What better place to explore the best in French wines than in France itself? Begin your holiday in the south of France with an overnight stay in lovely Marseille. You’ll cruise in the company of a Master of Wine on the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Hear fascinating facts about the vintner process, and enjoy wine tastings for the perfect pairings of dinner, cheese, and chocolates. Cruise from Provence to Paris, beginning with the lovely town of Arles. Relax in the Van Gogh café for a glass of wine in the setting that inspired the artist. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take an excursion to tour Châteauneuf du Pape. Cruise to beautiful Viviers and medieval Tournon, nestled among the vineyards, for a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk through the vineyards. Visit Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Enjoy an onboard wine-and-cheese tasting, and cruise to Mâcon for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar.
Disembark your ship in St. Jean de Losne, transfer to Beaune and catch a high-speed train to Paris. Enjoy a full day in the “City of Light” with guided sightseeing of the iconic landmarks and free time to stroll. Cruise on the Seine River to Conflans. Choose a guided tour of Vincent Van Gogh’s home or the opulent Château de Malmaison—Napoléon and Josephine’s lavish home. In Rouen, take a guided sightseeing tour in the city of Joan of Arc. From Caudebec, join an excursion to Normandy with your choice of a “Taste of Normandy” excursion in the pastoral landscapes, or a tour of the WWII landing beaches and Allied monuments and cemeteries. A moving experience to be sure. Enjoy crepes and pastry while sailing to Vernon to visit Monet’s home and gardens, so beautifully captured in his impressionist paintings.
Your cruise concludes in Paris, where you’ll board a flight to Venice, Italy, to begin Monograms holiday. Spend three nights in Venice and three nights in Rome, including guided sightseeing, superior accommodations, and plenty of free time to explore as you please. Your Monograms Local Host is on hand to assist you throughout your stay in Venice and Rome.
