Grand France with 3 Nights in London (Northbound) 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Arles
Duration
18 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary 18-day journey through the heart of France and England, where history, art, and culture converge. This multi-day tour invites you to explore the enchanting cities and picturesque landscapes of Provence, the Rhône Valley, and Normandy, before crossing the Channel to the vibrant capital of London. From the artistic inspirations of Arles and the medieval charm of Avignon to the iconic landmarks of Paris and the historic significance of Normandy's beaches, each day offers a new adventure. As you sail along the Seine and Saône rivers, indulge in exquisite wine and cheese tastings, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of these captivating regions. Conclude your voyage in London, where the city's iconic sights and vibrant culture await. With luxurious accommodations and expertly guided tours, this journey promises an unforgettable experience filled with discovery and delight.

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Included

14 nights onboard cruise ships

3 nights in London

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Avalon Waterways cruise ship

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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

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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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

Saint Jean Castle and Cathedral de la Major and the Vieux port in Marseille, France.Marseille
Dijon - city in FranceDijon
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Beaune - city in FranceBeaune
Tain-l'Hermitage
The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon
Arles - city in FranceArles
Les Andelys
photo of The Old Mill of Vernon in Vernon Normandy France.Vernon
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

Train de l'Ardèche
photo of Cleres Zoological Park in France.Cleres Zoological Park
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
Photo of Champ de Mars view from top of Eiffel tower looking down see the entire city as a beautiful classic architecture, France.Champ de Mars
photo of on the way in the beautiful valley of the Seine at Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, Normandy, France.Château Gaillard
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
photo of The Foundation Claude Monet is a nonprofit organization that runs and preserves the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.Fondation Monet in Giverny
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
L'espace Van Gogh
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceHôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Pont du Gard Museum
Wardown ParkWardown Park
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Luton Hoo Estate, Hyde, Central Bedfordshire, East of England, England, United KingdomLuton Hoo Estate
Photo of Palais or Opera Garnier & The National Academy of Music in Paris, France.Palais Garnier
Botanical Garden, Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBotanical Garden
photo of the equestrian monument of King Louis XIV in Place Bellecour at morning in Lyon, France.Place Bellecour
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Horniman Museum and Gardens, London Borough of Lewisham, London, Greater London, England, United KingdomHorniman Museum and Gardens
Arbre de la Liberté
Biotropica, animal gardens, Val-de-Reuil, Les Andelys, Eure, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceBiotropica, animal gardens
London StadiumLondon Stadium
World War 2 Museum

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Marseille to Arles

  • Marseille
  • Arles - Arrival day
  • More

Begin your enchanting journey in the vibrant city of Marseille, where your luxurious Suite Ship awaits your arrival. Settle in and prepare for an unforgettable voyage as you sail towards the historic city of Arles. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you dock overnight in this charming city.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Arles

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • More
  • L'espace Van Gogh
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • More

Immerse yourself in the artistic allure of Arles, a city that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Choose between a power walk, a painting workshop, or a guided tour of the Roman Amphitheater. Savor a glass of wine at Le Café Van Gogh before setting sail for Avignon, where you'll dock overnight.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Avignon

  • Avignon
  • More
  • Palais des Papes
  • Pont du Gard Museum
  • More

Step into the fortress city of Avignon, renowned for its medieval architecture. Visit the majestic Palace of the Popes and capture the beauty of the Pont Saint-Bénézet. Optional excursions include the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard or a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy onboard entertainment as you dock overnight.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers' Historical Charm

  • Tain-l'Hermitage
  • More
  • Orange Cathedral
  • More

Sail leisurely to Viviers, a quaint village with a rich history. Choose to hike to the hilltop cathedral or enjoy a guided tour through its Romanesque architecture and Old Town. Experience the blend of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences before cruising to Tain l'Hermitage for an overnight stay.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon and Lyon

  • Lyon
  • More
  • Train de l'Ardèche
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Explore Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities, with a guided walking tour or a hike. Discover the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, cruise to Lyon, where you'll dock overnight, ready to explore the vibrant city the next day.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon's Rich Heritage

  • Lyon
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  • Place Bellecour
  • Tour d'Oingt
  • More

Discover Lyon's historical treasures with a guided tour from Fourvière Hill to the bustling Place des Terreaux. Enjoy free time to explore the city's squares and riverside paths by bike. As evening falls, enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus for an overnight stay.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Wine and Cheese Delights

Day 7: Wine and Cheese Delights

  • Royal Monastery of Brou
  • More

Venture into the Mâconnais region to explore its renowned Chardonnay vineyards and partake in a wine-tasting session at a medieval castle. Spend the afternoon cruising the scenic Saône River, followed by a cheese tasting on board. Dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: From Beaune to Paris

  • Beaune
  • Dijon
  • Paris
  • More
  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
  • More

Visit the architectural marvel of Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, home to Van der Weyden's masterpiece. In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train from Dijon to the iconic city of Paris, where you'll board your Suite Ship for an overnight cruise to Vernon.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Artistic Inspirations in Vernon

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
  • More
  • Château Gaillard
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
  • More

Explore the artistic legacy of Vernon with visits to Chateau des Tourelles and Monet's House and Gardens. Alternatively, tour the grand Bizy Castle. Enjoy a traditional French luncheon on board before cruising to Les Andelys, where you can hike to Château Gaillard or take a walking tour of this picturesque town.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Abbeys of Normandy

Day 10: Abbeys of Normandy

  • Parc Animalier de la Forêt de Roumare
  • More

Embark on a scenic bike ride along the Seine or take a guided tour of the Normandy Abbeys Route, rich with medieval history. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur. Dock overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy's Historic Beaches

  • Rouen
  • More
  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
  • More

Delve into the history of Normandy with a guided tour of the WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian sites or enjoy a brandy tasting in Calvados. Return to your ship for live entertainment and an evening cruise to Rouen.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen's Medieval Marvels

  • Rouen
  • More
  • Cleres Zoological Park
  • Évreux Cathedral
  • More

Uncover the rich history of Rouen with a guided bike tour or a walking tour of its medieval quarter. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock, and learn about the legacy of Joan of Arc. Enjoy an evening cruise to Conflans.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Artistic and Royal Heritage

  • Paris
  • More
  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
  • More

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh with a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon Bonaparte. Consider an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise to Paris.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Paris - The City of Light

  • Paris
  • More
  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Palais Garnier
  • More

Experience the magic of Paris with a guided walk through its historic heart, featuring the Palais-Royal and the Louvre. Alternatively, take a city tour to see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. Enjoy leisure time to explore or relax in a Parisian café.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to London

  • Paris
  • More

Bid farewell to Paris as you transfer to the train station for a high-speed Eurostar journey to London. Settle into your accommodation and prepare to explore England's vibrant capital city.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: London's Iconic Landmarks

Day 16: London's Iconic Landmarks

  • Luton Hoo Estate
  • Horniman Museum and Gardens
  • London Stadium
  • More

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of London, taking in famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral and marvel at its architectural splendor. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Leisure in London

Day 17: Leisure in London

  • Wardown Park
  • Tulleys Escape Rooms
  • London Stadium
  • More

Enjoy a day of leisure in London, with options to ride the London Eye, visit Windsor Castle, or see a West End show. In the evening, savor a traditional pub dinner and take a relaxing cruise on the Thames River.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Farewell to London

Day 18: Farewell to London

Conclude your memorable journey with a hearty breakfast in London. Reflect on the incredible experiences and sights you've enjoyed over the past days as you prepare for your departure.

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