Cruise Overview

This fantastic cruise vacation showcases France’s 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 Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as Mâcon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône, and fascinating Beaune. Spend two overnights in Paris, the “City of Light,” then begin your journey along the Seine 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 remarkable Bizy Castle. On to Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to the poignant landing beaches of Normandy or a fascinating “Taste of Normandy.” Continue to dramatic Château Gaillard at Les Andelys, with free time to explore on your own. Return to Paris for the conclusion of your magnifique cruise.

THEME CRUISES

• June 26 departure is offered as an exclusive Jazz cruise on the Rhone/Saône river section, and includes special music features at no additional cost.

CRUISE: Deluxe 14-night cruise from Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône and Paris to Paris in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds ARLES: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater AVIGNON: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes VIVIERS: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral TOURNON: Orientation walk LYON: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill BEAUNE: Orientation walk, see the Hôtel-Dieu PARIS: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing CONFLANS: Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Château de Malmaison VERNON: Choice of guided excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle ROUEN: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral; choice of excursions to Normandy Landing Beaches or “A Taste of Normandy” LES ANDELYS: Orientation, see Château Gaillard Meals - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Full buffet breakfast (B) in Côte 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; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day Hotels COTE D’AZUR Fairmont Monte Carlo (D) Notes: In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.