15 Nights - October 20, 2014
Enter a food-lover's paradise in northern France. An expert chef will dazzle you with regional specialties and food preparation tips. There'll be cider and wine tastings, visits to a distillery and cheese farm—you'll even come away with easy-to-make recipes. Bon Appetit!
This fantastic cruise vacation showcases France's breathtaking scenery, amazing history, and exciting variety. Your adventure begins on the stunning Côte d'Azur, then travel to Arles to board your ship and sail north up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers. Along the way, explore Arles, Avignon, delightful Viviers, medieval Tournon, charming Vienne, France's gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as Mâcon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône, and fascinating Beaune. In Paris, embark your second cruise ship and spend two overnights in Paris with sightseeing of some of the famous sights. Then begin your journey along the Seine River into the picturesque Normandy region. Choose between a guided excursion to Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's elegant Château de Malmaison. Next up: your choice of a guided visit of Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle. On to Joan of Arc's historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to Normandy's historic landing beaches or an interesting "Taste of Normandy." Continue to Les Andelys, home of dramatic Château Gaillard, with free time to explore on your own. Return to Paris for the conclusion of your magnifique cruise vacation.
Monday Oct 20
Côte d’Azur: welcome to France
Tuesday Oct 21
Côte d’Azur–Arles (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
Wednesday Oct 22
Arles–Camargue Region: guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater; sail through the Camargue region
Thursday Oct 23
Camargue Region–Avignon: guided sightseeing in Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes
Friday Oct 24
Cruising–Viviers: guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral
Saturday Oct 25
Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne: guided walk in Tournon; onboard chocolate tasting; guided walk in Vienne
Sunday Oct 26
Lyon: guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill; onboard lecture
Monday Oct 27
Mâcon–Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: day at leisure
Tuesday Oct 28
Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): choice of Hôtel-Dieu visit or Burgundy wine tasting in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception
Wednesday Oct 29
Vernon: choice of guided excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle; onboard pastry demonstration
Thursday - Friday Oct 30 – 31
Rouen: guided walk, see the Gros Horloge astronomical clock and visit the cathedral; onboard lecture; choice of excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy”
Saturday Nov 1
Les Andelys: guided sightseeing, visit the Parish Church of Le Grand Andelys, or visit Château Gaillard
Sunday Nov 2
Conflans–Paris: choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Château de Malmaison
Monday Nov 3
Paris: guided sightseeing
Tuesday Nov 4
Paris (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
Pricing: Inquire plus port charges $252
(For one person, double occupancy)
• The Seine portion of departure October 20 is offered as an exclusive Culinary Cruise, including special lectures and tastings at no additional cost
• Meals are indicated by breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the day-by-day itinerary
• Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapé
• Welcome dinner
• Daily Afternoon Tea
• Daily Night Fare
• Local chef dinner
• Farewell dinner
• Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel
