VIKING AND TRAVELLER TOURS, FRANCE

Paris – Avignon 


Departing 22 September 2020

Congratulations on joining your Traveller Tours Waterways of the Tsars cruise


Spectacular architecture, a dynamic art scene, charming historic towns, fascinating traditions: the world’s largest, and at times elusive, country truly offers something for every traveller.


Sailing from St Petersburg to Moscow, throughout this extraordinary 13-day Traveller Tours cruise in partnership with Viking Cruises, you’ll be expertly guided by Deborah Snow, a Walkley Award-winning Sydney Morning Herald and Age writer and former Russian correspondent.


During a full-day tour of the Hermitage with a local historian, you will receive privileged access to the institution’s secure vaults. At the Museum of Cosmonautics, you will meet a retired Soviet cosmonaut who will share his unique insights and experiences of space travel. In St Petersburg, you'll watch a special Russian ballet performance. On the rooftop of the luxurious St. Regis hotel, you will be treated to drinks, canapés and breathtaking views of Red Square. And that’s just the beginning of your Traveller Tours Russian odyssey.


We look forward to welcoming you on board for this unique, expert-led and insights-rich Russian journey.

Exclusive inclusions

  • Four experts throughout the journey
  • Customised tour of Catherine’s Palace including lunch at local restaurant
  • Privileged access full-day tour of the Hermitage including lunch at local Restaurant Metropol
  • Visit to Museum of Cosmonautics including a meet and Q&A with a Russian Cosmonaut
  • Moscow by night experience
  • Farewell drinks and canapes at the St. Regis Hotel in Moscow
  • On-board Q&A sessions with Deborah Snow
  • Ballet Performance in St. Petersburg

Map

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 — Paris (Le Pecq), France

Arrive in Paris, romance capital of the world. Transfer from the airport in Paris to your ship. After boarding, take free time to explore Paris, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented before meeting with your fellow Traveller Tours companions on board this evening. (D)

Traveller Tours extra: Informal meet and greet with your fellow Traveller Tours travellers, your guide and experts Stephen and Peter.

Day 2 — Paris (Le Pecq), France

After breakfast, disembark and travel to the awe-inspiring palace and gardens of Château de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon enjoy a visit to Château de Malmaison, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Morning tour to the Palace of Versailles accompanied by Stephen and Peter.

Day 3 — Vernon, France

This morning take a leisurely walking tour through inviting, provincial Vernon. After lunch, take a short ride into the town of Giverny, where Claude Monet resided until his death in 1926. Visit the beautiful gardens and charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked; see the water garden with the recognizable Japanese bridge and water lilies that inspired many of his masterpieces. (B, L, D)

Day 4 — Rouen, France

During a morning cruise along the Seine, meet with your fellow Traveller Tours group and expert Stephen as he discusses France under Macron, including time for Q&A. Spend the afternoon in the medieval city of Rouen, preeminent capital of Normandy on a walking tour with free time to discover more of Rouen or visit one of its museums of art or antiquities. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Exclusive talk by expert Stephen Brady on France under Macron: the political landscape and France’s world view.

Day 5 — Normandy Beaches

After breakfast, meet your Traveller Tours expert Tony Wright, who will travel with you to the Somme Battlefields in North Eastern France. On the journey Tony will provide an illuminating talk on the importance of this region to Australian troops and their involvement on the Western Front during World War I. Visit the Australian National Memorial including the Sir John Monash Centre in Villiers-Brettoneux. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Exclusive full day tour to the Somme Battlefields region hosted by Tony Wright - Australian National Memorial and the Victoria School in Villers-Brettonneux including lunch.

Day 6 — Les Andelys, France

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise to the small town of Les Andelys. While sailing meet with your fellow Traveller Tours companions and expert Stephen Brady where he reminisces on his experiences as Australian Ambassador for France. After lunch, join a guided walk to Les Andelys’ fatally flawed masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture, Château Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Exclusive talk by expert Stephen Brady, Australia to France: an ambassador's reflections

Day 7 — Mantes-la-Jolie, France

After breakfast, embark on a tour of this dazzling city and marvel at its most remarkable sights, including the iconic Eiffel Tower, D’Orsay Museum, Louvre and Opera House and drive along the famed Champs-Élysées. This afternoon visit Paris’ first digital museum of fine art, Atelier des Lumières, where you’ll be treated to an amazing multi-sensory experience. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Visit Atelier des Lumières, digital museum of fine art.

Day 8 — Paris (Le Pecq), France

After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a leisurely train ride from Paris through the countryside of east central France to Lyon to board your second ship (Viking Heimdal), where a Welcome Dinner is served. (B, D)

Day 9 — Lyon, France

After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour the city of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town). Tonight indulge in an exclusive dining experience on shore at a local Lyonnaise Bouchon restaurant with your fellow Traveller Tours travellers and experts, Stephen and Peter. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Private dinner on shore at a local Lyonnaise Bouchon restaurant accompanied by Stephen and Peter.

Day 10 — Lyon, France

After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais. See the legendary Moulin-à-Vent, the windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region, learn about the art of winemaking in a small museum and enjoy a tasting in one of Beaujolais’s famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 11 — Vienne, France

This morning join a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past, including visits to the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Roman amphitheatre and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice. In the afternoon, enjoy the rolling vine-clad banks of the river as you sail through its wide meanders to Tournon. (B, L, D)

Day 12 — Tournon, France

Board the Train de l’Ardèche this morning for a locomotive ride through the deep gorges of the Ardèche plateau, cut by the Doux River. Return to your ship and enjoy lunch on board as we cruise to Viviers, an engaging little town in a mountainous setting. This afternoon meet with your Traveller Tours group for an exclusive talk and Q&A session with expert Francophile Peter Stephens on French food and wine. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Exclusive talk by expert Peter Stephens on food and wine in French culture.

Day 13 — Arles, France

Disembark after breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colours and striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Return on board for lunch followed by an afternoon on your own to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. (B, L, D)

Day 14 — Avignon, France

This morning travel to local vineyard Le Grand Prébois where you’ll enjoy a tour around the winery and barrel room before indulging in a tasting or two of the winery’s most famed wines. This afternoon embark on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed "City of Popes". Stroll through the historic centre, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Visit the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. (B, L, D)

Traveller Tours extra: Exclusive Le Grand Prébois vineyard visit, tour and tasting.

Day 15 — Avignon, France

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Marseille airport for your return flight. (B)