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Paris to Nice & France River Cruise

(11 days, Paris - Nice, 2012)
Paris to Nice & France River Cruise
This 11 day tour is a Francophile’s dream, taking in the beautiful French countryside from Paris to Nice, including Lyon, Avignon, Arles plus a luxury river cruise.
 

Your 11 day tour of France begins in the ‘city of love’, Paris, where you will board the ultra-fast TVG train to Lyon from here you will transfer to Chalon-sur-Saone to board the luxury ms Symphony for your river cruise through the heart of France. Your first stop will be the Burgundian city of Beaune where you will visit Les Hospices de Beaune, which showcases some of France’s finest examples of 15th century architecture. Beaune is also well known for its white wine, which you will have the pleasure of tasting before returning to the ship.

From Beaune, you will travel to Trévoux and Mâcon, where you will visit what was once the largest Christian building in the world, the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny. Your next stop is a return to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, where you will witness charming embankments, majestic bridges and stunning monuments around every bend on your walking tour of this World Heritage-listed city.

From Lyon, you will travel to Vienne and Tournon, exploring the old Roman city of Vienne and experiencing everyday French life on a visit to a family homestead. Your cruise continues through Viviers and Bollene to Châteauneuf-du-pap, the largest and most important wine region in the southern Rhône, before continuing your journey to Avignon, home to the papacy for around 500 years, the influence of which can be seen in the architecture of the medieval city.

Finally, your cruise will take you to Arles where you will have the opportunity to visit a real working farm before travelling by coach to the lively coastal town of Nice, the last stop on your tour.

Day 1: Paris
You will be met at Charles de Gaulle airport by your Scenic Tours Representative before being transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director.
Overnight Special Stay: Paris
Day 2: TGV Train - Chalon-sur-Saône (FB,D)
Leave the city of lights behind and journey by the ultra-fast TGV train to Dijon. On arrival, transfer to Chalon-sur-Saône to embark on your river cruise ms Symphony.
Next Nine Nights: Cruising
Day 3: Beaune (FB,L,D)
This morning enjoy a visit to Beaune in the heart of Burgundy for an Included visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Founded in 1443, it showcases some of France’s finest examples of 15th Century architecture. Burgundy is renowned for its white wine which you will have the pleasure of tempting your palate with a tasting.
Day 4: Mâcon -Trévoux (FB,L,D)
Once the largest Christian building in the world see the great Benedictine Abbey of Cluny. SCENIC ENRICH Travel through the ‘Golden Stone’ region of Beaujolais where you will meet a local wine vintner. Sample some of his best drops perfectly accompanied by cheese and sausage appetisers.
Day 5: Lyon (FB,L,D)
This morning continue to cruise south to Lyon the gastronomic heart of France. See charming embankments, majestic bridges and illuminating monuments emerge around every bend on your walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Finish your walking tour with a visit to the local markets, where flowers, fresh produce and art are abound. This afternoon enjoy a cooking demonstration inspired by the local regions specialities.
Day 6: Vienne-Tournon (FB,L,D)
Visit the old Roman city of Vienne before setting sail down the Rhone to Tournon. SCENIC ENRICH A special experience awaits you this evening as you learn about everyday life on a visit to a typical French family homestead. Savour the experience as you are treated to a home-cooked meal by the family. Why not use this special opportunity to polish up on your French.
Day 7: Viviers (FB,L,D)
The walled city of Viviers, is a delightful stop on this river cruise of France. A walking tour reveals ancient homes and its unusual cathedral. Travel into the Ardèche Mountains and unveil the natural wonders of the largest natural canyon in Europe.
Day 8: Châteauneuf-du-Pape (FB,L,D)
Today explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the largest and most important wine region in the southern Rhône. Dating back to the 11th century the papal tradition of planting vines continues today with over 300 hectares of vineyards. Home to the summer residence of the Avignon Popes, visit the castle ruins which offer a taste of history and a glorious view over the area.
Day 9: Avignon (FB,L,D)
Although the papacy was located in Avignon for less than a century they kept very busy during these years as you will see by the impressive architecture of this medieval city. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Visit the Palais des Papes for a guided tour; or (2) Take an excursion to Uzès, a well preserved and charming town.         
Day 10: Avignon - Arles (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH Today venture to La Camargue, the ‘wild west’ of France where cowboys tend to herds of bulls destined for bullfighting in Spain. Visit a real working farm and witness these hard working cowboys at hand. This evening why not take a stroll along the pretty embankments of Arles.
Day 11: Arles - Nice (FB)

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred* by your Scenic Tours Representative to Nice Airport for your onward or homebound flight. (Please schedule flights for after 2.00pm).

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.

At a glance
Duration
11 Days
From
$5,795
per person twin share
Dates
28 Jun 2012
Available
Book now

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Enquire now or call 1300 723 642 Download the brochure

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