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Grand France WWII Remembrance and History Cruise with 1 Night in Marseille (Southbound) (WPLET32021)

Code: WPLE-T3-2021

A 16-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $0.00

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Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.


All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Countries Visited:

Europe, France

Cities Visited:

See Description


Sightseeing Highlights

City Highlights
Day 1 Paris (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Vernon-Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle; onboard crêpes tasting; onboard history presentation; choice of guided walk, or guided hike in Les Andelys

Day 3 Caudebec: Excursion along the'Normandy Abbeys Route' or visit the V-1 launch bomb site; onboard lecture

Day 4 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or'A Taste of Normandy' excursion

Day 5 Rouen: Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral, or choose a bike tour or full-day excursion to Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel.

Day 6 Conflans: Choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine's Château de Malmaison

Day 7 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights of the'Heart of Paris' walking tour, or WWII theme tour with visit to Museum of Les Invalides

Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)-Dijon-Beaune-St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation): High-speed train from Paris to Dijon; motorcoach transfer to Beaune and visit to the Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 Mâcon: Leisurely cruising; onboard cheese tasting

Day 10 Lyon: Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill; onboard lecture

Day 11 Lyon: Culinary tour

Day 12 Tournon-Viviers: Guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedral

Day 13 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit to the Palace of the Popes

Day 14 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop

Day 15 Port St. Louis (Disembarkation)-Marseille: Transfer to Marseille; guided tour

Day 16 Marseille: Your vacation ends this morning

Overview

Title
Grand France WWII Remembrance & History Cruise with 1 Night in Marseille (Southbound)

Vacation Overview
This French river cruise highlighting the sites where history was made is certainly grand! Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France. See the sites of heroic battles of World War II, hear fascinating presentations by a history expert on board your ship, and see the site of the V-1 bomber launch. Visit memorial sites of US, British, and Canadian soldiers in Normandy, the Museum of Les Invalides in Paris, and First World War battle sites and memorials of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel. Stand on the beaches of Normandy where the allies fought to liberate Europe and the world.

In Normandy, stand on historic ground, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Visit Joan of Arc 's Rouen, and choose between Claude Monet 's Giverny or the Bizy Castle, called “Normandy 's Versailles.” Visit Vincent Van Gogh 's Auver-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine 's Malmaison. Before you depart the beautiful Seine River, you 'll spend time in Paris—one of the world 's most romantic cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris ' rich history, or take a tour including the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower. Visit Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Take a guided walk of Tournon, nestled among the vineyards with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. On a guided tour of historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest Gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and is home to a 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. As a perfect finale to your river cruise vacation, enjoy an overnight stay in Marseille on the Mediterranean Sea.


Year Round Offers

  • Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
  • Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more

Grand France WWII Remembrance and History Cruise with 1 Night in Marseille (Southbound) (WPLET32021) Day 1:
PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day is free to explore the world 's most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Explore the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON

(D)

Day 2:
VERNON Monet 's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

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

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet 's charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy 's Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables

DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French Luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by an onboard history presentation

This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.

LES ANDELYS

Serenity on the Seine

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France 's most picturesque spots on the Seine, OR:

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC

(B,L,D)

Day 3:
CAUDEBEC Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine

CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a guided excursion to a V-1 flying bomb launch site

This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.

DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by your history expert

Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC

(B,L,D)

Day 4:
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION 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 full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:

CLASSIC Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery


Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN

(B,L,D)

Day 5:
ROUEN The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen— site of Saint Joan of Arc 's martyrdom —and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, OR:

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

DISCOVERY Take a full day excursion in the areas of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel, where the Canadian Forces fought and prevailed over German forces during WWI

Enjoy onboard entertainment before setting sail this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS

(B,L,D)

Day 6:
CONFLANS The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine


Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.

EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS

(B,L,D)

Day 7:
PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light

Join your Adventure Host for today 's special activities.

CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées, OR:


DISCOVERY Take a WWII tour of Paris which will include a visit to the museum of Les Invalides, dedicated to the Ordre de la Libération which was created in 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces

Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS

(B,L,D)

Day 8:
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)-DIJON-BEAUNE-ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (EMBARKATION) Take a High-Speed Train from Paris to Dijon, to drive on to Beaune.

DISCOVERY Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden 's painting of the Last Judgement

This afternoon, travel to St. Jean de Losne to board your Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MÂCON

(B,D)

Day 9:
MÂCON Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

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

Enjoy leisurely cruising en route to Mâcon along the majestic Saône River. Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, or to the Castle of Cormatin.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a delicious Cheese Tasting on board your ship

Enjoy live entertainment while sailing for Trévoux this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN TRÉVOUX

(B,L,D)

Day 10:
LYON La Vie En Rose in Lyon

Sail for lovely Lyon this morning.

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

Spend free time biking through Lyon 's town squares, over bridges, and along the banks where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.

DISCOVERY Be our guest for a WWII & French Resistance lecture on board your ship

Later enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

(B,L,D)

Day 11:
LYON Adventures in Food and Wine

CLASSIC Join a Culinary Walk through the city to discover why it is known as the gastronomic capital of France

The rest of your day is free to explore, relax, or shop in France 's third largest city. Take a bike from the ship and explore local produce markets and parks, or take a leisurely tour of the city 's more than 100 murals.

EVENING CRUISE TO TOURNON

(B,L,D)

Day 12:
TOURNON A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

CLASSIC Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France 's oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage

Enjoy a leisurely sail to Viviers after lunch

VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

CLASSIC Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You 'll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AVIGNON

(B,L,D)

Day 13:
AVIGNON The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Join your Adventure Host for today 's special activities.

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 Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

Explore Avignon on your own for the city 's art and culture, theatre, and museums. Be sure to snap photos of the captivating countryside, historic monuments, and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

(B,L,D)

Day 14:
ARLES Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

ACTIVE Grab a Nordic walking stick for a hike with your Adventure Host

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You 'll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city that inspired the works of Vincent van Gogh, OR:

DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist

Consider also a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d 'Enfer.

Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine.

EVENING CRUISE TO PORT ST. LOUIS

(B,L,D)

Day 15:
PORT ST. LOUIS (DISEMBARKATION)-MARSEILLE Spectacular Seascapes of the Mediterranean Coast

Disembark your ship and join a motorcoach transfer to Marseille.

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing in Marseille—France 's second-largest city

(B)

Day 16:
MARSEILLE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)



All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Avalon Waterways



All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

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