This European river cruise holiday begins on the Rhine River and continues on the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Begin with canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam, as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg—Germany’s oldest university town with its commanding castle. Also, sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. A motorcoach transfer takes you into France’s Burgundy region to fascinating Beaune for a visit to Hôtel-Dieu.
A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Board your second Avalon Suite Ship® in quaint St. Jean de Losne and set sail for Mâcon for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Visit France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour of the famous wine region of Beaujolais. Continue to the medieval city of Tournon to enjoy a guided walk with a wine-and-chocolate tasting or a walk in the vineyards. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Châteauneuf du Pape. Sail through the peaceful Camargue area to Port-Saint-Louis. After your cruise, enjoy a Monograms holiday in Nice and Barcelona.
Disembark your ship and transfer to Nice to begin your Monograms holiday for two nights in France. Here, you’ll walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. In your free time, perhaps take an excursion to Monaco or Cannes—known for its famous film festival.
Next fly from Nice to Barcelona, where you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing, including Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, an inside visit of Sagrada Familia Basilica and relaxing free time—all part of your Monograms holiday package in Spain. At your service is an expert Monograms Local Host® who is available to assist you throughout your stay in Nice and Barcelona.
A mixture of French landscapes, cuisine, and iconic sights, combined with the spice and flavour of colourful Barcelona creates the perfect recipe for a European getaway.