Burgundy & Provence with Aix-en-Provence & Nice - Southbound

14 days
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River Cruise
Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, the incomparable “City of Light.” Ride the TGV train to Dijon, then continue on by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a Burgundy wine tasting or a visit of the Hôtel-Dieu. Board your ship in quaint...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Discover what makes French fromage so special at a French cheese tasting

What's this trip about?

    Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, the incomparable “City of Light.” Ride the TGV train to Dijon, then continue on by motorcoach to fascinating Beaune for a Burgundy wine tasting or a visit of the Hôtel-Dieu. Board your ship in quaint Chalon-sur-Saône and set sail for lovely Tournus, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Before disembarking in Arles, sail into the peaceful Camargue area (daylight permitting), then arrive on the stunning Cote-d’Azur—the famed French Riviera for your Monograms extension. We've arranged your transfer, hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing with local experts, a high-speed train transfer from Aix-en-Provence to Nice, transfers from/to your hotels to/from the train stations, and more. Plus, we know you are not familiar with the cities, so we've arranged the services of Local Hosts®—a "friend in the city" to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and be there to help you feel comfortable in each city. The next morning, after an included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide. You’ll walk along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés, and you’ll visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, known for its mishmash of architectural styles. This was Cézanne’s hometown, and in your free time, you may want to take a tour following in his footsteps. Perhaps take an excursion to Cassis with an included cruise, soak in Aix-en-Provence's healing thermal baths, or shop for lavender and other local specialties. Finally, we’ll whisk you via high-speed TGV train to Nice. Here, guided sightseeing with a local expert includes a walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. In your free time, you may want to take an excursion to Monaco, to St. Tropez, or to Cannes, known for its famous film festival. Your Local Host will be able to help you arrange any of these activities and excursions, as well as provide you with suggestions for the best places to sample the local specialties. Monograms wants you to just enjoy your vacation, and we go the extra mile to make sure you live your dream rather than dream your life!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityArrive in Paris
End CityNice

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Aix En Provence
  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Burgundy
  • Dijon
  • Lyon
  • Paris

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Arrive in Paris, France. Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine and the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air!

Day 2

Paris. Known as one of the world’s most passionate and lively cities, Paris is a delight for all your senses. Your included CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contr...

Day 3

Paris–Dijon–Beaune–Chalon-sur-Saône (Embarkation)–Tournus. This morning, board the TGV train to Dijon and from there, drive to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area. Beaune owes its wealth to the production, aging, and selling of fine wines. Although li...

Day 4

Tournus. After breakfast, a LOCAL GUIDE will show you the highlights of the delightful town of Tournus, tucked away in the southeast corner of Burgundy. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in the region, with a superb abbey, St. Philibert,...

Day 5

Lyon. Enjoy some relaxing time on board before arriving in Lyon, France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities....

Day 6

Lyon. Enjoy a free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Perhaps wander through one of Lyon’s parks, discover some of the murals (there are over 100), or select one of the available optional excu...

Day 7

Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Viviers. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its imposin...

Day 8

Avignon. The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence with its intact ramparts encircling the entire city, cobblestone streets and squares, and private mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known a...

Day 9

Arles. In Arles, located on the northern tip of the Camargue and the capital of the Provence region, your LOCAL GUIDE will show you highlights of the city and you’ll visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, it dates to the 1st century and was constructed to ho...

Day 10

Arles (Disembarkation)–Aix-en-Provence. Disembark your Avalon ship for your included transfer to Aix-en-Provence to join your Monograms vacation. (B)

Day 11

Aix-en-Provence. On your morning guided sightseeing, walk along 17th-century Cours Mirabeau boulevard, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés. Admire the Mazarin Quarter, City Hall, the Jewish Quarter, and visit the CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY SAVIOUR...

Day 12

Aix-en-Provence–Nice. Travel by HIGH-SPEED TGV TRAIN (first-class) to Nice. Your guided sightseeing features the PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS, originally built in the second half of the 18th century and the most famous boulevard in Nice. Walk through the OLD TOWN to admire f...

Day 13

Nice. Your Local Host has many recommendations for your full day at leisure on the beautiful Côte d’Azur, such as an excursion to picturesque Êze and Monaco, a round of golf in beautiful Cannes, a visit to the Marc Chagall Museum, or the best place to relax on the beach. (B)

Day 14

Nice. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,581
Price per day$327
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Port charges: $147 Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only. Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Paris: in single room from $345 to $1,070, in twin room from $185 to $550 Extra nights per person in Nice: in single room $268, in twin room $146 Prices shown include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Affinity Category / Decks / Price B / Sapphire Deck / $649 A / Sapphire Deck / $699 P / Royal Deck / $799 Avalon Suite / Royal Deck / $1,399 Poetry II Category / Decks / Price D / Indigo / Deck / $199 B / Sapphire Deck / $1,049 A / Sapphire Deck / $1,099 P / Royal Deck / $1,199 Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,899 NOTE:
  • Departures October 23 and October 27 are offered as exclusive Wine Appreciation Cruises, including special lectures and tastings at no additional cost. Your palate will applaud as you learn what to look for in a good wine. A distinguished wine authority will teach you the ropes as you visit a wine village and attend tastings to test your newfound talent

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.

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
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Grand Hotel Roi René This inviting 134 room boutique property is built in a courtyard style around the swimming pool and garden terrace. Free Wi-Fi access is avilable in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. A beautiful seasonal outdoor swimming pool and terrace offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. The hotel restaurant serves traditional southern French cuisine which can also be savoured on the outdoor terrace and the hotel bar offers a good choice of snacks and drinks. Aix-en-Provence France 24 Boulevard Du Roi Rene Ellington This charming 110 room boutique property has an air of casual refinement with architecture from the 1920's. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of the outdoor inner garden and evenings can be spent relaxing in the jazzy atmosphere of the lounge bar. Nice France 25 Blvd.Dubouchage
Travel Insurance
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Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WCLM

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