Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned gastronomy. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of immersive activities, breathtaking sights, and exquisite culinary experiences. From the captivating city of Arles to the fortress city of Avignon, from the charming village of Viviers to the gastronomy capital of Lyon, every day brings a new adventure. Discover the Roman amphitheater in Arles, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, and the medieval city of Tournon. Enjoy wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Beaujolais, and indulge in a cheese and wine pairing in the Mâconnais region. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering a taste of France like no other.
Included
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
Avalon
7 nights onboard
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
And, much more
Avalon Poetry II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Map
Attractions
Palais des Papes
Arles Amphitheatre
Château de Grignan
Place BellecourDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to France! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm and that you are on board the ship by 5 pm. We will then set sail for Arles, where we will 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. Afterward, join a guided walking tour to explore the city, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. On board, join a lecture about wine hosted by a Master of Wine. We will dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
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Today, we explore the fortress city of Avignon. Join a guided sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Later, we'll visit the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. Enjoy live onboard entertainment in the evening as we dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Avignon to Viviers and Tain L'Hermitage
- Avignon
- Saint-Péray
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- Orange Cathedral
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We set sail for Viviers in the morning. Upon arrival, you can either walk up to Viviers' hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host or join a guided walking tour of this charming village. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine. We then cruise to Tain L'Hermitage, where we will dock overnight.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tain L'Hermitage to Tournon and Lyon
- Saint-Péray
- Lyon
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- Train de l'Ardèche
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Today, explore Tournon on foot with your Adventure Host or join a guided walking tour of one of France's oldest medieval cities. Visit the 16th-century castle and the Roman ruins. In the early afternoon, we cruise to Lyon. Onboard, enjoy a chocolate and wine tasting hosted by a Master of Wine. We dock overnight in Lyon.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
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- Palais de la Bourse de Lyon
- Place Bellecour
- Tour d'Oingt
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Join a guided sightseeing tour of Lyon, exploring Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. Visit the lively cafés, monuments, and the famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Later, take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus, where we will dock overnight.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
- Royal Monastery of Brou
- More
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region, famous for its Chardonnay vineyards. Attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle! Later, enjoy a delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine. Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening 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 cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Please ensure your flights from Lyon airport do not leave before 8 am.
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