Grand France for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 15-day immersive journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine. This multi-day tour offers a blend of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace. From the bustling city of Marseille to the romantic streets of Paris, you'll experience the best of France. Visit iconic landmarks, engage in unique activities like painting workshops and wine tastings, and savor delectable French cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, this tour has something for everyone.
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
14 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
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
Marseille
Paris
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
RouenMap
Attractions
Palais des Papes
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Bayeux Cathedral
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Château de Grignan
Évreux Cathedral
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm and board your Suite Ship® by 5 pm. We'll then set sail for Arles, where we'll dock overnight. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Start your day with a power walk in Arles, attend a painting workshop, or join a guided walking tour to the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. Onboard, join 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
- Château de Grignan
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Discover the fortress city of Avignon with a guided sightseeing tour, including 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. Enjoy live onboard entertainment in the evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain L’Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers. Explore the charming village on a guided walking tour, or hike up to the hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
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Explore Tournon on foot with your Adventure Host or join a guided walking tour to see the city's 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, cruise to Lyon while enjoying an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus
- Lyon
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Join a guided sightseeing tour of Lyon, exploring Fourvière Hill and the Old Town. Later, take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine. We'll then cruise to Tournus for the night.
Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône
Cruise along the majestic Saône River and travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region. Learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real Medieval castle! Later, enjoy a cheese and wine tasting onboard while sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 8 – Day 8: Chalon-sur-Saône to Paris and Vernon
- Paris
- Vernon
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, a stunning example of French architecture. Later, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®. We'll then cruise to Vernon for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys and Caudebec
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles or take a guided tour of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. You can also visit Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard, followed by a pastry demonstration. Later, hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of Les Andelys before we cruise to Caudebec.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
Day 10: Exploring Caudebec
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches. You may also choose an optional excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
Day 11 – Day 11: Caudebec to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Bayeux Cathedral
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches or take a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, join 'A Taste of Normandy' guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard as we cruise to Rouen.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to explore Rouen's famous monuments and hidden gems or join a guided walking tour of Rouen, home of the martyred Joan of Arc, and see the medieval quarter and Notre-Dame Cathedral. We'll then cruise to Conflans for the night.
Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans to Paris
- Paris
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Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine or join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. We'll then cruise to Paris for the night.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
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Experience the Seine River by foot with your Adventure Host or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk. Alternatively, join a guided city tour that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and more. Overnight docking in Paris.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through the heart of France comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you've enjoyed this multi-day tour and look forward to welcoming you again soon.
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