Compare Active & Discovery on the Rhône with 2 Nights Paris & Journeys Club Celebration by Avalon Waterways vs Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024) by Luxury Gold
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5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 8,695 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 725 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | 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! | Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France. Cruise to spectacular Saint-Tropez, marvelling at the coastal town’s ancient walls for unparalleled views of its medieval towers. Step inside the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, a national treasure and religious landmark. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. Experience Calanques National Park, journeying past towering limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters. Indulge in a diverse range of spectacular dining experiences, from exquisite seafood dinners to Michelin hotel meals. Learn about Bordeaux's unique history from a Local Expert or take a guided bike ride to learn about the city’s sustainability efforts.The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills. |
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)
Day 1: Welcome to the French Riviera
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Dinner
Day 2: Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colorful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Star-studded St. Tropez
Step into the 1950s glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez. Join a Local Expert to discover the boutiques, the old town and admire the yachts in the marina. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne custard-filled, sugar-topped pastry at the bakery where it was first created. Delight this evening in an elegant Michelin Star meal at La Magdeleine.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to discover the ancient Roman town. Follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences . Curate your visit at the Château La Coste open-air museum on a Guided Art Walk around the grounds or a wine-tasting experience.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast
Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start before strolling or cycling the Château gardens. Then try pétanque or lounge poolside. Arriving in Cassis, board your private cruise. Pass towering limestone cliffs, fjord-like inlets and hidden beaches of Calanques National Park. Savor the evening with a gourmet seafood dinner.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: French Icons
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Les Baux Relaxed Start
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux de Provence.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Arles and Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savor the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Bordeaux
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to explore this elegant, 18th - century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Awaken your senses at the Bassins des Lumières Museum and enjoy an evening at leisure to get acquainted with the local cuisine and fabulous wines this area has to offer.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Bordeaux
After breakfast you are transferred to Bordeaux Airport as your Luxury Gold journey comes to an end.
Breakfast
