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7-Night Trip on MS Thomas Hardy

Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence River Cruise

Lyon to Avignon

Cruise
Slideshow offer placeholder
From the slopes of the scenic winelands to the hills of Provence, and the beauty of the French landscape to the medieval splendour of Avignon, enjoy a fascinating cruise to one of the most picturesque corners of France.   Our journey through France explores the beautiful Saône and Rhône French rivers, the preferred route of traders and invaders alike since the dawn of recorded history.  Everywhere there are reminders of the Romans and the greatest empire of the ancient world. There are guided tours to Lyon and Beaune, with a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu. We’ll explore Vienne and taste the wines of the Rhône Valley at Tain l’Hermitage. You will be staggered by the engineering genius of the amphitheatre at Arles and the huge aqueduct at the Pont du Gard. Avignon was the seat of the Papacy during medieval times, heralding a century of greatness crowned by the absorbing Papal Palace and its renaissance art collection. 

Highlights:
Visit Beaune and the impressive Hôtel-Dieu and taste the wines of the Rhône Valley in Tain l’Hermitage. See the Palace of the Popes in the 14th-century city of Avignon, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures, and the impressive Roman bridge. Explore the magnificent Ardèche Gorges, one of France's most outstanding natural landscapes and marvel at the amazing Pont du Gard aqueduct. Take a guided tour around the highlights of Lyon, including renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe's largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, featuring a statue of Louis XIV. Explore Arles’ Roman history or discover the inspiration for some of Van Gogh’s most famous works.  

What's Included:
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes: Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day Free drinks package Complimentary on-board tea and coffee Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary) All visits and excursions as mentioned Coach travel as mentioned English-speaking expert guides The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
7 Nights Starting From
Per Person

May 15, 2027 through May 22, 2027
Book by:
May 14, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
Inside Outside Balcony Suite
N/A $3,949.00
Cat: SUILD
$564.14 per night
$6,349.00
Cat: DBSUD
$907.00 per night
N/A
View Prices for Additional Cabin Categories
Inside Outside
N/A $3,949.00
Cat: SUILD
$564.14 per night
Balcony Suite
$6,349.00
Cat: DBSUD
$907.00 per night
N/A
View Prices for Additional Cabin Categories
Interests
  • Wine
Loading Itinerary Content...
Dates & prices
Additional
Dates
Outside Balcony Suite

7 Nights from $3,949.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
May 14, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,949.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$564.14 per night
$6,349.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$907.00 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $3,249.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
April 20, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,249.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$464.14 per night
$5,649.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$807.00 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $3,749.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
May 28, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,749.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$535.57 per night
$6,149.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$878.43 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $3,999.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
June 21, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,999.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$571.29 per night
$6,349.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$907.00 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $3,199.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
August 12, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,199.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$457.00 per night
$5,549.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$792.71 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $3,749.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
September 09, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,749.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$535.57 per night
$6,149.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$878.43 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $3,399.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
October 03, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$3,399.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$485.57 per night
$5,799.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$828.43 per night
N/A

7 Nights from $2,799.00 (USD) Per Person
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
October 27, 2027 12:00 AM GMT
Cabin Category: Suites Lower Deck
$2,799.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$399.86 per night
$5,149.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$735.57 per night
$3,498.75
USD
Cat: 0005T
$499.82 per night
Additional
Dates








Outside
$3,949.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$564.14 per night
$3,249.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$464.14 per night
$3,749.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$535.57 per night
$3,999.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$571.29 per night
$3,199.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$457.00 per night
$3,749.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$535.57 per night
$3,399.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$485.57 per night
$2,799.00
USD
Cat: SUILD
$399.86 per night
Balcony
$6,349.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$907.00 per night
$5,649.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$807.00 per night
$6,149.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$878.43 per night
$6,349.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$907.00 per night
$5,549.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$792.71 per night
$6,149.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$878.43 per night
$5,799.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$828.43 per night
$5,149.00
USD
Cat: DBSUD
$735.57 per night
Suite
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
$3,498.75
USD
Cat: 0005T
$499.82 per night

About MS Thomas Hardy

Ship Overview
MS Thomas Hardy

After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Thomas Hardy.

It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.

The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 169 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.

Ship Details
Year Built
2017
Total Capacity
169
Crew Size
44
Pools
1
Laundry Service
Deck Plan Details
Click to enlarge
Deck plans are not yet available
Facilities

Facilities

  • Thoroughly air conditioned public areas and individual heating controls in the cabins
  • Stunning restaurant on the Main Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and four-course dinner
  • Lounge and bar to enjoy cocktails and the early risers' breakfast
  • Elevator between Emerald, Ruby and Diamond decks
  • Laundry Service
  • Spa and wellness area featuring Nail Salon and Hairdressing Service
  • Boutique gift shop for your vacation souvenirs
  • Reception area open 24hrs
  • Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
  • 24hr self service station for complimentary tea & coffee

Decks

As you are welcomed aboard the five-star pedigree is striking, with a remarkable feeling of spaciousness and harmonious design at every glance. The three fully air-conditioned accommodation decks including notably the lower deck – are all accessed by an attractive glass elevator for your convenience or the wide elegant wrought-iron staircase.

Above these is the magnificent Sun Deck - uniquely and illustrating yet again our considered depth of design, a second staircase amidships affords convenient Sun Deck access. Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views. Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on vacation!

The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist. To the aft is the peaceful Bistro with its open kitchen and terrace – another perfect spot to appreciate the ever-changing scenery gliding by whilst chatting with new found friends. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.

The ship’s restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!

Why Choose Riviera Travel

Discover why more travelers are choosing Riviera Travel for their European river cruises and guided vacations. With over 40 years of expertise, award-winning service, and exceptional value, we create immersive travel experiences designed to help you see more, explore deeper, and relax every step of the way.

The Riviera Difference

At Riviera Travel, we create immersive vacations that go beyond the ordinary, combining authentic cultural experiences, expertly crafted itineraries, and the freedom to make each journey your own. With exceptional value, transparent pricing, and so much included, you can focus on enjoying every moment. 

For added peace of mind, our Vacation Happiness Guarantee means that if you're not satisfied by the end of the second day, we'll arrange and cover your return journey and refund the full cost of your vacation. Your money is always safe and secure, and our support team is available 24/7 before and during your trip. Backed by 40 years of expertise, trusted supplier relationships, and a passion for delivering extraordinary travel experiences, we're committed to making every vacation unforgettable.

Ship Overview
Ship Overview
MS Thomas Hardy

After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Thomas Hardy.

It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.

The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 169 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.

Ship Details
Year Built
2017
Total Capacity
169
Crew Size
44
Pools
1
Laundry Service
Deck Plan Details
Click to enlarge
Deck plans are not yet available

Facilities

  • Thoroughly air conditioned public areas and individual heating controls in the cabins
  • Stunning restaurant on the Main Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and four-course dinner
  • Lounge and bar to enjoy cocktails and the early risers' breakfast
  • Elevator between Emerald, Ruby and Diamond decks
  • Laundry Service
  • Spa and wellness area featuring Nail Salon and Hairdressing Service
  • Boutique gift shop for your vacation souvenirs
  • Reception area open 24hrs
  • Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
  • 24hr self service station for complimentary tea & coffee

Decks

As you are welcomed aboard the five-star pedigree is striking, with a remarkable feeling of spaciousness and harmonious design at every glance. The three fully air-conditioned accommodation decks including notably the lower deck – are all accessed by an attractive glass elevator for your convenience or the wide elegant wrought-iron staircase.

Above these is the magnificent Sun Deck - uniquely and illustrating yet again our considered depth of design, a second staircase amidships affords convenient Sun Deck access. Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views. Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on vacation!

The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist. To the aft is the peaceful Bistro with its open kitchen and terrace – another perfect spot to appreciate the ever-changing scenery gliding by whilst chatting with new found friends. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.

The ship’s restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!

Discover why more travelers are choosing Riviera Travel for their European river cruises and guided vacations. With over 40 years of expertise, award-winning service, and exceptional value, we create immersive travel experiences designed to help you see more, explore deeper, and relax every step of the way.

The Riviera Difference

At Riviera Travel, we create immersive vacations that go beyond the ordinary, combining authentic cultural experiences, expertly crafted itineraries, and the freedom to make each journey your own. With exceptional value, transparent pricing, and so much included, you can focus on enjoying every moment. 

For added peace of mind, our Vacation Happiness Guarantee means that if you're not satisfied by the end of the second day, we'll arrange and cover your return journey and refund the full cost of your vacation. Your money is always safe and secure, and our support team is available 24/7 before and during your trip. Backed by 40 years of expertise, trusted supplier relationships, and a passion for delivering extraordinary travel experiences, we're committed to making every vacation unforgettable.

About Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel logo

At Riviera Travel, we’ve been crafting exceptional European river cruises and guided tours for over 40 years. Every journey is thoughtfully designed to combine immersive cultural experiences, expert-led itineraries, and outstanding value – so you can explore Europe with confidence and ease.

Today, we’re proud to bring our award-winning travel experience to North American guests, supported by a dedicated team in Fort Lauderdale and a rapidly growing North American market. With more than 1.75 million guests worldwide, we combine our UK heritage with a global outlook – delivering expertly planned European cruise vacations tailored to North American expectations. Our mission is simple:

"To deliver exceptional vacation experiences for discerning guests to the world's most fascinating destinations."

Read More

About Riviera Travel

At Riviera Travel, we’ve been crafting exceptional European river cruises and guided tours for over 40 years. Every journey is thoughtfully designed to combine immersive cultural experiences, expert-led itineraries, and outstanding value – so you can explore Europe with confidence and ease.

Today, we’re proud to bring our award-winning travel experience to North American guests, supported by a dedicated team in Fort Lauderdale and a rapidly growing North American market. With more than 1.75 million guests worldwide, we combine our UK heritage with a global outlook – delivering expertly planned European cruise vacations tailored to North American expectations. Our mission is simple:

"To deliver exceptional vacation experiences for discerning guests to the world's most fascinating destinations."

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.