Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise - MS William Shakespeare

Lyon, renowned as the gastronomical capital of France, is home to a variety of bistros, Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional bouchons, sitting in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. A vibrant metropolis rich in history, the city boasts architectural marvels, from the ancient Roman amphitheatre to the Renaissance-era Vieux Lyon, showcasing its storied past and cultural significance. 

Lyon, renowned as the gastronomical capital of France, is home to a variety of bistros, Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional bouchons, sitting in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. A vibrant metropolis rich in history, the city boasts architectural marvels, from the ancient Roman amphitheatre to the Renaissance-era Vieux Lyon, showcasing its storied past and cultural significance. 

Birthplace of the renowned photography pioneer Nicéphore Niépce, Chalon-sur-Saône celebrates its rich artistic legacy with museums and galleries showcasing the art form. Situated in France's Burgundy region, the town offers opportunities for scenic walks along the riverbanks, indulging in the region's renowned Burgundian cuisine and wines, and an authentic French experience in a town brimming with history and charm.

A Roman town, situated along the Rhône in South-East France, Vienne boasts historical treasures including the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the medieval Saint-Maurice Cathedral, and the Gallo-Roman Theater, seamlessly blending ancient and medieval architecture against the stunning backdrop of the Rhône Valley.

Sitting atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Rhône, Viviers is a quaint town paved with cobblestone and lined with medieval houses and Gothic architecture. The Cathédrale Saint-Vincent stands as testament to the religious significance and architectural wonder of the town, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the local cuisine, timeless ambiance and warmth of the local community.

Avignon is a hub of art, culture, cinema and theatre, brimming with history and vibrancy. The city's most iconic landmark, the Palais des Papes, serves as testament to Avignon's storied past and significance during the Avignon Papacy. With streets adorned with bustling markets and ancient fortifications, the city's liveliness exudes, particularly during the famous Avignon Festival.

Avignon is a hub of art, culture, cinema and theatre, brimming with history and vibrancy. The city's most iconic landmark, the Palais des Papes, serves as testament to Avignon's storied past and significance during the Avignon Papacy. With streets adorned with bustling markets and ancient fortifications, the city's liveliness exudes, particularly during the famous Avignon Festival.

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Stairs and a lift lead down to the Othello (middle) deck, where the culinary delights of a superbly elegant restaurant are enhanced by sparkling crystal and crisp, high-quality table linen. Here the ship’s outstanding chefs will amaze you with superb fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet ensures you can eat a full meal or something as simple as a fresh crunchy salad – just as you desire. The evening dinner features excellently executed dishes with silver service, plus a relaxed atmosphere and our ‘open seating’ policy that ensures your dining experience is one you will always look forward to.

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To the rear of the ship is the Midsummer bar, with large panoramic windows and outside seating, where again you can enjoy and relax, watching the passing scenery. Here, in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes for just 24 diners – this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge.

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On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.

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A small but well equipped fitness suite is available for the energetic, whilst others may choose to plump for an invigorating sauna! There is also a hairdressing salon so you can always look your best (small additional fee).

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The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambience of true quality and elegance. In keeping with this theme, spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by ‘Grohe’. Cabins on the Hamlet (upper) and Othello (middle) decks have “French Balconies” with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. These have another unique innovative feature – a first on any river cruise ship. The doors slide completely away against the ships side, effectively disappearing from view (excepting the safety barrier of course!), thus creating a true panoramic extension to your already large cabin area. From here you can enjoy the delights of fresh air and magnificent views whilst retaining your own privacy. At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious (amongst the largest on European rivers) and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. They have flat screen TV with satellite channels and also receive images from a bow-mounted camera, so you can see exactly where you are cruising from the comfort of your own bed! Two chairs and a small table are provided for your convenience plus an umbrella for those hopefully rare, showery days. Tasteful lighting, subtly changing in harmony with the time of day is again a unique feature, whilst high quality bathrobes and slippers add the final elegant touch.

Cabins on the Romeo (lower) deck are slightly smaller at 14 square metres (151 square feet), but feature the same amenities apart from one armchair and table and have smaller, fixed windows. Cabins for sole occupancy are available on this deck at no supplement (subject to availability).

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments.

*Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.

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Why not treat yourself to an upgrade? On the Hamlet(upper) deck there are four unique deluxe suites of 22.8 square meters (245 square feet), featuring sliding glass doors leading to an outside balcony with table and chairs. With almost all the extra space being devoted to the living area, these suites represent exceptional comfort and luxury - taking your cruise to another level.

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments.

*Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.