This splendid vacation showcases France’s exciting scenery, history, and culture as you sail along its beautiful rivers. Embark in Paris and head northwest along the Seine River up to the picturesque Normandy region. Dock at Vernon and choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or remarkable Bizy Castle. Continue to Les Andelys—home of Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196. Then, on to Caudebec, where you choose between an included excursion to the poignant Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating “Taste of Normandy.” Visit Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen, and in Conflans, choose between a guided excursion to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison before heading back to Paris for sightseeing that includes the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. And as portion of the cruise has a WWII theme, you’ll enjoy onboard lectures by our WWII expert. Disembark in Paris and travel south to fascinating Beaune for a visit of the Hôtel-Dieu. In St. Jean de Losne, board your second cruise ship and sail on to Macon, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles, as well as France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, where you have time to explore this fascinating city. Daylight permitting, sail into the peaceful Camargue area. Disembark your cruise ship and arrive in the French Riviera, the splendid Côte d’Azur, for a final night in France. Then, 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 14-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDay 1 Paris (Embarkation): welcome receptionDay 2 Vernon–Les Andelys: choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle; guided walk in Les AndelysDay 3-4 Caudebec: choice of excursion along either the “Normandy Villages Route” or the “Normandy Abbeys Route”; choice of excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy”Day 5 Rouen: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or guided sightseeing focused on the French resistance; onboard lectureDay 6 Conflans: choice of excursions: visit Auvers-sur-Oise or Château de MalmaisonDay 7 Paris: choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walk; in the afternoon included visit at Museum of the Order of the LiberationDay 8 Paris (Disembarkation)–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre: Transfer to Beaune, visit Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome receptionDay 9 Seurre–Macon: leisurely cruising; free time in Macon; cheese tastingDay 10 Lyon: guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 11 Lyon: a day to explore this fascinating city at leisureDay 12 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers: guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 13 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the PopesDay 14 Arles: sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting); guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheater Day 15 Arles (Disembarkation)–Côte d’Azur: travel by motorcoach to Côte d’Azur Barcelona: 3 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guide with city map; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; flight Nice-Barcelona with transfers.

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 Barcelona

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-WPL2-T1-2017