Grand France with 2 Nights in Nice for Wine Lovers (Southbound)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of classic attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences, from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-drenched French Riviera. Discover the masterpieces of Monet in Giverny, the medieval charm of Rouen, the gastronomic delights of Lyon, and the Provençal allure of Arles. With guided tours, culinary experiences, and ample free time, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive exploration of France's diverse regions. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply a lover of beautiful landscapes, this tour promises a wealth of experiences that will create lasting memories.
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
2 nights in Nice
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
Dijon
Paris
Beaune
Lyon
Arles
Vernon
Avignon
Mâcon
RouenMap
Attractions
Vieux-la-Romaine Museum
Cleres Zoological Park
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
Botanical Garden
Évreux Cathedral
Arbre de la Liberté
Biotropica, animal gardensDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
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Begin your French adventure in the world's most romantic city, Paris. Arrive by 2:30 pm and board your Suite Ship®. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure, perhaps indulging in some shopping, strolling along the Seine, or savoring a croissant and café au lait at a local café. Overnight on the ship, cruising to Vernon.
Day 2 – Day 2: Vernon, Giverny, and Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Giverny
- Les Andelys
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
- Biotropica, animal gardens
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Start your day with a visit to Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles. Then, take a guided tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Alternatively, join a guided visit to Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes on board as you sail to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Here, you can either hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of the town. Overnight on the ship, cruising to Caudebec.
Day 3 – Day 3: Caudebec and Honfleur
- Honfleur
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Enjoy 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 join a guided optional excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. Overnight in Caudebec.
Day 4 – Day 4: Normandy and Rouen
- Rouen
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- Utah Beach Landing Museum
- Caen Castle
- Château Canon
- Longues-sur-Mer Battery
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Le Clos des Ratites
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Today, delve into the history of World War II with a guided tour of Normandy's landing beaches, 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 on the ship, cruising to Rouen.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rouen and Conflans
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Botanical Garden
- Évreux Cathedral
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Discover Rouen's rich history with a guided bike tour or walking tour. Explore the medieval quarter, marvel at the 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. Overnight on the ship, cruising to Conflans.
Day 6 – Day 6: Conflans, Auvers-sur-Oise, and Paris
- Auvers-sur-Oise
- 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 join a guided optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Overnight on the ship, cruising to Paris.
Day 7 – Day 7: Paris
- Paris
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- place de la Concorde
- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
- Louvre Pyramid
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Experience the Seine river by foot or discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the bustling Latin Quarter, and more. 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, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Spend the rest of the day exploring Paris on your own or relaxing at a literary café on the Left Bank. Overnight in Paris.
Day 8 – Day 8: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Tournus
- 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 in Tournus.
Day 9 – Day 9: Tournus, Mâcon, and Trévoux
- Mâcon
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- Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
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Explore Tournus, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a local guide. Join a lecture about wine while sailing to Mâcon. In the afternoon, join an excursion that will take you to a Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. Overnight in Trévoux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Trévoux and Lyon
- Lyon
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Place Bellecour
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Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. Enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting while sailing. Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. Overnight in Lyon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lyon, Beaujolais, and 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 on the ship, cruising 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. See its 16th-century castle, Roman ruins, and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. The tour also includes a wine and chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona. After lunch, sail to Viviers and explore its pale-stone buildings on a late afternoon guided walking tour. Overnight on the ship, cruising to Avignon.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 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 on the ship, cruising 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 and take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine. Overnight in Arles.
Day 15 – Day 15: Arles and Nice
- Arles
- Nice
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After breakfast, drive to Nice on the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.
Day 16 – Day 16: Nice
- Nice
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- #ILoveNICE
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Enjoy a guided sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city, an area which has changed little since the 1700s.
Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Nice
- Nice - Departure day
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Your unforgettable French adventure ends with breakfast this morning.
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