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Globus Arrow 2010: Avalon Europe Vacations Arrow AVALON 2010: GRAND FRANCE (WAP)
AVALON 2010: GRAND FRANCE (WAP)
17 days incl. air, or 16 days from Nice to Cote d'Azur
Combine two exciting cruises and get a taste of the variety that France has to offer-not only in scenery but in food and drink! The Seine and the picturesque Normandy region, and the charming and historic cities along the Saone and Rhone Rivers. Apple cider and Calvados in the north, fine wines and cognac in the south. Apple trees in Normandy, vineyards in Provence. From the big city of Paris to the elegant Cote d'Azur. All this and more are yours to discover on this comprehensive 17-day vacation.

HOTELS
Cote d'Azur Boscolo Plaza, Nice (SF)
Call (770) 981-6461 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8094955
Tour OperatorGlobus
Duration
17 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1Board your overnight transatlantic flight(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2Cote d'Azur(Mon.) Welcome to France! Time at leisure to get acquainted with your new surroundings. This evening, an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco is available.
Day 3Arles(Tue.) This morning, enjoy a guided stroll through the narrow winding streets of Nice's OLD TOWN. After lunch, transfer by motorcoach to Arles in the Provence region, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
Day 4Arles(Wed.) On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the 'Little Rome of Gaul.' See the church of St. Trophime; 'Les Alyscamps,' the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The 'Foundation Vincent Van Gogh' is a tribute to the artist. (B,L,D)
Day 5Avignon(Thu.) The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the 'City of Popes,' it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6Viviers(Fri.) A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you glide gently by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)
Day 7Vienne(Sat.) The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhone and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France's oldest medieval cities. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. (B,L,D)
Day 8Lyon(Sun.) Lyon is France's second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in
43 BC, the city's prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from FOURVIERE HILL; explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways; Place Terraux, and beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the 'Beaujolais Nouveau' is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets insight into the local haute cuisine. (B,L,D)
Day 9Chalon-Sur-Saone(Mon.) Wake up this morning on the River Saone in Macon, a city that plays an important part in the wine trade. There's some free time for exploring after breakfast, then enjoy a short cruise to Tournus. Here the cloister of St. Philibert or the Burgundy Museum's folklore collection, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. Before dinner, arrive in Chalon-sur-Saone. (B,L,D)
Day 10Paris(Tue.) After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew on the Avalon Scenery and head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote d'Or area, which produces the Burgundy region's finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the HOTEL-DIEU charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France's architectural highlights. After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the 'City of Light,' where you board the Avalon Creativity docked on the River Seine. This evening, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
Day 11Paris(Wed.) Paris' famous sights are living history. Your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B,L,D)
Day 12Conflans(Thu.) After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the Seine, passing through suburban Paris. This afternoon, dock at Conflans-and now the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or the guided visit to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which boasts a 14th-century chateau with views over the Seine Valley toward Paris, and whose town center has its roots in the 11th century. It is a lively market town with many boutiques and cafes in its pedestrian areas. (B,L,D)
Day 13Vernon(Fri.) This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and stunning gardens at Giverny or a visit of Bizy Castle with its magnificent courtyard. There's still time to stroll through this delightful city on your own before your ship departs for Rouen. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional excursions on offer. (B,L,D)
Day 14Rouen(Sat.) Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city. It is perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK dating back to the 16th century. The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur or to the busy port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 15Rouen(Sun.) Make your choice today between an included excursion to the historic Normandy landing beaches-with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery-or a 'Taste of Normandy' for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong alcoholic apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. This afternoon, we explore the Calvados region, famous for the apple brandy and cider. (B,L,D)
Day 16Les Andelys(Mon.) The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing CHATEAU GAILLARD at Les Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the chateau is truly a masterpiece of Middle Ages military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this last day in France in this delightful small town. (B,L,D)
Day 17Paris(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
April 26, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$4,829.00 (USD)Quote
June 07, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$5,129.00 (USD)Quote
June 21, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$5,029.00 (USD)Quote
July 05, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$4,929.00 (USD)Quote
August 02, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$4,929.00 (USD)Quote
August 30, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$5,329.00 (USD)Quote
September 13, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$5,329.00 (USD)Quote
September 27, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$4,929.00 (USD)Quote
October 11, 2010Land Only Price Scenery and Creativity$4,829.00 (USD)Quote
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Port charges:
$196

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Nice.
in single room $350, in twin room $220

Extra nights per person in Paris:
in single room $440, in twin room $259

Cruise-Only Option From $3,699
Day 3 Arles (Embarkation) - Day 17 Paris (Disembarkation)

Cruise-only option allows you to participate in just the river cruise portion of the vacation, removing the overnight stays at the beginning or end of the cruise itinerary. Ask your Travel Consultant for details at the time of booking.

Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $998
A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098
P / Royal Deck / $1,298
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-2008, 2009 & 2010 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.

Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2008, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.

Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.
  
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