There's romance in the air! Breathe in the sensual aromas of the French countryside as we wind our way through Provence and Burgundy on a river cruise that will tantalize your taste buds and titillate your palate. Experience the rich history and exquisite wines of the world-renowned Beaujolais region, the gastronomic capital of France. Stroll through medieval alleyways and be enchanted with the beauty of Renaissance architecture. Take in the charm of Romanesque Viviers, and the mystical "Palace" in Avignon, the "City of Popes." You can even start your journey with a optional romantic 1-night stay in Nice!
Join 138 women on the brand new Avalon Scenery, a luxurious riverboat with over-the-top amenities, including floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to look out directly onto the river on two of the decks. If you are looking for alternate dates or if you're interested in the return itinerary, check out Discovering Provence & Burgundy I!

Your Experience

Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh spent a very productive year inspired by the special light of the Provence. See how the Old Town is a mélange of Christian, Roman, and medieval architecture. In charming Avignon, the most picturesque part of Provence, you'll be enchanted by the 14th century, grandiose "Palace of the Popes." Visit the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage nestled among vineyards between the River Rhone and the granite of slopes of the Hermitage, featuring a Romanesque cathedral. Stumble across Roman ruins, excellent museums, Renaissance architecture, and colorful local produce markets. You'll take guided walking tours in Macon, with architectural wonders dating back to the 6th century, see half-timbered houses from the 15th century, and enjoy the wine and haute cuisine of the Beaujolais region. You'll also have the option to take additional wine-tasting excursions. Take in the famous historical sites and rich art and culture of Chalons sur-Saone. See one of France's architectural highlights, Hotel-Dieu charity Hospital, which houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment.

Your Activities

Start your trip in Nice with our optional one-night hotel package, July 7-8, 2008. We will offer an optional tour to Eze and Monte Carlo, or you can spend the time relaxing after your long flight, exploring the local scene in the heart of the Riviera.
When you're not out taking in the rich history and culinary pleasures, you'll enjoy performances by 2 of Olivia's world-class artists hand-picked just for you. Attend insightful travel lectures for valuable information about your destinations. Keep up with your workouts at the fitness center and soak your feet in the fun "wading" pool or 6-person whirlpool. Stay in touch with family or the office with onboard Internet access. Enjoy cocktails your with Olivia friends at the bar or club lounge, watch the light as it dances across the surface of the river, and savor the intimacy of this romantic journey as you watch the beautiful changing scenery of the passing river banks. You'll also enjoy performances by two of Olivia's world-class artists, Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward.

Your Transfers & Connections

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Olivia will be providing transportation to transfer guests to and from the Avalon Scenery. To take advantage of this service, it is important that everyone meet in Nice at the central Hotel that we will be using for our pre-cruise, one-night package on the late morning/early afternoon of July 8 (approx. 1:00pm TBA) to board the bus to the ship in Arles. The transfer from Nice to the ship in Arles takes approximately two hours, so don't be left behind. We encourage you to take advantage of our pre-cruise hotel package so you don't miss the bus! The transfer from Nice to the ship in Arles takes approximately two hours without the touring we are providing, so don't be left behind. From Nice, we will transfer by bus along the Cote d'Azur into the Provence region and to Arles where the crew of your river cruise vessel waits to welcome you! This transfer is included in the cost of the trip.
As we end our tour in Chalons sur-Saone we’ll transfer you after breakfast either to the hotel we are using for our optional post-cruise, two-night stay July 15-17, or directly to the airport for your return home. Transfer is approximately 3-3 1/2 hours. This transfer is included in the cost of your cruise. If you are joining us on our two-night package in Paris, we will tour some of the most renowned city sights, and then you'll have the afternoon free to experience Paris on your own. Venture to the top of the Eiffel Tower and take in the view, lose yourself in the Louvre, explore the Latin Quarter, or do it all! Join us!

Your Ship

You'll travel in style and comfort on the brand new Avalon Scenery, offering the largest staterooms on the European waterways today. A spacious 172-square feet, these beautiful staterooms are equipped with unique amenities you would expect to find at a fine resort, including a modern private bathroom with shower, comfortable hotel-style beds, European-style duvets and Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, 90% floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, large closets, flat-screened TVs, a safe, a minibar, and individual climate control. In addition there is an elevator, and a wading pool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing.

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