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Grand France - 16 Days
Join us on our new Grand River Cruise Ship.
Sail on a leisurely-paced cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers through the
heart of Burgundy and Provence. This region is a treat for all the senses –
the enduring vineyards, culinary delights, lavender-scented fields, enchanting
landscapes, the charm of Arles, Avignon and the small villages of Provence.
Marvel at the scenery that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne.
Day
1: Depart USA to Paris
Day 2: Arrive Paris
Arrive at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and be greeted by a
representative who will escort you to the ship. In the evening, take a boat
cruise on the River Seine. (Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Seine Cruise
Day 3: Paris
We begin our Paris city tour with a drive up the Champs Elysées and past the
Arc de Triomphe. We’ll stop at the Eiffel Tower, and then continue on to Notre
Dame Cathedral, Latin Quarter,
Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard and the Luxembourg Gardens. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Captain’s
Welcome Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Paris City Tour
Onboard Highlight: Captain’s Welcome Dinner
Day 4: Conflans Ste Honorine
Auvers-sur-Oise was a favorite spot for artists of the Impressionist Period –
especially Vincent van Gogh. See many of his famous canvases come to life –
“Auberge Ravoux,” the Church of “Auvers sur Oise,” and the “Wheat
fields.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Auvers-sur-Oise Tour
Day 5: Rouen
Rouen is best known as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in
1431. In Rouen, you’ll view the stunning Romanesque cathedral painted so
vividly by Monet, the Medieval quarter, the Gros Horlage, and the Vieux Marche
– site of Joan of Arc’s punishment for her defiance. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Walking Tour of Rouen
Day 6: Le Havre
You’ll spend the day at the beaches of Normandy, site of the D-Day Invasion by
the Allied forces during World War II. The tour includes Pegasus Bridge, the
American Cemetery at Colleville,
the Landing Museum in Arromanches, the Allied landing sites at Omaha, Juno and
Gold Beaches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Full-Day Normandy Beaches
Onboard Highlight: Insightful Lectures
Day 7: Le Havre
Honfleur is a charming French harbor town favored by artists such as Courbet and
Monet,
who painted its fishing boats and slate-covered houses. This walking tour takes
you from the former smuggler’s harbor of Vieux Bassin through the pedestrian
streets, lined with artists workshops. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Visit to Honfleur
Day
8: Vernon
Visit Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny. The unique light of the
area’s Seine River Valley in Normandy kept Monet in residence for 43 years.
You’ll explore Monet’s house and stroll the gardens, where you’ll see the
familiar Japanese bridge and water lilies that so inspired this artist’s work.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Monet’s Giverny
Day 9: Paris to Châlon
This is a travel day where you’ll rejoin the ship in Châlon for the second
half of this fabulous Grand France tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Mâcon and Lyon
On your guided tour, you’ll learn about the rich history of Mâcon and its
role in the wine trade. You’ll see the Hospital of the Charité, St. Pierre
Church, and the Wooden House, a charming half-timbered Renaissance house.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Mâcon Walking Tour
Day 11: Lyon
We’ll start our tour with a drive to a good vantage point to see the Basilique
Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church. From the bus, we’ll view
Terreaux Square, the Fine Art Museum, and the Opera House. During the afternoon,
you’ll have free time to explore France’s culinary capital. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Lyon City Tour
Day 12: Tain L’Hermitage/Tournon
Since this region is known for its Côte du Rhône wines, you’ll get to enjoy
them at a wine tasting at the Cellar Ferraton. We’ll then cross the
beautifully-flowered Marc Seguin Bridge for a tour of Tournon and its historic
castle. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursions: Wine Tasting and Tournon City Tour
Day 13: Viviers
Our tour in charming Viviers starts in Old Town built around its Romanesque
cathedral, with facade and solitary tower that still survives today. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Viviers Walking Tour
Day
14: Avignon
Your walking tour of Avignon starts at Clocktower Square, with its cáfes, shops
and clock tower. Next, on to Pope’s Palace Square for an inside visit of the
Palais des Papes. After visiting the palace museum, we’ll make our way up to
Rocher des Doms, where Avignon was first settled. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Featured Excursions: Walking Tour and Papal Palace
Day 15: Arles
Our tour of this friendly Mediterranean town, known for its unique Provencal
light starts with a walk downtown, then on to the Roman Amphitheater. Our next
stop will be St. Trophime Cathedral, a Romanesque cathedral built in the 12th
century. After this, we’ll visit the museum Espace Van Gogh, and pass by Forum
Square and Constantine’s Roman Baths. (Breakfast, Lunch, Captain’s Farewell
Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Arles Walking Tour
Onboard Highlight: Captain’s Farewell Dinner
Day 16: Depart Arles (Marseille)-Canada
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport in Marseille for your flight
home.
Cruise Ship operating this itinerary:
River Baroness and River Royale
Please
Note
The order of sightseeing and itinerary is subject to change.
Includes;
*14-night cruise in an outside stateroom on the River Baroness and the River
Royale
*13 shore excursions with all-English speaking guides
*Cruise Manager throughout your cruise
*Airport Transfers may be provided
Cruise Ship
operating this itinerary:
River Royale
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2002