Pre-journey stays are available for those who wish to arrive in Lausanne a day before the journey officially begins. This pre-pilgrimage stay includes meet-and-greet airport transfers, overnight at our Lausanne Hotel with all taxes, tips, and breakfast, as well as a morning excursion to the Swiss Alps aboard the Golden Pass Rail, with a curated lunch in Gstaad.

Connoisseurs Tours offers an Airline Concierge Service to help with your flight reservations. Your dedicated reservation team will manage your airline reservations from the time you begin selecting flights until the day you return and will spend extra effort to find just the right airline schedule to suit your needs. This will alleviate any of the unexpected headaches that can arise in today’s travel environment with schedule changes and flight cancellations.

Upon arrival at Geneva Airport, all guests will be met by a private meet-and-greet service and transferred to our hotel, the Lausanne Palace Hotel. The Lausanne Palace is a celebrated 5-star historic hotel in the heart of Lausanne. Inaugurated in 1915, it masterfully blends 19th-century grandeur with contemporary comforts, world-class dining, and an expansive spa. A stay at this landmark property places you steps away from the best the city and the Lake Geneva region offer, with spectacular, panoramic views of the cascading rooftops, Lake Geneva, and the Savoy Alps.

The afternoon and evening are free for rest and personal exploration. Early this evening, we will gather for a meet-and-greet reception and dinner.

Overnight at the Lausanne Palace Hotel (or similar).
(R, D)

On October 18, 1685, the Edict of Nantes was revoked and French Huguenots could either convert to Catholicism, face life in a prison or convent, or flee the country. At this time, there were about 800,000 Huguenots in France and nearly one-fourth of them left the country. Tens of thousands of Huguenots fled France following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, Lausanne became a primary, overflowing sanctuary town.

This morning, we begin with a private, curated walking tour of Lausanne’s medieval Old Town, and conclude at the magnificent Lausanne Cathedral, one of the most stunning Gothic monuments in Switzerland and a vital site in Protestant history. We will walk through the exact doors where Protestant reformer Guillaume Farel preached in 1536, officially bringing the Reformation to the city.

The UNESCO-listed vineyards near Lausanne are known as the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces and were shaped by Benedictine and Cistercian monks and became designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. In 1536, the Protestant Republic of Bern militarily conquered the Vaud region (where Lausanne and the Lavaux vineyards are located) and officially stripped the Catholic Church and its monks of all their lands. Because Calamin is so small, its plots were rapidly privatized by wealthy Bernese and Vaudois Protestant families following the secularization of 1536. It was these specific noble landowners who later served as the political patrons and financiers for the influx of elite Huguenot refugees fleeing France in 1685

We will travel to the Lavaux Terraces to Auberge du Vigneron, to enjoy a wine pairing lunch with local cuisine and wines overlooking Lake Geneva.

We return to Lusanne in the afternoon for free time and relaxation before dinner.

This evening, we will dine as we cruise aboard the beautifully restored CGN Belle Époque paddle steamboat on a breathtaking sensory journey across Lake Geneva. As the ship glides onto the quiet, glassy water to the rhythmic, low thumping of its steam paddles, the historic first-class salon wraps you in an atmosphere of floating luxury, complete with polished mahogany woodwork, gleaming brass accents, and table lamps casting a warm amber glow. Outside the massive windows, the landscape unfolds in a spectacular sunset display as the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the French Alps cast sharp silhouettes against an orange sky, while the steep, emerald-green terraces of the UNESCO-listed Lavaux wine region glow in the fading light before turning into a ribbon of twinkling gold shorelines.

Overnight at the Lausanne Palace Hotel (or similar).
(B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast, we depart Lausanne for Geneva, a city nestled by Lake Geneva and framed by the Alps. Our curated tour begins at the waterfront, with the iconic Flower Clock and the tranquil English Gardens, before venturing into the Old Town. This genteel historic center, once home to Enlightenment figure Jean-Jacques Rousseau, carries the profound weight of history.

Known as the "Protestant Rome," the Old Town was the crucible of the Swiss Reformation in 1536. Our historical itinerary explores this legacy with visits to the International Museum of the Reformation (MIR) and the commanding St. Pierre Cathedral, and then continues to Calvin’s Auditorium. The district also vividly illustrates the enduring impact of the French Huguenots, thousands of whom arrived from fleeing persecution—especially after 1685—and whose influx spurred the distinctive vertical architectural growth visible along Grand-Rue.

Our tour culminates at the 100-meter-long Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions.

Following the tour, we will enjoy free time for lunch and personal exploration before continuing onward to Lyon to board the luxurious Riverside Ravel.

The moment you step across the gangway of the Riverside Ravel, you’re enveloped in a world of pure, tailored luxury. No matter how many times I have sailed on the Rhone, I have a rush of excitement as the crew greets me by name with a perfectly chilled glass of champagne.

As we settle in and gather on the top deck to watch the historic city skyline drift by, it’s clear: our journey has shifted into a new gear. This is the ultimate continuation of effortless, slow-travel indulgence—a truly unique perspective on the world, shared together.

Overnight aboard the Riverside Ravel.
(B, D)

Sailing from Lyon to Tain-l'Hermitage is seamlessly punctuated by romantic snapshots of timeless French heritage. Sun-bleached villages with terracotta roofs line the riverbanks, accented by the stone ruins of medieval watchtowers and fortresses keeping watch from the craggy hilltops. As we approach the twin towns of Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon-sur-Rhône, the valley narrows, and the majestic Hermitage Hill rises sharply ahead, crowned by its solitary stone chapel and the elegant arch of the historic Marc Seguin suspension bridge spanning the water, encapsulating the serene, powerful beauty of a river that has shaped French culture and viticulture for millennia.

Nestled dramatically on the banks of the Rhône River, Tain-l’Hermitage is a sun-drenched sanctuary of French gastronomy where world-class winemaking meets artisan chocolate. The town is defined by the iconic, steeply terraced Hermitage Hill, where legendary estates like M. Chapoutier and Cave de Tain craft some of the world's most prestigious Syrah and Marsanne wines.

Beyond these sensory delights, the town's historic soul reveals itself through medieval fortifications, ancient Roman altars, and Renaissance courtyards. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront leads to the landmark Marc Seguin suspension bridge, a 19th-century pedestrian footbridge that arches over the shimmering Rhône to connect Tain-l’Hermitage with its twin medieval town, Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Active travelers can follow the paved, tree-lined ViaRhôna cycle path as it winds past local orchards heavy with regional apricots and cherries. Whether exploring the ancient town center or watching the sunset over the water, visiting this northern Rhône gem offers a timeless, romantic escape into the heart of French river culture.

On our journey, in every port, each day you can select a full-day journey, two half-day journeys, or a combination of half-day journeys and free time.

Overnight aboard the Riverside Ravel.
(B, L, D)

Our morning begins in the serene, stone-walled village of Viviers, an enchanting destination that appears suspended in the Middle Ages. Situated on the Rhône River’s right bank, this “open-air museum” reveals centuries of ecclesiastical history through its narrow cobblestone streets.

The intense ecclesiastical connection in Viviers stems from its unique history as a powerful, fortified bishop’s principality that survived isolated from the secular world for over a thousand years. During the Middle Ages, the town was legally and physically split into two distinct, competing worlds: the secular lower town where merchants lived, and the fortified Upper Town (Haute Ville), which operated as an exclusive, sovereign religious sanctuary.

Because Viviers was spared from the heavy destruction of the French Revolution, this physical division remains perfectly intact today. Walking up the hill is a literal journey through medieval class structure, moving from the working-class streets into a pristine enclave of 18th-century episcopal palaces, canonical townhouses, and sacred architecture that has been continuously occupied by the church since the 5th century

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful cruise from Viviers toward Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As we journey south, the rugged limestone canyons give way to the classic, sun-soaked landscapes of Provence. A highlight of our transit is the Bollène Lock, the deepest lock in France is a remarkable engineering feat that lowers our ship into the Mediterranean climate zone, where cypress trees and olive groves are abundant.

Upon nearing Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you will see world-renowned vineyards distinguished by their “galets roulés,” the smooth quartz stones that blanket the soil and the striking sight of the ruins of the 14th-century Château des Papes, signaling our arrival at the historic gateway to Avignon’s famous wine region.

Shortly after our arrival, we depart for a private after-hours Signature Event in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We will travel through the scenic Rhône Valley, passing the illuminated ruins of the 14th-century papal castle before arriving at an esteemed local estate or historic candlelit cave network. Once inside the atmospheric aging cellars, we will be led by expert estate sommeliers through a private barrel-room tour to explain the region's unique rolling-stone terroirs and its deep papal history. The evening culminates in a curated pairing masterclass, where you will taste four premium red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintages expertly paired with traditional French breads and regional cheeses designed to complement the heavy, full-bodied wines.

Overnight aboard the Riverside Ravel.
(B, L, D)

Staying overnight in Avignon aboard the Riverside Ravel offers a magical travel experience, as the ship docks directly along the central riverbanks just steps from the city's illuminated medieval ramparts and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge. This premier, central location grants you the freedom to step off the vessel at your leisure to explore the lively, cobblestone squares and wine bars of the papal city after dark. Your time in Avignon seamlessly blends guided historical discovery—including an immersive morning tour of the massive, 14th-century Palace of the Popes—with flexible afternoon options like an active e-bike ride or an excursion to the ancient Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct. Whether you choose to dine on authentic Provençal cuisine ashore or relax on the ship’s Vista Deck, the evening concludes with local musicians and French sommeliers boarding the vessel to bring the rich culture of Provence directly to your lounge.

On our June sailing with two days in Avignon, we have arranged special selections of excursions where you can venture away from Avignon. While the challenge is selecting which excursions interest you the most, here are examples of what we have planned; experience the region's seasonal beauty through an exclusive journey to the blooming Luberon Valley lavender fields at Senanque Abbey, an active kayak adventure paddling directly beneath the ancient arches of the Pont du Gard, or professional truffle-hunting expedition with a specialized tasting, a sensory olive oil masterclass at a traditional country estate, and a full-day VIP exploration of the historic fountains, markets, and 17th-century mansions of Aix-en-Provence.

Overnight aboard the Riverside Ravel.
(B, L, D)

Arles is a sun-drenched city in the south of France, located where the Rhône River forks to meet the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place where ancient Roman monumental architecture blends seamlessly with the vibrant artistic legacy of Vincent van Gogh.

When in Arles, like every other location, we will offer a diverse menu of excursions that highlight the rich history, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife of southern Provence. You can explore the region's untamed nature on a 4x4 safari deep into the Camargue Delta wetlands to view red salt flats, wild white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos, or take a guided e-bike ride along the flat canal paths and riverbanks that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Art and history enthusiasts can choose a guided city walking tour that grants inside access to the UNESCO-listed 1st-century Roman Amphitheater before following the Van Gogh Trail to the iconic yellow café featured in Café Terrace at Night. Alternatively, a scenic coach excursion travels into the rugged Alpilles mountains to explore the fortified medieval cliffside village of Les Baux-de-Provence, culminating in a visit to the Carrières de Lumières, a massive abandoned limestone quarry transformed into an immersive, subterranean multimedia art projection cave.

We depart Arles as the sunsets and sail in the magnificent Rhône Delta.

Sailing through the Rhône Delta at sunset is a magnificent experience because the region's unique flat geography, intense Mediterranean light, and active wildlife converge to create a breathtaking visual spectacle. Because the Camargue landscape is dominated by vast, shallow saltwater lagoons and glass-like marshlands, the water acts as a giant mirror that reflects the shifting pinks, deep purples, and fiery oranges of the sky across a completely unobstructed, 360-degree horizon. This dramatic color palette is amplified by the famous Mistral wind, which clears the atmosphere to create a remarkably crisp, intense light that throws the delta's iconic wildlife into sharp silhouette. 

From the ship's deck, with cocktail pairings, we can watch lines of pink flamingos taking flight against the glowing sky while herds of wild white horses and black bulls graze along the quiet riverbanks, offering a serene, cinematic transition as you near the open Mediterranean world.

Overnight aboard the Riverside Ravel.
(B, L, D)

Our morning in Tarascon is an immersion into authentic, crowd-free Provençal history and folklore. Our time here will be  centered on the remarkably preserved, 15th-century Château de Tarascon. This imposing riverside fortress combines a rugged medieval exterior with a refined Gothic palace inside, culminating in a climb to its high terrace for panoramic views over the Rhône River and the town's terracotta roofs. 

Excursions offered will include exploring the quiet, stone-walled streets, and discover the local legend of the Tarasque—a mythical dragon-like monster tamed by Saint Martha—and visit her relics inside the quiet crypt of the Collegiate Church. Walking under the historic medieval stone arches of Rue des Halles offers a peaceful, crowd-free glimpse into authentic daily French life before you return for lunch. 

History enthusiasts can cross the bridge to the left bank of the Rhône River to hike through the town of Beaucaire up to the rugged, high-walled ruins of its 13th-century fortress, or take a short coach transfer into the nearby limestone hills to explore the fascinating Abbey of Saint-Roman, a unique 5th-century subterranean monastery carved entirely out of solid rock by early Christian hermits. Alternatively, active travelers can join the ship's sports staff for a guided e-bike adventure utilizing the vessel's onboard fleet, riding along scenic sections of the famous ViaRhona cycling path as it winds past agricultural fields, local canals, and peaceful country estates.

This afternoon, we return to Avignon in the mid- afternoon for free time and exploring.

Overnight aboard the Riverside Ravel.
(B, L, D)