Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with an overnight on the French Riviera—the inimitable Côte d’Azur. Then, travel to Arles in the Provence region to board your ship and sail into the peaceful Camargue area during dinner (daylight permitting) before returning to Arles. Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as St. Jean de Losne, and fascinating Beaune await you. Take the TGV train from Dijon to Paris for two overnights, guided sightseeing, and free time to explore the remarkable “City of Light” on your own. You’re sure to return home with lots of memories and photos to share. And as this is a cruise with a Jazz theme, you’ll enjoy several onboard jazz performances and the chance to visit the Vienne Jazz Festival on your own. Then, trade your “Bonjours” for “Cheerios” as an included high-speed train transfer whisks you to London for three exciting nights. Your Monograms package includes hotel reservations, guided sightseeing, daily breakfast, a destination guide to familiarize you with the city, and best of all—the services of a Monograms Local Host® to welcome you and lend a helping hand throughout your stay. This “friend in the city” can answer your questions, offer suggestions, and help make your vacation what you want it to be. During your guided sightseeing tour with a local expert, see the sights you cannot go home without seeing—Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and more. Enjoy VIP access to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the wedding site for Lady Diana and Prince Charles, and witness the Changing of the Guard (if held). You’ll have plenty of free time to maybe visit Madame Tussauds celebrity wax figure museum, join a London pub dining experience, marvel at the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and enjoy an illumination cruise on the Thames. Day trips are available out of the city to mysterious Stonehenge, the pretty Cotswolds, or Windsor Castle to visit the State Apartments. Monograms offers over 40 exciting activities and excursions, so there’s plenty to choose from!

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDay 1 Côte d’Azur: welcome to FranceDay 2 Côte d’Azur–Transfer to Arles (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception; sail into the Camargue region (daylight permitting)Day 3 Arles: guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater; evening jazz band entertainmentDay 4 Avignon: guided sightseeing, visit Palace of the PopesDay 5 Cruising–Viviers: guided walk, visit the Old Town and the cathedralDay 6 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne: guided walk in Tournon; onboard jazz music entertainment; guided walk in Vienne; free time to visit the Vienne Jazz FestivalDay 7 Lyon: guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière HillDay 8 Cruising-St. Jean de Losne: day at leisure; cheese tasting; onboard jazz performanceDay 9 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–Paris: visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; TGV train from Dijon to Paris: Day 10 Paris: choice of guided sightseeing or “Heart of Paris” walk, visit Notre Dame CathedralLondon: 3 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guide with city map; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed Eurostar train from Paris to London (standard class*) with porterage for one suitcase; transfers to/from train stations.

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vesselBuffet breakfast daily in London

Notes

NOTES:In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be operated by motorcoach.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WLJ1-T-2017