15 DAY AVALON "GRAND FRANCE”
+ optional 2 night in NICE
30 APRIL - 14 MAY 2024
HIGHLIGHTS: Seine River, Rouen, Paris, Lyon, Tournon & Tain l’Jer,Otae ,Avignon
DAY 1: PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board the ship by 5 pm. Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (D)
DAY 2: VERNON Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour Visit the Adventure Centre for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE - Explore Vernon’s Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR: CLASSIC - Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle-called "Normandy’s Versailles" for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables. DISCOVERY - While sailing, enjoy a traditional French Luncheon of authentic French crepes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration. This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYS: Serenity on the Seine ACTIVE - Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard-historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR: CLASSIC - Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys-one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC (B,L,D)
DAY 3: CAUDEBEC Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine ACTIVE - Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC - Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route-where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC (B,L,D)
DAY 4: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC - Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach centre, and the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC - Join "A Taste of Normandy" Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN (B,L,D)
DAY 5: ROUEN The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France ACTIVE - Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR: CLASSIC - Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen-site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom-and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS (B,L,D)
DAY 6: CONFLANS The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV ACTIVE - Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC - Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of the opulent Chateau de Malmaison-home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles-home to a succession of French kings. EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS (B,L,D)
DAY 7: PARIS Cafes, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE - Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC - Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Ile de la Cite, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC - 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, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees. Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (B,L,D)
DAY 8: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)-DIJON-BEAUNE-CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION) Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune. CLASSIC - Visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement. This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B,D)
DAY 9: TOURNUS Pearl of Southern Burgundy Visit the Adventure Center for todays activities with your Adventure Host. CLASSIC - Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town. Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin. DISCOVERY - Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX (B,L,D)
DAY 10 : LYON La Vie En Rose in Lyon Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. ACTIVE - Discover Lyon’s architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, OR: CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon with its numerous churches from Fourviere Hill. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. DISCOVERY - Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship. Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B,L,D)
DAY 11 : LYON Adventures in Food and Wine CLASSIC - Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France. The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals. EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON (B,L,D)
DAY 12 : TOURNON A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards CLASSIC - Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon-one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch. VIVIERS: World History in a Charming French Country Village CLASSIC - Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B,L,D)
DAY 13 : AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon-with its ramparts encircling the city-and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city’s art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Benezet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B,L,D)
DAY 14 : ARLES Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights ACTIVE - Get your daily dose of exercise through nordic walking in Arles with your Adventure Host.. OR: DISCOVERY - Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles-the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city. Consider also a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrieres de Lumieres (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer. Take advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
DAY 15: ARLES (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B
INCLUDED - YOUR CHOICE ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE
One activity in one place due to times all being the same
Ancient Allure Of Arles Location - Arles
Create Your Own Masterpiece Painting Workshop Location - Arles
Power Walk In Arles With Your Adventure Host Location - Arles
Highlights Of Normandy Location - Caudebec
Jumièges Abbey & The Normandy Abbey Route Location - Caudebec
Normandy Landing Beaches Visit - British & Canadian Museums, Memorials & Landing Beaches Location - Caudebec
Auvers-Sur-Oise: Van Gogh's Inspiration - Auvers-Sur-Oise: Van Gogh’s Inspiration Location - Conflans
Tour The Treasures Of Château De Chantilly Location - Conflans
Hit The Trail Hike: Château Gaillard Location - Les Andelys
Les Andelys With Medieval St. Saveur Church Location - Les Andelys
Lyon With Fourvière Basilica & Place Des Terreaux Location - Lyon
Heart Of Paris Walk Location - Paris
Paris City Highlights Location - Paris
Power Walk In Paris With Your Adventure Host Location - Paris
Medieval Rouen & Its Echoes Of Joan Of Arc Location - Rouen
Rouen On Two Wheels: City Highlights Location - Rouen
Ancient Treasures Of Tournon Location - Tournon/Tain L'hermitage
Charms Of Viviers Location - Tournon/Tain L'hermitage
Discover Tournus Location - Tournus
Bizy Castle, Normandy's Versailles Location - Vernon
Claude Monet's Magnificent Giverny Location - Vernon
Power Walk In Vernon With Your Adventure Host Location - Vernon
Optional Activities Available
From The Cathedral Of Images To Saint-Rémy – From $109pp
Olive Oil Tasting In Les Baux De Provence – From $116 pp
Châteauneuf Du Pape Wine Experience – From $116pp
Pont Du Gard, Ancient Engineering Wonder – From $116pp
Biking In Caudebec With Your Adventure Host – From $0
Honfleur, Jewel Of Normandy – From $109pp
Versailles, Palace Of The Sun King – From $199pp
Biking In Lyon With Your Adventure Host – From $0
Delights Of Beaujolais With Wine Discovery – From $109pp
Medieval Pérouges - Aud) $109
A Ride On The Paris Metro To Le Marais – From $82pp
Bites & Highlights Of Paris – From $133pp
Excursion To Montmartre - The Spectacular Art & Views Of Montmartre - From $100pp
Fairytale Chateau De Cormantin - From $99pp
The Maconnais Region & it’s Chardonnay wines - From $116pp
CAT B $13400 Twin Share / $23,080.00 Solo
CAT A $15150PP Twin Share / $23,737.00 Solo
Deposit $750 Per Person within 7 days of confirming.
Final Payment due by 31 Jan 2024
This is subject to availability / change until fully paid
Inclusions:
✓14 nights – Avalon Cruise -State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
✓Meals - 14 Breakfast, 12 Lunch, 14 Dinner (all meals)
✓Deluxe accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
✓Gratuity included & port charges
✓Trip Accompanied by like-minded group members
✓Book your flights from your local airport
✓Book any pre & post accommodation
✓Answer any questions you have throughout the tour
✓Assist if unforeseen circumstances arise
✓ Quote & book Travel Insurance
✓Organise refreshments for bus journeys
This trip starts in PARIS and ends in ARLES
Transfer by Coach to NICE with an additional 2 nights in the French Riviera (4* or similar) from $1898 PP add-on
Optional:
⤫ Airfares from your local city
⤫ Travel Insurance
