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07.10-21.10.25 guaranteed
Itinerary
On this resplendent river cruise through France, you’ll be wined, dined, and wowed by breathtaking views and so much to do in the charming and historic locales of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting, guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the beautiful Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Join in an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, take a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the Gothic Rouen Cathedral. Before saying bonjour to the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of the city’s rich history or take a tour highlighting the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Transfer to your Suite Ship® in Bordeaux, the capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Cruise through one of France’s most exquisite regions and be carried away by your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
Tour program
Day 1
PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNONMeals:
Dinner
Day 2
VERNON
Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:Activity classic:
Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:Activity classic:
Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.Activity discovery:
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French Luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.Location:
LES ANDELYSSerenity on the SeineActivity active:
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:Activity classic:
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.Overnight:
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBECMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle
Day 3
CAUDEBEC
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:Activity classic:
Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBECMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: Activity classic:
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: Activity classic:
Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. Overnight:
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUENMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
ROUEN
Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:Activity classic:
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.Overnight:
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
CONFLANS
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:Activity classic:
Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:Activity classic:
Take a Guided Tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. Overnight:
EVENING CRUISE TO PARISMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly
Day 7
PARIS
Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:Activity classic:
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: Activity classic:
Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
Day 9
BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.Activity classic:
Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress-style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:Activity discovery:
Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PAUILLAC Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC
Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux’s finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:Activity discovery:
Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYEMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
BLAYE–BOURG
Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR: Activity discovery:
Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:Activity classic:
Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Activity classic:
Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum. Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURGMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION
Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion to discover one Bordeaux’ must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR: Activity classic:
Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:Activity classic:
Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town. Activity discovery:
Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNEMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
BORDEAUX
While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration. Activity active:
Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:Activity classic:
Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUXMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY
Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:Activity classic:
Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR: Activity classic:
Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUXMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)
Breakfast
Tour Details
accommodation
Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Well-stocked mini-bar
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 TAPESTRY II or similar
Good to know
Currency
€
Euro
France
Customer reviews
Operator
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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