July 8 15, 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 a optional romantic 1-night stay in Nice!
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 on two of the decks. If you are looking for alternate dates or if you're interested in the return itinerary, check out Discovering Provence & Burgundy I!
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 in Nice with our optional one-night hotel package, July 7-8, 2008. We will offer an optional tour to Eze and Monte Carlo, or you can spend the time relaxing after your long flight, exploring the local scene in the heart of the Riviera.
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. To take advantage of this service, it is important that everyone meet in Nice at the central Hotel that we will be using for our pre-cruise, one-night package on the late morning/early afternoon of July 8 (approx. 1:00pm TBA) to board the bus to the ship in Arles. The transfer from Nice to the ship in Arles takes approximately two hours, so don't be left behind. We encourage you to take advantage of our pre-cruise hotel package so you don't miss the bus! The transfer from Nice to the ship in Arles takes approximately two hours without the touring we are providing, so don't be left behind. From Nice, we will transfer by bus along the Cote d'Azur into the Provence region and to Arles where the crew of your river cruise vessel waits to welcome you! This transfer is included in the cost of the trip.
As we end our tour in Chalons sur-Saone we'll transfer you after breakfast either to the hotel we are using for our optional post-cruise, two-night stay July 15-17, or directly to the airport for your return home. Transfer is approximately 3-3 1/2 hours. This transfer is included in the cost of your cruise. If you are joining us on our two-night package in Paris, we will tour some of the most renowned city sights, and 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! Join us!
The Avalon Scenery is the newest addition to the Avalon fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of the area, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers, she is the smallest of the Avalon ships, yet the staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. In addition, there is an elevator, and the fun pool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.
Ship Amenities
• Flatscreen satellite TV, radio, minibar, hairdryer, and safe
• Comfortable beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen; duvets and pillows that are produced to the highest-quality standards using anti-allergenic, breathable materials; linens made from Egyptian cotton; and towels are soft and absorbent.
• All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Non-smoking interior
• Fitness center
• Hair salon
• Sky Deck shade system
• Open seating throughout the dining room for all meals
• Complimentary wine with all onboard dinners
• Complimentary coffee and tea
Port taxes, government fees, and gratuities per person - $USD 399
Rates: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. INCLUDED IN COST OF TRIP: All meals, house wine, juice or ice tea drinks with dinner, all sightseeing tours as listed in Itinerary, entertainment, Olivia Staff assistance throughout, transfers to/from ship. Pricing does not include 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.
Deposit for this trip is $500.
Early bird prices valid until 24.04.08.
Availability updated weekly and is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy is not guaranteed. Happy Gay Travel & Olivia will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. It is advised for guests to check information provided on this site with HappyGay Travel Travel Consultant.