Overview
Take in the...read more beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux with its lively cafés and monuments, and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards. With plenty of time to explore this historical city further, be sure to sample Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region.
Beautifully nestled among vineyards, is the city of Tournon a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk. Continue your river cruise through France to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes - the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Enjoy your last two nights in the captivating French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea - a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise!
Take in the...read more beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, founded by the Romans in 43 BC, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux with its lively cafés and monuments, and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards. With plenty of time to explore this historical city further, be sure to sample Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region.
Beautifully nestled among vineyards, is the city of Tournon a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle, where you’ll go on a guided walk. Continue your river cruise through France to historical Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes - the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Enjoy your last two nights in the captivating French Riviera. Relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea - a perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime European river cruise!
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.
Cafes, 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, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Elysees for cafe au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. Consider browsing Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafes 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. Visit the Hotel-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 St. Jean de Losne to board your Suite Ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MACON (B/D)
Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saone
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. Enjoy leisurely cruising en route to Macon along the majestic Saone River. 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 TREVOUX (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 Rhone and Saone rivers meet, OR:
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour to survey Lyon from Fourviere Hill with its numerous churches. 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 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. 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)
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)
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. You'll 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 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 free time to stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine.
EVENING CRUISE TO PORT ST. LOUIS (B/L/D)
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast
After breakfast this morning, you'll drive to Nice on the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy. (B)
The "Queen of the French Riviera"
C% Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city-an area which has changed little since the 1700s. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (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.
Cafes, 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, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Elysees for cafe au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. Consider browsing Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafes 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 MÂcon
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. 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)
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)
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. You'll 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 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 free time to stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B/L/D)
Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast
After breakfast this morning, you'll drive to Nice on the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy. (B)
The "Queen of the French Riviera"
C% Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city-an area which has changed little since the 1700s. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious rivercruise experience. Read more
Avalon's attentive staff aboard each vessel will make you feel right at home. You'll be taken care of every step of the way. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Deck Plans
Stateroom
Stateroom
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
Royal Suite
Cabins
- Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
- Twin Windows
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Deck Plans
Stateroom
Stateroom
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
Royal Suite
Cabins
- Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
- Twin Windows
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Category E (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category D | From $ 199 |
| Category B | From $ 1,549 |
| Category A | From $ 1,599 |
| Category P | From $ 1,699 |
| Category S | From $ 3,099 |
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Category E (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category D | From $ 199 |
| Category B | $ 1,549 - $ 1,699 |
| Category A | $ 1,599 - $ 1,749 |
| Category P | $ 1,699 - $ 1,849 |
| Category S | $ 3,099 - $ 3,299 |
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon.
