Opportunities abound on this delightful river cruise vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, then take the high-speed train to Dijon and continue by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a visit of Hôtel-Dieu. Next, board your river cruise ship in quaint St. Jean de Losne and set sail for lovely Seurre, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Daylight permitting, sail into the peaceful Camargue area.

Disembark your cruise ship in Arles and transfer to Aix en Provence for the start of your Monograms extension. With two overnights, enjoy guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, walk along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau—a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés—and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, known for its mishmash of architectural styles. This was Cézanne’s hometown, and in your free time, you may want to take a tour following in his footsteps. Perhaps take an excursion to Cassis with an included cruise, soak in Aix-en-Provence’s healing thermal baths, or shop for lavender and other local specialties.

Finally, we’ll whisk you via high-speed train to Nice for your final two nights in France. Here, you’ll walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. In your free time, perhaps take an excursion to Monaco, St. Tropez, or Cannes—known for its famous film festival. In both cities, we provide the services of Local Hosts®—a “friend in the city” to answer questions, share inside information, and help arrange your activities and excursions. Your Local Host can also provide suggestions for the best places to sample the local specialties, as well as be there to help you feel comfortable in each city. Transfers to and from your hotels and train stations, and hotel reservations with daily breakfasts, are included.

For specific details on this special interest river cruise, please view the day-by-day itinerary.

City Highlights

Days 1-2 Paris: welcome to France; guided sightseeing on Day 2Day 3 Paris–Dijon–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre: TGV train from Paris to Dijon. Motorcoach transfer to Beaune, visit the Hôtel-Dieu or wine tasting; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Seurre–Macon: leisurely cruising; free time in Mâcon Day 5 Lyon: onboard cheese and wine tasting; guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 6 Lyon: a morning to explore this fascinating city at leisure; excursion to Beaujolais; onboard food and wine pairing dinnerDay 7 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers: guided walk in Tournon onboard chocolate and wine tasting; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 8 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes and a winery in Châteauneuf du Pape Day 9 Arles: cruise into the Camargue region (daylight permitting); guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman AmphitheaterDay 10 Arles (Disembarkation)–Aix-en-Provence: travel by motorcoach to Aix-en-ProvenceAix-en-Provence & Nice: 4 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guides with city maps; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed TGV train (first-class) from Aix-en-Provence to Nice; transfers from ship to Aix-en-Provence hotel and to/from train stations.

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be operated by motorcoach.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WJL1-T1-2018