| Cruising by rail is a great way to enjoy a relaxed | | | | vineyards, which are located in Trevoux. Those who |
| holiday and take in as many sights as possible. | | | | alight here can enjoy not only views of the grapes |
| Incorporating rail travel into your river cruise trip means | | | | growing, but also sample the fine wines they go on to |
| that no part of the journey need be stressful, while | | | | produce. |
| river cruises offer you the freedom to do as much or | | | | If wine is not your main interest, you may prefer to |
| as little as you please. This type of travel is the ideal | | | | explore the next destination - the Ardeche - in more |
| way to experience the river Rhone. | | | | detail. The area is known for its gorges and mountains, |
| The river Rhone starts in Switzerland and flows | | | | which make for a spectacular landscape and a real |
| through south-eastern France. Your Rhone river cruise | | | | sense of adventure when out walking through its |
| can take you through these regions of the country, | | | | natural beauty. |
| offering beautiful views and the chance to see many | | | | Those hungry to see more architecture will enjoy a trip |
| different exciting and picturesque towns without the | | | | to the splendid Roman city of Arles, which boasts |
| stress of having to organise several trips. | | | | some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in |
| Meanwhile, Europe rail is the perfect way to travel to | | | | France, including a spectacular arena. |
| your river cruise ship. Unlike other methods of travel, | | | | Vincent Van Gogh also lived in Arles for several years |
| with rail tours you can simply board, relax and watch | | | | and painted hundreds of pictures during his time there, |
| the countryside unfold. The Eurostar can take you | | | | including his ever-popular Cafe Terrace at Night. |
| from London to Lille, while the French TGV can whisk | | | | Meanwhile, nature lovers can enjoy a trip to the river |
| you to Lyon - the starting point for Rhone river cruises. | | | | delta, which is home to some 400 species of birds - |
| Your ship will await you in the vibrant town of Lyon. | | | | including flamingos - as well as several land-based |
| You may wish to explore a little before boarding, | | | | animals. |
| where you will discover a wide range of handy | | | | Next comes the city of Avignon, a city full of historical |
| amenities to make your voyage as comfortable as | | | | sights that are sure to enthral history buffs and tourists |
| possible. | | | | alike. Guided tours of the city's many fortifications and |
| From Lyon, the cruise commences. The first port of | | | | historical buildings can be taken, however - as always - |
| call is Chalon-sur-Saone, a beautiful and quaint little | | | | holidaymakers enjoying their Rhone river cruise can |
| town rich in attractive half-timbered architecture. Those | | | | also explore on their own at their leisure. |
| keen on recording their memories with snapshots may | | | | Finally, before sailing back to Lille visitors may wish to |
| be interested to know that this area is also known as | | | | discover the town of Vienne - another Roman town |
| the birthplace of photography - something which can | | | | rich in ancient ruins. However, it also boasts glamorous |
| be explored further in the local museum. | | | | 18th century buildings to make it an even more exciting |
| Of course, no trip through Burgundy would be | | | | and diverse location to enjoy. |
| complete without a trip to a vineyard - and | | | | Upon arrival in Lyon, holidaymakers can travel back to |
| Chalon-sur-Saone provides the first opportunity for | | | | England via rail, giving a relaxed end to the trip as well |
| river cruise guests to view one. Venturing into the | | | | as offering the chance to view more sights before |
| countryside affords views of the region's vineyards, | | | | returning home. |
| which is something of a must for wine-lovers. | | | | Rhone river cruises are the perfect getaway from the |
| If Chalon-sur-Saone has given you a taste for old | | | | hustle and bustle of daily life. The whole journey offers |
| architecture, you are likely to be pleased by the next | | | | relaxation and beautiful views, while the cruise has the |
| stop-off - Macon. This town is rich medieval buildings, | | | | benefit of allowing you to explore as much or as little |
| which includes an abbey. | | | | as you like - you can simply while away the days on |
| Meanwhile, a little further upriver lies the Beaujolais | | | | the ship's sun terrace if you prefer. |