Grand France with 3 nights in London WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (Northbound) (17 destinations)

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Description

Summary

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

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of France and England, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Marseille, setting sail on a luxurious Suite Ship® to explore the enchanting regions of Provence and the Rhône Valley. Discover the artistic legacy of Vincent van Gogh in Arles, the medieval charm of Avignon, and the picturesque beauty of Viviers and Tournon. As you cruise along the Saône River, indulge in wine and cheese tastings, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Normandy's WWII sites. Conclude your French adventure in the iconic city of Paris before traveling to London, where the vibrant energy of England's capital awaits. With guided tours, cultural excursions, and leisure time to explore at your own pace, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience. Enjoy the finest accommodations, delectable meals, and exceptional service throughout your journey.

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Included

14 nights accommodation onboard Avalon Waterways cruise ship

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

Main entrance to the museumVieux-la-Romaine Museum
Château Canon, Mézidon-Canon, Mézidon Vallée d'Auge, Lisieux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Canon
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
photo of Normandy German defense artillery guns in Longues-sur-Mer, France.Longues-sur-Mer Battery
bibliothèque Oscar-Niemeyer
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Palais RihourPalais Rihour
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
Beautiful sunrise at the Pont Alexandre III and Les Invalides in ParisLes Invalides
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 France as you board your luxurious Suite Ship® in the vibrant city of Marseille. Arrive by mid-afternoon to ensure a smooth embarkation process. As you settle into your floating hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner on board while the ship sets sail towards the historic city of Arles, where you will dock overnight. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and prepare for the adventures that await you in the coming days.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Arles to Avignon

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • More
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • More

Awake in the captivating city of Arles, where you can choose to start your day with an invigorating power walk or immerse yourself in the artistic world of Vincent van Gogh through a painting workshop. Alternatively, embark on a guided walking tour to explore the Roman Amphitheater and other historic sites. Enjoy some leisure time at Le Café Van Gogh before the ship sails to Avignon, where you will dock overnight. Savor the local flavors with breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Avignon

  • Avignon
  • More
  • Pont du Gard
  • Palais des Papes
  • Château de Grignan
  • More

Discover the fortress city of Avignon, renowned for its medieval architecture and rich history. Join a guided sightseeing tour to explore the impressive Palace of the Popes and the city's ancient ramparts. Opt for an excursion to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard or visit the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a taste of the Rhône wine region. Spend your afternoon exploring Avignon's vibrant art scene and historic sites at your leisure. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you dock overnight in Avignon.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Viviers to Tain l'Hermitage

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

Sail leisurely to the charming village of Viviers, where you can choose between a guided walk to the hilltop cathedral or a tour of the village's historic sites, including its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town. Experience the blend of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences that define this picturesque location. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise towards Tain l'Hermitage, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Tournon to Lyon

  • Lyon
  • More
  • Armenian Heritage Center
  • More

Explore the historic town of Tournon, one of France's oldest medieval cities. Choose between a morning hike with your Adventure Host or a guided walking tour to discover the town's 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. After a morning of exploration, enjoy a leisurely cruise to the vibrant city of Lyon. Indulge in breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you dock overnight in Lyon, ready to explore its rich cultural heritage.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lyon to Tournus

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

Discover the enchanting city of Lyon with a guided tour that takes you to the top of Fourvière Hill for panoramic views and a visit to the historic Old Town. Explore the vibrant Place des Terreaux and its lively cafés. Spend your afternoon cycling through the city's picturesque squares and along the riverbanks. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Tournus, where you will dock overnight. Relish in breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône

Day 7: Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône

  • Royal Monastery of Brou
  • More

Venture into the picturesque Mâconnais region to explore its renowned Chardonnay vineyards. Participate in a wine-tasting session in the cellars of a medieval castle, learning about the region's rich winemaking traditions. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Saône River, taking in the stunning landscapes. Delight in a cheese tasting on board and enjoy live entertainment in the evening. Dock overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on board.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Beaune to Paris

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

Travel to the charming town of Beaune and visit the historic Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train from Dijon to the iconic city of Paris. Settle into your Suite Ship® for an evening cruise to Vernon. Enjoy breakfast and dinner on board as you prepare for the exciting adventures that await in the City of Light.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Paris

  • Paris
  • More
  • Louvre Museum
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • More

Experience the magic of Paris with a choice of guided tours. Explore the ancient heart of the city, including the Palais-Royal and Île de la Cité, or opt for a city tour showcasing iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Alternatively, delve into history with a WWII tour, visiting the museum of Les Invalides. Consider an optional excursion to the opulent Palace of Versailles. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you dock overnight in Paris.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Conflans to Les Andelys

  • Les Andelys
  • More
  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
  • More

Delve into the artistic and historical heritage of France with a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the final resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or explore the opulent Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon Bonaparte. Participate in an onboard commemoration ceremony for the D-Day 80th Anniversary. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise to Les Andelys, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Les Andelys to Caudebec

  • Les Andelys
  • Rouen
  • More
  • Château Gaillard
  • Évreux Cathedral
  • More

Embark on a guided hike to the historic ruins of Château Gaillard, once home to King Richard the Lionheart, or enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel, significant WWI sites. In Rouen, explore the medieval quarter and visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Caudebec, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Caudebec

Day 12: Caudebec

  • Valmont Abbey
  • More

Explore the rich history of Normandy with a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, home to over 100 medieval abbeys and churches. Alternatively, join a guided excursion to a V-1 flying bomb launch site. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur. Enjoy an onboard lecture about WWII and indulge in breakfast, lunch, and dinner as you dock overnight in Caudebec.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Normandy to Vernon

  • Vernon
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  • Bayeux Cathedral
  • Botanical Garden
  • More

Delve into the history of Normandy with a guided tour of the WWII landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, explore British and Canadian commemorative sites or join a 'Taste of Normandy' tour to discover the region's agricultural heritage, including a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you cruise to Vernon, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Vernon to Paris

  • Vernon
  • Paris
  • More
  • Château Gaillard
  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • More

Explore the artistic legacy of Claude Monet with a guided tour of Giverny, visiting his home and gardens. Alternatively, discover the grandeur of Bizy Castle, known as 'Normandy's Versailles.' Participate in a traditional French luncheon on board, featuring authentic crêpes and a pastry demonstration. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner as you cruise back to Paris, where you will dock overnight.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Paris to London

  • Paris
  • More

Conclude the French portion of your journey with a hearty breakfast before transferring to the train station. Board the high-speed Eurostar train to London, where you will continue your adventure in England's vibrant capital. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: London

Day 16: London

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

Discover the iconic landmarks of London with a guided sightseeing tour. Drive past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Visit the magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral, a masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren. Enjoy breakfast as you immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of England's capital.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: London

Day 17: London

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

Enjoy a day of leisure in London, exploring the city at your own pace. Take a ride on the London Eye for breathtaking views or visit Windsor Castle to tour the State Apartments. In the evening, consider watching a West End show or dining at a traditional pub, followed by a relaxing cruise on the Thames River. Breakfast is included as you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from London

Day 18: Departure from London

Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast in London. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during this multi-day tour as you prepare for your departure. Safe travels as you head home or continue your adventures elsewhere.

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