Grand France for Wine Lovers (Northbound)
This river cruise vacation showcases France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your cruise on the Rhône River with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. Your adventure begins with a visit to Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh—and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins. In Lyon, take a guided tour to Beaujolais and the following day to Chardonnay, where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. Disembark your ship in Chalon-sur-Saône, transfer to Beaune and catch a high-speed train to Paris.
The Seine River offers a choice of excursion opportunities, such as a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery; a visit to delightful Les Andelys, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, and the choice between a visit to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison. On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without a visit to Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover its true heart on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the great master artists, enjoy the delectable cuisine of France, and stand where heroes fought for freedom on the beaches of Normandy. This and so much more is waiting for you on your French cruise on the Seine!
About Certified SommeliersSeldom do travelers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honored to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.
The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.
Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.
The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.
