Itinerary
Begin with two overnights in captivating French Riviera, and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a wondrous European river cruise through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of a 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Take a guided walk through a medieval treasure of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle in the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled among vineyards. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain seen on postcards. This French river cruise vacation would not be complete without a stay in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.
Tour program
FRENCH RIVIERA
FRENCH RIVIERA
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.Meals:
Breakfast
FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION)
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLESMeals:
Breakfast, Dinner
ARLES
Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR: Activity discovery:
Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:Activity 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, before sailing to Avignon. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNONMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AVIGNON
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. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNONMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
VIVIERS
Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:Activity classic:
Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an 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.Overnight:
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TAIN L'HERMITAGE
Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR:Activity classic:
Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.In the early afternoon, cruise to Lyon. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYONMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LYON
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:Activity 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.Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus. Overnight:
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUSMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle!Activity discovery:
Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNEMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS
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.Meals:
Breakfast
PARIS
Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, and visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. Meals:
Breakfast
PARIS
Breakfast
Tour Details
accommodation
7 nights accommodation accommodation onboard
2 Nights in French Riviera
2 Nights in Paris
flights
guide
insurance
meals
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
optional
others
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Other activities and services are not includedtransport
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
Good to know
Currency
Euro
France