Itinerary

Boarding the MS Provence, checking into cabins, and a welcome from the crew and tour guide. Overview of the cycling itinerary and, depending on the arrival time, an opportunity for a short test ride. Group dinner on board.

In the morning, a boat ride through the Rhône Valley. In the afternoon, a bike ride starting in Chavanay along the ViaRhôna, following the Rhône River through Sablons, Serrières, and Andance to Tournon-sur-Rhône. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to taste regional Côtes-du-Rhône wines.

Today, you can choose between a leisurely tour along the Rhône with a stop in Valence and a visit to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona (40–50 km) or a more challenging route (approx. 70–75 km): First, you’ll take the historic “Train de l’Ardèche” to Lamastre, before cycling along La Dolce Via through the charming Eyrieux Valley to La Voulte-sur-Rhône. There, both groups will board the ship again, and it will continue on to Viviers.

Today, one of the most beautiful stages of your journey through the southern Rhône Valley awaits you. From Viviers, you’ll cycle up to La Garde-Adhémar, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and continue through vineyards, olive groves, and fields of lavender and sunflowers to Suze-la-Rousse. Passing through Orange, with its famous Roman theater, you’ll reach the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, where an optional wine tasting is available. Afterward, the ship will take you to Avignon.

In the morning, you’ll take a guided tour to explore the historic papal city of Avignon and its impressive Papal Palace. After lunch, you can explore the city on your own or join an optional bike tour through the peaceful countryside of Provence. The route takes you along the ViaRhôna and small side roads through orchards, past canals, and through typical villages before returning to Avignon.

Today you’ll cycle through the heart of Provence to the impressive Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route then follows quiet paths through Beaucaire to Tarascon, where the MS Provence is already waiting for you.

Today, you can choose between a leisurely stage along the Rhône to Arles (about 25 to 30 km) or a more challenging tour through the stunning mountain scenery of the Alpilles (about 60 to 65 km). This route takes you via Fontvieille to Les Baux-de-Provence and on to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery, where Vincent van Gogh created some of his most famous works. In Arles, you’ll wrap up the trip with a farewell evening together on board.

After breakfast, disembarkation will take place by approximately 9:00 a.m. With many memories of the Rhône, the wine regions, and the cultural highlights of Provence, you will begin your individual journey home.

Tour character

The bike tours are fairly easy and mostly take place on flat terrain.

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Map showing cycling route along Rhône River from Arles to Lyon via Avignon, with red dots marking stops including Tarascon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Ihr Schiff

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Services

Tour operator: Boat Bike Tours, Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB, Amsterdam

7 nights in outside cabins in the booked cabin category
Itinerary as described
All port, bridge, and lock fees
Daily cabin cleaning; bed linens and towels changed as needed
Welcome drink
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches for bike tours, 6 afternoon coffee and tea breaks, 6 three-course dinners
Daily bike tour briefing on board
GPS data
Fully guided bike tours (for 18 guests or more: 2 tour guides, 2 groups)
Cycling maps and informational materials for independent cycling tours—1 set per cabin (available on-site only)
Ferry fees
Support vehicle available on 2 cycling days
Wine tasting in the Côtes du Rhône region
City walking tour of Avignon, including admission to the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes)
Admission to the Point du Gard
Wine and chocolate tasting in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region
Admission to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona (on the leisurely tour on Day 3)
City walking tour of Arles, including the amphitheater and Roman theater (on the leisurely tour on Day 3)
Train ride to Lamastre (on the active tour on Day 3, subject to availability)
Admission to Montmajour Abbey (on the active tour on Day 3)
Admission to Saint-Paul de Mausole (on the active tour on Day 3)
Wi-Fi (limited data allowance)

Services Not Included

Travel to and from the destination, parking fees, transfers to/from the dock, bike rental, admission and sightseeing fees not mentioned, as well as excursions, city maps, travel insurance, tips, beverages, 1 dinner, and personal expenses.

Information

Rental Bike Features:

8-speed premium e-bike, model “Gudereit EC-4,” with hand brakes (no coaster brakes)
Includes a waterproof pannier bag, bike helmet, and water bottle
Please specify your height when booking.

Embarkation from 2:00 p.m.

Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m.

No minimum number of participants; departure is guaranteed. You may cancel your trip at any time after booking. Please refer to the terms and conditions for cancellation fees.

The terms and conditions of the tour operator apply: Boat Bike Tours, Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB, Amsterdam.

Bringing Your Own Bikes: Due to limited space on the sun deck, bringing your own bike is only possible upon request and subject to availability. For safety reasons, it is not possible to charge the batteries of your own electric bikes in your cabin. The crew will inform you where you can charge your battery on deck or on board. In this case, neither the ship’s crew nor the tour operator is liable for any damage, loss, or theft of your bicycle or e-bike.

Schedules and programs are subject to change without notice. If, for example, a section of the route cannot be navigated due to low water, high water, or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this does not constitute grounds for a free cancellation). The same applies to lock and/or bridge repairs ordered by authorities that were not announced in advance.

Additional Information Please keep in mind that your riverboat is, on the one hand, your “vacation hotel,” but on the other hand, it is also a working vessel that is powered by engines and must be operated continuously, even at night (including lock and bridge passages). We recommend that guests who are particularly sensitive to noise bring earplugs. Passing through locks involves some disruption and, unfortunately, cannot be avoided.

Travel Documents EU citizens (unless special circumstances apply, such as dual citizenship, primary residence abroad, or provisionally issued travel documents) require a valid ID card or passport for this trip, which must remain valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip. If you hold another citizenship or multiple citizenships, or if you are subject to special legal requirements, please check with your relevant consulate regarding the applicable visa and entry requirements.

This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

We recommend purchasing international health insurance that includes repatriation coverage, as well as accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance.