Compare Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels vs Active & Discovery on the Rhône with 2 Nights Paris & Journeys Club Celebration by Avalon Waterways
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | Check price |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | Check price |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | Seven breakfasts are included. There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed lunches and Menton is brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal. There is plenty of choice for all budgets and tastes, including traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and excellent Italian restaurants (influenced by the town's proximity to the Italian border). | N/A |
| Description |
On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how the city earned its nickname 'the Pearl of France', combining gardens, seaport, beach resort and a hiker’s paradise into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.Enjoy coastal walking on the Cote d’Azur |
Join us for a special departure of your Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise. You’ll sail with other Avalon enthusiasts to share an incredible experience with all the Avalon Choice inclusions to make your journey personal to you. As a thank you for joining us, you’ll receive included pre-paid gratuities to your ship’s crew and Cruise Director. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive wine-pairing dinner hosted by a Master of Wine on board. This Journeys Club Celebration also includes an added two nights in Paris! Whether you are a Journeys Club member or first-time river cruiser, we invite you to enjoy this special departure.Of course, your Active & Discovery river cruise is full of Avalon Choice inclusions for each port you visit along the Rhône River. Choose the Active, Classic, and Discovery included excursions that speak to you—from leisurely to adventurous. Visit an oyster farm, bike through Camargue Regional Nature Park to spot flamingos, or take a painting class in Van Gogh’s Arles. Take a canoe excursion or linger in a corner café; stroll Avignon’s papal palace or attend a wine tasting in an underground cave. Take in the French countryside, join a culinary walk to discover architecture and local dishes. You’ll find the perfect way to spend your day—from a ghost tour in Viviers to a cooking class in Lyon, or a guided bike ride through the birthplace of rosé wines. Visit a chocolate factory or a perfume museum. Celebrate a fantastic French river cruise with a high-speed train trip to the “City of Light.” You’ll spend two nights in Paris to explore the romantic city your way. Spend your first day at leisure to stroll the iconic Champs-Élysées or wandering through the legendary artists’ streets of Montmartre, with a selection of included excursions the following day. Select a guided sightseeing tour of the must-see sites, or take a guided biking tour through Paris’ highlights, including the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde—with a peaceful rest along the Seine River. Our Active & Discovery Rhône River cruise and Paris vacation include activities and excursions to experience the Rhône River and the “City of Light” your way and at your pace! |
Day 1 Start Menton
Our start point is a comfortable three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Day 2 Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès
Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.
Day 3 Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage
We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton.
Day 4 Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town
Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès, followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We discover the old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings and the casino, before returning by train to Menton.
Day 5 Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area
On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.
Day 6 Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula
This morning, we take the train to Villefranche from where we walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we can marvel at the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.
Day 7 Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes
In the morning we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as “one of the most beautiful French villages”. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.
Day 8 End Menton
After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1
ARLES, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Bienvenue en France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES (D)
Day 2
PORT–SAINT–LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône DeltaJoin us on the Sky Deck for a Morning Stretch with a view with your Avalon Adventure Host while cruising to Port-Saint-LouisACTIVE Join a Guided Hike through the Camargue Regional Nature Park. You’ll see its lush marshland habitat at the mouth of the Rhône—home to a wide variety of flora and fauna—in one of France’s most protected and natural reserves, OR: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.Cruise back to Arles to prepare for tomorrow’s exciting activities.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES(B,L,D)
Day 3
ARLES A Master Class, Mysterious Images, 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. The excursion includes an unforgettable audio/video experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You’ll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, 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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the natural salt marsh at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, to discover the magic of the pink waters of the Camargue.Alternatively, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment. EVENING CRUISE TO AVIGNON(B,L,D)
Day 4
AVIGNON Essential Oils, and Ancient Roman Aqueducts ACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided E-Bike Ride through Tavel—birthplace of French Rosé. After the tour, enjoy a Wine Tasting in a local cave; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR: DISCOVERY Experience the French art of fragrance with a Guided Tour of the Musée des Arômes et du Parfum where aromatic herbs and essential oils in this museum will inspire your senses and help you create your own unique scent, 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, explore 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, as well as the chance to make your own wine blend, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a canoe through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. You may choose to spend free time to explore 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(B,L,D)
Day 5
VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE River Gorge Canoes, Underground Wines, and Nighttime Ghost Stories Start your day with sunrise view, joining a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host before cruising through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Viviers. ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Canoe Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR: ACTIVE Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, 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 See a surprising side of local culture with a visit to a Crocodile Farm and discover the wonderful world of reptiles—not only crocodiles, but also snakes, turtles, iguanas and an amazing botanical garden, OR: CLASSIC Visit the awe-inspiring water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhône.DISCOVERY This evening, take a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers , discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE(B,L,D)
Day 6
TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City GorgeACTIVE 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: ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, 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 and Roman ruins.DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare Lyonnaise specialties while sailing to Lyon. LYON An Evening Drive through the Heart of Lyon DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour for an evening drive of Lyon, lined with incredible landscapes from Fourvière Hill for a city bird’s eye view, to Presqu’île district, for catching the heart of Lyon and its ever-changing river bank view. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Day 7
LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste ACTIVE Jump-start your day in Lyon by joining your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike 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 afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Mountain Bike Excursion through the Beaujolais wine country.This evening, enjoy Lyon’s vibrant nightlife on your own after a gala farewell dinner on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON(B,L,D)
Day 8
LYON (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS This morning, say goodbye to your crew and board the TGV train to Paris. The rest of the day is free to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Consider browsing along Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience.(B)
Day 9
PARIS Join a Guided Sightseeing tour which will show you magnificent must-see sights. Alternatively, join a Guided Biking Tour which will reveal some of the highlights of Paris—such as the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde—from a different point of view; enjoy a peaceful break on the Seine river banks.(B)
Day 10
PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
