Your European river cruise through France embarks in Paris to sail on the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. Your Avalon Suite Ship® docks in Vernon, with your choice of a guided visit to Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle. Continue to Les Andelys—home of Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196. Then, on to Caudebec, where you can choose between an included excursion to the legendary Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating excursion for a “Taste of Normandy” tour. Visit Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen; and in Conflans, select a guided excursion to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison. Return to Paris and discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.
Transfer to Beaune and board your second Avalon Suite Ship® in St. Jean de Losne. A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Cruise to Macon for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. In Lyon, take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour to Beaujolais, the famous wine of the region. In Tournon, enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic for-tress in the world– and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Your French river cruise concludes in Port-Saint-Louis. Transfer to Nice on the Côte d’Azur to begin your Monograms® holiday with two more nights in France. In Nice, walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, the city’s most famous boulevard. In your free time, perhaps take an excursion to Monaco, St. Tropez, or Cannes—known for its famous film festival.
You’ll fly to Barcelona to enjoy guided sightseeing, including Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and an inside visit of Sagrada Familia Basilica. Enjoy ample free time to explore with suggestions and assistance from your Local Host®--at your service in both Nice and Barcelona.
