Grand France with Mont St. Michel & Loire Valley with Journeys Club Celebration

This river cruise highlighting the best of France is certainly grand! Begin your adventure on the captivating French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. Explore this elegant area and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. On the Rhône River sits Arles, France—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage are beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of Tournon, a medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Transfer to the Seine River for the next portion of this Grand France river cruise vacation, which offers a choice of activities, such as a painting class, a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, or a “Taste of Normandy”; a guided tour of Le Havre and Etretat or along the “Normandy Abbeys” route; a chance to hike or visit pretty little Honfleur; 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. In Paris, one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities, we offer a choice of guided walks, a visit to the Louvre or to Montmartre, and an unforgettable panoramic view of the city from the Eiffel Tower.

Leave your ship and take the opportunity to add other memorable destinations to your list. Head north to one-of-a-kind Mont St. Michel, surrounded by water at high tide, and to the Loire Valley to visit the Château of Chenonceau and to admire its sumptuous gardens. En route back to Paris for one last night, stop in Chartres to visit the magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France—truly a grand adventure!

City Highlights

Day 1 Côte d’Azur: welcome to France Day 2 Côte d’Azur–Transfer to Arles (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception; sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)Day 3 Arles: guided sightseeing, visit the Roman AmphitheaterDay 4 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the PopesDay 5 Cruising–Viviers: guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedralDay 6 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne: guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in VienneDay 7 Lyon: guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 8 Cruising–St. Jean de Losne: day at leisure; cheese tastingDay 9 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception Day 10 Vernon–Les Andelys: choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or painting class; guided walk in Les Andelys, visit the Parish Church of Le Petit AndelyDay 11 Caudebec: choice of excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy” Day 12 Le Havre: choice of excursions along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or Le Havre and Etretat; choice of hiking routes or HonfleurDay 13 Rouen: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral Day 14 Conflans: choice of excursions to visit Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison; visit the Palace of Versailles ; gala dinner onboardDay 15 Paris: choice of Paris walk experiences; choice of included excursions; ascend the Eiffel Tower Day 16 Paris (Disembarkation): travel to Mont St Michel; guided visit of the abbeyDay 17 Mont St Michel–Loire Valley: visit Chenonceau Castle, overnight at Château du Breuil Day 18 Loire Valley–Chartres–Paris: visit Chartres cathedralDay 19 Paris: your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be operated by motorcoach.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WLPE-T2-2018

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