New European River Cruise Announced by Adventures by Disney for 2026

A new European river cruise has been announced by Adventures by Disney for 2026. This new itinerary will allow guests the opportunity to experience the Rhône River Valley and Provence as they sail from Lyon. Along the way, they will get to experience the rich history, charming culture, distinguished art, and culinary prowess of this diverse region. This will be made even more special with the touch of Disney magic and storytelling that comes with Adventures by Disney.

Adventures by Disney, a leader in global family travel, offers families a unique chance to explore southern France on the new Rhone River Cruise: Lyon & Provence itinerary. Each sailing includes activities for the whole family, accompanied by Disney’s signature storytelling and the convenience of hassle-free travel provided by a team of Disney-trained Adventure Guides. (Chloe Rice, Photographer) © Disney

The cruise is an eight-day, seven-night trip aboard the AmaKristina, which is operated by AmaWaterways. It will allow guests a hassle-free way to explore five alluring destinations throughout Lyon and the Provence region. This will also only require guests to unpack once! Along the way, an array of beautiful European landscapes will be seen. This includes the gorgeous mountains and fields blooming with wildflowers to rolling vineyards and canyons. There will also be extraordinary journeys in ports of call including Lyon, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Guests will be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors of these incredible locations.

Guests on the Adventures by Disney Rhone River Cruise will enjoy two full days in the historic city of Avignon. Famous for its towering castles and rolling vineyards, adult guests will have the opportunity to taste local wines in this historic wine-growing region, including samples from Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards cultivated at the request of Catholic popes residing in Avignon in the 14th century. (Chloe Rice, Photographer) © Disney

Each sailing will be led by Disney-trained Adventure Guides. This will ensure that every detail is seamless and each moment unforgettable. There will also be the opportunity for guests to have the flexibility to choose different excursions throughout the trip. This includes several Adventure Guide-led activities onboard that are specially designed for young travelers called “Junior Adventurers.” In the end, every family member will be allowed to have the perfect vacation that is tailored to each member’s interests.

As a leader in global family travel, Adventures by Disney provides guests with unique travel experiences and signature guest service. While traveling on the Rhone River Cruise, guests can choose from multiple ways to explore the destinations, including a scenic kayak trip past the columns of an ancient Roman aqueduct while paddling along the winding banks of the River Garden in Avignon. (Chloe Rice, Photographer) © Disney

Bookings for these new itineraries will be opening on February 12, 2025. More information can be found at AdventuresbyDisney.com.

Rhône River cruise highlights include:

Active sightseeing adventures will offer families unique ways of discovering the storybook landscapes along the Rhône River. Guests can explore charming towns and villages by bike, kayak beneath the historic Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Doux Gorges aboard a steam-powered train, an exclusive departure just for guests traveling with Adventures by Disney.
Delicious culinary experiences will celebrate the region’s renowned gastronomy with specialized tours and curated samplings of local specialties including cheeses, chocolates, olive oil and honey. Guests will savor tastings from Rhône River Valley vineyards, known for setting the standard in French wine production, including samples from Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards that were cultivated at the request of Catholic popes residing in Avignon in the 14^th century. Lyonnaise food and wine tours may have guests feeling like Remy from the Disney and Pixar film “Ratatouille” as they sample and explore the city of Lyon – one of the culinary capitals of France and home to the chef that inspired the film’s character Auguste Gusteau.

Art-focused activities will invite guests to step into a world of color and creativity inspired by the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Guests can enjoy a walking tour of Roussillon’s Ochre Trail, followed by a hands-on painting class. While in Lyon, they can learn more about the ancient art of silk weaving during a private demonstration. Guests will also have a chance to walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh during a visit to St. Paul de Mausole, the location where the artist created more than 250 masterpieces, including his iconic “The Starry Night.”

Immersive historical tours, elevated by Disney’s signature storytelling, will take guests on educational journeys through time from the prehistoric era to modern day. Guests can enjoy one-of-a-kind visits to the area’s ancient Roman ruins in Lyon and Nîmes, the historic hilltop villages of Les Baux-de-Provence, and the charming medieval towns of Tournon and Viviers.

There will be five Rhône River cruises offered in 2026. Four of these will be for families and one will be reserved exclusively for adults. Each cruise will feature the expert services of up to five Disney-trained Adventure Guides. They specialize in creating memorable vacation experiences for guests of all ages.

More information about Adventures by Disney can be booked at AdventuresByDisney.com. This is also where a vacation can be booked. A travel agent can be used as well, like Mouseways Travel, the official travel partner of Daps Magic.

What do you think of this new adventure? Is it one you would travel on? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!