Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.
We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow. Enjoy VIP inclusions and world-class experiences at budget-friendly prices.
Embrace your independent spirit with the freedom to discover the world without getting lost. Enjoy independent travel confidently with guided sightseeing, loads of free time, and a knowledgeable Monograms Local Host in each destination.
Happiness flows on an Avalon river cruise. From Asia to South America and Europe to the Nile, you’ll cruise in relaxed luxury with river cruising’s widest views of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
2024 Season
Grand France with 2 Nights in Nice for Wine Lovers (Southbound)
cruise: WPLE-T2
17 Day River Cruise Paris to Nice
Set sail on your Seine River cruise and sail to Vernon with your choice of a visit to Claude Monet’s Giverny or Bizy Castle, nicknamed “Normandy’s Versailles. In Caudebec, take an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, or select an excursion for a traditional “Taste of Normandy.” Visit Joan of Arc’s Rouen, then choose between a visit to Vincent Van Gogh’s Auver-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. Return to Paris for your choice of sightseeing in the “City of Light”—discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Board a high-speed train bound for Dijon, and transfer to Beaune to embark on your second Avalon Suite Ship® in Chalon-sur-Saône. A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. In Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture, take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour to Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. In Tournon, enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world– and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. As a perfect finale to your French river cruise vacation, spend 2 nights in captivating Nice on the French Riviera along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.
cruise
at-a-glance
Day 1 Paris (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Vernon–Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk, or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration
Day 3 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 4 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion
Day 5 Rouen: Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour
Day 6 Conflans: Choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 7 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights of the “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)–Dijon–Beaune–Chalon-sur-Saône (Embarkation): High-speed train from Paris to Dijon; motorcoach transfer to Beaune and visit to the Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome reception
Day 9 Tournus: Guided walk in Tournus; onboard lecture about wine; Chardonnay excursion
Day 10 Lyon: Onboard cheese and wine tasting; choice of guided sightseeing with picture stop on Fourvière Hill or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
Day 11 Lyon: Culinary tour; guided tour to Beaujolais; onboard food and wine pairing dinner
Day 12 Tournon–Viviers: Guided walk in Tournon with wine and chocolate tasting or hike in the vineyards (weather permitting); guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedral
Day 13 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit to the Palace of the Popes; guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape
Day 14 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 15 Arles (Disembarkation)–Nice: Transfer to Nice
Day 16 Nice: Guided tour
Day 17 Nice: Your vacation ends this morning
highlights
cities and locations
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises.
Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.