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France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux
Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Waterways
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Avalon Poetry II
Departure: 18/08/2026
Duration: 22 Days
Arles to Bordeaux
Itinerary
The timeless charms of France flow freely on this French river cruise vacation brimming with breathtaking views and vibrant history. Embark on the resplendent Rhône River with a visit to Arles, France—home to the brilliantly preserved 1st-century Roman
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Day 1 Arles, France 18 Aug 2026 (Tuesday)
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
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Day 2 Arles, France 19 Aug 2026 (Wednesday)
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
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Day 3 Avignon, France 20 Aug 2026 (Thursday)
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.
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Day 4 Viviers, France 21 Aug 2026 (Friday)
Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town's Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers' tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town's Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers' tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.
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Day 5 Tain-l'Hermitage, France 22 Aug 2026 (Saturday)
Tain-l'Hermitage, France, is a picturesque town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly its Syrah and Hermitage varietals. Nestled along the Rhône River and surrounded by lush vineyards, it offers scenic views and a charming atmosphere. The town features historic sites like the 12th-century Hermitage Chapel and the Cité du Chocolat, celebrating local culinary delights. With its blend of fine wine, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Tain-l'Hermitage is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of Provence.Tain-l'Hermitage, France, is a picturesque town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly its Syrah and Hermitage varietals. Nestled along the Rhône River and surrounded by lush vineyards, it offers scenic views and a charming atmosphere. The town features historic sites like the 12th-century Hermitage Chapel and the Cité du Chocolat, celebrating local culinary delights. With its blend of fine wine, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Tain-l'Hermitage is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of Provence.
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Day 6 Lyon, France 23 Aug 2026 (Sunday)
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
See less - Day 7 Chalon-sur-Saône, France 24 Aug 2026 (Monday)
- Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône, France 25 Aug 2026 (Tuesday)
- Day 9 Vernon, France 26 Aug 2026 (Wednesday)
- Day 10 Caudebec-en-Caux, France 27 Aug 2026 (Thursday)
- Day 11 Caudebec-en-Caux, France 28 Aug 2026 (Friday)
- Day 12 Rouen, France 29 Aug 2026 (Saturday)
- Day 13 Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France 30 Aug 2026 (Sunday)
- Day 14 Paris, France 31 Aug 2026 (Monday)
- Day 15 Paris, France 01 Sep 2026 (Tuesday)
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Day 16 Cadillac, France 02 Sep 2026 (Wednesday)
Cadillac, France, is a charming town in the Gironde department, known for its historic architecture and vineyards. Famous for its production of sweet white wines, especially Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, the town features a well-preserved 18th-century château and picturesque streets. Set along the Garonne River, Cadillac offers scenic views and a rich heritage, blending historical charm with local wine culture. Its vibrant markets and serene atmosphere make it a pleasant destination for those exploring the Bordeaux wine region.Cadillac, France, is a charming town in the Gironde department, known for its historic architecture and vineyards. Famous for its production of sweet white wines, especially Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, the town features a well-preserved 18th-century château and picturesque streets. Set along the Garonne River, Cadillac offers scenic views and a rich heritage, blending historical charm with local wine culture. Its vibrant markets and serene atmosphere make it a pleasant destination for those exploring the Bordeaux wine region.
See less - Day 17 Cussac-Fort-Médoc, France 03 Sep 2026 (Thursday)
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Day 18 Blaye, France 04 Sep 2026 (Friday)
Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
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Day 19 Libourne, France 05 Sep 2026 (Saturday)
Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town's bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town's bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.
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Day 20 Bordeaux, France 06 Sep 2026 (Sunday)
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years)... See moreBordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
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Day 21 Bordeaux, France 07 Sep 2026 (Monday)
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years)... See moreBordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
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Day 22 Bordeaux, France 08 Sep 2026 (Tuesday)
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years)... See moreBordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
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What's Included:
- Award-winning Panorama Suites with beds that face the view.
- Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing every day.
- All onboard meals serving a la carte dinners.
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast & wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
- 'Happy Hour' serving complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails.
- Club Lounge with a 24-hour self-serve premium beverage station.
- Daily Afternoon Tea.
- Gratuities for the Cruise Director & Crew.
- Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions.
- An expert Cruise Director.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Flights and overseas transfers.
Suites
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Avalon Deluxe Stateroom
Room Features
- Comfort Collection Beds
- Luxurious mattress toppers
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- European-style duvets
- Soft & firm pillows
- Extra blankets
- Choice of bed configuration
- Nightly turn-down service
- Bedside tables with reading lamps
- Premium hairdryer
- L'Occitane bath products
- Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
- Easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
- Alarm clock
- Direct-dial telephone
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Well-stocked minibar
- Complimentary filtered water
- In-room safe
- Individual climate control
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Large mirror in bathroom
- Two windows
- Full shower with glass door
- Writing desk and chair
- Lighted makeup mirror
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
- USB Ports
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom
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Panorama Suite
Room Features
- Comfort Collection Beds
- Luxurious mattress toppers
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- European-style duvets
- Soft & firm pillows
- Extra blankets
- Choice of bed configuration
- Nightly turn-down service
- Bedside tables with reading lamps
- Premium hairdryer
- L'Occitane bath products
- Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
- Easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
- Alarm clock
- Make-up mirror
- Direct-dial telephone
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Well-stocked minibar
- Complimentary filtered water
- In-room safe
- Individual climate control
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Large mirror in bathroom
- Marble countertops in bathroom
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
- 6-person sitting area
- Full shower with glass door
- Writing desk and chair
- Lighted makeup mirror
- Sofa
- Coffee table
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
- USB Ports
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
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Royal Suite
Room Features
- Comfort Collection Beds
- Luxurious mattress toppers
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- European-style duvets
- Soft & firm pillows
- Extra blankets
- Choice of bed configuration
- Nightly turn-down service
- Bedside tables with reading lamps
- Premium hairdryer
- L'Occitane bath products
- Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
- Easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
- Alarm clock
- Make-up mirror
- Direct-dial telephone
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Well-stocked minibar
- Complimentary filtered water
- In-room safe
- Individual climate control
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Large mirror in bathroom
- Marble countertops in bathroom
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
- 6-person sitting area
- Full shower with glass door
- Writing desk and chair
- Lighted makeup mirror
- Sofa
- Coffee table
- Double sinks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- USB Ports
- One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins
Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Restaurants
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Dining Room
The ship’s main venue is the Dining Room situated on the Sapphire deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening.
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Sky Grill
On a sunny day, enjoy hand carved meats and expansive buffets including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all a view courtesy of our Sky Grill.
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Panorama Bistro
The Panorama Lounge & Bistro, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for a stunning view, offers a casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy a variety of regional and tapas-style dishes, hand-paired with local wines.
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Room Service
Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.
Deckplans
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Sky Deck
- Sky Lounge (1)
- Navigation Bridge (2)
- Sky Grill (3)
- Whirlpool (4)
- Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings (5)
- Deck Game Area (6)
- Sky Lounge (1)
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Royal Deck
- Observation Lounge (7)
- Panorama Bistro (8)
- Panorama Lounge (9)
- Bar (10)
- Reception (11)
- Adventure Center (12)
- Lobby (13)
- Elevator (14)
- Club Lounge (15)
- Royal Suite
- Cat. P Panorama Suites
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Sapphire Deck
- Galley (16)
- Dining Room (17)
- Cat. A & B Panorama Suites
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Indigo Deck
- Fitness Centre (18)
- Cat. D & E Deluxe Staterooms
Ready to Book?
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