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2024 Season

Grand France with 3 nights in London 80th Anniversary of D-Day WWII Remembrance & History Cruise


cruise: WLP3-T2
18 Day River Cruise Arles to London
This river cruise vacation showcases France’s charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. Your adventure be-gins 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 Re-naissance architecture. The Seine River offers a choice of excursion opportunities, rich of history! In Paris, take a tour focused on WWII and visit the museum of Les Invalides. Sail to Conflans, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” On 6th June join us for an onboard D-Day 80th Commemoration Ceremony. In Rouen, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter, visit the gothic Cathedral and learn the important role played by this city during the French Resistance. Alternatively you will visit the battlefields in the area of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel. You’ll sail through the picturesque and historic landscapes of Normandy, with the choice to visit the historic sites of the famed WWII landing beaches, and moving monuments to Allied forces, or you may explore the farming region for a “Taste of Normandy.” From Vernon, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison, before sailing back to Paris for disembarkation. Board a high-speed train to London for three exciting nights and a guided sightseeing with a local expert to see London’s must-see—Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and more!

cruise

at-a-glance


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 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing, or historic sights on “Heart of Paris” walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host or WWII theme tour with visit of the museum of Les Invalides

Day 10 Conflans: Choice of excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise, or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard history lecture; onboard Commemoration Ceremony of the D-Day 80th Anniversary

Day 11 Les Andelys-Rouen: Choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys and guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral in Rouen or full day excursion to Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel

Day 12 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or visit the V-1 launch bomb site or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard D-Day lecture

Day 13 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion

Day 14 Vernon: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration

Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation)–London: Transfer to London by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class)

Day 16 London: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays)

Day 17 London: Full day at leisure

Day 18 London: Your vacation ends this morning

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

The "Starting at" or "From" listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.