Cruise Overview

This fantastic vacation showcases France’s exciting variety. Embark in Paris and head northwest along the Seine into the picturesque Normandy region. Dock at Conflans and 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 Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating “Taste of Normandy.” Continue to dramatic Château Gaillard at Les Andelys, with free time to explore this medieval town on your own. Return to Paris, where you’ll disembark and travel south to captivating Beaune for a wine tasting. In Chalon-sur-Saône, board your second cruise ship and sail on to Tournus, Mâcon, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Your vacation ends with two overnights in the Provence region and a final overnight in the stunning Côte d’Azur.

CRUISE: Deluxe 14-night cruise from Paris to Paris and Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds PARIS: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing CONFLANS: Choice of guided excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or Château de Malmaison VERNON: Choice of guided excursion to Giverny or Bizy Castle ROUEN: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the Cathedral; choice of excursion to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy” LES ANDELYS: Orientation, see Château Gaillard BEAUNE: Orientation walk, see the Hôtel-Dieu; Burgundy wine tasting CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE: Welcome reception; visit Nicéphore Niépce Museum LYON: Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill TOURNON: Orientation walk VIVIERS: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral AVIGNON: Guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the Popes ARLES: Guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater PROVENCE REGION EXTENSION: Excursion to Camargue; visit Aigues-Mortes; Nîmes guided sightseeing; lunch stop in Aix-en-Provence 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; Provence Extension: buffet breakfast (B); 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); PROVENCE REGION EXTENSION Imperator Concorde (F) at Nîmes 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.