Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and world-renowned wines. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Lyon to the charming medieval towns of Southern Burgundy, the picturesque Provence region, and the historic city of Avignon. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, from wine tastings and culinary walks to guided sightseeing tours and painting workshops. Each day is filled with unique experiences, designed to immerse you in the local culture and showcase the best that France has to offer. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a wine connoisseur, this tour promises a memorable adventure that caters to all tastes and interests.
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 Waterways River cruise ship
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
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
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Lyon. Please ensure your flight arrives by 2 pm and that you are on board the ship by 5 pm. As we set sail for Tournus, take the time to settle in and enjoy your first dinner on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Tournus to Trévoux
Day 2: Tournus to Trévoux
- Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
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Today, we explore the charming town of Tournus, a significant monastic center in the Burgundy region. Join a local guide for a tour of the town's highlights, attend a wine lecture, and visit a Chardonnay cellar for a delightful wine tasting. We then set sail for Trévoux, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Trévoux to Lyon
- Lyon
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- Tour d'Oingt
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We sail for Lyon, where you can enjoy a cheese and wine tasting on board. Upon arrival, explore Lyon's architectural district by bike, join a guided sightseeing tour to Fourvière Hill, or learn about WWII & the French Resistance during a lecture on board. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment as we dock overnight in Lyon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Lyon to Tournon
- Lyon
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- Cluny Abbey
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Today is all about food and wine. Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France, and take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area to learn about its light and pleasant wine. In the evening, enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner on board as we cruise to Tournon.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Viviers
Day 5: Tournon to Viviers
- Musée de Valence, art et archéologie
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Start your day with a hike in the vineyards or a guided walking tour of Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. Don't miss the wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, we sail to Viviers, where a guided walking tour awaits. Enjoy live entertainment on board as we dock overnight.
Day 6 – Day 6: Viviers to Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Today, we journey to the fortress city of Avignon. Join a guided sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the magnificent 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. We dock overnight in Avignon, with live onboard entertainment to end the day.
Day 7 – Day 7: Avignon to Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Get active with a power walk in Arles, attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh, or join a guided walking tour to explore this captivating city, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Take some free time to enjoy a glass of wine at Le Café Van Gogh before we dock overnight in Arles.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Arles
- Arles - Departure day
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Your enchanting journey through France comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Please ensure your flights from Marseille airport do not depart before 10 am. We hope you've enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you again!
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