Grand France for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day tour, immersing yourself in the rich culture, history, and gastronomy of France. This multi-day tour takes you on a journey through the heart of France, from the romantic cityscape of Paris to the picturesque Provence region. Explore iconic landmarks, savor authentic French cuisine, and delve into the world of impressionist painters and medieval architecture. Whether you're strolling through the charming streets of Vernon, biking along the Seine, or tasting the renowned wines of Burgundy, each day promises a unique adventure. With a blend of guided tours, leisure time, and a variety of activities to choose from, this tour offers a comprehensive and personalized exploration of France.
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
Dijon
Paris
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
Mâcon
RouenMap
Attractions
Vieux-la-Romaine Museum
Palais des Papes
Champ de Mars
Château Gaillard
Louvre Museum
Palace of Versailles
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Bayeux Cathedral
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Arles Amphitheatre
Palais Garnier
Château de Grignan
Évreux Cathedral
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
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Welcome to the City of Light, Paris. Arrive by 2:30 pm and board your Suite Ship®. Spend the rest of the day exploring the world's most romantic city at your own pace. Indulge in some shopping, take a leisurely stroll, or savor a croissant and café au lait as you watch the world go by in the Parisian cityscape. Overnight cruise to Vernon.
Day 2 – Day 2: Vernon and Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Begin your day with a visit to Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles. Choose between a guided tour of Giverny, the home of master impressionist painter Claude Monet, or a visit to Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic crêpes, followed by a pastry demonstration. In the afternoon, cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Opt for a guided hike to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or a walking tour of Les Andelys. Overnight cruise to Caudebec.
Day 3 – Day 3: Caudebec
- Honfleur
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Start your day with a relaxing bike ride along the river or take a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to over 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur. Overnight docking in Caudebec.
Day 4 – Day 4: Normandy and Rouen
- Rouen
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- Bayeux Cathedral
- Le Clos des Ratites
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Today, delve into the history of Normandy's WWII landing beaches. Visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, take a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, or join 'A Taste of Normandy' guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. Visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry, the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge, and taste Calvados at a local distillery. Overnight cruise to Rouen.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rouen and Conflans
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Discover Rouen, the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom. Choose between a guided bike tour to explore the city's famous monuments and hidden gems, or a walking tour to see the medieval quarter, the 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Overnight cruise to Conflans.
Day 6 – Day 6: Conflans and Paris
- Paris
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- Palace of Versailles
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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. You may also choose to visit the Palace of Versailles. Overnight cruise to Paris.
Day 7 – Day 7: Paris
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
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Experience the Seine River by foot or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk. Visit iconic sites such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps stopping in a literary café on the Left Bank. Overnight docking in Paris.
Day 8 – Day 8: Paris to Tournus via Dijon, Beaune, and Chalon-sur-Saône
- Paris
- Dijon
- Beaune
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Take a high-speed train from Paris to Dijon, then drive on to Beaune. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a historic monument built in 1443, now home to Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement. In the afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®. Overnight docking in Tournus.
Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus, Mâcon, and Trévoux
- Mâcon
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Explore Tournus, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region. Learn about the town's highlights with a local guide. Enjoy a lecture about wine hosted by a Master of Wine while sailing to Mâcon. Join an excursion to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. Overnight docking in Trévoux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon
- Lyon
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Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. Enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting hosted by a Master of Wine. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill. Explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Overnight docking in Lyon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon to Tournon
- Lyon
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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 more about its light and pleasant wine. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine. Overnight cruise to Tournon.
Day 12 – Day 12: Tournon, Viviers, and Avignon
- Avignon
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Hike in the vineyards and take in the breathtaking views from the hills, or take a morning guided walking tour to explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. Visit the 16th-century castle, Roman ruins, and enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, sail to Viviers and explore this charming village on a late afternoon guided walking tour. Overnight cruise to Avignon.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon and Arles
- Avignon
- Arles
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- Palais des Papes
- Château de Grignan
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Take a guided sightseeing tour of the fortress city of Avignon, with its ramparts encircling the city, and visit the amazing Palace of the Popes. Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region. Overnight cruise to Arles.
Day 14 – Day 14: Arles
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Get your daily dose of exercise through a power walk in Arles, attend a painting workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh, or enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles, the captivating city of the Provence region. Visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. Take advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine. Overnight docking in Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Arles
- Arles - Departure day
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Your unforgettable 15-day tour of France concludes after breakfast. Please ensure your flights do not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
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