Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, then continue on 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 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 to your Monograms extension. We’ve arranged your flight to Barcelona, Spain, along with hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing with local experts, transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airport, and more. Plus, we know you are not familiar with the city, so we’ve arranged the services of a friendly and knowledgeable Local Host® to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and more. 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 Batllo and Sagrada Familia Basilica. In your free time, you could explore the Picasso Museum, catch some rays on a beach, or have fun at Tibidabo Amusement Park. Your Local Host can help you make the most of this fantastic city!

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDays 1-2 Paris: welcome to France; guided sightseeing on Day 2Day 3 Paris–Dijon–Beaune–St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation)–Seurre: transfer from Paris to Beaune, visit the Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Seurre–Macon: leisurely cruising; cheese tasting; free time in Mâcon Day 5 Lyon: guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 6 Lyon: a free day to explore this fascinating city at leisureDay 7 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers: guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 8 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes Day 9 Arles: sail 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’Azur Barcelona: 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.

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vesselBuffet breakfast daily while in Barcelona

Notes

NOTES:Departures October 22 and October 26 are offered as exclusive Wine Appreciation Cruises, including special lectures and tastings at no additional cost. Your palate will applaud as you learn what to look for in a good wine. A distinguished wine authority will teach you the ropes as you visit a wine village and attend tastings to test your newfound talentIn 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.Whenever available, the TGV train will be used between Paris and Dijon.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WJL2-2017