Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris (Northbound) 2025
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16.09-25.09.25 guaranteed
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30.09-09.10.25 guaranteed
Itinerary
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 too! Begin your Avalon YourWay river cruise through France in Arles and discover the setting that inspired Vincent Van Gogh. See its 1st-century Roman amphitheater still used today, and attend a painting workshop in the style of Van Gogh.Cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Continue to Viviers for a guided walk through its charming village. Nestled among vineyards and Roman ruins are the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage. Take a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure of Roman ruins and 16th-century castle.You’ll visit Lyon, a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture, as well as France’s gastronomic capital. Lyon offers wonderful sights, including the popular Place des Terreaux with its famous fountain seen on postcards. You’ll sail to the Chardonnay wine region of Mâcon, enjoying cheese tasting on board. In Dijon, tour Beaune’s Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital—built in 1443 and home of Van der Weyden’s “The Last Judgement.”Continue your French vacation your way with two overnights in Paris—the “City of Light.” Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of the city’s rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. A classic French river cruise vacation—made even better your way.
Tour program
Day 1
ARLES (EMBARKATION)
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLESMeals:
Dinner
Day 2
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
Day 3
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
Day 4
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
Day 5
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
Day 6
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
Day 7
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
Day 8
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
Day 9
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
Day 10
PARIS
Breakfast
Tour Details
accommodation
7 nights onboard Avalon Poetry II
2 nights in Paris
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
flights
Flights are not included.
guide
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
insurance
Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.
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
Other activities and services are not included.
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 Poetry II or similar
Good to know
Currency
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France
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Faq Tour
How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.
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