A Culinary Experience in Burgundy & Provence (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of France, immersing yourself in the country's rich history, culture, and culinary delights. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided activities and leisure time, allowing you to explore at your own pace. From the vibrant city of Marseille to the charming village of Viviers, you'll experience the best of France's picturesque landscapes, iconic landmarks, and world-renowned cuisine. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, this tour has something for everyone. Enjoy guided walking tours, painting workshops, wine tastings, and more, all while cruising along the beautiful Rhône and Saône rivers. Your journey will be filled with unforgettable moments and experiences that will leave you with lasting memories of your French adventure.
Included
7 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Poetry II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Poetry II
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Marseille
Lyon
Arles
AvignonMap
Attractions
Palais des Papes
Arles Amphitheatre
Place BellecourDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm and board your Suite Ship by 5 pm. We'll set sail for Arles, where we'll dock overnight. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Start your day with a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, visiting the Roman Amphitheater. Take some free time to relax at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. Onboard, savor a delightful crêpes lunch. We'll dock in Avignon for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Today, take a guided sightseeing tour of Avignon, visiting the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Optional excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Avignon at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Day 4 – Day 4: Avignon to Viviers
- Avignon
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- Orange Cathedral
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Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. Upon arrival, you can choose to walk up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host or explore the charms of Viviers on a guided walk through the Old Town, complete with a tasting of local culinary delights. We'll cruise to Tain L'Hermitage in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tain L'Hermitage to Lyon
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- Lyon
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- Armenian Heritage Center
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Start your day with a morning hike in Tournon or take a guided walking tour to explore one of France's oldest medieval cities. In the afternoon, we'll cruise to Lyon. Onboard, enjoy a pastry demonstration by a French chef. In the evening, savor a French cuisine tasting dinner with wine pairing.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Lyon and Sailing to Tournus
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Discover why Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France on a culinary walk or join a guided sightseeing tour to explore the city's churches and Old Town. Spend your free time biking through Lyon's town squares and along the river banks. In the evening, enjoy a unique onboard dinner inspired by legendary chef Paul Bocuse as we sail to Tournus.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Travel into the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a medieval castle. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting onboard. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment as we dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 8: Departure from Chalon-sur-Saône
Your unforgettable French adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Please ensure your flights from Lyon airport do not depart before 8 am.
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