Great Solo Traveller Prices - Premium Ship: available on application
CroisiCruise: FAN_XMASPP
5 Days
Avignon | Tarascon | Arles | Aigues Mortes | Avignon
Rich in symbols, 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 provincial Christmas markets. The Palace of the Popes in Avignon, an imposing Gothic fortress and a symbol of religious power in the 14th century; Les Baux-de-Provence, whose citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty, and its santons museum with its traditional Provençal nativity scene; or Aigues-Mortes, where you can taste fougasse, a treat once reserved for the Christmas season.
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
- Prepaid Classic Sightseeing package
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the Christmas traditions of Provence, including santons, cozy evenings, and culinary delights
- Onboard evenings with a Christmas theme
- All Excursions Included
MUST SEES:
- Visit the Château de Tarascon, a fortress blending Gothic and Renaissance styles
- The Santons Museum in Les Baux-de-Provence and its traditional Provençal nativity scene
- Aigues-Mortes, a medieval city dating back to the 13th century
- Itinerary
- Important Information
Day 1: Avignon
Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 6:00 p.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: Avignon - Tarascon
This morning join the excursion proposed: Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. This imposing fortress and sumptuous palace is a symbol of the power of Christianity during the Middle Ages. It hosted seven pontiffs in the 14th century. As you tour the rooms of the largest Gothic palace in the world, you’ll retrace the lives of the popes, their political and religious power. Admire the grand ceremonial halls, chapels, and private apartments of the popes. A visit to Les Halles market in Avignon(1) offers a glimpse into authentic Provence with its vibrant atmosphere, distinct aromas, and incomparable flavors—a true ambassador of taste.
This afternoon sail to Tarascon. Enjoy the views of Provence from the sun deck and admire the passing landscapes. You’ll traverse the Vallabrègues lock before arriving in Tarascon.
This evening there will be a festive onboard event with a Christmas theme.
(1) The Halles in Avignon: closed on Mondays and afternoons.
Day 3: Tarascon - Arles
This morning join the excursion proposed: Visit the Château de Tarascon. A Gothic and Renaissance fortress located on the Rhône, this castle was built by the Princes of Anjou in the early 15th century. Remarkably well-preserved, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France and Europe. The tour includes the apothecary of the Saint-Nicolas hospital, more than 30 rooms, and an exceptional panorama of the Rhône and Provence from the massive terrace atop the castle. Return to the ship and sail toward Arles.
This afternoon visit Les Baux-de-Provence, its Santons Museum, Arles, and the Santonniers Fair. Head to Les Baux-de-Provence, a perched village with an incredibly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty. Visit the Santons Museum, featuring an extensive collection of pieces, including a traditional Provençal nativity scene and a display of 19th-century family life. Return to Arles for a guided tour of the city before exploring the International Santonniers Fair, a must-visit event for nativity and santon enthusiasts in southern France. Created by artisans in 1958, the fair now hosts over 100 exhibitors and creators each year. Free time before returning to the ship. This evening enjoy onboard entertainment.
Day 4: Arles - Aigues-Mortes
This morning sail toward Aigues-Mortes via the Petit Rhône, passing Saint-Gilles and the unique lock before entering the Rhône-to-Sète canal, which runs alongside the marshy plains of the Petite Camargue.
In the afternoon join the excursion proposed: Aigues-Mortes. Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis, Aigues-Mortes boasts an exceptionally well-preserved architectural ensemble. In the heart of the Gardoise Camargue, this town has a true medieval fortress feel with 1,634 meters of ramparts, fortified gates, twenty towers, and a walkway. The visit concludes with a tasting of the authentic fougasse of Aigues-Mortes—a sugar-glazed brioche flavored with orange blossom. Historically, this treat was prepared during Christmas: the baker made the dough while customers provided the ingredients, making it a special Christmas gift from the baker. This evening attend the gala dinner onboard.
Day 5: Aigues-Mortes - Avignon
One last breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Coach transfer to Avignon. End of our services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
- Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from the special lists) and a drinks package for meals taken outside the ship (1/4 wine or 1 mineral water and 1 coffee per person and per meal)
- Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
- Assistance from the onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- Excursions mentioned in the program
- Transfer by coach Aigues/Mortes/Avignon on Day 5
- All port fees
- Prepaid classic sightseeing package
EXCLUSIONS:
- Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered 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.