Compare Grand France 75th Anniversary of D-Day WWII Remembrance & History Cruise Only by Avalon Waterways vs Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024) by Luxury Gold
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5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 12 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 8,695 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 725 |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Take a wondrous journey through beautiful France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightsee-ing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too!Begin your adventure in Arles, on the Rhône River—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage are beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medi-eval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards. From Paris you’ll sail to Vernon, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Attend a commemoration ceremony for the D-Day 75th anniversary. In Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world and you will learn the important role played by this city during the French Resistance. Alternatively you will visit the battlefields in the area of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel. From Conflans, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Au-vers-Sur-Oise—associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison.On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, history lectures by an expert travelling with you, beau-tiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! The “City of Light” has Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. A guided walk through the historic Île St. Louis with its narrow streets, and Île de la Cité where medieval Paris was founded, will be a delight or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides. | Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France. Cruise to spectacular Saint-Tropez, marvelling at the coastal town’s ancient walls for unparalleled views of its medieval towers. Step inside the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, a national treasure and religious landmark. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. Experience Calanques National Park, journeying past towering limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters. Indulge in a diverse range of spectacular dining experiences, from exquisite seafood dinners to Michelin hotel meals. Learn about Bordeaux's unique history from a Local Expert or take a guided bike ride to learn about the city’s sustainability efforts.The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills. |
Day 1
ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) The Camargue National ParkBoard your Suite Ship® in Arles. Before dinner sail toward the mouth of the Rhône for a taste of the tranquil vistas of Camargue National Park (daylight permitting).OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(D)
Day 2
ARLES Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights 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 that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh.Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) to immerse yourself in a truly unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.Take advantage of any free time remaining with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, to relax and watch the world go by. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 3
AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence 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 onboard live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 4
VIVIERS World 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 TOURNON(B,L,D)
Day 5
TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE A Rendezvous with Castle Views and VineyardsCLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.In the late morning cruise to VienneVIENNERoman and Middle Age History CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills. Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Lyon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Day 6
LYON Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of FranceCLASSIC 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. JEAN DE LOSNE(B,L,D)
Day 7
ST. JEAN DE LOSNE Wine and Cheese on the Stunning SaôneEnjoy a leisurely cruising day along the majestic Saône River. Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. JEAN DE LOSNE(B,L,D)
Day 8
ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (DISEMBARKATION)— BEAUNE— DIJON— PARIS (EMBARKATION) Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris.CLASSIC 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 is one of France’s architectural highlights.This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (B,D)
Day 9
VERNON Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourStart the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host. 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:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by an onboard history lecture. This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYSSerenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful RiverbendsCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine, OR:ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
Day 10
CAUDEBEC. NORMANDY EXCURSIONS Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions DISCOVERY Attend a commemoration ceremony for the D-DAY 75th anniversary. CLASSIC Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC (B,L,D)
Day 11
CAUDEBEC Churches, Cherry Orchards, and White Cliffs of Normandy ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Jog in Normandy’s town of Caudebec. 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, OR: ACTIVE Explore Boucles de la Seine Normande with a Guided Hike of Normandy’s vast regional nature park in a region rich in apple, plum, pear, and cherry orchards. This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by your history expertLater, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN (B,L,D)
Day 12
ROUEN The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk. CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen, city that played an important role during the French Resistance. You will see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, OR:DISCOVERY Take a full day excursion in the areas of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel, where the Canadian Forces fought and won the German Army during WWI.Spend free time this afternoon to explore Rouen’s city markets, shops, and bike paths. Enjoy onboard entertainment before setting sail this evening.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS(B,L,D)
Day 13
CONFLANS In the Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: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. EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)
Day 14
PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals, & Canvases—The City of Lights Truly ShinesACTIVE Take a Morning Walk with your Avalon Adventure Host to see Paris at first light.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour through the Heart of Paris to see the historic Île St. Louis, Île de la Cité, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, OR: 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, OR:DISCOVERY Take a WWII tour of Paris which will include a visit to the museum of Les Invalides, dedicated to the Ordre de la Libération which was created in 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces. Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (B,L,D)
Day 15
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Day 1: Welcome to the French Riviera
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Dinner
Day 2: Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colorful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Star-studded St. Tropez
Step into the 1950s glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez. Join a Local Expert to discover the boutiques, the old town and admire the yachts in the marina. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne custard-filled, sugar-topped pastry at the bakery where it was first created. Delight this evening in an elegant Michelin Star meal at La Magdeleine.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to discover the ancient Roman town. Follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences . Curate your visit at the Château La Coste open-air museum on a Guided Art Walk around the grounds or a wine-tasting experience.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast
Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start before strolling or cycling the Château gardens. Then try pétanque or lounge poolside. Arriving in Cassis, board your private cruise. Pass towering limestone cliffs, fjord-like inlets and hidden beaches of Calanques National Park. Savor the evening with a gourmet seafood dinner.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: French Icons
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Les Baux Relaxed Start
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Arles and Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savor the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Bordeaux
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to explore this elegant, 18th - century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Awaken your senses at the Bassins des Lumières Museum and enjoy an evening at leisure to get acquainted with the local cuisine and fabulous wines this area has to offer.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Bordeaux
After breakfast you are transferred to Bordeaux Airport as your Luxury Gold journey comes to an end.
Breakfast
