Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 3 Nights in London (Northbound)

20 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
This fantastic European river cruise vacation showcases France’s breathtaking views, amazing history, and legendary culture. Your adventure begins with two overnights on the French Riviera, then travel to Arles to board your Avalon Suite Ship®. You’ll sail north up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers to explore Arles, Avignon, delightful Viviers, medieval Tourn...
24%
$12,253
From$9,326
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to France
    • Guided tour
    • Transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes
    • Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host
    • Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill
    • Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board
    • Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception

What's this trip about?

    This fantastic European river cruise vacation showcases France’s breathtaking views, amazing history, and legendary culture. Your adventure begins with two overnights on the French Riviera, then travel to Arles to board your Avalon Suite Ship®. You’ll sail north up the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers to explore Arles, Avignon, delightful Viviers, medieval Tournon, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, and fascinating Beaune. Take a high-speed train to Paris, and embark your second ship to begin your Seine River cruise into the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle. Continue to Les Andelys, home of dramatic Château Gaillard, then on to Caudebec, with your choice of an excursion to Normandy’s historic landing beaches or an interesting “Taste of Normandy” tour. Visit Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen and, in Conflans, choose between excursions to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Château de Malmaison. Return to Paris for guided sightseeing and take in the most famous sights of this magnificent city. Then, transfer to London for three exciting nights. Your vacation in London includes guided sightseeing to see the must-see sights—Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and more, including VIP access to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The perfect end to a remarkable river cruise vacation!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityFRENCH RIVIERA
End CityLONDON

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Burgundy
  • Dijon
  • Giverny
  • London
  • Lyon
  • Nice
  • Normandy
  • Paris
  • Rouen
  • Vienne

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: FRENCH RIVIERA

Welcome to France.

Enjoy free time to discover the beauty of the spectacular French Riviera, which stretches along France’s Mediterranean coast from Toulon to the border of Italy.

NICE-BEACH.jpg

Day 2: FRENCH RIVIERA

The “Queen of the French Riviera”

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Nice. Discover the narrow, winding streets and baroque churches of Vieux Nice, the old city—an area which has changed little since the 1700s. (Breakfast)

NICE-STREET-VIEW.jpg

Day 3: FRENCH RIVIERA–ARLES (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Join a motorcoach transfer to board your Avalon Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

(Breakfast,Dinner)

ARLES-SCENIC.jpg

Day 4: ARLES

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise through a Power Walk in Arles with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop ...

Day 5: AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes. Guided Optional Excursions include a visit to the ancient R...

Day 6: VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

ACTIVE Walk your way up to Vivier's hilltop Cathedral with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on an afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’...

Day 7: TAIN L'HERMITAGE

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Explore Tournon by foot as you follow your Adventure Host for a morning hike in this beautiful town along the Rhone, OR: CLASSIC Take a mor...

Day 8: LYON

La Vie En Rose in Lyon CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des ...

Day 9: TOURNUS–CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

DISCOVERY Travel into the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region to learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards, the wines produced here, and to attend a wine-tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle! Enj...

Day 10: CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–DIJON–PARIS (EMBARKATION)

Drive to Beaune and take a High-Speed Train from Dijon to Paris. CLASSIC Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights. This af...

Day 11: VERNON

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giver...

Day 12: CAUDEBEC

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were buil...

Day 13: CAUDEBEC. EXCURSIONS TO NORMANDY

Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:

CLASSIC Take a...

Day 14: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred...

Day 15: CONFLANS

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: CLASSIC Take a Gu...

Day 16: PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Lights

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities

ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guide...

Day 17: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–LONDON

Say goodbye to your Avalon portion of your vacation after breakfast. An included transfer delivers you to the train station. Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class).

(Breakfast)

LONDON-BIG-BEN.jpg

Day 18: LONDON

England’s Exciting Capital

CLASSIC Enjoy a morning Guided Sightseeing including all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were mar...

Day 19: LONDON

Free Time on the Thames

Enjoy a free day to explore this spectacular city at your own pace. You could take a flight on the London Eye for fantastic views over the city, or visit Windsor Castle, for a tour of the magnificent State Apartments. In the evening, se...

Day 20: LONDON

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

LONDON-BIG-BEN.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,326
Price per day$466
Last Updated: 7/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Mar 2025
18 Apr 2025
$10,214
13 Apr 2025
02 May 2025
$10,554
11 May 2025
30 May 2025
$11,054
22 Jun 2025
11 Jul 2025
$11,074
06 Jul 2025
25 Jul 2025
$11,114
03 Aug 2025
22 Aug 2025
$10,974
17 Aug 2025
05 Sep 2025
$11,004
14 Sep 2025
03 Oct 2025
$11,374
28 Sep 2025
17 Oct 2025
$11,074
12 Oct 2025
31 Oct 2025
$10,354

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,503
Great
139
Average
46
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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Nov 2024

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We just finished the Magnificent Europe trip on Avalon and it was amazing. Truly a trip to remember. Everything was great, the staff was incredibly attentive, the ex...

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Colleen Krok

Sep 2024

Written on

Trip of a lifetime

This was my first trip to Europe and my first cruise. I could not have asked for, or wanted anything better....all around. The crew (from housekeeping to food serv...

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Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Hotel

Nice

France

223, Promen. Des Anglais

Le Meridien Nice

With a "touch of chic" inspired by the timeless elegance of the Côte d'Azur, Le Méridien Nice is an authentic jewel located facing the Mediterranean Sea on world famous Promenade des Anglais. It is a few steps from the pedestrian area with its many fashion boutique, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town is also within walking distance. Discover signature cocktails at the bar or enjoy a tasty dinner inspired by the region on the panoramic rooftop restaurant while watching the sunset. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or exercise in the fitness centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is provided. The refined and exotic interior design inspired by the Golden Sixties gives each of the 318 guestrooms a unique sun-drenched style featuring soft Mediterranean blue and sandy beige shades. Fully air conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with international channels, coffee/tea maker facilities, in-room safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, and free wireless high speed internet access.

Nice Cedex 1

France

1, Promenade Des Anglais

Barriere Le Majestic Cannes

Cannes

France

10, La Croisette

Park Plaza County Hall

Ideally located just south of Westminster Bridge and overlooking the River Thames, this hotel is within walking distance of London's most famous attractions. Stylish dining options are available at the hotel: LItaliano offers authentic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list and Spectrum Bar & Café is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as Afternoon Tea and late-night drinks. The hotel also provides a fitness room as well as steam and sauna facilities, and Aurora Spa is available for beauty treatments or massages. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout.

London

United Kingdom

1 Addington St SE1 7RY

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WLP1

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