Active & Discovery on the Rhône with 2 Nights in Paris (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of France, from the vibrant city of Marseille to the romantic streets of Paris. This multi-day tour is a feast for the senses, offering a blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the pristine nature reserves of the Rhône Delta, the historic towns of Provence, and the gastronomic wonders of Lyon. Discover the secrets of French winemaking, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich history and art of this beautiful country. Whether you're an active adventurer or a leisurely traveler, this tour has something for everyone. From guided bike rides and hiking trails to painting workshops and cooking classes, every day is a new adventure waiting to be discovered.
Included
9 night accommodation
stateroom-suite: 9 night(s); Avalon Poetry II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
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
Cruise ship
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Port St. Louis
- Marseille - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flights arrive by 3 pm and be on board the ship by 5 pm. As the evening unfolds, we set sail for Port St. Louis, where we will dock overnight. A delicious dinner awaits you on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Port St. Louis to Arles
- Arles
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- Camargue Regional Natural Park
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Today, we explore the Camargue Natural Park, a haven for over 400 bird species, including the iconic pink flamingos. Choose between a guided bike ride, a visit to an oyster farm, or a tour of a traditional black bull ranch. After a day of discovery, we cruise to Arles, where we will dock overnight. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.
Day 3 – Day 3: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Experience the legends of Val d'Enfer with a guided hike, attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh, or join a sightseeing tour of Arles, including a visit with a local bullfighter. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the charming Boulevard des Lices. We then cruise to Avignon, where we will dock overnight. All meals are provided on board.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Today, choose between a leisurely guided mountain e-bike ride, a visit to a Provencal farmhouse to learn about essential oils, or a sightseeing tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world's largest gothic fortress, the Palace Of the Popes. In the afternoon, you may opt for a wine tasting tour or a kayak excursion. Enjoy free time to explore Avignon's medieval walls before we dock overnight. All meals are provided on board.
Day 5 – Day 5: Avignon to Viviers and Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage
- Avignon
- Saint-Péray
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- Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Gorges de l'Ardèche
- Grotte de la Madeleine
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Sail through the Lock Bollène to Viviers. Choose between a guided kayak trip in the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a hike through the Natural Reserve of Circque d'Estre, or an underground wine tasting. In the evening, join a nighttime guided tour of Viviers before we cruise to Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage, where we will dock overnight. All meals are provided on board.
Day 6 – Day 6: Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage to Lyon
- Saint-Péray
- Lyon
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- Vélorail des Gorges du Doux
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Today, choose between a unique rail-bike excursion along the Gorges du Doux, a guided hike in the vineyards, a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, or a sightseeing tour of Tournon. In the afternoon, join a cooking demonstration on board as we sail to Lyon, where we will dock overnight. All meals are provided on board.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Lyon
- Lyon
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Tour d'Oingt
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Discover Lyon's secret passageways (Traboules) with a guided urban hike, join a culinary walk to taste local specialties, or attend a cooking class to learn to make a Lyonnaise dish. In the afternoon, you may opt for a guided tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon. After a gala farewell dinner on board, enjoy Lyon's vibrant nightlife. We will dock overnight in Lyon. All meals are provided on board.
Day 8 – Day 8: Lyon to Paris
- Lyon
- Paris
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Bid farewell to your crew in Lyon and board the TGV train to Paris. The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Discover Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience. Breakfast is provided on board.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- place de la Concorde
- Eiffel Tower
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Join a guided sightseeing tour to see Paris' magnificent landmarks, or enjoy a guided biking tour for a different perspective of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paris at your own pace. Breakfast is provided.
Day 10 – Day 10: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Your memorable vacation ends with breakfast this morning. We hope you enjoyed your journey through the heart of France and look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure.
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