Gardens of the Rhone
Flights from London→Lyon → Avignon → Uzes → Gardens of Abbaye Saint-Andre → Chateau Val-Joanis → Arles → Ardeche Gorges → Viviers → Tournon sur Rhone→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £3295
per person
Overview
A journey along the Rhone aboard the MS Van Gogh
France, and Provence in particular, offers fascinating old buildings and picturesque landscapes and gardens which are a joy to behold. This delightful journey aboard the elegant MS Van Gogh has been specially designed by Noble Caledonia for those with an interest in gardens and landscapes, combining visits to some of the region's most beautiful historic gardens with the cultural treasures and picturesque towns that line the banks of the Rhone. Stifling summers and harsh winters present challenges to the Provencal gardener, and yet this region produces some of the most stunning botanical gems in Europe. Join Noble Caledonia for a leisurely springtime cruise as they meander along the scenic Rhone River and visit some of the most attractive horticultural delights of this beautiful region. Their programme combines guided excursions ashore as well as time at leisure, so you can truly relax and experience all that Provence has to offer.
The week is timed to enjoy colourful displays and unique examples of Provencal garden design including Le Jardin Medieval with more than 400 plants used domestically during the Middle Ages, the beautiful Renaissance gardens of Chateau Val Joanis, a charming setting where three carefully designed terraces overlook rolling vineyards, and the Medieval castle garden of the Ducs d'Uzes, an imposing Ducal castle amidst the charming cobbled streets of Uzes. In addition, guests will spend time in the papal city of Avignon, visit the beautifully preserved Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, and witness the dramatic limestone scenery of the Ardeche Gorges.
Highlights
- Enjoy seamless travel with return flights and all-inclusive transfers to and from the MS Van Gogh.
- Experience a choice of curated excursions in Lyon, including the iconic Fourviere Basilica or the botanical treasures of the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
- Discover the unique "traboules"—secret passageways hidden throughout Lyon’s historic old town.
- Explore the City of the Popes, Avignon, and walk within its well-preserved Medieval walls.
- Visit the historic Ducs d'Uzes castle and behold the monumental Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard.
- Marvel at the Florentine-inspired gardens of Saint-Andre Abbey, set within a grand 14th-century fortress.
- Choose between a full-day excursion to the Chateau Val-Joanis vineyards and Van Gogh’s Monastery of St Paul de Mausole, or a guided walking tour of Arles.
- Witness the spectacular limestone cliffs and the Pont d'Arc, Europe’s largest natural arch, during a visit to the Ardeche Gorges.
- Relax in the tranquil Erik Borja Zen Garden, a Japanese-style oasis nestled among the vineyards of Tournon sur Rhone.
- Indulge in a premium wine tasting experience at a local vineyard in the renowned winemaking region of Tain L'Hermitage.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Lyon, France.
Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the MS Van Gogh and embark. Meet your fellow travellers this evening during welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
- 2
Day 2 Lyon.
There will be a choice of tours this morning as we explore Lyon. Our city tour begins with a stop at the Fourviere Basilica which dominates the skyline of Lyon and from where we can take in breathtaking views. The history of the basilica dates from 1168 when Olivier de Chavannes, a canon of Lyon Cathedral, founded a church over the ruins of the old Roman forum. The small chapel that was dedicated to the Virgin Mary has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its current known form dates back to 1740 and its most recent renovation was in 2008. Later, we return to Lyon's old town where during our walking tour we will discover the ‘traboules', a type of passageway that is typical of the city. Alternatively, discover one of France's most iconic urban parks the Parc de la Tête d'Or, a vast green sanctuary that blends botanical beauty, serene lakeside landscapes and elegant 19th-century design. From the historic rose garden with its thousands of varieties to the botanical greenhouses showcasing rare and tropical species, the park offers an exceptional journey through plant diversity. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we cruise to Avignon.
- 3
Day 3 Avignon & Uzes.
Arrive this morning in Avignon, the famous City of the Popes which is enclosed by Medieval walls. From our mooring close to the walls, we will depart for the nearby commune of Uzes. This charming town has a captivating history and boasts many beautiful and imposing buildings. Visit the castle of the Ducs d'Uzes, including the Medieval castle garden set within its walls. This garden focuses on plants used during the Middle Ages for feeding, healing and many other uses in domestic life. We will enjoy lunch ashore, before heading to the scenic Gardon Gorge, an area of natural beauty around the River Gardon. See the famous Pont du Gard, an aqueduct bridge that spans the river in three tiers of arches. This exceptionally preserved bridge once provided fresh water to the Roman city in Nimes and remains one of the best-preserved sections of aqueduct in the world. Return to Avignon in the mid-afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore independently. Moor overnight.
- 4
Day 4 Gardens of Abbaye Saint-Andre & Avignon.
This morning, we take a leisurely visit to Saint-Andre Abbey and its beautiful gardens. Impeccably designed, this Florentine inspired garden sits within the Saint Andre Fortress and offers excellent views of Avignon and the Rhone Valley. Following our visit we will return to Avignon for a tour of the historic centre. Marvel at the impressive facades of the Papal Palace and Cathedral and visit the remaining arches of the famous Pont St Benezet. Enjoy lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board as we sail to Arles where we will arrive this evening and moor overnight.
- 5
Day 5 Chateau Val-Joanis & Arles.
Today there will be a choice of tours from our mooring in Arles. You can choose to join a full day tour to Chateau Val-Joanis, situated north of Aix-en-Provence and set in the southern part of the Rhone valley. Enjoy an introduction to the winery followed by a tour around the beautiful gardens, which are built on three terraces connected by a long rose-covered arbour and cut into a hillside overlooking the vineyards. The lower terrace is devoted to fruit trees, the middle terrace to flowers and ornamental plants and the upper terrace is the vegetable garden. After lunch, we will continue to the Monastery St Paul de Mausole which is closely associated with the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. In the late 19th century the monastery functioned partly as a psychiatric asylum, and it was here that Van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself in May 1889 following a period of severe mental distress. The peaceful surroundings of the monastery, olive groves, cypress trees, wheat fields and the rolling Alpilles hills, became a major source of inspiration for his paintings including ‘The Starry Night' and ‘Wheat Field with Cypresses'. Alternatively, join a half-day walking tour in the city of Arles. Visit the famous amphitheatre, archaeological site, and the former cathedral of St Triomphe, a Romanesque basilica constructed in the 12th century. Sail this evening as we begin our return upstream.
- 6
Day 6 Ardeche Gorges & Viviers.
From our mooring in the sleepy town of Viviers, we will visit the magnificent Ardeche Gorges, noted for its spectacular limestone cliffs and the Pont d'Arc, the largest natural arch in Europe. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to relax on board or discover the winding, cobbled streets of Viviers independently. Sail this evening.
- 7
Day 7 Tournon sur Rhone.
Arrive overnight in the town of Tournon sur Rhone, overlooked on one bank by Tournon Castle, and on the other by the terraced vineyards of Tain L'Hermitage. This morning, take the opportunity to see something different from the traditional European garden styles at the Erik Borja Zen Garden. Opened in 2004, this Japanese style garden is a peaceful oasis nestled among the vineyards, and includes a rock garden, tea garden, bamboo grove and lotus pond. Following our visit, we return to the town for a walk through the centre, admiring the Medieval church and famous school. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure or alternatively, cross to the opposite bank of the river to visit Tain L'Hermitage. This important winemaking centre produces many excellent Cote du Rhone wines and we will visit one of the local vineyards for a tour and a tasting. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner as we sail for Lyon.
- 8
Day 8 Lyon to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Lyon Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Maureen Little
An accomplished horticulturist, author, inspirational speaker and educator, Maureen's roots were firmly planted in horticulture but her career has encompassed a wide range of interests and experiences. These include serving in the Women's Royal Naval Service; lecturing in English Literature at University; owning her own plant centre and studying Art History. Her time as a qualified, professional garden designer and owner of a plant centre specialising in pollinator-friendly plants and culinary herbs inspired her to write six published books on horticultural topics, the latest being The Little Book of Plants for Pollinators: A Gardener's Guide . Her qualifications include a HND in Garden Design, a BA (Hons) in English Literature and an MA in Women's Studies. Both degrees contained extensive elements of Art History, a subject that Maureen has followed with enthusiasm over the years and whi
The Ship
Van Gogh
For our voyages along the Rhone we have chartered the delightful MS Van Gogh from our associates at Croisi Europe. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 105 passengers and offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. She is a charming vessel and joining you on board will be a Noble Caledonia team including a Cruise Director, Tour Manager and Guest Speaker.
Deck plan
Life aboard Van Gogh
The MS Van Gogh is an intimate and charming vessel accommodating 105 passengers, providing a relaxed and informal environment for river cruising. With its English-speaking atmosphere, dedicated onboard team, and scenic deck spaces, it is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sociable experience along the Rhone.
Quick facts
Passengers
105
Built
1999
Length
110 metres
Width
11.4 metres
Suites
Cabins are located on the Main and Upper Decks, each featuring an en-suite bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, and safe. Twin cabins measure 15 square metres, while single cabins measure 11 square metres.
- •Main Deck cabins feature picture windows.
- •Upper Deck cabins feature French Balcony style floor-to-ceiling sliding windows.
- •Twin beds can be configured as two singles or one double bed.
- •Daily housekeeping and evening turn-down service are provided.
Life on board
The ship features elegantly furnished public areas, including a relaxing lounge and a spacious Sun Deck for enjoying river views. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with a dedicated team including a Cruise Director, Tour Manager, and Guest Speaker.
- •Sun Deck is available for relaxation but may close during low bridges or evening hours.
- •Lounge on the Upper Deck provides a space to socialise and access the bar.
- •Small gift shop on board for souvenirs and practical items.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in cabins and public areas.
- •Daily programme delivered to cabins each evening.
Dining
Meals are served in a single-sitting, open-seating restaurant on the Upper Deck. The cuisine is international with regional specialities.
- •Breakfast and lunch are buffet style; dinner is a served set menu.
- •Alcoholic and soft drinks are included, excluding premium brands and sparkling wine.
- •Tea and coffee available on a self-serve basis throughout the day.
- •Notify the Reservations Department in advance of specific dietary requirements.
- •Galley restrictions mean choices at each course cannot always be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates on a cash-free system with a Euro-based onboard account and provides 24-hour reception services. The environment is English-speaking with a casual dress code.
- •Dress code is casual during the day and smart casual for evenings.
- •Voltage is 220v with 2-pin power outlets; bring an international adaptor.
- •No lift on board; no laundry facilities available.
- •Smoking is prohibited in cabins and public areas; use designated smoking areas only.
- •Wi-Fi connectivity may be slow or unavailable in rural areas or locks.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 24 to 31 May 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Main Deck Twin | £3495 | £3295 |
| 2 Upper Deck Twin with French Balcony | £3795 | £3595 |
| 3 Main Deck Single | £3495 | £3295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCVG240527
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard MS Van Gogh on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm daily (please note premium brands & sparkling wine are not included) • Shore excursions • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787