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Grand France (Amended Itinerary)

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Tripcode: WPLAA
Overview
Destination:
Start:Paris, France
Finish:Arles, France
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 24)
This product has sold out, you can still contact us for other options.
On this France river cruise holiday, enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral. Before you depart the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.

Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day.

During the Olympics and Paralympic games some areas might be closed or not accessible to groups, therefore the program might be subject to change.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day is free to explore the world's most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (D)
Day 2 - PARIS
Cafes, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Ile de la Cite, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, 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, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees. Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles-home to a succession of French kings. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS (B,L,D)
Day 3 - CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Chateau de Malmaison-home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LES ANDELYS (B,L,D)
Day 4 - LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard-historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys-one of France's most picturesque spots on the Seine. During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing to Rouen. ROUEN The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen-site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom-and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC (B,L,D)
Day 5 - CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route-where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine. This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC (B,L,D)
Day 6 - CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches, visit 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 centre, and the Beny-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 at a local distillery. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON (B,L,D)
Day 7 - VERNON
Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC 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-called "Normandy's Versailles" for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables. DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crepes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Le Pecq. AFTERNOON CRUISE TO LE PECQ (B,L,D)
Day 8 - LE PECQ (DISEMBARKATION)-DIJON-BEAUNE-CHALON-SUR-SAONE (EMBARKATION)
Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune. CLASSIC Visit the Hotel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement. This afternoon, travel to Chalon-sur-Saone to board your Suite Ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TOURNUS (B,D)
Day 9 - TOURNUS
Pearl of Southern Burgundy Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. CLASSIC Tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy, Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centres in the region, Our Local Guide will show the highlights of this delightful town. Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar or to the Castle of Cormatin. DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TREVOUX (B,L,D)
Day 10 - LYON
La Vie En Rose in Lyon Sail for lovely Lyon this morning. ACTIVE Discover Lyon's architectural district by bike with your Adventure Host, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon with its numerous churches from Fourviere Hill. You'll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafes, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux. DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship. Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON (B,L,D)
Day 11 - LYON
Adventures in Food and Wine CLASSIC Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France. The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France's third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city's more than 100 murals. EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON (B,L,D)
Day 12 - TOURNON
A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon-one of France's oldest medieval cities with its 16th-century castle. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch. VIVIERS World History in a Charming French Country Village CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You'll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON (B,L,D)
Day 13 - AVIGNON
The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon-with its ramparts encircling the city-and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhone wine region. Explore Avignon on your own for the city's art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Benezet. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES (B,L,D)
Day 14 - ARLES
Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles-the captivating city of the Provence region. You'll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in this visually stunning city. Take advantage of any free time with a stop in Le Cafe Van Gogh for a glass of wine to relax and watch the world go by. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (B,L,D)
Day 15 - ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. (B)
Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

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14 nights
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