Ready to circumnavigate Ireland?
How about Iceland as a bonus?
From August 4-18, 2024, Dance On The Water will visiting seven Irish ports (plus Liverpool, Bristol and the Isle of Man) and then hopping over to Iceland for a four-day land tour!
Please check this page again soon for all the details.
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Itinerary
Download a PDF of our trip’s itinerary
Dance On The Water Itinerary
June 24 to July 7, 2023
Provence, The Rhone & Marseille
Day 1, Saturday, June 24, 2023, Arrival Lyon
Arrival in Lyon by air. Meals this day on your own. If you like, you can arrange air through Sonja at Value World Tours ( sonja@yugoair.com ) or from 10 am to 2 pm PT at 866/ 984-6247. As passengers are arriving at different times, transport to the hotel, Novotel Lyon Confluence (or similar), is on your own. We will provide information on available transports. Evening meeting and dancing at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 2, Sunday, June 25, Lyon – EMBARKATION (B,D-breakfast & dinner included)
Breakfast at your hotel. Free day in Lyon; lunch on your own. Transfer from hotel to ship MS Rhone Princess for embarkation at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, meet the crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an evening of entertainment. Dancing on the ship depending on schedule.
Day 3, Monday, June 26, LYON – MACON (B,L,D)
Guided Tour of Lyon {about 3 hours} INCLUDED
This winkling city will reveal itself to you during a guided visit by coach and on foot. Our excursion will start with a stop at the Fourvière Basilica. You’ll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Basilica before entering it. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old Roman forum. The small chapel that was first dedicated to Saint Thomas and then 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. After our visit we’ll return to the coach and move on to Lyon’s Old Town. You will take a walking tour with our guide and discover the “traboules,” types of passageways that are typical of the city. The first traboules are thought to have been built in the 4th century. There was a water shortage in Lugdunum (the Gallo-Roman name that was given to Lyon at the time) that led its inhabitants to settle in the “lower city” on the banks of the Saône, at the foot of the hills of Fourvière. The traboules were thus used to reach the river quickly. You’ll enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district, in the heart of the Old Town. Return on board for lunch. Continue sailing. Dancing and dinner subject to ship schedule.
Day 4, Tuesday, June 27, MACON – VIENNE (B,L,D)
The Cluny Abbey {about 3 hours} INCLUDED
You will leave by coach with your guide to the Cluny Abbey. Founded in 910 by William the Pious, the abbey was under the direct protection of Rome and its abbot was granted the role of mediator between the political leaders and the pope. This ancient Benedictine abbey extended a widespread influence on all of medieval Europe. Its church was the largest in all of West Christianity until Saint Peter’s basilica was built in Rome. In 1798, following the French Revolution, the abbey was sold as a national asset and thus dismantled, while its church was almost completely destroyed. Today, you can still admire their vestiges which bear witness to the past splendor of Cluny. Return on board in Macon. Dancing based on ship schedule.
PLEASE NOTE:
Ports along the Rhone River may be impacted by tides. Arrival times at the ports of call may be modified.
Day 5, Wednesday, June 28, VIENNE (B,L,D)
Guided Tour of Vienne {about 2 hours} INCLUDED
Meet up with the guides for a walking tour of Vienne, during which you will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienne goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône river and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, it is considered one of the largest in the Roman Empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only). This temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC; it was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exteriors only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. Return to the ship on foot. Afternoon dancing.
Day 6, Thursday, June 29, AVIGNON – ARLES – THE CAMARGUE (B,L,D)
AM: Avignon and the Pope’s Palace {about 3 hours} INCLUDED
You will set out on foot for the guided tour of the old town of Avignon. With the Pope’s Palace, classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and a testimony to the city’s past when it was known as the capital of Christianity back in the Middle-Ages, Avignon offers an impressive array of monuments. Along the Passage de l’Oratoire, you’ll be able to admire the exteriors of the chapel, classified as a historic monument, where many events take place during the famous Avignon Festival. We’ll move on to St Agricol street where you’ll get to see the diocesan Church, the oldest in the city. We’ll then stop by the Place de l’Horloge, which has always been the beating heart of Avignon. Cafés and restaurant terraces are now spread out where the Roman forum once stood. Right across, you will see the walls of the Town Hall and the theater that was built in the 19th century. We’ll continue to the Place du Palais. This square is roughly 800 ft long and 160 ft wide. To the East stands the Pope’s Palace which faces the baroque sculptures of the Papal mint. A large golden Virgin seems to be watching the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral while the elegant Renaissance inspiration on the outside walls of the Petit Palais is showing further back. Then, discover the Pope’s Palace, the most important monument in the city. It’s made of two parts: the old Palais of Pope Benedict XII (1334-1342), and the new Palais of his successor Pope Clement VI (1342-1352). Our visit will take you through the staterooms where numerous ceremonies and feasts took place, the chapels, the Pope’s private apartments and the terraces which offer a wonderful panorama on Avignon and the Rhône river. Return on board on foot.
PM: Touring the Camargue and Visiting a Manade {about 4 hours} INCLUDED
Enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the Camargue. Sit back and admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamingoes, black bulls and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Discover the salt and rice fields that make the area so well known. We’ll visit a Manade (bull breeding farm) and learn about the work of a manadier as we watch a demonstration of how they work with the animals they raise. Our visit will include a cocktail on the patio. At the end of our visit, we’ll return to the ship in Arles.
Day 7, Friday, June 30, ARLES – VIVIERS (B,L,D)
AM: Arles and Tour of an Olive Oil Production {about 4 hours} INCLUDED
Depart by foot for the guided tour of Arles. For two thousand years Arles has maintained an outstanding architectural heritage making it a genuine open-air museum. Welcome to this tourist and cultural mecca. During this tour you will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), the Roman Theatre, St Trophimus square with its cloister and church on the Arles route; one of three routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We will continue our tour through the Place du Forum, and finally, the Roman baths of Constantine. Then, depart by coach towards Tarascon. You will visit a domain producing the famous Provencal olive oil at the foot of Montagnette in an 18th C. Provençal country house where the estate owners have planted a large orchard of 150,000 trees. You will visit the estate sitting on straw bales in trailers pulled by tractors. The owners will explain the cultivation and production of the yellow gold of Provence, olive oil. After this discovery, you will have the opportunity to taste the products of the estate. Return to Arles by coach.
PM: Guided Tour of Viviers {about 2 hours} INCLUDED
You will leave the boat on foot for a guided tour of Viviers. The third largest protected sector in the Rhône Alpes regions, residence of bishops since the 5th century, Viviers, a small town with a population of 3,500 is like an open-air museum, where every stone contains a page of history. You will be able to admire France’s smallest cathedral in this sumptuous medieval town. Among other things you will see the House of Knights with its superb Renaissance facade, the Tower of St. Michel, the great seminary and the Belvedere with an unobstructed view of Viviers at night. Return to the ship on foot.
Day 8, Saturday, July 1, VIVIERS – TOURNON (B,L,D)
PM: Tournon {about 3 hours} INCLUDED
Welcome to Tournon! Located in the heart of the Rhone Valley, at the gates of Provence, this city will enchant you with its heady perfumes. We’ll begin our visit on foot passing all the main tourist attractions of the town, including the historic monuments and shopping areas. We’ll stop at the Château Museum where we’ll get the opportunity to discover the permanent collection tracing the history of navigation on the Rhone river. This imposing castle was built on a high granite rock overlooking the town and was the domain of the barony of the Counts of Tournon. At the foot of the castle, enjoy a pleasant walk along the streets and alleys of the historic center which will take you back to the Middle Ages. Our visit will end with a tasting of regional products and wines. Return on foot to the ship at your own pace. Tonight’s our gala farewell dinner to the Rhone Princess!
Day 9, Sunday, July 2, Lyon – DISEMBARK (B)
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Bid your crew “Au Revoir” as you board your coach at the Lyon Port and proceed back to Hotel Novotel Lyon Confluence. Lunch and dinner are on your own. Evening dancing at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 10, Monday, July 3, Lyon to Marseille (B)
Breakfast in your hotel. Bus transfer to Marseilles, to the Hotel Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port. Afternoon free. Lunch and dinner on your own. Evening dancing at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 11, Tuesday, July 4, Marseille (B)
(All Marseille tours and excursions included!)
A morning sightseeing tour includes the Old Port, the historic heart of the city, the new ports of La Joliette, created during the 19th century and now being restructured within the framework of the Euroméditerranée project. Drive through the Old City, the Panier district, up to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde and visit the Basilica. Continue along the coastline over Corniche Kennedy to the Parc Balnéaire du Prado, view the Villas of the Corniche, view over the Frioul archipelago and the If Castle. Afternoon free. Lunch and dinner on your own. Evening dancing at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 12, Wednesday, July 5, Marseille (B)
After breakfast, walking tour of Marseille’s old town and Le Panier district: view the Place de Lenche, St. Laurent Church, MuCEM, Villa Méditerranée, Regards de Provence Museum, La Major Cathedrals, Vieille Charité (former poorhouse now a museum), Place des Moulins and Hôtel de Cabre, one of the oldest houses in Marseille. Afternoon free. Lunch and dinner on your own. Evening dancing at hotel. Overnight.
Day 13, Thursday, July 6, Marseille (B, D)
After breakfast, excursion to the Parc National des Calanques (Calanques National Park). Known for its outstanding scenery, comprising of white cliffs plunging into the sea, set against small isolated creeks, the National Park is equally remarkable for its biodiversity. We will take the bus to Luminy and continue on foot to Sugiton (approx. 1h 15 min). Lunch on your own. Return to hotel around 6 PM. Farewell dinner in the hotel. No dancing. Overnight.
Day 14, Friday, July 7, Depart Marseille (B)
After a final breakfast, pack your memories away as you check-out and transfer to the airport for flights home.
INLUDED SERVICES
LAND PORTION: Days 1 and 9-14, with meals as indicated
- 2 nights in LYON at the first-class Novotel Hotel with 2 breakfast included
- 4 nights in Marseille at the first-class Mercure hotel with 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner
- All transportation between ship-hotels as indicated
- All sightseeing with local English-speaking guides as indicated
- Special room for evening dancing as indicated
- All hotel taxes and surcharges
CRUISE POTION: Days 2-8 aboard the 4-star “Rhone Princess”
- Accommodations for 7 nights in outside cabins in category of your choice
- A total of 20 French-influenced meals (7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
- Open bar: Free flowing house wines, beer, sodas, coffee, juices, water (excluding premium spirits)
- Welcome cocktail and Captain’s Gala dinner
- 8 sightseeing excursions with all transportation, entrance fees, and local English speaking guides
- Free basic Wi-Fi (subject to signal)
- All on board activities and entertainment
- Services of an English-speaking Cruise Manager throughout
NOT INCLUDED:
- International Airfare
- Transfers on arrival and individual transfers on departure
- Meals, specialty drinks, optional excursions and other activities not included in the itinerary
- Cost of a personal nature such as telephone, laundry, souvenirs etc.
- Tips to crew and local bus drivers and guides. Suggested amounts will be advised
- Travel Insurance – strongly recommended
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Our Ship – The M/S Rhone Princess
The MS Rhone Princess was built in 2001 and renovated in 2011. It has 69 cabins on two decks, accommodating 138 passengers.
UPPER DECK
MAIN DECK
We will have fabulous French cuisine on tables set aside for us!
On the ship, we’ll dance most evenings on the Sun Deck. We have a room reserved for dancing most nights at the hotels.
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Cabins & Prices
We have 16 cabins set aside for Dance On The Water passengers. Each cabin has two twin beds that can be converted to a double. All cabins have a private bath with shower and towels, TV, individually controlled air conditioning, a safe, 220 volt electricity (European), and free Wi-Fi. There is no laundry service on the ship.
The main deck and upper deck cabins are the same size, 140 sq. feet. The upper deck cabins [above] have a larger picture window.
Main Deck cabins – $3,475 per person
Upper Deck cabins – $3,675 per person
Single supplement – $1,580
Payment includes:
- All meals as described in the Itinerary (B,L and/or D)
- Beer, wine and beverages during meals on the ship
- Eleven excursions as described in the Itinerary
Payment does not include:
- Tips to ship and hotel staff and tour guides
- Increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes & fees not known at this time.
- Trip insurance (may be purchased separately)
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Registration
Download Registration PDF: Registration form – Rhone 2023
To register, please fill out and send us the Rhone Registration Form (mail, fax or scan to email) OR contact us at:
Dance on the Water
2147 Parker Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
David & Marija Hillis
Phone: 510-872-5066
FAX: 510-549-0333
Email: folkdanceonthewater@gmail.com
Trip Insurance
If you would like to purchase trip insurance, please follow the directions on our Trip Insurance page.