The Best Rhône River Cruise for You
Five questions, and the lines that answer them.
Get Free Rhône Cruise QuotesThe best Rhône river cruise is the one whose itinerary, inclusions and onboard style match your priorities. Start with the questions below.
Five Questions That Pick Your Cruise
- Saône or not? Some itineraries include Burgundy; others stay on the Rhône.
- Which overnights? An overnight in Avignon or Lyon gives you evenings ashore.
- Which excursions are included? Pont du Gard, the Camargue and wine tastings may be included or extra.
- One way or round trip? One-way trips need flights in and out of different cities.
- How much is included? Drinks, gratuities and excursions vary widely between lines.
Lines on the Rhône
| Line | Rhône itinerary (as named by the line) | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Viking | Lyon & Provence | Large fleet, consistent product, one included tour per port |
| AmaWaterways | Colors of Provence | Wine program, bikes on board, active options |
| Avalon Waterways | Burgundy & Provence | Wide-window suites, flexible excursions |
| Uniworld | Burgundy & Provence | All-inclusive, boutique decor |
| Scenic | Rhône itineraries | All-inclusive premium |
| Amadeus | Treasures of Burgundy & Provence | European line with an international clientele |
| CroisiEurope | Lyon to the Tip of Provence | French operator, value-minded |
Itinerary names and ships change from year to year; we confirm the current schedule when you ask. For broader “best for” picks across rivers, see Best River Cruises.
Book Smart
Popular spring and autumn dates sell early. Promotions often cluster at the start of the year; Wave Season gathers current offers in one place. If you enjoy planning trips like this, Be a Travel Agent shows how to turn it into a career, and Best of the USA covers travel closer to home.
Matching the Rhône to the Traveler
Food and wine first
Choose an itinerary with two Saône days for Burgundy, a Lyon food walk and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape tasting. Lines with a dedicated wine host suit you best.
History first
Look for included visits to Vienne’s Roman temple, the Pont du Gard and the arena at Arles, and an overnight in Avignon.
Active travelers
Some lines carry bikes and offer guided rides or hikes in the hills above the river; ask which ports have them.
Relaxed pace
A round trip from Lyon avoids an open-jaw flight and gives a gentler rhythm with fewer early starts.
Whichever profile fits, the best Rhône river cruise is the one where the included tours are the ones you would have chosen anyway — otherwise you are paying for things you will skip.
Best Rhône River Cruise Questions
What is the best Rhône river cruise for first-timers?
A one-week Lyon and Provence itinerary on a large, well-organized line is the easiest start. If you know you love food and wine, look at lines with a strong wine program or extra time in Burgundy.
Are there Christmas sailings on the Rhône?
Some lines run festive departures in late November and December with visits to Provençal and Lyon Christmas markets. Schedules change each year, so ask us for the current season.
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