Grand France with 3 Nights in London for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an 18-day journey through the heart of France and England, exploring the rich history, culture, and cuisine of these two iconic countries. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Marseille to the romantic streets of Paris, and finally to the historic heart of London. Along the way, you'll visit ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and stunning cathedrals, participate in painting workshops, wine tastings, and culinary demonstrations, and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, this tour offers a unique blend of activities and experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Included
14 nights onboard cruise ships
3 nights in London
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
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
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Marseille
Paris
Beaune
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
Wardown Park
Arles Amphitheatre
Château de Grignan
Évreux Cathedral
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Biotropica, animal gardens
London StadiumDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles
- Marseille
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marseille. Please ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm and be on board the ship by 5 pm. We will then set sail for Arles, where we will dock overnight. A delicious 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 or attend a painting workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Explore the captivating city of Arles on a guided walking tour, visiting the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy some free time at Le Café Van Gogh before we sail to Avignon. En route, 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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Today, we explore the fortress city of Avignon. A guided sightseeing tour will take us to the city's ramparts and the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Later, we'll visit the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. Enjoy live onboard entertainment in the evening. We'll dock overnight in Avignon.
Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain L’Hermitage
- Tain-l'Hermitage
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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 the charming village of Viviers. In the evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine. We'll then cruise to Tain L’Hermitage for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon
- Lyon
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Explore Tournon on foot with your Adventure Host or take a guided walking tour of one of France's oldest medieval cities. Visit the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting as we sail to Lyon, where we will dock overnight.
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 to learn more about its light and pleasant wine. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus, where we will dock overnight.
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 delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by a Master of Wine. We'll dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Paris and Vernon
- Beaune
- Paris
- Vernon
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Drive to Beaune and visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a highlight of French architecture. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship. We'll then cruise to Vernon for an overnight stay.
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 impressionist painter Claude Monet. Alternatively, visit Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles'. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon followed by a pastry demonstration as we cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Here, join a guided hike to the ruins of Château Gaillard or take a guided walking tour of the town. We'll then cruise to Caudebec for an overnight stay.
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 over 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur. We'll dock overnight in Caudebec.
Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy to Rouen
- Rouen
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- Bayeux Cathedral
- Botanical Garden
- Arbre de la Liberté
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Join a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, visiting 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. We'll then cruise to Rouen for an overnight stay.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen to Conflans
- Rouen
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- Cleres Zoological Park
- Évreux Cathedral
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Take a guided bike tour to explore Rouen or join a guided walking tour of the city, home of the martyred Joan of Arc. Visit the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock and Notre-Dame Cathedral. We'll then cruise to Conflans for an overnight stay.
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 an overnight stay.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- 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. Enjoy some free time to explore Paris on your own. We'll dock overnight in Paris.
Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to London
- Paris
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Bid adieu to your Avalon portion of your vacation after breakfast. An included transfer delivers you to the train station. Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train. Overnight in London.
Day 16 – Day 16: Exploring London
- London
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- Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour including all of London's famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards, the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus. Then, visit St. Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece with its world-famous dome.
Day 17 – Day 17: Free Day in London
- London
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- Wardown Park
- London Stadium
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Enjoy a free day to explore this spectacular city at your own pace. You could take a flight on the London Eye for fantastic views over the city or visit Windsor Castle for a tour of the magnificent State Apartments. In the evening, see one of the dozens of celebrated West End shows, or enjoy dinner at a traditional London pub, followed by a relaxing nighttime cruise on the Thames River.
Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from London
- London - Departure day
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Safe travels!
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