2023 APRIL - SOUTHERN FRANCE RIVER BOAT CRUISE

Burgundy & Provence (Northbound)

8 Day River Cruise Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône

April 11 - 18, 2023

 

 


Vacation Overview

Take a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in the well-known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Embark your ship in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the popular Place des Terreaux and stand in front of the famous fountain you’ve seen on postcards.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 ARLES (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

DinnerDinner

Day 2 ARLES

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through nordic walking in Arles with your Adventure Host. OR:

DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR:

CLASSIC 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.

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.

Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine, before sailing to Avignon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Breakfast Breakfast     LunchLunch     DinnerDinner

Day 3 AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

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

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.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Breakfast Breakfast     LunchLunch     DinnerDinner

Day 4 VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.

ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON

Breakfast Breakfast     LunchLunch     DinnerDinner

Day 5 TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Bike along the Rhone river with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC 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.

In the late morning cruise to Vienne.

VIENNE

Roman and Middle Age History

ACTIVE See Vienne from atop, hike up to a viewpoint with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

Breakfast Breakfast     LunchLunch     DinnerDinner

Day 6 LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France

CLASSIC 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.

Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Tournus.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS

Breakfast Breakfast     LunchLunch     DinnerDinner

Day 7 TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

Breakfast Breakfast     LunchLunch     DinnerDinner

Day 8 CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Lyon airport before 8 am.

Breakfast Breakfast

Vacation Highlights

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

Day 3 Avignon --- Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes

Day 4 Viviers --- Guided walk, visit the Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Tournon–Vienne --- Choice of guided walk in Tournon or bike with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk in Vienne or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Lyon --- Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill

Day 7 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône --- Cheese tasting on board

Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation) --- Your cruise ends this morning

THE AVALON TOUCH IN EVERY DETAIL - INCLUDED IN THE BELOW PRICING

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily 
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
  • Expert Cruise Director 
  • Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
  • Friendly, English-speaking staff delivering consummate personal service 
  • Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalonSM Guided Optional Excursions
  • AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise, including schedules, transfer details, daily itineraries, GPS, and dining and entertainment options—and social media feature for real-time posts.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Complimentary computer stations
  • Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Sky Deck game area
  • Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining
  • Panorama Lounge with cozy seating, panoramic windows, and dance floor
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
  • Panorama Dining Room with large panoramic views
  • Observation Lounge
  • Upscale bar serving premium spirits; fresh fruit available throughout the day
  • Adventure Center with Avalon Adventure Host assistance,  active gear, bicycles, and fitness class information
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Center
  • Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games
  • Elevator
  • Non-smoking interior
  • Complimentary water stations
  • Spacious outside deluxe accommodations with enhanced soundproofing
  • Exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
  • Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door
  • Premium personal amenities, including L’Occitane® bath products
  • English language TV channels with 50+ free movies
BELOW PRICING IS TOTAL
FOR 2 PERSONS IN THE CABIN

STATEROOMS & SUITES

  • Avalon View Cabin 113 - Category E - Deluxe Stateroom 113 on iCruise.com   Window - 172 sq. ft. 
    Avalon Tranquility II Cabin 305 - Category P - Panorama Suite 305 on iCruise.com Panorama Suite -- 200 sq.
     
    • CURRENT PRICING
    TYPE OF CABIN CRUISE
    FARE    		  PORT FEES GRATUITIES SAVINGS TOTAL  PER PERSON COST
    Window (Forward)

    		 SOLD OUT
    		          

    Window  (Aft)

    		 SOLD OUT          

    Panorama (Aft)
    1 cabin at this price

    		 $10,296.00 $420.00 $256.00 $1,500.00 $9,472.00 $4,736.00

    Panorama (Forward)
    8 cabins at this price

    		 $10,396.00 $420.00 $256.00 $1,500.00 $9,572.00 $4,786.00


    2nd PERSON SAILS FREE PROMOTION (ended)
TYPE OF CABIN CRUISE
FARE		  PORT FEES GRATUITIES SAVINGS TOTAL  PER PERSON COST
Window (Forward)
2 cabins at this price		 $7,598.00 $420.00 $256.00 $3,799.00 $4,475.00 $2,237.50

Window  (Aft)
 4 cabins at this price

 $7,996.00 $420.00 $256.00 $3,998.00 $4,674.00 $2,337.00

Panorama (Aft)
4 cabins at this price

 $10,296.00 $420.00 $256.00 $5,148.00 $5,824.00 $2,912.00

Panorama (Forward)
10 cabins at this price

 $10,396.00 $420.00 $256.00 $5,198.00 $5,874.00 $2,937.00

 

$500.00 per cabin deposit

Final payment by January 11, 2023