Discovering Provence & Burgundy I

July 1 – 8, 2008
Avalon Waterways' Avalon Scenery

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.

Join 138 women on the brand new Avalon Scenery, a luxurious riverboat with over-the-top amenities, including floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to look out directly onto the river. If you are looking for alternate dates or if you're interested in the return itinerary, check out Discovering Provence & Burgundy II.

Your Experience

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 Activities

Start your trip with us in Paris on our optional 2-night pre-trip add-on (June 29-July 1). We will tour some of the most renowned city sights, then you'll have the afternoon free to experience Paris on your own. Venture to the top of the Eiffel Tower and take in the view, lose yourself in the Louvre, explore the Latin Quarter, or do it all!

When you're not out taking in the rich history and culinary pleasures, have a chance to meet Betty DeGeneres who will be joining us for the week! And for those of you who have always wanted your 15 minutes, you might just see yourself on AfterEllen. The AfterEllen crew will be joining us to film a short video. You'll also enjoy performances by two of Olivia's world-class artists, Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward. Attend insightful travel lectures for valuable information about your destinations. Keep up with your workouts at the fitness center, soak your feet in the fun "wading" pool or 6-person whirlpool. Stay in touch with family or the office with onboard Internet access. Enjoy cocktails your with Olivia friends at the bar or club lounge, watch the light as it dances across the surface of the river, and savor the intimacy of this romantic journey as you watch the beautiful changing scenery of the passing river banks.

Your Ship - Avalon Scenery
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.

Your Entertainment

On Discovering Provence & Burgundy I, you'll have a chance to meet Betty DeGeneres who will be joining us for the week! And for those of you who have always wanted your 15 minutes, you might just see yourself on AfterEllen as they join us to film a short video. You'll also enjoy performances by two of Olivia's world-class artists, Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward. You can also attend insightful travel lectures for valuable information about your destinations.

Lisa Koch
demented singer/songwriter/comedian/Britney Spears body-double...)

Picture the triangulated love child of Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, and Karen Carpenter... and you've got Lisa Koch. An irreverent Seattle singer/comedian, Koch ("Coke") is a deliciously twisted mix of comedy, theater, and demented songs. She has 4 solo recordings, is one-half of hilarious sketch-comedy duo, Dos Fallopia ("My Breasts Are Out of Control""), and is an alumnus of cult quartet Venus Envy ("I'll Be A Homo for Xmas").

Roxanna Ward
Roxanna is a beloved member of the Olivia family. Her debut with Olivia was on an Alaska cruise in 1992. Since then, she's joined us several times a year! Her brilliant comedy, writing, musicianship and singing endears her to audiences everywhere. A woman of many talents, Roxanna is a mother, high school teacher, producer, writer and director. Her past credits include work with Dolly Parton, Kirk Douglas and many others. The late Phyllis Hyman, and more recently, Suede, have both recorded Roxanna's song "Remember Who You Are." Whether you are seeing Roxanna for the first time or tenth time, she always makes you laugh and warms your heart.

Your Transfers & Connections

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Olivia 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.