Cruise - Scenery, Burgundy & Provence 2013 ex Paris to Cote d'Azur
Journey
7 Night Cruise sailing from Chalon-sur-Saone to Arles aboard Avalon Scenery. 2 night stay pre-cruise in Paris and 1 night stay post-cruise in Cote d'Azur.
Ship
Avalon Scenery (More about the ship)
Departure Date
14-Apr-2013
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Itinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Day
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Day 1 14 Apr 13 Paris, France Hotel Day 2 15 Apr 13 Paris, France Hotel Day 3 16 Apr 13 Chalon-sur-Saone, France Embark Day 4 17 Apr 13 Tournus, France Day 4 17 Apr 13 Macon, France Day 5 18 Apr 13 Lyon, France Day 6 19 Apr 13 Lyon, France Day 7 20 Apr 13 Tournon, France Day 8 21 Apr 13 Avignon, France Day 9 22 Apr 13 Arles, France Day 10 23 Apr 13 Arles, France Disembark Day 10 23 Apr 13 Nice, France Hotel Day 11 24 Apr 13 Nice, France
** Itinerary may vary by sailing date -
Your cruise in detail
7 Night Cruise sailing from Chalon-sur-Saone to Arles aboard Avalon Scenery. 2 night stay pre-cruise in Paris and 1 night stay post-cruise in Cote d'Azur.
Opportunities abound on this grand holiday to learn about France and to taste its sumptuous wines and cuisine. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, the "City of Light." Travel south to fascinating Beaune for a Burgundy wine tasting; then board your ship in quaint Chalon-sur-Saone and set sail for lovely Tournus, Mâcon, France's gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Before disembarking your ship in Arles, sail through the peaceful Camargue area. Your vacation ends with an overnight on the French Riviera, also known as the Cote d'Azur. This cruise vacation has it all-historic sights, charming towns, spectacular cuisine, and more!
Day 1 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE.
Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine and the "City of Light," where romance fills the air!
Day 2 PARIS.
Paris' famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife that includes some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B)
Day 3 PARIS-BEAUNE-CHALON-SUR-SAONE (EMBARKATION)-TOURNUS.
After breakfast, drive south past the forest of Fontainebleau, favorite hunting grounds of a long line of French kings, and into Burgundy. Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote d'Or area-which produces the region's finest vintages-owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights. Enjoy a TASTING of Burgundy wines before continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saone, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Tournus. (B,D)
Day 4 TOURNUS-MACON.
After breakfast, a local expert will show you the highlights of this delightful town, tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb ABBEY, St. Philibert, part of which dates back to the 10th century. There's free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch, your ship departs for Macon, a city with a rich history and which plays an important role in the wine trade. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 5 TOURNUS-MACON.
After breakfast, a local expert will show you the highlights of this delightful town, tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb ABBEY, St. Philibert, part of which dates back to the 10th century. There's free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch, your ship departs for Macon, a city with a rich history and which plays an important role in the wine trade. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 6 LYON.
A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 7 TOURNON/TAIN L'HERMITAGE-VIVIERS.
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France's oldest medieval cities. Another charming town, Viviers, was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)
Day 8 AVIGNON.
The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the "City of Popes," it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 9 CAMARGUE-ARLES.
During the night your ship will have sailed to Port St. Louis on the mouth of the Rhone. If you are an early riser, you might like to watch the sun come up over the Camargue, and then take in the tranquil scenes as you sail through this nature park toward Arles during breakfast. On arrival in Arles, located on the northern tip of the Camargue and the capital of the Provence region, a local expert will show you the city. Take in sights such as the church of St. Trophime; "Les Alyscamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. This afternoon, there is free time to relax or join an optional excursion. (B,L,D)
Day 10 ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)- COTE D'AZUR.
After breakfast, a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the Cote d'Azur for a last night in France. Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote d'Azur stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. (B)
Day 11 COTE D'AZUR.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B) -
Travel dates
*Terms and Conditions
Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are per person share twin based on best available cruise fare, inclusive of all discounts unless otherwise stated and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and are based on cash or cheque. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry.
