Grand France
Paris to Arles - 16 days
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM

Combine Paris & Normandy with Burgundy & Provence for one grand cruise

From the bridges of Paris to the beaches of Normandy and the sunny landscapes of the Mediterranean, you'll experience all of France in a manner of unsurpassed style and comfort. Sail north and explore world famous Paris. Visit the charming towns and villages such as Honfleur and Giverny, that were so inspirational to the Impressionist artists. Be inspired as you walk the beaches of Normandy where the Allied forces landed during WWII's D-Day Invasion, and visit Rouen and the very site where Joan of Arc was martyred.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Connoisseurs of everything French, their culinary masterpieces, their robust wines, the Eiffel Tower, quaint villages, ethereal landscapes and sun-baked vineyards, cathedrals, and sites of historic greatness. Vive la France!


DAY 1: Depart home gateway city to Paris

DAY 2: Paris (embark)
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport where you'll be transferred to the ship. (D)

DAY 3: Les Andelys, Rouen
Featured Excursion: Walk to Chateau Gaillard
Les Andelys was of considerable strategic importance during the Middle Ages, prompting King Richard the Lionheart to build a fortified castle to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the French King Philip II in the 12th century. Walk to the English king's stronghold and admire the remains of the impressive Chateau Gaillard. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)

DAY 4: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Normandy Beaches and visit to Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Because of Normandy's proximity to the sea, it has been the site of many conflicts and battles, including the famous D-Day Invasion by the Allied forces during WWII. Before visiting the beaches of Normandy, you'll be taken to Bayeux, where you can appreciate the Medieval depiction of the Battle of Hastings on a tapestry dating from the 11th century. Afterward, you will visit places that are haunting reminders of the Allies' hard fight for freedom-the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, the Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach, and Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches. (BB, D)

DAY 5: Rouen
Featured Excursion: Walking tour of Rouen
Our visit to Rouen will take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral; the haunting Medieval quarter with its half-timbered, slate-tile roofs; and the Gros Horloge, a Renaissance clock tower that arches overhead. The walk ends at Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc was punished for her defiance. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6: Caudebec (Honfleur)
Featured Excursion: Visit to Honfleur
After crossing the majestic Normandy Bridge spanning the river delta, travel overland to Honfleur, a charming French harbor town recreated in numerous paintings by such artists as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet. You'll be taken on a guided walking tour from the former smuggler's harbor of Vieux Bassin-the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur, where the fishing village backdrop is seemingly unchanged from over 500 years ago-through the pedestrian streets to St. Catherine's Church. (BB, L, D)

DAY 7: Vernon (Giverny)
Featured Excursion: Monet's Giverny
Visit Monet's home in his beloved village of Giverny, where he lived for 43 years, until his death in 1926. You'll explore Monet's house, furnished as it was when the leader of the Impressionist school lived here, including his precious collection of Japanese engravings. Strolling the gardens, you'll see the familiar Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by the weeping willows that so inspired this master's work. Watch the light play on the pond which is covered with the water lilies reproduced in Monet's numerous enchanting versions of The Nympheas (The Water Lilies). (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner) Note: Giverny will be closed during early March and November departures. A visit to Versailles Palace will be substituted instead.

DAY 8: Paris
Featured Excursion: Paris city tour
You'll begin your city tour with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs'Elysees and past the Arc de Triomphe. You'll stop for a photo opportunity at the Eiffel Tower before continuing to Place Vendome, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then it's on to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and the Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see a slice of daily Parisian life-gentleman playing boules and children sailing boats on the glassy pond-as well as view Bartholdi's model for the Statue of Liberty. (BB, L, D)

DAY 9: Paris (disembark), transfer to Chalon sur Saone (embark)

DAY 10: Chalon-sur-Saone (Beaune)
Featured Excursion: Beaune and Hospices de Beaune, open-air food market visit
Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon-sur-Saone is an important center for France's wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel that has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The Hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition still continues. (BB, L, D)

DAY 11: Lyon
Featured Excursion: Lyon city tour
Lyon, France's second largest city after Paris, is the country's lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon's hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town built at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. From the bus, you'll view Terreaux Square, the Musee des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you'll have leisure time to explore this city on your own. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)

DAY 12: Tournon, Tain L'Hermitage, Viviers
Featured Excursion: Winetasting and Tournon walking tour
Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Cotes du Rhone mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D)

DAY 13: Viviers, Avignon
Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour
Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retained much of its historic charm. Your tour in Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You'll take the Rue Chevrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Chateau to reach St. Vincent Cathedral where you'll enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you'll walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)

DAY 14: Avignon
Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes
Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you'll capture all of that on your walking tour of the "City of the Popes." Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provencal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful cafe terraces face the magnificent architecture of the City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it's on to Pope's Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. During the afternoon, you'll have leisure time to enjoy this magical city. (BB, L, D)

DAY 15: Arles
Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour
Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles, and you will too. Inspired by the unique Provencal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh's Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheater and Constantine's Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)

DAY 16: Arles (disembark), transfer to Marseille Airport

Cruise Highlights include:
14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant River Baroness and the breathtaking River Royale
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
12 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
Complimentary use of bicycles
Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program
2 Captain's Welcome & 2 Captain's Farewell Dinners
Captivating onboard local entertainment
2 Signature lectures
An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
All transfers on arrival and departure days

To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:
Category 2 $500
Category 1 $950
A limited number of singles may be available in certain categories on certain vessels for an additional supplement.

Flight from your home to Paris and your flight home are not included, we can arrange them for you!

Departure Dates:
June to October 2010

Prices:
From approx From $4099 to $5199 per person based on double occupancy

To book or for more information please complete the
INQUIRY FORM

Be sure to contact ACTION TRAVEL for more of these fabulous Escorted Tours!
Phone number: 604-278-8286 Toll Free Phone number: 1-800-457-3363
Fax number: 604-608-4789

Mailing Address - 203 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9
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