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 travel by high speed train to Dijon and continue by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a visit of Hôtel-Dieu. Next, board your 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 river cruise ship and arrive in the French Riviera, the splendid Côte d’Azur, for a final night in France. Then, transfer to Nice airport for the start of your Monograms extension. We’ve arranged your flight to Barcelona, Spain, along with your hotel reservation, daily breakfasts, sightseeing with a local expert, transfers to and from your hotel and airport, and more. Plus, we know you may not be familiar with the city, so we’ve arranged the services of a friendly and knowledgeable Local Host® to answer questions, share inside information, help arrange your activities and excursions, and make you feel right at home. The next morning, after an included breakfast, we’ll pick you up for guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide that features a drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia, and visits of Gaudi’s extraordinary Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia Basilica. In your free time, you could explore the Picasso Museum, catch some rays on the beach, or have fun at Tibidabo Amusement Park. Your Local Host can help you make the most of this fantastic city. A perfect vacation of river cruise sailing and land sightseeing!

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)–Côte d’Azur: travel by motorcoach to Côte d’AzurBarcelona: 3 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guide with city map; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; flight Nice-Barcelona with transfers.

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-WJL2-T1-2018