Compare Grand France (Southbound) by Avalon Waterways vs From Burgundy to the Camarge along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,298 | $ 1,340 |
| Price Per Day | $ 487 | $ 168 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | On this France river cruise vacation, enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts 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 remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Go on (Take) an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral. Before you depart 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 Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Disembark you ship on the Seine, and board a high-speed train for Dijon and transfer to your Suite Ship® on the Saône River. Sail to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is (Explore) France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You’ll go on (Enjoy) a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.*During the Olympics and Paralympic games some venues and areas might be closed or not accessible to groups, therefore the program might be subject to change. |
History and authenticity will be on the program throughout your cruise on the Rhone. You will discover cities with rich historical and cultural pasts such as Lyon with its famous 'traboules' - secret passages. Visit the Cluny Abbey, which has had an exceptional political, artistic and religious influence on Europe, then admire the castle of Tournon which stands upright on its majestic rock in the heart of the town and houses a museum labeled "Museum of France" since 1927. |
Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
(Dinner)
PARIS-CROISSANT.jpg
Day 2: VERNON
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
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 a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
LES ANDELYSSerenity on the Seine
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
(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.
VERNON.jpg
Day 3: CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
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 DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
CAUDEBEC.jpg
Day 4: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
CLASSIC 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:
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:
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
NORMANDY-OMAHA-BEACH.jpg
Day 5: ROUEN
The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
ACTIVE 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:
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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
ROUEN.jpg
Day 6: CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
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
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month and on 22nd September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
CONFLANS.jpg
Day 7: PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
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: 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 DOCKING IN PARIS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
PARIS-EIFEL-TOWER.jpg
Day 8: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–DIJON–BEAUNE–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (EMBARKATION)
Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.
CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement. This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saône to board your Suite Ship®.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 9: TOURNUS
Pearl of Southern Burgundy
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town.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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOURNUS.jpg
Day 10: LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.
ACTIVE 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 with its numerous churches from Fourvière Hill. 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.DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship.Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LYON-CAFE.jpg
Day 11: LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine
CLASSIC Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France. The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France’s third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city’s more than 100 murals.
EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LYON-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 12: 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. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.
VIVIERS
World History in a Charming French Country Village
CLASSIC 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
VIVIERS-SCENIC.jpg
Day 13: AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
AVIGNON-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 14: ARLES
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights
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.Take advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
ARLES-PAINTING-CLASS.jpg
Day 15: ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.
(Breakfast)
ARLES-SCENIC.jpg
Day 1 LYON
Passengers are welcome to board our ship in Lyon at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an evening of entertainment.
Day 2 LYON - MACON
Join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Lyon where you'll discover its famous "traboules", types of passageways that are typical of the city.DISCOVERY: Food tour of Lyon.We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising to Mâcon. Enjoy dinner and an evening of dancing.
Day 2 LYON - MACON
Join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Lyon where you'll discover its famous "traboules", types of passageways that are typical of the city.DISCOVERY: Food tour of Lyon.We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising to Mâcon. Enjoy dinner and an evening of dancing.
Day 3 MACON - VIENNE
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Abbey ruins in Cluny.We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising to Vienne. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. We'll reach Vienne later this evening.
Day 3 MACON - VIENNE
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Abbey ruins in Cluny.We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising to Vienne. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. We'll reach Vienne later this evening.
Day 4 VIENNE
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Vienne.We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 4 VIENNE
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Vienne.We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 5 AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace.Our Ship will cruise to Arles.In the afternoon, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Discover the Camargue. We'll visit a "manade" (bull breeding farm) and learn about how a manadier works with the animals.DISCOVERY: Discovery in jeeps through the Camargue for an original immersion in the wilderness.We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of traditional Provençal entertainment.
Day 5 AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace.Our Ship will cruise to Arles.In the afternoon, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Discover the Camargue. We'll visit a "manade" (bull breeding farm) and learn about how a manadier works with the animals.DISCOVERY: Discovery in jeeps through the Camargue for an original immersion in the wilderness.We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of traditional Provençal entertainment.
Day 6 ARLES - VIVIERS
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit of Arles and a local olive oil producer's. We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising to Viviers.Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Viviers.
Day 6 ARLES - VIVIERS
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit of Arles and a local olive oil producer's. We'll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising to Viviers.Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Viviers.
Day 7 VIVIERS - TOURNON
This morning will be spent cruising to Tournon.Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Tournon. We'll visit the imposing Castle-Museum of Tournon-sur-Rhône followed by a tasting of local wines* and regional delicacies.We'll then return on board. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will cruise towards Lyon during the night.
Day 7 VIVIERS - TOURNON
This morning will be spent cruising to Tournon.Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Tournon. We'll visit the imposing Castle-Museum of Tournon-sur-Rhône followed by a tasting of local wines* and regional delicacies.We'll then return on board. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will cruise towards Lyon during the night.
Day 8 LYON
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
