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Burgundy & Provence with Paris (Southbound)

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Burgundy & Provence with Paris (Southbound)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$4,570
Save $1,696pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Paris
 Cruise Finishes
Arles
10 Day Burgundy & Provence with Paris (Southbound) Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: France
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Paris
 Cruise Finishes
Arles
10 Day Burgundy & Provence with Paris (Southbound) Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: France
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WJLQ
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WJLQ

Overview

Take a wondrous French river cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in famous French locales, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. This river cruise through France begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Explore the “City of Light” with a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. You’ll visit France’s gastro-nomic capital of Lyon—also a showcase of medieval and Renaissance read more architecture where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet.

See Lyon’s wonderful sights, including the popular Place des Terreaux with its famous fountain seen on postcards. You’ll walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled between the vineyards, on a guided walk through medieval treasures of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Continue your river cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—known for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. You’ll revel in the relaxing and inspiring views and culinary delights during your vacation in Paris and river cruise through France.
Take a wondrous French river cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in famous French locales, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. This river cruise through France begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Explore the “City of Light” with a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks. You’ll visit France’s gastro-nomic capital of Lyon—also a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet. See Lyon’s wonderful sights, including the popular Place des Terreaux with its famous read more fountain seen on postcards.

You’ll walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled between the vineyards, on a guided walk through medieval treasures of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Continue your river cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—known for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. You’ll revel in the relaxing and inspiring views and culinary delights during your vacation in Paris and river cruise through France.

Itinerary

Bienvenue en France!

Take free time today to fall in love with the world's most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light

  • Classic: Join a Guided City Tour that shows 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 your free time strolling through the Champs - Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.

Consider browsing Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre. (B)

Take a High - Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.

  • Classic: Visit the Hôtel - Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment and one of France's architectural highlights.
This afternoon, travel to Chalon - sur - Saône to board your Suite Ship®

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B/D)

Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Visit the Adventure Center for today's 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)

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 Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. 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.
  • Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)

Adventures in Food and Wine

  • Discovery: Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon 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)

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

  • Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
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)

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 Châteauneuf - du - Pape for a true taste of the Rhône 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 - Bénézet.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)

A Brush with Genius

  • Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk 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.
Take free time to stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)

Bienvenue en France!

Take free time today to fall in love with the world's most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light

  • Classic: Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs - Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.

Consider browsing Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre. (B)

Your Suite Ship Awaits!

Take a High - Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, and continue to Beaune.

  • Classic: Visit the Hôtel - Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment and one of France's architectural highlights.
This afternoon, travel to Chalon - sur - Saône to board your Suite Ship®

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B/D)

Pearl of Southern Burgundy

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

  • Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host in Tournus, OR:
  • 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.
  • Discovery: Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!
  • Discovery: Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LYON (B/L/D)

La Vie En Rose in Lyon.

  • Active: Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. 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.
  • Discovery: Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance your lecture on board your ship.
Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B/L/D)

Adventures in Food and Wine.

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

  • Classic: Explore Lyon's silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu'île, and a live demonstration of hand - printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history!
This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing to Tournon.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNON (B/L/D)

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

  • Classic: Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.
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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B/L/D)

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • Active: Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • 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 Châteauneuf - du - Pape for a true taste of the Rhône 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 - Bénézet.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B/L/D)

A Brush with Genius

  • Active: Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk 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.
Take free time to stop at Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)

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