Grand France (Northbound)

This river cruise vacation showcases France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. Your adventure begins on the Rhône River 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. 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. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The Seine River offers a choice of excursion opportunities, such as a visit to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point 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!

Included Features:

Day 1 Arles (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 3 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes

Day 4 Viviers: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Tournon: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill

Day 7 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board

Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 Vernon–Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk, or guided hike in Les Andelys; crêpes tasting on board and Pastry Demonstration

Day 10 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 11 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion

Day 12 Rouen: Choice of guided walk, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour

Day 13 Conflans–Paris: Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Chteau de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 14 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning