About Our Destination
Climate
Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
France uses the Euro. For current exchange rates, please click here.
Languages
French
Vacation Stretchers
We are offering a 1-, 2-, and 3-night Pre-Cruise extension in Paris July 11-12, July 10-12, and July 9-12, 2022, or a 1- and 2-night Post-Cruise extension in Marseille July 19-20 and July 19-21, 2022. Please visit our Vacation Stretchers tab for details.
Health & Safety
Avalon Protocols
To learn more about Avalon's Health & Safety protocols, please click here. Please note, protocols may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Pre-Trip Health Screening
To learn more about Avalon's Pre-Trip Health Screening protocols, please click here. Please note, pre-trip health screening requirements may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Travel & Entry Requirements
With international travel resuming, we’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans, please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.
Before Your Trip
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Connect with other Guests—Joining the Facebook Group
If you'd like to chat with people who will be going on the trip, you can join Olivia’s official 2022 Burgundy and Provence Riverboat Cruise group on Facebook.
Honeymoons and Other Celebrations
Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Olivia Travel Gear Store
To help you get ready for your vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!Passport and Visa
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip and has at least two blank pages. If you are not a US citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
If you are a US citizen, you DO NOT need a visa. If you are not a US citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulate or embassy of France for visa requirements. You will also need a passport that is valid for six months past the first date of the trip and has at least two blank pages.
Special Occasions
If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Specific Needs—Medical, Mobility, Dietary, and Otherwise
If you have medical, mobility, or dietary requirements that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at (800) 631-6277 and select option 1 for a Travel Consultant.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Click on the Travelers’ Health tab, then click on Destinations, and choose your destination from the “For Travelers” pull-down menu.
2022 BURGUNDY AND PROVENCE RIVERBOAT CRUISE |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 7/12/2021 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 7/13/2021 | 7/12/2022 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
To help you get ready for your vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!
If you are a US citizen, you DO NOT need a visa. If you are not a US citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulate or embassy of France for visa requirements. You will also need a passport that is valid for six months past the first date of the trip and has at least two blank pages.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at (800) 631-6277 and select option 1 for a Travel Consultant.
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly into Paris International Airport (CDG), and out of Marseille Airport (MRS). We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our Vacation Stretchers to enjoy all that Paris and Marseille have to offer, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected flight delays.
Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Flight Arrival and Departure Times
Arrivals: Flights must arrive prior to July 12, 2022, or early morning on July 12, with enough time to make the included transfer with stop in Beaune from host hotel to ship at approximately 8 am. (Exact time/meeting location TBA).
Departures: To take advantage of the included group transfer to the Marseille airport, flights from Marseille must depart after 10:30 am on July 19.
Train Travel:
The train in Arles is located less than 1/3 mile from where the ship docks. For all other destinations after the trip, the ship reception can assist you with your taxi to your next destination.
Luggage Allowances
The included group bus transfers from Paris to the ship, and ship to the Marseille airport limits luggage to one piece per person, plus a carry-on. Airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.
Transfers and Meeting Up with Olivia
Getting to the Hotel
Your transfer to the ship from our Paris host hotel is included in our group transfer. The Paris host Hotel is the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel,16 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France, 75009 Tel: +33 1-4483 4040. Please be at the hotel by 7:30 am to load luggage. The transfer will depart our host hotel at 8 am on July 12, 2022. The transfer will take you from Paris to the town of Beaune where you will enjoy an included tour and lunch on your own before continuing to the ship in St Jean de Losne. The driving time is approximately 4-5 hours. With the stop in Beaune, we expect to be at the ship by 4:30 pm.
Port Address
Information on exact ship location will be in final documents. The exact docking location is not determined until closer in, and sometimes not until the day of landing. We will provide a phone number to call on the day of embarkation in case you need to get directed to the ship.
Check-In
Embarkation and check-in will be available after 4 pm.
During your trip
What's included?
What’s not included?
Optional excursions (they do not conflict with included tours), wine tasting, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except where indicated), laundry, phone/fax, and personal incidentals
Accommodations
The beautifully designed Suite-ship, the Poetry II (built in 2014) ) features wall-to-wall panoramic windows in all Suites. The staterooms (with high windows, just above the waterline) and suites are well-appointed and are amongst the largest on the river. Some of the features and amenities you’ll enjoy on board:
Cabin Amenities:
The 172 sq. ft. Staterooms, 200 sq. ft. Panorama Suites, and 300 sq. ft. Royal Suites are some of the largest on the river.
Dining
The fine dining on board offers European cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is sit-down menu service. You can even have a champagne breakfast every morning!
Electricity
The cabins have 110 and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should be 2-round prongs. Outlets can be found by the bed, on the vanity and in the bathroom.
Entertainment and Programming
We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as utilize some of the local entertainment along the way.
Narration will be given as we sail down the historical areas and go through the many locks, and there will be a few special talks about the history of the areas we visit.
River-Cruising is about port destinations. A typical day is a walking tour of a new city, lunch on board, and another walking tour, free time to shop, take a bike ride or optional tour to explore. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. It’s your vacation! In the evenings, we are delighted with local entertainment or one of our two Olivia entertainers. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of “Club O” Dance Hour with our talented staff being a “DJ” to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day!
Excursion
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Some of the ports even offer an “active run” with a local guide one morning, or a more active walk. Optional tours are available to book on board that range from approximately €39 to €79. These tours do not conflict with the included tours. Or, choose to check out one of our bicycles on board, and go for a ride.
Gentle Walkers
We will designate a group on each included tour whenever possible as a 'Gentle Walkers' group. This is for those who need a little extra time walking, perhaps have collapsible scooters, canes, and even for photographers who like to stop and take more photos. For those with mobility issues, we suggest purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guide.
Gratuities
Gratuities are provided for your Avalon Cruise Director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d’, reception, bar staff, and other-behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.
Tipping is now included for the local guides. Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely up to your discretion.
Internet
Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces for use on your personal laptops and iPads. There is an onboard Internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the Reception Desk for a charge.
Laundry Services
Laundry and pressing service is available. Dry-cleaning or self-service laundry facilities are not available on board. Check on board for pricing.
Medical Services
The ship is minutes away from hospitals when we are docked, and close to local towns along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Money: Paying for Onboard Purchases
The currency used on board is € Euros. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. Please check with the front office on the ship for further details.
Smoking policy
The Poetry II has entirely non-smoking interiors. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in your cabins or on French-style balconies. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.
Solo Travelers
We will have a Solos program on board led by a Solos Coordinator who will ensure you have a great time. A special area is set aside in the restaurant for solos to sit together, as well as in the lounge to enjoy the shows, and a designated group is set for solos for the included tours to enjoy.
Telephone
Each cabin has a phone to call cabin-to-cabin and international/local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board.
Valuables
Each room has a safe; however, we recommend you leave all valuables at home.
- Early morning transfer from host hotel in Paris to the ship in St. Jean de Losne on July 12, with a stop in Beaune with included tour (choice of wine tasting or the Hotel Dieu tour) (travel time is approx. 5 hours). Included sightseeing tours in Beaune, Mâcon, Lyon, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles
- Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights in Comfort Collection beds with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens on board Avalon’s ms Poetry II
- All meals while on board, with a French cheese and French cuisine option each evening
- Wines from France’s most famous wine regions, beer, or soft drinks with lunches and dinners and complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; coffee, tea, and juice with all meals; premium coffee, cappuccino, lattes, hot chocolate, and tea throughout the day; and filtered water to fill up your reusable water bottles
- Cookies and fresh fruit available throughout the day
- Complimentary wifi on board
- Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available while docked
- Gratuities to ships staff, your tour guides, and bus drivers
- Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
- Local Entertainment, commentaries while cruising, and historic talks by local expert and Avalon Cruise Director
- Group transfer from ship in Port Saint Louis to Marseille airport on July 19 (for flights departing after 10:30 am)
- Olivia staff assistance throughout
- Wall-to-wall panoramic windows
- Non-smoking interior
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
- Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
- Onboard lectures, activities, and nightly entertainment
- Room service for Continental breakfast and beverages (service fee applies)
- Complimentary wifi access
- Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
- Behind-the-scenes ship tour
- Use of Nordic walking sticks
- English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options
- Delectable petite portions of regional specialties, with wines, in the Panorama Bistro
- Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffees
- Complimentary maps
- Fresh fruit available throughout the day
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
- Elevator
- Outside viewing deck
- Friendly, English-speaking crew
- Cruise Director
- Revolutionary engineering
- Sky Deck whirlpool
- Onboard movie nights
- Bicycles you can check out and use around many port towns for free
- Avalon choice cruising experience
- Choice of leisurely, traditional, or independent sightseeing options
- Local favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans, and experts
- Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve, and further personalize your cruise
- Sky Deck game area
- Well-stocked library
- Expanded Fitness Center
- Selection of local favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life
- All Panorama and Royal Suites have wall-to-wall panoramic windows
- Comfort Collection Beds℠
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Soft and firm pillows
- Choice of bed configuration
- Bedside tables with reading lamps
- L'Occitane bath products
- Easy under-bed luggage storage
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Complimentary bottled water
- Individual climate control
- Large mirror in bathroom
- Two windows
- Writing desk
- Memory foam mattress toppers
- European-style duvets
- Extra blankets
- Nightly turn-down service
- Hairdryer
- Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
- Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
- Direct-dial telephone
- Well-stocked mini-bar (billed on consumption)
- In-room safe
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Complimentary wifi
- Full shower with glass door
- Vanity
After Your Trip
Transfer to the Airport
The ship docks in Arles on July 18 and overnights For guests departing after 10 am on July 19, a complimentary group transfer will depart for the Marseille airport at approximately 6 am or 6:15 am. The Marseille airport is 60 minutes from the ship, and a minimum 3-hour check-in is required.
However, if you choose to do your own transfer to the Marseille airport, your flight can depart at any time because we will be overnighting in Port Saint Louis the evening prior. The airport is about one hour and 10 minutes from the ship. If you are not taking the group transfer, you are welcome to stay on the ship, store your luggage and remain in the lounge until the early afternoon, but you will need to vacate your cabin by 8 am. The reception desk can assist you in arranging your transfer needs to your next destination.
There are no waiting taxis in Arles. Private taxis can be arranged on the ship. Pre-arranged private taxis will run approximately 200+ Euros to Marseille, and approx. 40+ Euros to Arles airport. Special Note: The Arles Train Station is walking distance, within ½ mile from the ship dock.
Should you have a later flight out of Marseille and would like to store your luggage, you can take the early morning included transfer to the Marseille airport. From there, you can store your luggage at the airport or any of the downtown Marseille areas from this website: https://luggagehero.com/de/luggage-storage-guide/marseille. You can arrange for your own taxi to wherever you wanted to go in Marseille from the airport, and return by taxi in the later afternoon for your flight.
This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most of the tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. A ‘Gentle Walkers’ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible.
If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb cutouts) and stairs.
If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
