll through its famous fountains and markets. En route, visit a fragrant lavender farm in full August bloom. Arrive in Marseille this evening for a farewell dinner overlooking the Old Port.
Overnight: Aboard Ship
Day 8 – August 6
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Marseille, France’s vibrant Mediterranean port city. Stroll through the historic Le Panier neighborhood with its colorful streets and artisan workshops, visit the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica perched high above the city, or browse the daily fish market at the Old Port. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before an afternoon of relaxation or optional shopping. This evening is free to discover Marseille’s dining scene at your own pace.
Overnight: InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu or Equivalent
Day 9 – August 7
After breakfast, private transportation takes you to Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) for your departure flight home. Carry with you the memories of France’s most beautiful waterways and historic treasures.
Highlights
Luxurious River Boat
Incredible Nature
History & Architecture
Pricing & Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
7 nights' single occupancy aboard boutique river cruise ship
1 nights in Marseille boutique hotel
Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner
Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on ship
Airport transfers on arrival to Lyon and on departure from Mareseille
All shore excursions as listed with professional guides
Entrance fees to all sites and attractions
Wine tastings at estates in Beaune and Tain-l'Hermitage
Private coach transfer from ship to Marseille with Aix-en-Provence stop
Lavender farm visit
Onboard enrichment programs and lectures
Gratuities for ship crew, guides, and drivers
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare to Lyon (LYS) and from Marseille (MRS)
Travel insurance
Lunch and dinner in Marseille on Day 9
Premium spirits and specialty drinks on ship
Spa services and personal purchases on ship
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities for hotel staff in Marseille
Is This Tour For Me?
Travel Style: History/Culture
Physical Rating: 3
Age requirement: 18+
Alice West
Travel Insurance
Additional Information
Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $400 at time of registration to secure her spot.
Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required on the first of every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
Final payment must be made 90 days before the trip date.
A 50% refund can be requested prior to 6 months before the trip start date found in your invoice.
No refunds for cancellations within 6 months of the trip date found in your invoice.
A $250 penalty will be charged for any outstanding balance after the final payment date found in your invoice.
For inquiries, contact wtaadmin@womentravelabroad.com
What Our Customers Say
"WTA is very compatible with my style of travel. Small groups, trip hosts to ensure everything goes smoothly, at least one free day, most costs included, single occupancy, and cultural immersion."
"I love the vibe of WTA – the small group size, the carefully curated trips, and the sense of camaraderie among women. It feels like traveling with friends who love luxury and adventure as much as I do!”
"WTA has been my choice for travel for many trips. It has allowed me to go to places and meet friends that I would never have gone and met."
"This was my third WTA trip. I have enjoyed each trip and have no regrets about traveling with WTA. All of the activities were awesome experiences, and every restaurant meal exceeded my expectations."
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"The attention to detail on every trip makes WTA stand out. From the beautiful accommodations to seamless itineraries, everything is perfectly designed for women who want to see the world without the hassle."
"WTA trips are a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and adventure. I felt well taken care of and could enjoy every moment without worrying about the logistics. The ease of the trip, the thoughtful organization, and the sense of safety took all the worry and fear out of my hands. It was truly a stress-free and wonderful experience."
"Everything was planned for us, and I didn’t have to stress about anything. I loved the thoughtful details, the organized itinerary, and the amazing group of women I met along the way.”
“The trip was amazing. A private villa, relaxing massages, amazing hikes, and stellar food. Not to mention all the wonderful new friends I made on the trip! All in all, this was an absolutely beautiful experience that I’ll remember forever."
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