Tour Duration: 16 days Tour Code: WPL-E2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$5634 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION). Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
2
PARIS Paris' famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B,L,D)
3
PARIS-CONFLANS After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris. This afternoon, dock at Conflans-and now the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or Napoleon and Josephines CHATEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." (B,L,D)
4
VERNON This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and stunning gardens at GIVERNY or a visit of BIZY CASTLE with its magnificent courtyard. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional excursions on offer. (B,L,D)
5
ROUEN Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy, perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock. The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings. (B,L,D)
6
ROUEN Make your choice today between an included excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES-with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery-or a "TASTE OF NORMANDY" for a more in-depth look at this picturesque agricultural region, of which Calvados, famous for apple brandy and cider, is a part. (B,L,D)
7
LES ANDELYS The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the chateau is truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. (B,L,D)
8
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)-BEAUNE-CHALON-SUR-SAONE(EMBARKATION)-TOURNUS. After breakfast today, bid farewell to the crew of the Avalon Creativity and head south into Burgundy. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights. Enjoy a TASTING of Burgundy wines before continuing to Chalon-sur-Saone, where you'll board the Avalon Scenery. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception as your ship departs for Tournus. (B,D)
9
TOURNUS-MACON After breakfast a local expert will show you the highlights of this delightful town, tucked away in the south-east corner of Burgundy. The town is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb ABBEY, St. Philibert, part of which dates back to the 10th century. Then there's free time to stroll through the quaint streets or to explore the arts and crafts shops near the abbey. After lunch your ship departs for Macon, a city with a rich history that plays an important role in the wine trade. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. (B,L,D)
10
BEAUJOLAIS REGION-LYON Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhone. Lyon is France's second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from Fourviere Hill and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place des Terreaux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the "Beaujolais Nouveau" is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. (B,L,D)
11
LYON A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
12
TOURNON/TAIN L'HERMITAGE-VIVIERS The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhone and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Charming Viviers developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)
13
AVIGNON Avignon, also referred to as the "City of Popes," was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. Optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneufdu- Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)
14
ARLES-AMARGUE-PORT ST. LOUIS Arles is the capital of the Provence and wasonce known as the "Little Rome of Gaul." See the church of St. Trophime; "Les Alyscamps," the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Depart Arles before dinner and enjoy tranquil scenes of the Camargue Regional Nature Park area as you sail to Port St. Louis in the Rhone delta. (B,L,D)
15
PORT ST. LOUIS (DISEMBARKATION)-COTE D'AZUR After breakfast, a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the Cote d'Azur for a last night in France. Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote d'Azur stretches along France's Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the Italian border. (B)
16
COTE D'AZUR Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
CRUISE: Deluxe 14-night cruise from Paris to Paris and Chalon-sur- Saone to Port St. Louis in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds. (Category E) PARIS: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing CONFLANS: Choice of guided excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or Chateau de Malmaison VERNON: Choice of guided excursion to Giverny or Bizy Castle ROUEN: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the Cathedral; choice of excursion to Normandy landing beaches or "A Taste of Normandy" LES ANDELYS: Orientation, see Chateau Gaillard BEAUNE: Orientation walk, see the Hotel-Dieu; Burgundy wine tasting CHARLON-SUR-SAONE: Welcome reception TOURNUS: Guided sightseeing, visit the Abbey of St. Philibert LYON: Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourviere Hill TOURNON: Orientation walk VIVIERS: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral AVIGNON: Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes ARLES: Guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater MEALS; Full buffet breakfast (B) in Cote d'Azur; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; Provence Extension: buffet breakfast (B) Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the cruise description
Meals Breakfast - 15 Lunch - 12 Dinner - 14
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
30
EUR
Name:VISIT THE EIFFEL TOWER Location:PARIS Details:Start your encounter of Paris with a visit to its most famous land mark - the Eiffel Tower. Your local expert will accompany you up to the second floor, from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris and all its famous buildings - the Military Academy, the Louvre, the Arch of Triumph, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame. Sign up for this excursion once you arrive at your hospitality desk. Avalon holds a reservation for preferred access to elevators. Departure of this excursion is at 1.15 pm from your Meeting Point Hotel - limited number of seats available.
43
EUR
Name:THE ARTIST'S QUARTER OF MONTMARTRE Location:PARIS Details:Join our local expert on a short walking tour of the lanes and squares around Sacre Coeur Church. Admire a spectacular view over the roofs of the City of Light and love. Listen to the stories, and admire the artwork of the artists at Place du Tertre where some of the French impressionists started their career. There is free time before your local expert provides a short orientation of the city on the way back to the hotel.
167
EUR
Name:AN EVENING AT THE MOULIN ROUGE Location:PARIS Details:"The Moulin Rouge Theatre is the epitome of French cabaret shows. Enjoy a dinner at the Moulin Rouge before you admire the colourful show "Feerie" featuring more than 100 artists and dancers, and more than 1000 costumes."
49
EUR
Name:MONA LISA'S SMILE AND THE LOUVRE MUSEUM Location:PARIS Details:"Open to all since 1793" The Louvre Museum has embodied the concept of a truly "universal" institution. The priceless artworks housed in the Louvre are held for the benefit of present and future generations. The 35 000 works of art include such famous master pieces as the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo. Our local expert will bring them to life as we have a look at the most important pieces of the various collections.
53
EUR
Name:VISIT TO HONFLEUR Location:ROUEN Details:The estuary of the Seine has always exercised its fascination on numerous artists, painters, writers and musicians such as: William Turner, Johan Bartold Jongkind, Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Charles Baudelaire and Erik Satie. Honfleur is a medieval town and it reveals her riches to all those who take the time to look. The old town hall, the former Salt Halls, St. Catherine's Church and old docks are inviting places for a stroll or to have a cafe au lait or simply to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this picturesque city. Our local experts guide you through the secrets of this jewel of Normandy.
39
EUR
Name:CORMATIN - PALACE OF A FAIRY TALE TIME Location:MACON Details:Cormatin is one of those secret sites that you find only if you leave the beaten track. It is an impressive but intimate water castle that stands in a beautiful park. Fireplaces, ceilings and panelling, tapestries and furniture of the period add to this evocation of life during the time of the "Three Musketeers". The drive there itself familiarises you with the beautiful countryside of this part of France, where white Charolais cattle graze peacefully and where villages take on picture-book aspects with flowers in the front yards and narrow lanes, and where people still have the time to stop and chat.
41
EUR
Name:CHARDONNAY & MACONNAIS - WINE TASTING Location:MACON Details:Hardly any other white wine is so popular world-wide than the Chardonnay. This area located between Lyon and Macon is home to a whole variety of this fine and buttery white variety. But also the landscape has a lot to offer - rolling hills, covered with vineyards along the banks of the river Rhone, every now and then dotted with one of the countless castles of France. Explore the home of the Chardonnay grapes and taste some of its famous product of recent years.
39
EUR
Name:MAISON DES CANUTS Location:LYON Details:The Maison des Canuts is a living museum that reveals the richness and quality of the silk industry in Lyon and is the only place where manual looms, invented by Jacquard, are in use. You will find out more about the invention of Jacquard, the history of silk, the life of the "canuts" (silk workers of the 19th century) and how the regional textile industry has evolved since the late 20th century.
39
EUR
Name:PEROUGES - AS IT WAS IN MEDIEVAL TIMES. Location:LYON Details:Perched on his hill, Perouges is a perfect example of a Middle Ages town. A village of craftsmen, it was never under the control of a lord; its inhabitants, farmers and linen weavers, already enjoyed their communal freedom as early as 1236. The village has no rich relics but can boast of an unequalled unity with its houses of the nobility and its more modest craftsmen's houses on the unevenly paved streets offering such a picturesque display. Conserved since 1911 by the Beaux Arts Commission and its own Defense Committee, it has attracted film producers who have used exterior shots in numerous French films including "The Three Musketeers".
41
EUR
Name:LE BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU EST ARRIVE Location:LYON Details:Beaujolais wine is merely fun, not quite distinguished. But the countryside is lovely: rugged hills and winding roads, villages with ancient stone churches, forest ridges touched at sunset by tendrils of fog. It's like the wilder parts of Napa, but with church bells and chateaux. This excursion is not only about wine tasting, it is about the origin of wine, the golden stone hills, as the inhabitants call them, when the yellowish sedimentary rock glows in the evening light of a near sunset.
39
EUR
Name:AN AFTERNOON IN PROVENCE Location:AVIGNON Details:Peter Mayle and his book "A year in Provence" made this area world famous. We follow our local expert to the town of Roussillon, once site of a huge ochre quarry. The dark orange-red of the soil and the lush green of the vegetation give a breathtaking contrast. Afterwards we follow the road of the lavender fields to Gordes. In June and July this area is full of the violet blue of this Provencal herbs.
36
EUR
Name:AFTERNOON EXCURSION TO THE PONT DU GARD AND THE CITY OF UZES Location:AVIGNON Details:No other building in southern France is as famous as the Roman Aqueduct of the Pont du Gard. After a photo-stop, we continue towards Uzes, set in the severe yet charming garrigues countryside, overlooking the Alzon Valley. Take your time to stroll this charming city before your local expert accompanies you back to Avignon.
39
EUR
Name:IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH Location:ARLES Details:The name of Arles is closely connected with that of Vincent Van Gogh. It is impossible to evoke the light of Arles without thinking of his paintings. It was this luminosity that attracted Van Gogh to the south of France. Vincent arrived in Arles one day in February 1888 looking for the outside light but also seeking an interior illumination. Here he started a period of intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny skies of Provence. His stay in Arles was the most productive period of his life: the more than 300 paintings and drawings done in his 15 months here form one of the most brilliant chapters in the history of art. Even though there are no original paintings by Van Gogh in the city, the shadow of his presence is everywhere. Our excursion will show you some of the places that van Gogh immortalized in his paintings such as the Langlois bridge, Montmajour Abbey and St. Remy de Provence where he found asylum.
39
EUR
Name:WHITE HORSES, PINK FLAMINGOS AND THE FORTIFIED CITY OF AIGUES MORTES - THE CAMARGUE Location:ARLES Details:Located between the two branches of the Rhone River (the Camargue is a delta with the Grand Rhone on the southeast side and the Petit Rhone on the southwest), these vast wetlands cover about 100,000 ha / 247,000 ac and represent the largest and one of the most secret wetlands in France. It is a territory created by man by diking the two branches of the Rhone and the seacoast. Man controls the fresh waters of the Rhone and the sea-coast. To the west is the town of Aigues-Mortes, a withdrawn medieval walled city which bore witness to exorable wars and conflicts, times of peace, centuries of glory and misery. Its towers and ramparts are marked by time, haunted by the mystery of their resistance. Nowadays, Aigues-Mortes turns to the Mediterranean sea and combines the secret of the past and the charm of the future.
89
EUR
Name:GRACE, GLAMOUR, GLITTER - AN EVENING IN MONACO Location:MONACO Details:Two words which evoke a magical dream world. Monte-Carlo. We will try to help you discover the many facets of the Principality of Monaco. Monaco's exceptional location, between mountain and sea, its gardens, all qualities which make it the ideal destination for a romantic evening in an unforgettable setting. In 1997, Monaco was dressed up to the nines for the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi Family Dynasty. We will start our evening with a dinner overlooking the bay of Monaco, and old Monte Carlo.
Optional Excursions
