Compare Active & Discovery on the Rhône with 2 Nights Paris & Journeys Club Celebration by Avalon Waterways vs Highlights of France and Barcelona (Barcelona) by Trafalgar

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 Delta

Join us on the Sky Deck for a Morning Stretch with a view with your Avalon Adventure Host while cruising to Port-Saint-Louis

ACTIVE 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 Gorge

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:

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 Paris

Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

Pullman La Défense

Dinner

Day 2: Explore the Sights of Paris

Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris, to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Walk along the Seine and admire the talents of street artists and performers, amble through the scenic hilltop village of Montmartre or relax with a café au lait watching the world go by. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret.

Pullman La Défense

Breakfast

Day 3: Chartres and Châteaux in the Loire Valley Connect with Locals

Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on the 'Way of Saint James', and see its inspiring French Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass windows and two contrasting spires. We journey through the rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and castles. View the impressive Château de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Château de Chenonceau. Later, Connect With Locals, joining your travel companions and the de Montferrier family on their farm for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner experience with local wines.

Mercure Tours Nord

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Onwards to Lyon

Traveling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city, revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the traboules and marvel at the magnificent skyline from Fourvière hill, followed by free time to explore this city between two rivers.

Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale

Breakfast

Day 5: Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera Dive Into Culture

From Lyon, we drive to Avignon, a Papal Seat in the 14th century. See the Popes' Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the remnants of the famous bridge immortalized in the French song – Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Later we continue to the French Riviera, arriving in the seaside retreat of southern France, favored by aristocrats for centuries. With an evening at leisure, perhaps stroll around the Bay of Angels and join the Promenade des Anglais. Or sit and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets and listen to the blue Mediterranean waters lap against the shore.

Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000

Breakfast

Day 6: Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur

A fun-filled day includes a visit to the tiny Principality of Monaco where you’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. See the superyachts in the port and catch a glimpse of the famed grand prix circuit. Enjoy relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d'Azur, retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience to the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000

Breakfast

Day 7: Off to Colorful Arles and Carcassonne

We travel west to the Camargue center of Arles, with its honey-colored façades and Roman ruins, enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, or perhaps choosing an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert. Later we continue through the landscapes of Provence, immortalized in the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Tribe Carcassonne

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona Dive Into Culture

Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador Dalí. See his work in this impressive building, before arriving in Barcelona this afternoon for an included sightseeing tour. We’ll see the Columbus Monument and Antoni Gaudí's unfinished La Sagrada Família, with a Local Specialist. The evening is yours to explore this Mediterranean gem. Consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment, or enjoy a delicious tapas feast on your own at one of the city's fine restaurants.

Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia

Breakfast

Day 9: Discover Lively Barcelona

Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Perhaps pay a morning visit to mystical Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Ramble up Las Ramblas and people-watch in the Plaça de Catalunya, explore the whimsical architecture of Gaudí dotted across the city or consider an Optional Experience to discover the fascinating Gothic Quarter. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a vibrant Spanish restaurant.

Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Journey Home

It's time to close the curtain on an unforgettable holiday in France and Barcelona. Say adiós to the bustling streets of Barcelona and your travel companions.

Breakfast