A Culinary Experience in Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris, 2 Nights in Nice & 3 Nights in Barcelona (Southbound)

15 Day River Cruise Paris to Barcelona

Cruise WJL2-T2

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Overview

Opportunities abound on this delightful river cruise vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, then take the high-speed train to Dijon and continue by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a visit of Hôtel-Dieu. Next, board your river cruise 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. Sail into the peaceful Camargue area to Port-Saint-Louis.

Disembark your cruise ship in Port-Saint-Louis and transfer to Aix en Provence for the start of your Monograms extension. With two overnights, enjoy guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, known for its mishmash of architectural styles. This was Cézanne’s hometown, and in your free time, you may want to take a tour following in his footsteps. In Lyon & Viviers, join a culinary walk and taste French delicacies. On board, a French chef will share with you his secrets and expertize during a pastry demonstration and a Master of Wine will travel with you on this cruise and will hold tastings and introduce you to the concept of food and wine pairing. Disembark your river cruise ship in Port-Saint-Louis and transfer to Nice for your final two nights in France. Here, you’ll walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. Fly from Nice to Barcelona, where you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing, including Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, an inside visitof Sagrada Familia Basilica, and relaxing free time. At your service is an expert Monograms Local Host® who is available to you throughout your stay in Nice and Barcelona.

A mixture of French landscapes, cuisine, and iconic sights, adding some spice and flavor of the colorful city of Barcelona, your scenic river cruise through France and vacation package in Spain make the perfect recipe for a European getaway.
Opportunities abound on this delightful river cruise vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, then take the high-speed train to Dijon and continue by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a visit of Hôtel-Dieu. Next, board your river cruise 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. Sail into the peaceful Camargue area to Port-Saint-Louis.

Disembark your cruise ship in Port-Saint-Louis and transfer to Aix en Provence for the start of your Monograms extension. With two overnights, enjoy guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, known for its mishmash of architectural styles. This was Cézanne’s hometown, and in your free time, you may want to take a tour following in his footsteps. In Lyon & Viviers, join a culinary walk and taste French delicacies. On board, a French chef will share with you his secrets and expertize during a pastry demonstration and a Master of Wine will travel with you on this cruise and will hold tastings and introduce you to the concept of food and wine pairing. Disembark your river cruise ship in Port-Saint-Louis and transfer to Nice for your final two nights in France. Here, you’ll walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. Fly from Nice to Barcelona, where you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing, including Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, an inside visitof Sagrada Familia Basilica, and relaxing free time. At your service is an expert Monograms Local Host® who is available to you throughout your stay in Nice and Barcelona.

A mixture of French landscapes, cuisine, and iconic sights, adding some spice and flavor of the colorful city of Barcelona, your scenic river cruise through France and vacation package in Spain make the perfect recipe for a European getaway.
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Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Itinerary

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. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic

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.

Active

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.

Discovery

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.

Classic
<p>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.</p>
Active

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.

Discovery

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.

Day 1 PARIS, FRANCE

Bienvenue en France!
Take free time today to fall in love with the world’s most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.

Day 2 PARIS

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Light Truly Shines

Classic

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.

Join a Guided City Tour that shows the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.


Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.

Day 3 DIJON—BEAUNE—ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (EMBARKATION)

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.

Classic

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.

Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and one of France’s architectural highlights.


This afternoon, travel to St. Jean de Losne to board your Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MÂCON


Day 4 MÂCON

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône
Enjoy leisurely cruising en route to Mâcon along the majestic Saône River. Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin.

Discovery

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.

Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese and Wine Tasting hosted by your Master of Wine.


Enjoy live entertainment while sailing for Trévoux this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX


Day 5 LYON

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France
Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.

Classic

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.

Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.


Spend free time riding a bike through Lyon’s town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.

Discovery

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.

Enjoy a pastry demonstration hosted by a French chef on board your ship.


Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON


Day 6 LYON

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

French Food and Wine—La Vie En Rose in Lyon

Discovery

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.

Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why Lyon 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON


Day 7 TOURNON

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Classic

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.

Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.


Discovery

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.

Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine.


Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch.

VIVIERS


World History in a Charming French Country Village

Discovery

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.

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. During the tour you will also discover and taste local specialties.


EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON


Day 8 AVIGNON

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Classic

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.

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, a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region, or a cooking class
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-Bénézet.

Discovery

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.

This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine.


Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

Discovery

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.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

Day 9 ARLES

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

Active

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.

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk.


Classic

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.

Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city, OR:


Discovery

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.

Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles.


Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) to immerse yourself in a truly unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.
Take advantage of any free time remaining with a stop in Le Café van Gogh for a glass of wine, to relax and watch the world go by.

EVENING CRUISE TO PORT ST. LOUIS


Day 10 PORT-SAINT-LOUIS (DISEMBARKATION)—NICE

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Spectacular Seascapes of the French Riviera
After disembarkation, an included transfer takes you to Nice, where you will join your Monograms vacation. Guided sightseeing features the Promende des Anglais, originally built in the second half of the 18th century and the most famous boulevard in Nice, and a walk through the charming Old Town.

Day 11 NICE

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Your Local Host has recommendations for your full day at leisure on the beautiful Côte d’Azur.

Day 12 NICE—BARCELONA, SPAIN

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Transfer to Nice airport for your flight to Barcelona.

Day 13 BARCELONA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Your morning guided sightseeing includes a drive along elegant Passeig de Gràcia to see the captivating façades of Gaudí’s La Pedrera and Casa Batllò, and an inside visit of the extraordinary Sagrada Familia Basilica.

Day 14 BARCELONA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Your Local Host has many recommendations for your day at leisure.

Day 15 BARCELONA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements.  Request a callback or email us.

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
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