Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, then continue on by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a visit of Hôtel-Dieu and then board your ship in quaint St. Jean de Losne and set sail for lovely Seurre, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Daylight permitting, sail into the peaceful Camargue area. And because this cruise has a Wine Appreciation theme, you will be joined on board by a Master of Wine, who will share his knowledge of French wines while hosting a tasting of cheese and wine, and chocolate and wine, as well as a food and wine pairing dinner. This cruise vacation has it all—historic sites, delightful towns, and more! Transfer to Nice airport for the start to your Monograms extension. We’ve arranged your flight to Barcelona, Spain, along with hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing with local experts, transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airport, and more. Plus, we know you are not familiar with the city, so we’ve arranged the services of a friendly and knowledgeable Local Host® to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and more. The next morning, after an included breakfast, we’ll pick you up for guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide that features a drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia, and visits of Gaudi’s extraordinary Casa Batllo and Sagrada Familia Basilica. In your free time, you could explore the Picasso Museum, catch some rays on a beach, or have fun at Tibidabo Amusement Park. Your Local Host can help you make the most of this fantastic city!

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDays 1-2 Paris: welcome to France; guided sightseeing on Day 2Day 3 Paris–Dijon–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre: TGV train from Paris to Dijon; motorcoach transfer to Beaune, visit the Hôtel-Dieu or take part in a Crèmant tasting in Beaune; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Seurre–Macon: leisurely cruising; free time in Macon; included visit to Chardonnay Winery. Day 5 Lyon: guided sightseeing in Lyon; picture stop on Fourvière Hill. Onboard cheese and wine tasting.Day 6 Lyon: a free day to explore this fascinating city at leisure. Special onboard food and wine pairing dinner.Day 7 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers: guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedral. Onboard chocolate and wine tastingDay 8 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes and visit a winery in Châteauneuf du Pape, wine tasting Day 9 Arles: sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting); guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman AmphitheaterDay 10 Arles (Disembarkation)–Côte d’Azur: travel by motorcoach to Côte d’AzurAix-en-Provence & Nice: 4 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guides with city maps; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed TGV train (first-class) from Aix-en-Provence to Nice; transfers from ship to Aix-en-Provence hotel and to/from train stations.

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vesselBuffet breakfast daily while in Provence

Notes

NOTES:In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.Whenever available, the TGV train will be used between Paris and Dijon.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WJL1-T-2017