Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of activities, from power walks and painting workshops to wine tastings and guided tours of historical sites. You'll sail from Marseille to Lyon, stopping at picturesque towns and cities like Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Chalon-sur-Saône. Each day brings a new adventure, whether it's a visit to a medieval castle, a hike in the beautiful Rhône region, or a culinary exploration of France's gastronomy capital. With comfortable overnight accommodations on a Suite Ship®, all meals included, and a host of activities to choose from, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of France.
Included
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
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
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
Château de Grignan
Place BellecourDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding in Marseille. Please ensure you are on board by 5 pm. Enjoy a delicious dinner as we set sail for Arles, where we will dock overnight.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
- More
- 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. After a guided walking tour of Arles, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater, enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh. In the evening, sail to Avignon while attending a lecture about wine hosted by a Master of Wine. Overnight docking in Avignon.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Take a guided sightseeing tour of Avignon, visiting the impressive Palace of the Popes. Later, enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. End the day with live onboard entertainment as we dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain l'Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
- More
Spend a leisurely morning sailing to Viviers. Choose between a walk to Viviers' hilltop cathedral with your Adventure Host or a guided walking tour of the charming village. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. We then set sail for Tain l'Hermitage, where we will cruise overnight.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
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Explore Tournon on foot with your Adventure Host or take a guided walking tour of one of France's oldest medieval cities, including a visit to its 16th-century castle. In the afternoon, cruise to Lyon while enjoying an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine. We dock overnight in Lyon.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
- More
Join a guided sightseeing tour of Lyon, exploring the city from Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. Later, take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area to learn more about its light and pleasant wine. Enjoy live entertainment as we sail to Tournus, where we will cruise overnight.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and 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 unforgettable journey through France comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Please ensure your flights do not leave Lyon airport before 8 am.
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