Compare Reflections on the Seine with 1 Night Mont St. Michel – Southbound by Avalon Waterways vs Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024) by Luxury Gold
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 4,598 | $ 8,695 |
| Price Per Day | $ 460 | $ 725 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Start your vacation with a night in Paris—“The City of Lights,” and enjoy an evening in what is called the most romantic city in the world. You’ll transfer to Mont St. Michel for a guided tour of the magnificent abbey, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next morning take a transfer to Le Havre, with stops at Utah Beach and St. Mère Eglise, to board your Avalon Suite Ship®. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city, part of the World Heritage Sites. Continue to Rouen for a walking tour of the village, see Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Astronomical Clock. From here, you may wish to take an excursion to Normandy beaches, with the memorials and monuments for the allied forces, or a “Taste of Normandy” tour to discover the farming traditions and culinary specialties of this area.Sail on to Les Andelys for guided tours of this picturesque village, and nearby castle ruins. Continue your river cruise through France to visit the home of master artist Claude Monet at the gardens of Giverny, or visit magnificent Bizy Castle. Next, cruise to Conflans to visit Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison. Your river cruise along the Seine returns to Paris, where you’ll see the sights in the heart of the city, including a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral. You may alternatively choose a guided tour to see the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. You’ll long reflect on this remarkable river cruise on the Seine, and the remembrances of history, heroes, and artists brought to life. | 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
PARIS, FRANCE Bienvenue en France! Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
Day 2
PARIS—MONT ST. MICHEL Transfer to Mont St. Michel. Take a guided tour to discover Mont St. Michel and its abbey, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.(B,D)
Day 3
MONT ST.MICHEL—LE HAVRE (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Transfer to Le Havre with stop at Utah Beach and St. Mère Eglise.Tonight, enjoy dinner on board and explore your Suite Ship®.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE(B,D)
Day 4
LE HAVRE 20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city center, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity. This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur. With its 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, half-timber houses, and cobbled streets, Honfleur inspired the works of master artists Monet and Boudin.Alternatively, you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to see the white-chalk cliffs and arches of the oceanside town of Étretat—an attraction for classic artists, writers, and filmmakers. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
Day 5
CAUDEBECROUEN. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of 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 apple brandy at a local distillery.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship while sailing to Rouen. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN(B,L,D)
Day 6
ROUEN The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN(B,L,D)
Day 7
LES ANDELYS Serenity 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. Visit the Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.During lunchtime, enjoy a beautiful cruise to Vernon VERNON Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du JourCLASSIC 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—“Normandy’s Versailles”—with its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.EVENING CRUISE TO CONFLANS (B,L,D)
Day 8
CONFLANS Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte ACTIVE Go for an early Morning Jog with your Avalon Adventure Host. CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. This afternoon, cruise to Paris. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
Day 9
PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly ShinesCLASSIC 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. Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B)
Day 10
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
