Active & Discovery on the Rhône & Seine (Northbound)

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Fights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Evening sailing to Port St. Louis

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORT ST. LOUIS

PORT-SAINT-LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos on the Rhône Delta

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

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR:

DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour, and enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park!

Cruise to Arles to prepare for tomorrow’s exciting activities.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

ARLES A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence

ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, 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 Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices.

EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

AVIGNON Pedals, Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence

ACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Excursion through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, enjoy a tasting of local products while exploring Les Halles’ covered market.

This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional E-Bike Ride through Gard region.

You may choose to spend free time exploring Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town's Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers' tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.

VIVIERS River Gorge Kayaks and Underground Wines

Sail through the soaring walls of Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers.

ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR:

ACTIVE Join a Guided Excursion for a surprising underground wine tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR:

DISCOVERY Visit a traditional truffle farm to see a harvesting demonstration by the farmer’s dog; meet a truffle-producer to hear about the process of cultivating these culinary delicacies and taste delicious truffle carpaccio and truffled toast, 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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE

TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR:

DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle.

DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Lyon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste

ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hiking through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR:

DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty.

This evening, enjoy Lyon’s vibrant nightlife on your own after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

LYON (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS (EMBARKATION) On to Paris

This afternoon, take a high-speed train from Dijon to Paris to board your Suite Ship®.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON

LA ROCHE GUYON Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

ACTIVE Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:

DISCOVERY Delight in Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to one of France’s most remarkable castles—Château de La Roche-Guyon, perched on the picturesque chalk cliffs overlooking the village of La Roche-Guyon; during the visit, enjoy a tasting of local products.

DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes.

This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

LES ANDELYS

Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC

CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY Bravery on Normandy Beaches

DISCOVERY Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Bénédictine where the world-famous Bénédictine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused on the famous liquor. Enjoy a photo stop in Étretat to capture breathtaking views over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast en route back to Caudebec, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:

CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

Enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner, while sailing to Rouen

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUEN

ROUEN The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France

ACTIVE Pedal your way through hundreds of years of history on this Guided Bike Tour around Rouen, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to marvel at masterpieces in fine art. Be awed by one of the most outstanding collections of art in France—from the works of Rubens, Monet, Degas, and countless other masters, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a fascinating presentation on art and impressionism with an onboard lecture.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN

ROUEN Heritage and Nature

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

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to the magnificent Château de Bonnemare, a Renaissance castle amid serene natural beauty in the heart of Normandy.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS

CONFLANS The Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:

DISCOVERY Prepare your own Chantilly cream on the grounds of Chantilly Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Paris.

This evening, enjoy dinner and live entertainment on board your ship after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases—The City of Lights Truly Shines

ACTIVE Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through its sights, mesmerizing history, and incredible ambiance, OR:

DISCOVERY Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.

This afternoon, you may stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

PARIS (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.