Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 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 classic sightseeing and immersive experiences, taking you from the bustling city of Lyon to the charming medieval towns of Tournus and Viviers. Discover the architectural wonders of Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, and the picturesque vineyards of Beaujolais. Savor the flavors of Burgundy's famous Chardonnay and the Rhône wine region's Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Vincent van Gogh in Arles and explore the fortress city of Avignon. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering a taste of France's finest wines, cheeses, and chocolates, complemented by captivating lectures, workshops, and live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®.
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 Cruise Ships
7 nights stateroom accommodation
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
Destinations
Lyon
Arles
AvignonMap
Attractions
Palais des Papes
Arles Amphitheatre
Château de Grignan
Château de Cormatin Stephen AbraganDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding in Lyon. Please ensure you are on board by 5 pm. As we set sail for Tournus, settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare for an unforgettable journey. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board as we dock overnight in Tournus.
Day 2 – Day 2: Tournus to Trévoux
Day 2: Tournus to Trévoux
- Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
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Begin your day with a visit to Tournus, one of Burgundy's oldest and most important monastic centers. Join an excursion to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting, followed by a fascinating lecture about wine by your Master of Wine. As we sail to Mâcon, enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board, docking overnight in Trévoux.
Day 3 – Day 3: Trévoux to Lyon
- Lyon
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- Mini World Lyon
- Tour d'Oingt
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Sail to the beautiful city of Lyon. Enjoy a cheese and wine tasting on board, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Lyon's architectural district. Explore the Old Town's medieval alleyways and the lively cafés of Place des Terreaux. Attend a lecture about WWII and the French Resistance, and enjoy live entertainment after dinner. We dock overnight in Lyon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Lyon to Tournon
- Lyon
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- Bird park Villars les Dombes
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Join a culinary walk through Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn about its light and pleasant wine. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. We cruise to Tournon for the night.
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. Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, we sail to Viviers, where you'll explore its charming pale-stone buildings and Romanesque cathedral. Enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise to Avignon for the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Viviers to Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
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Join a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city of Avignon, visiting the amazing Palace of the Popes. Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. After a day of exploration, enjoy live onboard entertainment as we cruise to Arles for the night.
Day 7 – Day 7: Avignon to Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- L'espace Van Gogh
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Start your day with a power walk in Arles or attend a painting workshop to learn the techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, visiting the Roman Amphitheater. Take some free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine. 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 do not depart from Marseille airport before 10 am. Bon voyage!
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