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2023 Season

Grand France with 3 Nights in London for Wine Lovers (Northbound)

cruise: WLP3-T2
18 Day River Cruise Arles to London
This French river cruise vacation highlights France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. A Master of Wine will accompany you on your cruise on the Rhône River with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. Your incredible European river cruise through France begins on the Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. Then, sail north up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers. Along the way, explore Avignon and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Continue to delightful Viviers, medieval Tournon, and charming Vienne. In Lyon, take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. Disembark your ship in Chalon-sur-Saône and take a high-speed train to Paris, and embark your second Avalon Suite ship® to begin your cruise on the Seine River into the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle. Continue to Les Andelys, home of dramatic Château Gaillard, then on to Caudebec, for your choice between an excursion to Normandy’s historic landing beaches or an interesting “Taste of Normandy” tour. Next up is Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen; and in Conflans, choose between excursions to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison. Return to Paris for guided sightseeing and take in the most famous sights of this magnificent city. Then, transfer to London for three exciting nights.

Your vacation in London includes guided sightseeing of the must-see sights—Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and more, including VIP access to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

cruise

at-a-glance

Day 1 Arles (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture about wine

Day 3 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes; guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape

Day 4 Viviers: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard food and wine pairing dinner

Day 5 Tournon–Vienne: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard chocolate and wine tasting; choice of guided walk in Vienne or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill; guided tour to Beaujolais

Day 7 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Chardonnay excursion; onboard cheese and wine tasting

Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 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 crêpes tasting and Pastry Demonstration

Day 10 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 11 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion

Day 12 Rouen: Choice of guided walk, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour

Day 13 Conflans: Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 14 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights on “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation)–London: Transfer to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class)

Day 16 London: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays)

Day 17 London: Full day at leisure

Day 18 London: Your vacation ends this morning

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.

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.