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 an optional romantic 2-night stay in Paris where you can slowly stroll Boulevard St. Michel on your way to the breathtaking Notre Dame.

Take in the famous historical sites and rich art and culture of Chalons sur-Saone. 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. Stumble across Roman ruins, excellent museums, Renaissance architecture, and colorful local produce markets. 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. 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 Roman Amphitheater in Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh spent a very productive year inspired by the special light of the Provence. You'll also have the option to take additional wine-tasting excursions.

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.

Important Information: We will be providing transportation to transfer guests to and from the Avalon Scenery from a local hotel in Paris, and to a local hotel or the airport in Nice. To take advantage of this service, it is important that everyone meet in Paris at the central Hotel that we will be using for our pre-cruise, two-night package on the morning of July 1 (approx. 9:00am) to board bus to transfer to the ship. We encourage you to take advantage of our two night pre-cruise hotel package so you don't miss the bus! The transfer from Paris to the ship in Chalons-sur-Asone takes approximately four hours without the touring and stops we are providing, so don't be left behind. This transfer is included in the cost of your trip. From Paris, we will travel south past the forest of Fontainbleau and into Burgundy. We will stop at a local winery and you'll have the opportunity to purchase a light lunch. See one of France's architectural highlights, Hotel-Dieu charity Hospital, which houses Van der Weyden's painting of the Last Judgment. We arrive at the ship at approximately 4:00 pm. As we end our tour in Arles, we will transfer you either to the hotel we are using for our optional post-cruise, one-night package July 8-9, 2008, or to the airport for your return home. Transferring from Arles to Nice will take approximately one and a half to two hours. If joining us for the post-trip package, you'll explore beautiful Nice, stroll along the Flower market or take an optional excursion to Eze and Monte Carlo.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Price includes: all meals, house wine, juice or ice tea drinks with dinner, all sightseeing tours as listed in Itinerary, our staff assistance throughout, transfers to/from ship. Not included: airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $399 (subject to change), beverages outside of those indicated above. Please note: the deposit for this trip is $500 per person. Early booking pricing valid until 4/24/08.