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    22 Days European Delights with France River Cruise from $10,767pp $8,399pp after Getaway Cash travel credits:
    • All airfares
    • 2-night Singapore stop-over
    • 4 nights Paris with Le Louvre tour, Eiffel Tower dinner, Seine River cruise and The Moulin Rouge show
    • Wonderful 7-day river cruise through the south of France
    • 7-day guided, highlights tour of Italy, France and Switzerland
    • All top-class accommodation
    • All meals on cruise
    • Hotel breakfasts
    • Train fares and much more...

    Save up to 22% off full retail value.

    Genoa, Italy
    Genoa, Italy

    FULL RETAIL VALUE: $10,767pp. YOU PAY FROM $8,399, SAVE UP TO $2,368pp.

    BOOKING ENQUIRY

    Trip Highlights

    This is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday combining a highlights guided tour of France, Switzerland and Italy with a wonderful river cruise through the south of France and a 3-night Paris experience.

    Enjoy these highlights*:

    • Break up the trip with a stop-over in Singapore.
    • Soak up the romance of Paris with stylish accommodation in Saint Germain Des Pres.
    • Tour Le Louvre, dine at the Eiffel Tower and be captivated by The Moulin Rouge show.
    • Tour through France to Lucerne, Switzerland and then through the top of Italy to Milan and Venice.
    • Be taken in by the charm of Venice.
    • Visit Florence, Pisa and Rome and Monaco.
    • Travel from Paris to Lyon on the TGV high-speed train.
    • Be spoilt on your 7-day Saone and Rhone river cruise through southern France visiting beautiful French towns along the way such as Avignon and Arles.

    * Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to season and departure city.

    Global Escapes Travel

    In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.

    Package Pricing

    World-wide Savings Guarantee

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    Bring us a competitor quote and let us go to work for you.

    We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.

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    Saving Guarantee

    World-wide savings Guarantee

    We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:

    Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).

    Terms & Conditions

    The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.

    1. ACCOMMODATION-ONLY

    There are two main scenarios:

    (1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.

    If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:

    1. Any price supplied is an estimate only and is subject to our standard booking conditions.
    2. The price beat and inclusion details will be confirmed in a travel plan.

    (2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.

    A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.

    2. TRAVEL & TOUR PACKAGES

    Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").

    Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:

    1. Any package components that are exclusive to specific suppliers to which we do not have access will not be included.
    2. Alternative supplier products of a substantially similar type and standard may be included.
    3. Accommodation may be in a different but similar location.
    4. The price-beat may be based on alternative travel and departure dates.
    5. This guarantee does not apply to flight-only or cruise-only bookings. The booking type must qualify for Getaway Cash travel credits usage (refer to website FAQs).
    6. Added value may include travel services supplied by the company.
    7. Added value may be treated as a price deduction for the purposes of the price-beat.
    8. Any price supplied is an estimate only.
    9. The price beat and inclusion details will be confirmed in a travel plan.

    A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.

    3. GENERAL CONDITIONS

    The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.

    A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:

    1. Evidence regarding an accommodation-only price-beat may be supplied by phone or email stating the name of the property and room type, where you saw the price (on what website, in what publication etc.)
    2. Evidence regarding a tour or travel package must be provided to us in the form of a written quotation by the competitor travel agent, sent/forwarded via email to your company contact, or to admin@australianescapes.com.au. Enter your name as the email subject line. Alternatively, upload the quote (PDF or Word doc) via the Competitor Price Beater page. It must be a formal quotation, not an advertisement or website page.
    3. Your exact booking requirements including travel/booking date range(s), number and age of travellers and special requirements if any.
    4. The price-beat request and any subsequent travel plan and/or booking is subject to our standard booking conditions.

    A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.

    5. TRAVEL/TOUR PACKAGE DEPOSIT GUARANTEE

    This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.

    1. The deposit amount will be deducted from the price if you proceed.
    2. The deposit amount will be refunded in the event that the proposed travel dates are not within the requested date range(s).
    3. Subject to 5.2, if you do not proceed, the deposit amount will be forfeited.

    5. MEMBERSHIP TO BE CURRENT

    Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.

    FULL RETAIL VALUE

    $10,767pp

    SAVINGS APPLIED

    -$2,368

    YOU PAY FROM*

    $8,399

    SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22%

    Discover the Travel Club Advantage

    Australian Escapes has been saving members money on their holidays now for over 20 years and we can do the same for you. You can start today for FREE!

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    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

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    Inclusions

    "You'll have the time of your life. Sit back, relax and enjoy..."

    "My husband and I have recently returned from a holiday to Canada and Alaska booked through Australian Escapes. The itinerary was planned to take in all aspects of the holiday we required. The travel transfers worked seamlessly and the accommodation was at a standard that met our expectations of comfort and location. We absolutely loved the cruise and surprise upgrade to our stateroom. From our experience with this recent trip I would recommend Australian Escapes." Margaret & Bill T.

    This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

    Package inclusions:

    • Return international flights
    • 2 nights, 4-star+ central Singapore hotel accommodation plus one night flexible for early check-in or late departure
    • Private car airport transfers in Singapore
    • 4 nights, 4-star+ central Paris hotel accommodation
    • Private car airport transfers in Paris
    • Eiffel tower dinner
    • Seine River cruise
    • Moulin Rouge show
    • Guided tour of Le Louvre
    • 7-day highlights tour of France, Switzerland and Italy
    • TGV train trip to Lyon
    • 2 nights, 4-star+ Lyon accommodation
    • 7-night river cruise through south of France
    • Flight from Lyon to Paris
    • Full breakfasts daily
    • All meals and beverages on cruise

    Sightseeing & destination highlights:

    • Be fascinated by the ostentatious design of Milan Cathedral
    • See the Grand Canal and stroll though San Marco Square in Venice
    • Visit the Vatican and be awed by St Peter's basilica in Rome
    • Learn about Roman history at the Colosseum
    • Toss a few coins into Trevi Fountain and promise to return one day
    • Take a selfie holding up the leaning tower of Pisa
    • Be captivated by the beauty of the northern coastline of Italy
    • Learn how purfume is made at Frogonard purfumery
    • Visit Monaco, Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera
    • Dine at an Eiffel tower restaurant with views across Paris
    • Cruise the River Seine
    • Enjoy the "Feerie" show at The Moulin Rouge
    • Stand in front of the Mona Lisa and other great exhibits at Le Louvre
    • Fall in love with Paris, the city of lights
    • Travel to Lyon on the high-speed TGV train
    • Cruise the Saone and Rhone rivers in luxury
    • Dine on the best, delicious French cuisine
    • Gaze over Beaujolais vineyards
    • Absorb the unspoiled the Ardèche gorges
    • Discover Avignon, the city of the Popes
    • See the white horses at the wild Camargue
    • View your trip itinerary for more highlights

    Cruise features & amenities:

    • Unlimited complimentary onboard beverages, including beer, fine wine, spirits, mineral bottled water, soft drinks specialty coffees and tea.
    • All meals featuring superb French cuisine
    • Farewell gala dinner
    • Free WiFi
    • Complimentary Samsung Galaxy tablet for guest use
    • Shore excursions with wireless audio system
    • Captain’s welcome cocktail reception
    • Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
    • On board professional entertainment and crew team show
    • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
    • All port fees included

    Other:

    • Add comprehensive travel insurance for $249 per person
    • Add extra nights wherever you want and pay the lowest member rates
    • Hand-picked, top-rated hotels, all tried and trusted
    • Variety of optional excursions and tours
    • Private car airport transfers supplied where specified

    All packages include:

    • Lonely Planet guides for Singapore, Italy and France
    • No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
    • Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
    • Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
    • Comprehensive, printed itinerary
    • Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
    • Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

    Carefully selected accommodation:

    Hotel standards

    Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

    Fully customisable:

    This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

    Special value:

    Lonely Planet Logo

    Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

    Singapore
    France
    Italy

    You will receive these guides to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.


    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

    Your Itinerary

    Embark on an all-inclusive journey taking you down some of the world's most famous waterways, discovering the hidden gems of Europe and experiencing moments that recreate the wonder of years past.

    "To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries" - Aldous Huxley

    DAY 1: AUSTRALIA - SINGAPORE (2 NIGHTS)

    Arrive in Singapore and be picked up by your private car driver who will be waiting for you. Check in to your 4-star hotel in central Singapore and this evening we recommend dining at one of the many great restaurants nearby. Refer to your Lonely Planet Guide or check-out this list: Singapore Restaurants

    Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave Australia. Take your LP guides with you in your luggage.

    DAY 2: SINGAPORE


    Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

    You’ll have at least one full day in Singapore. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for things to do during your stay. Optional excursions include a morning walking tour and Singapore zoo amongst many others.

    Included: Central Singapore hotel accommodation for three nights. The extra night is to allow for early arrival or late departure.

    DAY 3: SINGAPORE - PARIS

    Fully refreshed from your stop-over in Singapore, the 13.5 hour flight to Paris will seem like a breeze.

    DAY 4: PARIS (1 NIGHT)


    Eiffel Tower

    If your flight arrives on the morning of Day 4 we’ll ensure that you can immediately check in to your room and not have to wait until after 2pm. You’ll then have time to have a look around.

    Included: 4-star+ Central Paris hotel accommodation for one night pre-tour, then later you'll spend another 3 nights enjoying this great city.

    DAYS 5 TO 11: HIGHLIGHTS TOUR OF FRANCE, SWITZERLAND AND ITALY

    Venice has a magical, friendly feel that stays with you. You'll visit Venice on Day 6.

    Day 5: Paris - Lucerne

    We will depart for Switzerland in the morning, first passing through Basel - situated at the intersection of France, Germany and Switzerland - before arriving in Lucerne, where we will stay the night.

    Day 6: Lucerne - Milan - Venice


    Grand Canal, Venice

    After breakfast, we'll head south to the design and couture-conscious city of Milan. On our tour of the city you will see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping arcade in the world; the legendary opera house La Scala; the storied Sforza Castle; and the ostentatious Gothic of Milan Cathedral. Accommodation for the evening will be in Venice or a neighboring city.

    Visiting Attractions:

    • Venice
    • Milan
    • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
    • Sforza Castle
    • Milan Cathedral

    Day 7: Venice - Rome

    The ancient city of Rome exudes history and has plenty of modern charm as well.

    After breakfast, we'll take you through this fascinating city of ornate palaces, lyrical waterways, captivating churches and impressive architecture. In San Marco Square you'll see the Basilica di San Marco, one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture, and the Bridge of Sighs connecting the old prison to the interrogation rooms in Doge's Palace.

    Afterwards, you'll get a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at a demonstration by Murano glassblowers. An optional gondola ride on the Grand Canal will put the finishing touch on a glorious day in Venice. Accommodations in the evening will either be in Rome or a neighboring city.

    Visiting Attractions:

    • Rome
    • Venice
    • Grand Canal

    Day 8: Rome - Vatican City - Arezzo


    Rome

    After breakfast, we'll head directly to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, originally built by Constantine the Great in 324 AD, then reconstructed between 1506 and 1615 under the direction of several famous architects including Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo. You may also join the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo's famous frescoes.

    Next, you'll see the famous Trevi Fountain, the lavish Baroque showpiece where people flock to throw coins into the water - an action which is said to ensure that you’ll return to the city again one day. After lunch, take a step even further back in time as you visit Italy’s unrivaled Roman relics. An optional guided tour of the Colosseum, built in AD 72, comes highly recommended. History comes to life as you imagine yourself witnessing gladiatorial combat inside the spectacular amphitheatre. You may also choose to walk at your leisure around the outside to admire the facade of this ancient wonder.

    After the Colosseum, get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD, then spend some further free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of gelato. After some free time you can either visit Basilique Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs) near Piazza della Repubblica, or head directly to the nearby Mitsukoshi Department store for some serious shopping. Accommodation for the evening will be in Arezzo.

    Visiting Attractions:

    • Arezzo
    • Vatican City
    • Rome
    • Colosseum
    • Spanish Steps

    Day 9: Florence - Pisa - Genoa

    Today you will be introduced to the sights and sounds of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. We'll head up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence, then to a local workshop to see how Florence's fine leather goods are made.

    Afterwards, we'll set out on foot to the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Uffizi, which houses one of the finest art collections in the world. At Pisa, our last stop of the day, you will be free to wander; be sure to have your camera ready when you enter the Square of Miracles and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery come into full view. We finish our evening by continuing to Genoa or a city nearby for an overnight stay.

    Visiting Attractions:

    • Genoa
    • Pisa
    • Florence
    • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
    • Leaning Tower of Pisa
    • Pisa Cathedral
    • Pisa Baptistery

    Day 10: Genoa - Monaco - Nice - Cannes - Avignon


    Nice, France

    A breathtaking drive along one of the most sublime stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as we say goodbye to Italy and hello to Monaco.

    Nice, the heart of the French Riviera.

    Our walking tour will take us first to the Prince's Palace of Monaco, then on to the Courthouse, the Oceanographic Museum and Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the resting place of Grace Kelly. We'll then travel to the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the perfume-making process. At the end of the guided tour you will be able to purchase one of the fragrances for yourself. Next, we'll visit Nice for a sampling of the scrumptious local cuisine.

    We'll stop over in Cannes to see the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, host of the city's annual international film festival, and then make our way to Avignon Nord to check in to our hotel.

    Visiting Attractions:

    • Cannes
    • Nice
    • Monaco
    • Prince's Palace of Monaco
    • Fragonard Perfume Factory, Grasse
    • Palais des Festivals

    DAY 11: AVIGNON - PARIS (3 NIGHTS)

    Take a well-earned rest today as you sit back and enjoy the rustic charm of the French countryside on our journey north to Paris. Drop-off time and place: approximately 7:00pm at Place d'Italie in Paris.

    Included: 3 nights’ 4-star+ accommodation, Eiffel Tower dinner for two, Seine River Cruise tickets for two, tickets for two to The Moulin Rouge show.

    Why I Love Paris
    By Catherine Le Nevez, Writer

    “Paris’ grandeur is inspiring but what I love most about the city is its intimacy. Its quartiers (quarters) are like a patchwork of villages, and while it’s one of the world’s major metropolises – with all of the culture and facilities that go with it – there’s a real sense of community at the local shops, markets and cafes that hasn’t changed since my childhood. Yet because every little ‘village’ has its own evolving character, I’m constantly discovering and rediscovering hidden corners of the city.”

    DAY 12: PARIS


    Eiffel Tower dining experience

    Here’s your opportunity to really get to know Paris, the city of lights. Today is free time to look around. Your Lonely Planet guide is your best help to decide how you will spend your time. Rest in the afternoon because tonight you’ll be dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant at Eiffel Tower, followed by a river cruise and the most famous cabaret show in the world, Feerie at The Moulin Rouge.

    Tonight you’ll experience three of Paris’ most iconic activities: Dinner at the Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise and The Moulin Rouge show.

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as a wonderful 3-course French meal.

    DAY 13: PARIS

    Small-Group Mona Lisa & Best of the Louvre Tour:
    See if you can catch the eye of the mysterious Mona Lisa on this engaging tour that hits all the highlights of France's most famous museum. With a group of no more than 6 people and an art-loving expert to lead the way, scope out masterpieces like the Venus de Milo on this short and sweet tour of the Louvre's must-see works.

    With more than 35,000 pieces in its permanent collection, there's no shortage of art and history to discover at the Louvre. With a savvy and informative guide to lead the way and a small group to make sure you can move quickly between galleries, this concise tour is the perfect way to see the museum's can't-miss works and make sure you have plenty of time left to sightsee elsewhere during the day.

    Bypass the long lines outside the museum to make the most of your time and head straight inside, delving right into your journey through the history of art. Stand before Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, ponder the mysteries of the Venus de Milo, and gaze up at the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace as you traipse through the museum on a thoughtfully planned route. Manoeuvre swiftly between timeless compositions with your small group, and hear the true stories behind some of the world's best-known works before wrapping up your visit to keep exploring elsewhere.

    Highlights:

    • Concise, 90-minute tour of the best of the Louvre Museum
    • Famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa & Venus de Milo
    • Skip-the-line access to make the most of your precious time
    • Entertaining commentary brings history of each piece to life
    • Maximum 6 people to move quickly & efficiently between works

    Inclusions:

    • Guided tour of the Louvre Museum
    • Skip-the-Line entrance
    • Live tour commentary provided in English
    • Headset for tour commentary

    This afternoon is at leisure. We recommend visiting Musee D’Orsay, the world’s greatest museum of impressionist art.

    DAY 14: PARIS - LYON (1 NIGHT)


    Lyon

    Today you’ll leave Paris and travel via the TGV high-speed train to Lyon on the south of France to start your French river cruise.

    It takes just 2.5 hours for this train to go from Paris to Lyon. The safety figures for the TGV system are exceptional; there have been no fatalities in high-speed operation since service started in 1981. Today TGV trains accumulate of the order of 50 billion passenger-kilometres per year on lignes à grande vitesse (high-speed lines) alone. 1.2 billion passengers have travelled on the TGV.

    You’ll arrive in Lyon early enough to be able to spend some time enjoying this lovely town.

    Included: Central Lyon hotel accommodation for one night.

    DAYS 15 TO 21: SAONE & RHONE RIVER CRUISE

    Visiting the Saone, Rhone Valley, the Camargue and Provence.

    Join one of Europe’s largest river cruise companies for a unique river cruise experience travelling from Lyon to the Mediterranean.

    Cabins
    After dinner, retire to your private cabin in comfort for the night: all our tastefully decorated cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, shower/toilets, satellite TV, safe, hairdryers— and each gives you a view of the river.

    Things that matter most: experienced and friendly staff and crew, clean and comfortable cabins and beds, reliable and safe ships, excellent food, incredible itineraries.

    Lounge area and sun deck
    The lounge bar is good place to spend time indoors with friends, or enjoy some entertainment. The sun deck of each boat offers a panoramic view of the landscape’s beauty as you cruise. A great place to relax outdoors and enjoy the weather sipping a glass of wine.

    Crew
    We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of almost 1,000 people on our European river cruises, whose conviviality, attentiveness and professionalism ensures that your voyage will be comfortable and pleasurable. Our staff and crews speak French, English and many of them speak other major European languages as well. So you’ll be in the heart of European culture and charm, but you’ll always be able to find someone who understands you.

    “You won't find extravagance and fuss here. Instead, what you'll find is just wonderfully right. And you'll be able to enjoy your trip that much more because of it!”

    Day 15: Lyon - Chalon Sur Saone


    Saone River

    Meet at 4:30pm in Lyon in front of the "Brasserie Georges" (Cours de Verdun, next to the station Perrache). Transfer by coach to Chalon-sur-Saone.

    Boarding is around 6.30pm followed by presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail. First dinner on board. The boat will leave Chalon-sur-Saone to move to Macon.

    Day 16: Macon - Beaujolais Vineyards - Lyon

    Free time to take a walk in the old town of Mâcon. Optional excursion common for both packages: coach tour of the Beaujolais vineyards. Return on board.

    Cruise to discover Lyon by night, with the illuminations in the old quarters of Lyon, a unique spectacle. Overnight stopover.

    Day 17: Lyon - Tain L’hermitage - Valley Of The Côtes Du Rhône


    Valley of the Cotes du Rhone

    Optional excursions proposed:

    CLASSIC: the morning will start with an excursion through Lyon. You will discover the second largest city in France admirably situated at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône.

    DISCOVERY: Discover all of Lyon’s touristic highlights in only 2.5 hours and with little effort! Enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the lake in the Parc de la Tête d'Or and on the banks of the Rhône River. Don’t miss the tasting of local products and delicacies in the heart of Vieux Lyon!

    Return on board. Departure for Tain L’Hermitage where you will arrive in the evening. Overnight stopover.

    Day 18: Tain L’hermitage - The Ardèche Gorges - Avignon

    Morning spent cruising. Optional excursion common for both packages: discover the Pont d'Arc Cavern, a replica of Chauvet Cave (only on compulsory pre-reservation before the departure - with your agency). Arrival at the end of the evening. The boat will head for Avignon.

    Day 19: Avignon - Arles


    Avignon

    Optional excursions proposed:

    • CLASSIC: guided tour of Avignon and the “palais des Papes”, a veritable citadel perched on a rocky pinnacle, surrounded by imposing ramparts.
    • DISCOVERY: you’ll leave by coach for the Pont du Gard, a true masterpiece of ancient architecture. We’ll hike along the aqueduct trail, a 2-mile walk through the site with numerous viewing points. At the end of our trek, we’ll visit the museum.

    Return on board and departure for Arles. Arrival during the afternoon, free time in the old town of Arles. Overnight stopover.

    Day 20: Arles - The Camargue - Martigues

    Optional excursions proposed:

    • CLASSIC: Excursion in the Camargue. We’ll visit a "manade" (horse breeding farm) and learn about how a manadier works with the animals.
    • DISCOVERY: Safari in the Camargue. Far from the tourist traps, discover the Petite and Grande Camargue from the back of a jeep with local guides who will share their enthusiasm for this legendary area. You’ll cross the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue.

    Return on board and gala evening. Overnight stopover.

    Day 21: Martigues – Lyon (1 night)


    Martigues

    Disembark at Martigues. Return by bus to Lyon. Free time for lunch along the way. Arrival in Lyon earlier this afternoon.

    Inclusions:

    • Unlimited complimentary onboard beverages, including beer, fine wine, spirits, mineral bottled water, soft drinks specialty coffees and tea.
    • All meals featuring superb French cuisine
    • Farewell gala dinner
    • Free WiFi
    • Complimentary Samsung Galaxy tablet for guest use
    • Shore excursions with wireless audio system
    • Captain’s welcome cocktail reception
    • Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
    • On board professional entertainment and crew team show
    • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
    • All port fees

    Features:

    • Lyon Rhone cruise by night
    • Beaujolais vineyards
    • The unspoiled the Ardèche gorges
    • Avignon, the city of the Popes
    • The wild Camargue

    DAY 22: LYON - PARIS - AUSTRALIA

    Today you’ll return to Paris for your trip back to Australia. Or take advantage of our optional 4-day package to the beautiful Italian lakes: Travel by train to Marseilles, stay one night then head to Milan, Italy for 3 nights.

    Optionals:

    4-day Italian lakes tour package: $999 per person.

    Includes:

    • Train trip from Martigues (cruise port) to Marseilles
    • 1 night hotel accommodation Marseilles
    • Flight to Milan
    • 3 nights, top-class accommodation in central Milan
    • Tours of Lake Como, Bellagio and Lake Maggiore over two full days

    After a day of relaxing and taking in the sights of Milan, you'll travel north to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake District region. Perhaps most well-known is Lake Como. Here you'll explore the enchanting village of Bellagio and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake before returning to Milan. Next day, you'll visit the fashionable town of Stresa and the incredibly beautiful islands on Lake Maggiore and take a boat cruise around the Borromean Islands, stopping at Isola dei Pescatori for some shopping and sightseeing. Afterwards you'll head to Isola Bella to see the opulently decorated Borromean Palace. A wonderful addition to your European Delights package.


    Marina Bay, Singapore

    Singapore stop-over on return:

    Consider stopping in Singapore for 1 night on the way back to Australia to break the trip. Price is from $299 total for two people according to preferred hotel standard, including round-trip, private airport transfers.

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