Get all your information on Olivia's upcoming Burgundy & Provence Riverboat Cruise.
About Our Destination
Climate
Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
France uses the Euro. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
Languages
The official language is French.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
We highly recommend a COVID-19 vaccination, plus booster for this trip. We strongly encourage you take a COVID-19 test prior to leaving home for your trip to ensure you are COVID-negative. We will keep you updated with COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.
Before Your Trip
Whatâs Included and Whatâs Not
What's Included?
Whatâs Not Included?
Optional excursions (they do not conflict with included tours); wine tastings, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except where indicated); laundry, phone/fax; travel insurance; and personal incidentals.
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 Oliviaâs official 2024 Burgundy & Provence Riverboat group on Facebook.
Olivia Honeymoons and Celebration Registration
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's Preferred Travel Agency
To assist with your travel plans (air, hotel, transfers, and more), we recommend our LGBTQ+ Travel Agent Debbie Gudis at Go Travel: (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300.
Passport and Visa
If you are a US or Canadian citizen, the only document you will need is a passport that is valid for six months past the first date of the trip and has at least two blank pages. You will not need to get a visa for travel.
If you are not a US or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip and you should check with both your countryâs consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to determine whether you need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
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 NeedsâMedical, 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 be offering 1- and 2-night post-trip extensions in Marseilles, September 3-4 and September 3-5, 2024. Please visit our Vacation Stretchers tab for more information.
Though are not offering pre-trip options, we do recommend that you fly into Lyon at least one day early. We also recommend to fly into Paris if you want to spend a little more time there, and you can take the train from Paris to Lyon to board the ship. To assist with your pre-trip plans (air, hotel, transfers, and more), we recommend our LGBTQ+ Travel Agent Debbie Gudis at Go Travel: (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300.
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 Preventionâs website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on âTravelerâs Healthâ followed by âVaccinations.â
- Included sightseeing tours in Lyon, Tournon, Tain LâHermitage/Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, and Port-Saint-Louis
- Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on Avalonâs ms Poetry II in Comfort Collection beds with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- All meals and snacks while on board, with a French cheese and French cuisine option each evening
- Wines from Franceâs most famous wine regions, beer or soft drinks with lunches and dinners, and complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
- Coffee, tea, and juices during meals
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and teas throughout the day
- Cookies and fresh fruit available throughout the day
- Complimentary filtered water replenished in reusable glass containers in room daily
- Complimentary wifi on board
- Complimentary bicycles available for time on shore
- Complimentary Nordic walking sticks
- Gratuities to ship crew and Avalon cruise director
- Gratuities to your tour guide and bus driver
- Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
- Local entertainment and commentaries while cruising, and historic talks by local experts and Avalon Cruise Director
- Group bus transfer from the ship in Arles to Marseilles Airport for guests with flights departing after 10:30 am on September 3, 2024
- Team Olivia assistance throughout
2024 BURGUNDY & PROVENCE RIVERBOAT |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 8/28/2023 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 8/29/2023 | 8/27/2024 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
Travel & Arrival
Airports
You will need to fly into Lyon Airport (LYS) and out of Marseille Airport (MRS). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays. We also hope you will exptend your trip with our post-trip stretcher to enjoy all Marseille has to offer.
Airfare 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
Arrival: Your flight into Lyon Airport (LYS) should arrive by 2 pm on August 27, 2024. If your flight arrival time is close to this cutoff time, please call 800-631-6277 to confirm that the choice of flight will be acceptable.
Departure: To take advantage of the included group transfer to the Marseille Airport (MRS), your flight must depart after 10:30 am on September 3, 2024.
Luggage Allowances
The included group bus transfers from ship to the Marseille airport limits luggage to one piece per person, plus a carry-on. If you are planning to extend your time in Paris, and plan to take a train, one piece of luggage should be your max for easier transport and getting around the train stations. For travel in Europe, we recommend no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on for ease of travel.
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
Check-in
You are welcome to embark the ship in Lyon any time after 9 am on August 27. A light lunch will be available, but the crew will be busy cleaning your cabins and the ship, so they ask that if you choose to stay on board, you remain in the lounge until check-in begins 4 pm. Arriving early? Drop off your luggage and go out and explore Lyon!
Port location
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.
Train Travel
The train in Arles if 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.
During your trip
Accommodations
Your ship
Cabin amenities:
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 have 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 local entertainment along the way.
River cruising is all about port destinations. Donât expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps youâll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. Itâs your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of âClub O,â with our talented staff taking turns being a âguest DJâ 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 cities visited. Some of the cities even offer an âactive runâ with a local guide one morning, or a more active walk. Optional tours are available to book on board that range from approximately âŹ39 to âŹ79. These tours do not conflict with the included tours. Or maybe you will choose to check out one of our bicycles onboard and go for a ride!
Gentle Walkers
Whenever possible, we will create a Gentle Walkers group on each included tour for any guests who need a little extra time walkingâperhaps guests with canes or photographers who like to stop frequently to take 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. There are many different styles to choose from online on sites such as amazon.com.
Gratuities
Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maĂŽtre dâ, reception, and other-behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.
Tipping is also included for the local guides and bus drivers. Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely at your discretion.
Internet, Email, and Fax
Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). 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 and Dry Cleaning
Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.
Medical Services
The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Money: On-Board Purchases
The currency used on board is Euros (âŹ). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the shipâs front office 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 Poetry II is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on French-style balconies. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.
Solos
Guests traveling independently can look forward to Solos programs led by our 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 touring together.
The beautifully designed Suite-ship, the Avalon 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 youâll enjoy on board:
- 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, & nightly entertainment
- Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
- Complimentary computer use in public areas
- 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, & premium coffees
- Fresh fruit available throughout the day
- Filtered water station to refill your water bottle
- Complimentary maps
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
- Elevator
- Outside viewing deck
- Friendly, English-speaking crew
- Local Cruise Director
- Revolutionary engineering
- Sky Deck whirlpool
- 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 & 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 BedsSM
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Soft & firm pillows
- Choice of bed configuration
- Bedside tables with reading lamps
- L'Occitane bath products
- Easy under-bed luggage storage
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Complimentary filtered drinking water refilled in glass carafes daily
- 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
Transfers to the airport
If taking advantage of our included group bus transfer to Marseille Airport, flights must depart after 10:30 am on September 3, 2024. Disembarkation for this transfer will begin at approximately 7 am. The airport is about one hour and 10 minutes from the ship.
Private Transfers to the Arles or Marseille Airport, Arles Train Station
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.
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 Arles the evening prior. You can make private arrangements for earlier transfers if needed. You are welcome to stay on the ship, store your luggage and remain in the lounge until 11 am, 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.
Special Note: The Arles Train Station is within ½ mile from the ship dock, an easy walk.
Vacation Stretchers
We will be offering 1- and 2-night post-trip extensions in Marseilles, September 3-4 and September 3-5, 2024. Please visit our Vacation Stretchers tab for more information.
Though are not offering pre-trip options, we do recommend that you fly into Lyon at least one day early. We also recommend to fly into Paris if you want to spend a little more time there, and you can take the train from Paris to Lyon to board the ship. To assist with your pre-trip plans (air, hotel, transfers, and more), we recommend our LGBTQ+ Travel Agent Debbie Gudis at Go Travel: (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300.
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 âGentle Walkersâ 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.
