Get all your information on Olivia's upcoming A Taste of France: Food & Wine Riverboat Cruise.
About Our Destination
Climate
In the fall, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged from a chilly and rainy 55°F, to a sunny, warm 80°F! Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
France use the Euro. Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Languages
French
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.
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.
Community: Joining the Online Trip Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2023 A Taste of France: Food & Wine Riverboat 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. NOTE: If celebrating a birthday that does not actually fall during the trip, a group cake for all these birthdays will be provided towards the end of the cruise.
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 you 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.
Vacation Stretchers
We will not be offering pre- or post-hotel vacation stretchers on this trip. However, if you wish to extend your trip, we will have the information on the 4-star hotel we use on August 8 available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.
Vaccinations
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required by Avalon to board the ship. 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. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” followed by “Vaccinations.”
2023 A TASTE OF FRANCE: FOOD & WINE RIVERBOAT |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 8/01/2022 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 8/02/2022 | 8/01/2023 | 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!
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly in and out of the Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) or the Orly Airport (ORY). We encourage all passengers to arrive a day early to avoid the stress of unexpected 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
Your flight into France should arrive by 2 pm on August 1, 2023.
Your flight home can depart at any time on August 9, 2023, as you have an included overnight at a Paris hotel on August 8.
Luggage Allowances
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. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.
Ship Embarkation
Port location
The ship will be docked in Paris at a location approximately 1 hour from the Paris Airports. The exact docking location is not determined until closer to the start of the trip, and sometimes not until the day of embarkation. We will provide information on how to find the docking location in your final documents as well as a phone number to call on the day of embarkation.
Check-in
Official check-in will be available at 4 pm. For early arriving flights, you are welcome to board the ship, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You are welcome to rest or venture out on your own to enjoy Paris. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.
Your flight home can depart at any time on August 9, 2023, as you have an included overnight at a Paris hotel on August 8.
Airfare Discounts
Delta Airlines
We are proud to partner with Delta Airlines. The Delta Airlines discount code: NMVNZ is good for up to 10% off and applies to flights into and out of Paris, Charles De Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Dates of travel available for the discount are July 24, 2023 to August 17, 2023. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can be completed by visiting delta.com/meetings (select "Book Your Flight" and enter the Meeting Code), calling (800) 328-1111, or calling your travel agent (if applicable) and mentioning the discount codes. Not all fares are eligible for use with this discount code. Fare rules will determine eligibility.
United Airlines
We are proud to partner with United Airlines. The United Airlines discount codes: Z Code: ZM2A and Agreement code: 100111 are good for up to 10% off and applies to flights into and out of Paris, Charles De Gaulle (CDG). Dates of travel available for this discount are July 28, 2023 to August 15, 2023. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can be completed by visiting united.com/meetings and entering the codes ZM2A 100111 in the Promotions and Certificates box. Or by calling the United Reservations Meetings Desk at (800) 426-1122 and providing the Z code and agreement code (a service fee will apply). You can also choose to book through your preferred travel agency and provide the discount program information. Discount level applicable based on 1st letter of published tariff fare purchased.
During your trip
What’s Included and What’s Not
What's included?
What’s not included?
Airfare to Paris; transfer from the Paris Airport to ship and Paris hotel to the Paris Airport; optional excursions; meals other than breakfast while at hotel in Paris; alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated); tips to Paris hotel staff; phone/fax/ internet (wifi additional at hotel, but included on board); salon services; travel insurance; and personal incidentals
Accommodations
Your ship
The beautifully designed Avalon Tapestry II features sliding glass doors in most staterooms. The staterooms and suites are well appointed and are among the largest available on any riverboat. 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 (type C). Outlets can be found by the bed, on the vanity and in the bathroom.
Entertainment & Programming
We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy 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!
Excursions
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, Email, and Fax
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: On-Board 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.
Phone
Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.
Smoking policy
The interior of the Avalon Tapestry II is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in your cabins or on French-style balcony. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.
Solos
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.
Valuables
Each room has a safe; however, we recommend you leave valuables at home.
- Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on Avalon’s ms Tapestry II, a 128 passenger ship
- Accommodations for 1 night at a 4-star hotel in Paris at the end of the trip, August 8-9
- All meals while on board
- Breakfast while at Paris hotel the morning of August 9
- Coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
- Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
- Included sightseeing tours in each port
- Headsets for guided tours provided
- Welcome cocktail reception
- Gratuities to ship crew, Avalon cruise director, tour guides, and bus drivers
- Olivia staff assistance throughout
- Transfer to included Paris hotel from ship in Le Havre
- 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 on the Royal and Sapphire decks have wall-to-wall panoramic windows
- Staterooms on the Indigo deck have a window just above the waterline.
- 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
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.
