Burgundy & Provence (Northbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of France, where history, culture, and gastronomy intertwine. This multi-day tour will take you from the vibrant city of Marseille to the picturesque landscapes of Provence, the medieval charm of Viviers, and the gastronomic capital of Lyon. You'll explore ancient Roman ruins, marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Palace of the Popes, and immerse yourself in the world of Vincent van Gogh. Along the way, you'll savor the flavors of the Rhône wine region, indulge in a cheese tasting, and even attend a wine-tasting in a real medieval castle. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
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 Poetry II or similar
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
Palais des Papes
Arles Amphitheatre
Place BellecourDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the bustling city of Marseille. Make sure to arrive by 3 pm to board your Suite Ship®. As the evening unfolds, we'll set sail for Arles, where we'll dock overnight. A delightful dinner awaits you on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Today, immerse yourself in the captivating city of Arles. Choose from a power walk, a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh, or a guided walking tour featuring the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon, where we'll dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Discover the fortress city of Avignon today. A guided sightseeing tour will take you to the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Optional excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy onboard live entertainment in the evening. Overnight docking in Avignon. All meals are included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Avignon to Viviers and Tain L'Hermitage
- Avignon
- Saint-Péray
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Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. Choose between a walk to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host or a guided walking tour of this charming village. As the day draws to a close, we'll cruise to Tain L'Hermitage, where we'll dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tain L'Hermitage to Lyon
- Lyon
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Today, explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. Join your Adventure Host for a morning hike or take a guided walking tour to see the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the early afternoon, we'll cruise to Lyon, where we'll dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
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- Place Bellecour
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Join a guided sightseeing tour of Lyon today. Visit Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches and explore the Old Town's medieval alleyways. Spend free time biking through Lyon's squares and along the rivers. In the evening, we'll sail to Tournus, where we'll dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Travel into the Mâconnais region today to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and attend a wine-tasting in a real medieval castle. Later, enjoy a delicious cheese tasting on board your ship. In the evening, we'll sail to Chalon-sur-Saône, where we'll dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 8: Departure from Chalon-sur-Saône
Your enchanting journey through France comes to an end today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Please ensure your flights from Lyon airport do not depart before 8 am. Breakfast is included.
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