Great Solo Traveller Prices - Premium Ship: Single Supplement from $850
Croisi Canal Cruise: NAF_XMASPP
5 Days
Avignon | Aigues Mortes | Arles | Tarascon | Avignon
Rich in symbols, full of emotions and sensations, Christmas traditions in Provence bring meaning and color to the holiday. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Provence. In Aigues-Mortes, discover the fougasse, a traditional delicacy reserved for the holidays; in Arles, dive into the art of santon makers with the creator’s fair, a tribute to this iconic popular craft. Further on, explore the Château de Tarascon, a majestic fortress on the banks of the Rhône, or the perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence with its santon museum and traditional Provençal nativity scene. Don’t miss the Palais des Papes in Avignon, an imposing Gothic fortress, a witness to the religious power of the 14th century.
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- Gala dinner and evening : Welcome cocktail
- All meals included : Refined European cuisine, with table service for lunch & dinner
- Drinks included : With meals
- Open bar : Including Cocktails, Mocktails, Regional wines, Beer, Spirits & Soft drinks (excluding premium list)
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
Discovering Christmas traditions in Provence, with santons, cozy evenings, and culinary discoveries
Christmas-themed evenings on board
Christmas-themed evenings on board
- EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
- Aigues Mortes, medieval city dating from the 13th century
- Visit to the Château de Tarascon and the Santon Museum in Les Baux-de-Provence
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- Itinerary
- Important Information
Day 1: Avignon - Aigues Mortes
Transfer by coach from Avignon to Aigues Mortes. Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 6:00p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabin, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Enjoy a "Christmas traditions”-themed evening.
Day 2: Aigues Mortes - Arles
In the morning, join the included excursion: Aigues-Mortes. Founded in the 13th century by King Louis IX, Aigues-Mortes reveals an exceptionally well-preserved architectural ensemble. Located in the heart of the Camargue region, the town presents the true appearance of a medieval fortress, with its 1634 meters of ramparts, fortified gates, twenty towers, and a walkway. Then, experience a tasting of the authentic fougasse d'Aigues-Mortes, a sugar-glazed brioche raised with orange blossom water. In the past, this treat was made during Christmas time, with the baker preparing the dough and the customer bringing the ingredients. It was the baker’s Christmas gift. Return to the boat and set sail towards Arles. You will take the Rhône à Sète Canal, which winds along the wetlands of the Petite Camargue, followed by the Petit-Rhône. You will pass Saint-Gilles and the only lock before emerging onto the grand Rhône, with Arles and its famous arena in sight. Christmas-themed entertainment on board in the evening.
Day 3: Arles - Tarascon
This morning join the included excursion: Arles and the Santonniers' Exhibition. Departure for a guided tour of the city, followed by a visit to the International Santonniers' Exhibition, the must-visit event for nativity scene and santon enthusiasts from southern France. Created by artisans in 1958 to showcase the work of santon makers, today, more than 100 exhibitors and creators gather each year. Free time before returning to the boat. Navigation towards Tarascon.
This afternoon join the Included excursion: Visit of Tarascon Castle(2), Les Baux-de-Provence, and its Santon Museum. On the banks of the Rhône, stands the Tarascon Castle, a fortress built by the Princes of Anjou at the beginning of the 15th century. Remarkably preserved, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France and Europe. During the visit, you will discover the apothecary of the Saint-Nicolas Hospital, more than 30 rooms, and an exceptional panoramic view of the Rhône and Provence from the vast terrace overlooking the castle. Then, travel to Les Baux-de-Provence and its Santon Museum. This perched village on a rocky outcrop has an incredibly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel overlooks sites of extraordinary natural beauty. Visit the Santon Museum, which houses a large number of pieces from various collections, including a traditional Provençal nativity scene and the daily life of a family in the 19th century, displayed in two large showcases. Return to Tarascon.
Evening entertainment on board.
(2) Sites closed on Mondays, excursion replaced by Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery.
Day 4: Tarascon - Avignon
Morning, navigation towards Avignon. You will pass through the large lock at Vallabrègues, take the opportunity to go to the sun deck and admire the landscapes of Provence. Arrival in Avignon in the early afternoon. Included excursion: Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. An imposing fortress and magnificent palace, it is the symbol of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and hosted seven papal sovereigns in the 14th century. Throughout the tour of the largest Gothic palace in the world, the route will trace the lives of the popes, their political and religious power. You will be able to admire the grand reception halls, chapels, and the private apartments of the popes. Stop by the Halles Market in Avignon(1), an important part of authentic Provence. Its lively atmosphere, specific scents, and incomparable flavors make it a true ambassador of taste. Return to the boat. Gala evening.
(1) The Halles in Avignon: closed on Mondays and afternoons.
Day 5: Avignon
One last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
- Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
- Assistance from the onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- The excursions mentioned in the program
- Transfer by coach Avignon/Aigues-Mortes on Day 1
- All port fees
EXCLUSIONS:
- Drinks from special menus, drinks taken during excursions or transfers
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Personal expenses
For navigational safety reasons, the company and the captain are the only authorized persons who can modify the cruise itinerary. The cruise schedule may vary according to tides and arrival times at ports of call may be subject to change.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.