Cruise Overview

Combine time in France's splendid capital with discoveries of quaint villages along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region. Embark in Paris, the vibrant "City of Light," then set sail and choose between a visit of Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's elegant Château de Malmaison. Next up: your choice of a guided visit of Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny or remarkable Bizy Castle. On to Joan of Arc's historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to the poignant Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating "Taste of Normandy." Continue to dramatic Château Gaillard at Les Andelys, with free time to explore this medieval town on your own. Return to Paris, where you'll disembark and conclude your exciting vacation!

THEME CRUISES
Oct 31 Departure is offered as an exclusive Art Cruise, including special lectures and features available at no additional cost.

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Paris to Paris in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
PARIS: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing
CONFLANS: Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Château de Malmaison
VERNON: Choice of guided excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle
ROUEN: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the Cathedral; choice of excursions to Normandy landing beaches or "A Taste of Normandy"
LES ANDELYS:Orientation, see Château Gaillard

Meals - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

Notes: In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience with Avalon.
Panoramic windows throughout every ship.
Spacious designs provide personal space.
Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
Headsets for shore excursions.
Highest-quality craftsmanship.
Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
Coffee self-serve beverage station.
A lounge serving premium spirit cocktails.
Maintain your routine in the fitness center.
The Comfort Collection by AvalonSM.
Premium L'Occitane bath amenities.
Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
Made-to-order egg station is at buffet.
Chef-inspired regional recipes.
Four-course dinners with open seating.
Choice of appetizers, soups & salads.
Nightly option of entree, dessert or cheese.
Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
Beer or soft drinks free with dinner.
Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m.
Remarkable service through the cruise.
English-speaking crew.
Non-smoking interior.
Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors.
Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels.
Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage.
Internet access to stay in touch with family.
And, much more.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Paris, France (Embarkation)
(Tue.) Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine, the "City of Light," where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2 Paris
(Wed.) Paris' famous sights are living history. 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, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Paris–Conflans
(Thu.) After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the River 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 Napoleon and Josephine's CHÂTEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Vernon
(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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Rouen
(Sat.) Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Rouen
(Sun.) Make your choice today of 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 apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. (B,L,D )

Day 7 Les Andelys
(Mon.) The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Château Gaillard at Les Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the château is truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this last day in France in this delightful small town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)
(Tue.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 8 am. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
You'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

Avalon Creativity

Enjoy unmatched service, sumptuous cuisine, panoramic views, first-class amenities, and spacious staterooms as you cruise through France on the Avalon Creativity. Carrying a maximum of just 140 passengers, the Creativity offers staterooms that are a full 15% larger than the industry standard - with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks - so you'll be comfortable, relaxed, and fully engaged with the passing French countryside as you cruise between Paris and Rouen. From a fitness center and hair salon to Wi-Fi access and a complimentary premium beverage station, the Creativity was built with an impressive collection of remarkable amenities to enhance your journey. The whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing, and the Internet corner allows you to stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E) - 172 sq. ft.

Two windows
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk
Vanity
Bed
Sink
Toilet


Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. A, B, P) - 172 sq. ft.


Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with French Balcony
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk
Vanity
Bed
Sink
Toilet


Avalon Suite - 258 sq. ft.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with French Balcony
Full shower with glass door
Writing desk
Vanity
Bed
Sink
Toilet
Sofa
Coffee table

Deck Plans

Included Amenities
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
Sky Deck with shade system
Wi-Fi access
Non-smoking interior
Elevator
Modern Finishings
Outside Viewing Deck
Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
English-speaking crew
Sightseeing with a Local Guide
Cruise Director
Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
Revolutionary Engineering
Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages
Sky Deck whirlpool
Internet corner
Fitness center
Hair salon


On-Board Features
Sky Deck whirlpool
Lounge
Bar
Internet corner
Fitness center
Hair salon
Foyer/Lobby
Dining room
Outside View Deck
Club Lounge
Library corner

PARIS TO NORMANDY'S LANDING BEACHES  - 9 DAYS
Prices do not include airfare. We will be glad to help you find the least expensive airfare, or you can use
mileage if desired.  When you Book Online, please enter your departure city on the "SPECIAL REQUESTS"
field and we will get back to you immediately with an air quote.  AIRFARE BEGINS FROM APPROX $650
PLUS AIRPORT TAXES.  PORT FEES ARE ALSO ADDITIONAL AND VARY FROM CRUISE TO CRUISE
(approx from $98 to $128) .Thank you.

 PLUS Port charges: $98

THEME CRUISES
Oct 31 Departure is offered as an exclusive Art Cruise, including special lectures and features available at no additional cost.

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Extra nights per person in Paris:Departures April 4 - May 9 & July 4 - Aug 22: in single room $305, in twin room $165. Departures May 16 - June 13, June 27 & Sept 5 - Oct 31: in single room $350, in twin room $185. Departures June 20 & Aug 29: in single room $480, in twin room $250
Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in an outside Avalon Deluxe Stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Queen), add per person:
Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $499
A / Sapphire Deck / $549
P / Royal Deck / $649
Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199

Sun Holidays Discount Policy (Club Members Only)

• 5% Automatic Club Member Discount
• 3% Additional Discount for Early Birds (*)

(*) Early Bird Discount is valid for reservations made at least 120 days prior to departure and paid in full within 7 days.

To qualify, please join our Travel Club. Thank you.

Save on all featured destinations:

Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, France, Ireland/UK, Greece, Greek Island & Turkey Cruises,  European River Cruises, Russia & Scandinavia, Asia/Pacific, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.

Note: Discounts are applicable to the base package price only.  Not combinable with any other offers or discounts.  You will also be included in our mailing list for new brochures and e-mail specials.