Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise - MS Lord Byron

7 nights - 24 Jul 2027

Lyon | Beaune | Vienne | Arles | Avignon

MS Lord Byron| West Med

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Emerald Deck

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Emerald Deck

~~WAS £2149pp~~ From £2063PP

Ruby Deck

~~WAS £2749pp~~ From £2639PP

(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Riviera Travel under ATOL number 3230

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Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

THE
RIVER VOYAGES DIFFERENCE

Our sister brand RiverVoyages is Europe’s leading expert in river cruise holidays. Click here to view this itinerary in full and speak to our team of river cruise specialists, here to help you plan your perfect cruise along the world’s most scenic waterways. With access to exclusive offers and savings, we’re ready to help you plan every detail of your next river cruise holiday.

Itinerary

List Timeline

Lyon

Arrival in Lyon - On arrival to our ship moored in Lyon’s historic centre, the dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this five... Read More

Day 1

24 July 2027

Lyon

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Day 2

25 July 2027

Lyon

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Day 3

26 July 2027

Beaune

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Day 4

27 July 2027

Vienne

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Day 5

28 July 2027

Vienne

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Day 6

29 July 2027

Arles

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Day 7

30 July 2027

Avignon

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Day 8

31 July 2027

Avignon

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Lyon

Beaune

Beaune - Rising this morning we’re berthed in Chalon, gateway to Burgundy and home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. On this morning’s tour we see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pom... Read More

Vienne

Vienne & Tain l’Hermitage - Overnight the ship has cruised almost imperceptibly downstream, and we enjoy breakfast in Vienne before you are free to explore at leisure. Strikingly located in a narrow section of the Rhône where the river meanders dramatically around a steep bluff, Vienne is... Read More

Vienne

Arles

Avignon

*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

24 July 2027

Lyon

25 July 2027

Lyon

Lyon - After our first splendid breakfast, we’ve a leisurely start enjoying a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities. The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified.In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; the Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here. There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals the world’s) gastronomic capital.In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and the city boasts a huge array of speciality food shops and eateries, including 20 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and countless little places to eat.While you enjoy your first lunch the ship quietly slips its mooring. Cruising upstream, we catch the first glimpses of the vine-clad slopes of the hazy green Beaujolais hills as we approach one of the world’s most revered red-wine-producing regions. On our left we see the picturesque villages of Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas, Chénas and many more, while on the right you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest mountain.As the afternoon drifts into evening and we cruise past the town that gives them their name, the white wines of Mâcon hold sway – and what could be better than a cool, crisp glass in the lounge before enjoying this evening’s culinary delights in the restaurant, prepared by our outstanding chef.

26 July 2027

Beaune

27 July 2027

Vienne

28 July 2027

Vienne

Ardèche Gorges - This morning we cruise effortlessly downstream. In the distance you’ll catch glimpses of the Alps and, as we approach Valence, the landscape gradually becomes less green with more ochres and magentas, the houses have sloping terracotta roofs typical of the Mediterranean and the air carries heady aromas of pine and cypress. You can only be in the Midi or – as we call it – the south of France. It’s so relaxing to catch up on some reading or just laze in the sun.After lunch we explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power. Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc.Caves, grottoes and natural sculptures create marvellous views at every turn before we return to the gentler slopes of the Rhône Valley, where our ship is moored in charming Viviers, a medieval town clustered around its 12th-century cathedral. During your tour of the Ardèche, you have two exciting options to choose from:You could explore the beautiful Lavender farm, which includes a fascinating museum where you can learn all about the process of cultivating lavender and the distillation of essential oils. In addition to the museum, there’s a boutique where you can purchase various lavender products. This option allows for a leisurely experience, perfect for anyone interested in the art and science of lavender.Or, if you're up for a challenge, you can visit the Grotte de la Madeleine. A prehistoric cave composed of limestone, with a complex network of chambers and passages that contains a collection of fascinating art, dating back to around 17,000 years ago. Please note that this option involves a demanding trek with 250 steps down and then back up, so it's best suited for those who are physically prepared for the hike.We slip our mooring and proceed through the famous lock at Bollène, one of the deepest in France, as you relax over dinner.After dinner, delight in a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance!

29 July 2027

Arles

Arles & Pont du Gard - You awake under the azure skies of deepest Provence and amid the warm stone colours of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This morning, you'll have a couple of guided tours to choose from, each led by a knowledgeable local guide.You can choose to learn about Arles’ Roman history. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Seagoing ships could reach here, and the city became a regional capital, briefly ruling over Gaul, Spain and Britain. Our guided tour will help you appreciate the finer points of Arles’s magnificent Roman remains, including the splendid amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, the earlier theatre built during the reign of Augustus and the Alyscamps, the ancient necropolis with its extraordinary atmosphere.Alternatively, if you are interested in art - especially Van Gogh - you can opt for a tour of Arles, where you learn about his life and work. The disturbed but great genius of an artist Van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year, from February 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café, The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers. After lunch we visit the amazing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000-year-old structure, which was the highest bridge built in the Empire –the Romans themselves considered it the most important testimony to their greatness. Its statistics are staggering - over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high, with its stones each weighing up to six tons.To put this in perspective, the span of the Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge – and no mortar was used in its construction! The situation is lovely too, with pine- and cypress-covered hills adding to the harmonious setting. Re-joining the ship, we cruise along the Rhône and, during dinner, pass the imposing 15th-century castle at Tarascon standing guard on the riverbank.

30 July 2027

Avignon

Avignon - The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century, when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome. Igniting a century of prosperity, the Pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count. Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures. The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable. But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candle-lit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age when it was truly the centre of Christendom.This morning, you’ll have a couple of exciting options to choose from. You can embark on a guided tour of the charming city of Avignon, exploring the Pont Saint-Bénézet, a stunning medieval bridge spanning the Rhône River, followed by an inside tour of Pope’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note that this visit includes uneven terrain and many steps inside the palace.Alternatively, after the visit to the bridge, you can take a captivating ride on the petit train through Avignon. The choice is yours! After lunch you’re free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting the nearby Petit Palais, the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons.It’s our final afternoon so you may wish to do some shopping, or just find a charming café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by. Perhaps though, return to the luxurious surroundings of our ship, finding a quiet spot to contemplate the many wondrous places you’ve seen and experienced over a cup of tea!This evening we enjoy the sumptuous Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience. Afterwards, sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who'll entertain us with French songs on board.Personalise your holiday -Camargue with Manade visit * Price: £74pp in 2025 & £81pp in 2026 * Duration: 4 hrsInstead of spending time at leisure in Avignon, join us towards the coast. Here, we'll visit a local manade, a type of farm typical of the Camargue that specialises in breeding bulls and horses. While exploring the area by cart, we will learn more about this unique method of raising free-roaming animals, which incorporates traditional farming techniques. The experience will conclude with a glass of local wine.After our visit, we will return to the ship in time for dinner on board.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.

31 July 2027

Avignon

Return home

Explore MS Lord Byron

Main Restaurant

On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the 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 allows you to opt for a hearty lunch or something lighter such as a fresh, simple salad – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, enhanced by fine table linen, china and sparkling glassware whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to.

Excursions and activities

We are a well-travelled collective - made up of our guests as well as our team. We'll admit it - we're obsessed with travel.

But that's not our only interest. We also love architecture, history, the arts, and gastronomy - everything that makes a culture unique. And we plan our itineraries to ensure we're catering to those interests. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.

Most days are filled with full or half-day excursions. Whether that's a city tour, an introduction to a brand-new town or a more in-depth visit to a specific landmark or attraction. You'll see the very best of every destination. Not just the legendary locations, we'll uncover the top-secret local spots too.

World-famous landmarks

You'll get to experience some world-famous destinations in the company of our passionate local guides. Sites like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube, spectacular Pont du Gard on the Rhône, Keukenhof Gardens - the world's largest flower gardens - on the Dutch Waterways and Cologne with its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

A taste of your destination

Food has the uncanny ability to reveal the softer parts of the destination most tourists overlook. Recipes passed down through the generations slowly become ingrained within a culture, featuring fresh local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Our excursions often include delicious local produce perfected over centuries - sample cheese in Switzerland and chocolate in Germany (it's not a cruise for those watching their weight), wine tasting in the world-famous wine region of Burgundy and port in the port wine cellars of Porto.

For even more, why not choose one of our Gastronomy themed departures?

Authentic cultural experiences

Our river cruise itineraries deliver authentic and engaging moments to fully immerse you in the culture. You'll remember being seduced by the fiery passion of flamenco dancing after a cruise along the Douro. Hold on to that feeling of wonder you felt as you watch the glassblower creating the most beautiful vase out of a glowing mass. And tell the stories you heard during a Hungarian folklore show to your grandchildren at bedtime. The memory of these authentic cultural experiences will last a lifetime.

Observation Lounge & Bar

On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful La Brasserie at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.

Wellness Area

The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Lord Byron - its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the on-board hairdresser (small additional fee).

Please note: The Emerald Deck is only accessible by stairs.

Sun Deck

WIDGETY Deck Plan Placeholder - coming soon deck plan not available.png

Viewing Area
Outdoor Chairs and Sun Loungers
Deck Games
Splash Pool

Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)

Bar
Panorama Lounge & Bar
Deluxe Suites
Superior Suites
Superior Stern Suites
Diamond Deck Cabins
Boutique
Reception

Ruby Deck (Middle Deck)

Restaurant
Kitchen
Suites
Ruby Deck Cabins

Emerald Deck (Lower Deck)

Wellness Centre
Superior Suites
Emerald Deck Cabins

MS Lord Byron Cabins & Suites

Standard Cabin - Emerald Deck

At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.

Features

Individual climate control
Fixed window
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Tea and coffee making facilities
Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
EU plug sockets
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Standard Cabin - Ruby and Diamond Decks

Features

Individual climate control
Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Tea and coffee making facilities
Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
EU plug sockets
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Deluxe Suite - Diamond Deck

For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, on the Diamond (top) deck there are four deluxe suites, at 22.5 square metres (242 square feet) a full 50% larger than a standard cabin, beautifully appointed and incredibly comfortable, plus for a final homely touch, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. You will love them.

Features

Individual climate control
Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Tea and coffee making facilities
Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
EU plug sockets
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Facilities

Queen or Twin Configuration
Shower
Toiletries Provided
Room Service Available
Free Wi-Fi
Safe
Hair Dryer
Desk
Lounge Area
TV
Telephone
Suite Benefits
Air Conditioning