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7 Nights Avalon Wine Cruise in France

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Matthew Malinovsky, Travel Agent in Denton, TX

Matthew Malinovsky

Denton, TX Travel Agent

Matthew Malinovsky

Denton, TX

The Travel Dude, an independent agent with BWJ Travel, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
COUNTRIES VISITED:France
PLACES VISITED:Arles, Avignon, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Lyon, Tournon, Tournus, Viviers
SUGGESTED DURATION:8 Days
Experience the romance of southeastern France aboard an Avalon river cruise designed especially for wine lovers. Sail between Provence and Burgundy along the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers, with vineyard landscapes, medieval towns, and world-class gastronomy at every stop. A Certified Sommelier accompanies you throughout the journey with tastings, presentations, and curated wine pairings. You may cruise: •Provence to Burgundy, or •Burgundy to Provence. Both routes offer the same enriching experiences in reverse order. As of Feb 15th 2026, Oct is sold out, Nov 10 has Deluxe Stateroom, and Panorama Suite Available. Royal Sold Out. 17 Nov, has Deluxe Stateroom and Panorama Suite, Royal Sold Out. Coupon: Free Air or Save 1,500 a person on select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises. Free round trip from 23 major US cities. Economy class Flex airfare. Must book between April 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026. A 550 dollar deposit is due at time of booking.
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DAY1
Burgundy
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Lyon
Close Day
Day 1
Embark Chalon-Sur-Saone, France. Direct flights come to major hub Lyon-Saint Exupery LYS, OR; to Paris where a high speed train gets you to Burgundy in 1.5 hours. One must get to Burgundy, a short taxi ride to Chalon-Sur-Saone, where the ship is located. (Flights must arrive by 2:00 PM). Boarding begins at 5:00 PM. Your first evening docks in Tournus, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner onboard. --- Meals: Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS:
Settle in, try to get re-acclimated with the time change.
DAY2
Tournus
Close Day
Day 2
One of Burgundy's oldest towns, Tournus offers rich history and wine culture. Excursion Options: --------- Classic: Guided walking tour of town highlights. ---Discovery: Visit a Chardonnay cellar for wine tasting.--Discovery (onboard): Wine tasting presentation with your certified Sommelier. ----------- Evening docking in Trevoux ------ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
First wine tasting of Chardonnay.
DAY3
Lyon
Close Day
Day 3
La Vie En Rose- Sail to Lyon in morning. This is where the Rhone and Saone meet. ----- Onboard Discovery: Cheese and Wine tasting while cruising.---------Excursion Options: ----- Active - Guided bike ride through Lyon's architectural districts.- Classic- Tour of Fourviere Hill and Old Town (Vieux Lyon), with medieval alleyways and lively cafes. -- Evening Discovery: WWII and French Resistance lecture onboard. - After dinner, enjoy entertainment. -----Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Bike or Walk available.
DAY4
Beaujolais
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Day 4
Lyon and Beaujolais ------- Discovery Experiences---------Culinary walk through Lyon ----France's gastronomic capital. -- Guided tour to the Beaujolais region to taste its light, fruit-forward wines. -----Evening onboard wine-pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier. ------Late evening cruise toward Tournon.---------Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy the markets.
DAY5
Tournon
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Viviers
Close Day
Day 5
Castles, Vineyards and Chocolate-------------Morning in Tournon-sur-Rhone ---------- Options:--------Active: Vineyard hike with panoramic hill views (weather permitting).-------Classic: Guided medieval walking tour including the 16th-century castle. ------Includes wine and chocolate tasting at Cite du Chocolat Valrhona.-------Onboard: Afternoon wine and cheese tasting while sailing to Viviers. ----------------Afternoon in Viviers:-------Guided walking tour of Romanesque cathedral and historic Old Town.-----Evening live entertainment as the ship cruise overnight. -----Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
See your adventure liaison to find out what time to be back, or listen after you arrive.
DAY6
Avignon
Close Day
Day 6
Avignon: The City of Popes. -------------Explore Avignon with your Adventure Host. ------- Options: --------Active: Guided bike tour of Avignon.---- Classic: Visit the medieval fortress city and the iconic Palais des Papes. --------------- Discovery: Wine tasting excursion to Chateaneuf-du-Pape, one of Rhone Valley's most prestigious appellations. ---------Evening cruise to Arles---------------Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Bike or Walk available.
DAY7
Arles
Close Day
Day 7
Arles: Art, History & Wine --------------------------In Arles, choose your experince: -------Active: Guided power walk.-- Discovery: Painting workshop inspired by Vincent Van Gogh. -- Classic: Walking tour including the Roman Amphitheater and a stop at Le Cafe Van Gogh. ------- Onboard Discovery: Wine and chocolate tasting with your Certified Sommelier. ----Overnight docking in Arles.---------------Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Bike or Walk available.
DAY8
Arles
Close Day
Day 8
Disembarkation ------------- Breakfast onboard ------- Flights should not depart before 10:00 AM.--------------Important Notes--------River water levels may require itinerary adjustments ( motor coach transfers or hotel overnights). --- Excursions may vary due to weather or operational considerations. ----- Please verify passport and visa requirements prior to travel.----------------If you'd like, I can also provide: -------Cabin categories and pricing guidance-----Best time of year for vineyard views-------Pre- or Post-cruise hotel suggestions in Lyon or Provence------Private group or celebratory travel planning.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Please schedule flights after 10 AM
FINAL THOUGHTS
This journey blends wine, culture, and scenic beauty into an unforgettable Rhone Valley experience.