Reservations Closed
A perfect way to see the most beautiful and historic regions of France. The tour starts in the UNESCO city of LYON, with its 2,000 years of history that still today preserves the fruits of its past. From the ancient theater and abundant ruins that date back to Gallo-Roman times, they all wind through the Middle Ages and Renaissance influences of this charming city.
We then board our RHONE RIVER CRUISE ship as we sail by the scenic landscapes of the South of France seeing some of the most beautiful, historic and wild parts of Provence, all the way to the jewel of region, Avignon.
We end our tour of Francs with two classic visits. The first is to NORMANDY on the coast of northern France. Here’s where in 1944 Allied troops launched the D-Day landings on 5 beaches along its coast and where we remember the heroes of the D-Day landings. And to PARIS — the “City of Lights” that is enchanting at every turn, at any time and in every season. There is so much to see; The Cathedral of Notre Dame, the famous Champ- Elyees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Around every corner and narrow street, you’ll find quaint splendor that highlights the character of this beautiful city. Paris simply glistens with riches to be explored. Even if you have been to Paris before, it is a city that you can return to again and again.
Tour Includes:
• Round-trip transportation to JFK
• Round-trip jet flights to Lyon and return from Paris
• Round-trip transfers between airport, hotels rail stations and piers
• Rail transportation as per itinerary
• Accommodations in 1st class hotels in Lyon and Paris
• Airline & hotel taxes
• Service charges at the hotel
• Portage
• Daily breakfast
• Additional meals as indicated in itinerary
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Touring entrance fees
Cruise Package for 5 days & 4 nights Includes:
• Accommodations in category selected
• All meals included from breakfast the first day until breakfast on last day
• All drinks with meals and at the bar
• Wonderful French cuisine
• Gala dinner
• Welcome cocktail
• Onboard entertainment
• Multi-Lingual Hostess
• Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
• Official welcome from the captain and crew
• Onboard activities
• All port fees included
Added Features:
• Welcome dinner in Lyon with the famous Beaujolais wine
• A visit to the Ardèche Gorges, the most beautiful canyon in Europe
• Tour to Vercors Plateau and its “hanging houses”
• A memorable visit to Normandy and its World War II history
• Farewell evening dinner cruise in Paris on the River Seine
• Optional Moulin Rouge nightclub tour (details to follow)
Tour Itinerary
1st Day, Friday, April 19: To Paris
Depart from Montauk & East Hampton for JFK to board our overnight flight to Paris.
2nd Day, Saturday April 20: Paris to Lyon (D)
Morning arrival in Paris where we connect to our flight to Lyon. After clearing customs, we transfer to our accommodations in the medieval city of Lyon. From the ancient theaters and abundant ruins that date back to Gallo-Roman times, Lyon is a picture postcard of the Middle Ages and Renaissance influences. After time to relax, we will have our Welcome to France dinner including some of the region’s famous Beaujolais wine.
3rd Day, Sunday April 21: Morning in Lyon. Afternoon start our cruise of the Rhone River (D)
After breakfast, we will have a morning walking tour of the historic city of Lyon. With beautiful architecture and a silk-weaving history dating back centuries, Lyon ranks among France’s must-see cities. We will stroll through the Old Town to the UNESCO–listed Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, as well as hit top attractions including Bellecour Square and St. Jean’s Cathedral. We end the tour with a visit to a traditional Lyonnais silk workshop and gain insight into the silk-weaving industry that helped shape the city we see today. Return to our hotel where we have a few hours free time for lunch on our own before we transfer to the pier and board our river cruise ship. After comfortably settling into our cabins, we’ll be introduced our crew at a welcome cocktail party followed by dinner and an evening of entertainment. Our ship will cruise through the night.
4th Day, Monday April 22: Arrival Arles (B/D)
After Enjoy breakfast we cruise gently through the picturesque landscapes of southern France. After lunch on board, we’ll arrive in Arles and set off a guided visit of the city, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and two-thousand years of history has preserved an exceptional monumental heritage, making the city a veritable open-air museum. Welcome to one of the most important tourist and cultural sites in France. During the course of this guided tour we will see the Roman Amphitheatre (the “Arènes”), the Ancient Roman Theatre, Place St Trophime with its cloister and church, which are part of the Arles route, one of the three pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. We will continue our visit with Place du Forum and finally, the Thermae of Constantine. Free time to explore before we return to our boat on foot. Dinner and evening .
5th Day, Tuesday April 23: To Avignon, Vivers and the Ardeche Gorges (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will have a morning walking tour of the old town of Avignon. With the Pope’s Palace, classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and a testimony to the city’s past when it was known as the capital of Christianity back in the Middle Ages, Avignon offers an impressive array of monuments. Along the Passage de l’Oratoire, you’ll be able to admire the exteriors of the chapel, classified as a historic monument. We’ll move on to St Agricol street where you’ll get to see the diocesan Church, the oldest in the city. We end the tour with a visit to the Pope’s Palace the most important monument in the city. It’s made of two parts: the old Palais of Pope Benedict XII (1334 – 1342), and the new Palais of his successor Pope Clement VI (1342 – 1352). Our visit will take us through the staterooms where numerous ceremonies and feasts took place, the chapels, the Pope’s private apartments and the terraces, which offer a wonderful panorama on Avignon and the Rhône River. Return on board on foot and we continue our sailing. After lunch, we are off on a panoramic tour by coach to the Ardeche Gorges, an area that abounds with wonderful dramatic and unspoiled natural scenery. Our breath will be taken away by the views of the mountain range’s steep valleys, the ever-present granite and volcanic rocks, and much more. The Ardeche is a wild untamed river until it reaches Vallon Pont d’Arc. Here it bores its way through the rock, creating a huge natural archway – the “Pont de l’Arc” which is about 100 feet high. After a photo we continue to the Madeleine Cave, where the coach will stop for us to visit the cave. Located in the heart of an area of pure natural setting, the beauty of the caves has captivated even the most experienced of travelers. The Madeleine Cave is surely one of the most amazing worlds created by underground waters millions of years ago. Return by coach to the boat. For dinner and our overnight.
6th Day, Wednesday April 24: To Tain L’Hermitage & the Vercors Plateau (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we depart by coach from La Voulte towards Die. Carved out in limestone, water has shaped deep gorges in the cliffs and majestic cirques, We’ll stop at the wine cellars of Die Jaillance to discover a true love story between men and the vines, and enjoy a wine tasting session. Afterwards, continue for a panoramic view of the Rousset Pass located in the heart of the Vercors high in the mountains, and Pont-en-Royans where we’ll get to see the suspended houses, whose daring architecture dates as far back as the 15th century. We return by coach to Tain l’Hermitage to board our ship for dinner and our overnight
7th Day, Thursday, April 25: Arrival Lyon and onto Paris: (B)
An early disembarkation from our ship as we transfer to the rail station for a approximately 2+ hour train ride to Paris. Upon arrival, we will be met and have a sightseeing tour of Paris that highlights the best of Paris including visiting the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, the Sorbonne, the Pantheon and the intriguing Left Bank, Sacre-Coeur and a visit to the famed Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, why not do to the Louvre, one of the world’s great museums to experience so much of the treasures housed here. Or “walk the city” as Paris is a wonderful walking city with so much to see and do. Evening is on our own. Or take an optional dinner Bateaux Parisien dinner cruise for incomparable views of Paris and its monuments all lit up in a fantastic display of beauty as you cruise the River Seine. Maybe experience some of the world-famous nightspots like the Lido or the Moulin Rouge.
8th Day, Friday, April 26: In Paris – Excursion to Normandy (B/L/D)
Early departure by train to Bayeau where we will meet our coach and guide for our tour of Normandy on the coast of northern France where in 1944 Allied troops landed on 5 beaches along the coast as we remember the heroes of the D-Day landings. The beaches code named Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword and “Bloody Omaha” leave many with tears in their eyes. We’ll also view memorable sights of Omaha Beach, the Memorial Peace Museum and the American Military Cemetery. We will have lunch in Normandy and then board our train back to Paris.” Time to rest before our special “Farewell to Paris” dinner cruise on the Seine as glorious Paris takes on a new brilliance at night. The city’s monuments and sites shine with a delicate and ethereal beauty once the sun sets. We’ll pass beneath many of the most beautiful bridges and enjoy a wonderful dinner watching the glittering Paris skyline.
8th Day; Friday, May 3- Back to NYC (B)
After breakfast, Morning at leisure to some independent exploration of Paris. In the afternoon we transfer to the airport and our flight to JFK. Upon arrival, after Immigration and Customs, we board our coach for the journey back to East Hampton and Montauk.
Our cruise ship, the MS Camargue
This vessel features comfortable cabins on two Decks (Main Deck and Upper Deck) with modern amenities, delicious gourmet cuisine, free Wi-Fi access and the use of all onboard facilities, such as a lounge and sundeck for panoramic views. Enjoy unlimited mineral water, fruit juice, coffee, cappuccino, beer, wine and spirits.
Our tour features all Outside Staterooms on a choice of two decks: Our cozy Outside stateroom, although like all river cruise ships, is small, but is very comfortable and features the experience of French hospitality. Twin beds, air conditioning, private bathroom, hair dryer, TV and safety deposit box They are designed to be the ideal personal space, while at the same time the cabin stewards with their flawless personalized service make sure we have everything we need.
Located on the upper deck, the restaurant is where all the meals are served during our cruise. It seats all guests at tables, which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual. We can enjoy freshly prepared regional, traditional and seasonal specialties such as grilled meats and fish, plus there is also a selection of light, healthy dishes including salads, fruit and soups.
The Camargue boasts a charming lounge and bar area, complete with dance floor. Relax and take in the stunning views by day. In the evening, enjoy the lively entertainment as you chat with your friends.
CABIN DESCRIPTIONS & ALLOTMENTS
MAIN DECK Twin/Double Cabin – Five [5] Twins/Double Cabins Available [no Singles]
These stylish cabins feature windows offering river views, are fully air-conditioned, have en-suite shower, WC and are furnished with twin beds or together to form a double and telephones for local calls.
UPPER DECK Twin/Double Cabin – Five [5 Twins/Dbls & Two [2] Single Cabins Available
These premium cabins are found on the Upper Deck with larger panoramic windows than are found on the Main Deck cabins. They offer the best views on the ship. They are furnished with twin beds or double beds. As with all accommodation on the ship, these cabins have private en suite facilities, air-conditioning and cabin amenities include a television and telephone for local calls.
Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour
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PRICE PER PERSON
MAIN DECK CABIN & TWIN-BEDDED ROOM AT HOTELS
Per Person in Double Occupancy Cabin
$3,349 check or money order, $3,669 credit card
UPPER DECK CABIN & TWIN or SINGLE BEDDED ROOM AT HOTELS
Per Person in Double Occupancy Cabin
$3,489 check or money order, $3,679 credit card
Per Person in Single Occupancy Cabin (very limited availability)
$4,149 check or money order’ $4,369 credit card
No Triple Cabins
Add to above costs:
> U.S. airline facility, security, taxes and Surcharge
$499 ($525 credit card)
> Prepaid Gratuities onboard the cruise and also for Sightseeing guides, drivers, etc.
$100 ($105 credit card)
INITIAL DEPOSIT
$400 ($420 credit card) deposit due on or before September 29, 2018 to hold space. Thereafter reservations are on request.
FINAL PAYMENTS: Due on or before February 5, 2019
Reservations Closed
If you have already registered online and require access to the payment page, click here.
Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
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