Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris (Southbound)

Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris (Southbound)

Burgundy & Provence River Cruise - Avalon Waterways® Paris River Cruise

Cruise Arles Avignon Aw_Arles Aw_Europe Aw_France Aw_Lyon Aw_Paris Aw_Rhone River Aw_Saone_River + 19 More Beaujolais Region Beaune Burgundy Camargue Dijon Europe France Lyon Macon Provence Rhone Rhone River River Cruise Saone Saone River Tournon Viviers Avalon Waterways 10 Day River Cruise Paris to Arles
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. This river cruise through France begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Explore the “City of Light” with a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks. You’ll visit France’s gastro-nomic capital of Lyon—also a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet. Explore the Mâconnais area and sample Chardonnay, the famous wine of the region, with a tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle. You’ll walk through the city of Tournon, beautifully nestled between the vineyards, on a guided walk through medieval treasures of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Continue your river cruise to Avignon and see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—known for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. You’ll revel in the relaxing and inspiring views and culinary delights during your vacation in Paris and river cruise through France.

Every Season. A Different Perspective.
From the warmth of summer to the gentle transitions of fall and spring, this journey through the South of France takes on a distinct character in every season. You can enjoy hands on summer apricot harvests, fragrant flower picking and oil distillation, fall wine-harvest experiences or pastry demonstrations inspired by each season’s freshest flavors.
Seasonal light and landscapes bring fresh perspectives to vineyard-lined valleys, riverside villages, and France’s celebrated art of living. It’s a classic route that’s been beautifully curated to reveal new depths of Burgundy and Provence throughout the year.

Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE

Bienvenue en France!Take free time today to fall in love with the world’s most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.

Day 2: PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.(B)

Day 3: PARIS–LYON (EMBARKATION)

On to Lyon!Board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,D)

Day 4: LYON

La Vie En Rose in LyonACTIVE 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: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 lively cafés, monuments, and maze of medieval alleyways where history comes to life.DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship. Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)

Day 5: LYON–MÂCON

Fine Silk and French Sweets Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Explore Lyon’s silk heritage with a museum visit, a Walking Tour of La Presqu’île, and a live demonstration of hand-printed silk serigraphy in a workshop. A rich journey through silk history!DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Pastry Demonstration on board your ship, while sailing to Mâcon.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MÂCON(B,L,D)

Day 6: MÂCON

Wine on the Stunning Saône Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards and the wines produced here. Attend a wine tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON(B,L,D)

Day 7: TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle.Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch. VIVIERSWorld History in a Charming French Country VillageCLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)

Day 8: AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Avignon by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC 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 live entertainment on board. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES(B,L,D)

Day 9: ARLES

A Brush with Genius ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: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.This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)

Day 10: ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.(B)

Details

Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship Name
Poetry II
Departure Port
PAR
Arrival Port
MRS
Number of Nights
9

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