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 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 us for a leisurely springtime cruise as we meander along the scenic Rhone River and visit some of the most attractive horticultural delights of this beautiful region. Our 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 we spend time in the papal city of Avignon and visit the beautifully preserved Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard and witness the dramatic limestone scenery of the Ardeche Gorges.
With visits to beautiful gardens, charming towns, historic abbeys and Medieval buildings, our river cruise offers a wonderful insight into the heritage, artistry and flavours of southern France. We will be joined on board by a Guest Speaker who will add to your enjoyment by delivering a series of talks and informal discussions on board.
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.
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 8 Lyon to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Lyon Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
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 be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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.
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Ship Directory
SHIP DIRECTORY
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the MS Van Gogh for your upcoming journey.
We have chartered the MS Van Gogh from our associates at Croisi Europe. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 105 passengers and offers elegant and spacious public areas along with comfortable and well-appointed cabins. She is a charming vessel with a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment. The friendly onboard staff will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment throughout your journey. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
Vessel Technical Details
Passengers: 105
Cabins: 54
Crew: approx. 25
Length: 110 metres
Width: 11.4 metres
Built: 1999AIR-CONDITIONING
All cabins have individually controlled heating and air-conditioning.ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of an emergency.
BAR/BEVERAGES
All-inclusive drinks are provided on board (excluding premium brands and sparkling wine) between the hours of 10.00 am and 11.00 pm.
CABINS
There are 54 spacious and well-designed cabins on board. The cabins are arranged over two decks and all feature en-suite bathroom with shower, television, telephone, hairdryer, closet and a safe. Cabins on the Main Deck feature picture windows, and those on the Upper Deck feature French Balcony style (floor to ceiling) sliding windows. Twin cabins measure 15 square metres and have twin beds that can be positioned separately or together as a double bed, whilst single cabins measure 11 square metres.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A daily programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Evening attire is smart casual though you may like to bring something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and occasion wear for ladies.DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served in the restaurant on board. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style with hot and cold items and dinners are a served set menu with a choice of main course or vegetarian option. Alcoholic and soft drinks are included in your holiday price (excluding premium brands) as are tea and coffee which are available throughout the day on a self-serve basis and with meals. Certain dietary requests can be catered for (on request), however please note that due to galley restrictions, Croisi Europe is unable to offer a choice at each course. If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require, we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220v with 2-pin power outlets. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. For safety reasons, the use of electrical irons or other devices such as kettles, are not permitted on board.EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. We request that all guests carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of their cabin door.FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.FIRST AID
A number of the crew members are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Should you require further medical attention, please contact the Hotel Manager or Cruise Director immediately. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of an emergency.GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop selling various practical and souvenir items.HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with an evening ‘turn down’ service.KEYS TO CABIN
Each cabin will receive their own cabin key. Before leaving the ship we kindly ask all passengers to swap the cabin key with a shore pass which will be provided to you by the ship’s reception desk. After your return to the ship, please return your shore pass back to reception in exchange for your cabin key.LAUNDRY
Please note there are no laundry facilities on board.LIFT
Please note there is no lift on board.LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed into the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave any items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the samePAYMENTS ON BOARD
The ship offers a cash-free system during your cruise and purchases are charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an itemised invoice for any onboard charges incurred. Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. The currency on board is the Euro. While Visa and MasterCard are accepted, personal cheques and debit cards are not. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.POST
The vessel’s gift shop may sell postcards and stamps for you to purchase (subject to availability) and, items can be posted on your behalf by the ship’s crew (although as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself).QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for use during the shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.RECEPTION
Reception can be contacted 24 hours a day, except when the crew member on night watch duty is doing their intermittent security round during which a sign will be replaced at Reception.SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. Please note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms. To ensure your safety, the Sun Deck area may be closed in the evenings and when sailing through sections of the river where bridges are low. Please listen carefully to the Captain and crew for instructions.SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and will be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.TELEPHONE
To make an internal call please dial the corresponding cabin number. To make an external call, please contact Reception who will advise of the rates.TOILETRIES
A selection of toiletries are provided including shampoo, shower gel, soap and facial tissues.WATER
Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner, and from the bar. A glass bottle of water will be provided in your cabin upon embarkation which you can replenish using the water dispenser in the lounge. We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle for use whilst on board and during the excursions.WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and public areas. There may also be times when the internet connection is slow or not available such as when the ship sails through rural areas or locks.PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as guidelines only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Travelling with You
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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 which also forms part of her speaking repertoire. Maureen is a self-confessed oenophile; achieving Level 3 in Wines at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London she went on to become a qualified Wine Educator. In addition, she is a full member of both the Garden Media Guild and the Society of Authors.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in France’s Haute-Savoie region before embarking the MS Van Gogh we are offering a three night extension in the charming lakeside city of Annecy.
Annecy
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Annecy, France.
Fly by scheduled flight to Geneva. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to Le Pelican Hotel, located on the shores of Lake Annecy just a five minute walk from the historic centre of Annecy. After check in enjoy free time before we meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Annecy.
After breakfast in the hotel we will discover Annecy, the capital of Haute-Savoie and known as the “Venice of the Alps”. Stroll through the old town with its charming canals, flowery banks, adorable little bridges and beautiful houses with colourful facades. In the heart of the old town, admire the Palais de l’Île, a former prison and courthouse, and stroll along rue Sainte-Claire lined with pretty arcaded houses. Explore the quays, bridges and old pedestrian streets to discover the eventful history of the city built along the Thiou. After lunch we return to the hotel for a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace, you may wish to climb up to the Chateau d’Annecy for views over the town or take a wander on the lakeside. (B, L)
Day 3 Yvoire.
Depart this morning for a tour of Yvoire. On the shores of Lake Geneva, this adorable Medieval village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. With over 700 years of history, we will see the charming ramparts, fortified gates and the impressive 14th century castle and garden. After lunch at a local restaurant, we make our way back to Annecy for a final afternoon and evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Annecy to Lyon.
After breakfast in the hotel we will drive to Hautecombe Abbey located on the shores of Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural lake. Here we will tour the abbey and enjoy a cruise of the lake. After lunch we continue our journey to Lyon to embark the MS Van Gogh. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
21 to 24 May 2027 Category Price Classic Twin £1495 Superior Lake View £1895 Classic Single £1795 Superior Lake View Single £2195 Price Includes: Three nights at Le Pelican Hotel in Annecy, meals as indicated including drinks (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000