Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of France, from the historic city of Lyon to the sun-soaked French Riviera. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, gastronomic delights, and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the architectural wonders of Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, and the charming medieval city of Tournon. Explore the enchanting city of Avignon, known for its Papal history, and the artistic haven of Arles, where Van Gogh found his inspiration. Finally, bask in the glamour of Nice, the 'Queen of the French Riviera'. This tour is a feast for the senses, filled with wine tastings, culinary walks, painting workshops, and more. Each day brings a new adventure, with expert guides leading the way and comfortable accommodations awaiting you each night.
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 cruise ship
7 nights onboard cruise ships
2 nights in Nice
stateroom-suite: 9 night(s); 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
Nice
Lyon
Arles
AvignonMap
Attractions
Palais des Papes
Arles Amphitheatre
Cluny Abbey
Château de Cormatin Stephen AbraganDaily 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 be on board your Suite Ship® by 5 pm. We'll sail overnight to the charming town of Tournus. Dinner will be served 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 'Pearl of Southern Burgundy', Tournus, known for its monastic heritage. Join an excursion to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting, followed by a lecture about wine by your Master of Wine. We'll sail to Trévoux, where we'll dock overnight. All meals are included.
Day 3 – Day 3: Trévoux to Lyon
- Lyon
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- Tour d'Oingt
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We sail to Lyon, where you can enjoy a cheese and wine tasting on board. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided tour to Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. In the evening, attend a lecture on WWII and the French Resistance. We'll dock overnight in Lyon. All meals are included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Lyon to Tournon
- Lyon
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- Cluny Abbey
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Today, we delve into Lyon's culinary scene with a guided walk. Later, we'll tour the beautiful Beaujolais wine region. In the evening, join a food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. We'll then cruise to Tournon for an overnight stay. All meals are included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Viviers
Day 5: Tournon to Viviers
- Musée de Valence, art et archéologie
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Begin your day with a hike in the vineyards or a guided tour of Tournon, featuring a 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 cruise overnight to Avignon. All meals are included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Viviers to Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Today, we explore Avignon, the 'City of Popes'. Join a guided tour of the city and the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Later, visit the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy live onboard entertainment as we cruise overnight to Arles. All meals are included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Avignon to Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Today, we arrive in Arles, a city that inspired Van Gogh. Choose between a power walk, a painting workshop, or a guided tour of the city, including a visit to the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café van Gogh before we dock overnight in Arles. All meals are included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Arles to Nice
- Arles
- Nice
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After breakfast, we drive to Nice, located on the stunning French Riviera. The rest of the day is yours to explore this glamorous city, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Breakfast is included.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Nice
- Nice
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Today, we explore the 'Queen of the French Riviera'. A guided tour will take you through the narrow streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city that has retained its 18th-century charm. Breakfast is included.
Day 10 – Day 10: Farewell Nice
- Nice - Departure day
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Your memorable journey through France comes to an end today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you've enjoyed this immersive experience in French culture, history, and gastronomy. Breakfast is included.
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