Take a wondrous river cruise through beautiful France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Begin with two overnights in Nice on the French Riviera, then travel to Port-Saint-Louis to board your Avalon Suite Ship®. A Master of Wine will accompany you on your river cruise in France with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Cruise to the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage, beautifully nestled among vineyards. Take a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure. Visit Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Take then a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. Cruise to Mâcon for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar.
This river cruise vacation in France would not be complete without a stay in Paris the romantic “City of Light!” Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour to see the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Continue your European vacation with a Monograms® vacation package with 3 days each in Venice and Rome. Guided sightseeing in Venice includes St. Mark’s Square, inside visits of the Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. While in Rome, visit St. Peter’s Square, and go inside the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Your vacation in Italy includes the expertise and assistance of your Monograms Local Host® throughout your stay.