Arles, France

2026 Grand France River Cruise

23 day - Fly & Cruise

3 July 2026 from $16,998*pp

with Dream Maker Travel escorts
Hilary Weir & Greg Boettcher

Louvre - Paris, France

Paris, France

Wine, cheese, storybook towns, and unforgettable history - this is France at its finest.

Get ready to cruise through the heart of France, where every bend in the river brings a new postcard moment. Sail along the beautiful Seine River to the stunning Normandy region, with charming towns, iconic landmarks, and rich history waiting at every stop.

In Vernon, choose between two incredible guided visits: wander through Claude Monet’s breathtaking gardens at Giverny, or explore the grand Bizy Castle, often called “Normandy’s Versailles.” Then stand in the footsteps of heroes with an unforgettable excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches - including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the moving American Cemetery.

In Rouen, step back in time with a guided walk through the medieval quarter and admire the intricate gothic architecture of Rouen Cathedral. Before saying goodbye to the Seine, soak up the magic of Paris - one of the most romantic cities in the world. Take a guided walk through the city’s rich history, or tour its icons: the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.

Then continue south to Lyon, a cultural and culinary hub sitting at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Wander through its medieval and Renaissance heart before heading to Tournon, a hidden gem surrounded by vineyards, Roman ruins, and a 16th-century castle.

In Avignon, explore the impressive 14th-century Palace of the Popes - the largest gothic fortress in the world. Finally, arrive in Arles, a city bursting with charm and famous for inspiring Van Gogh. Discover its ancient Roman Amphitheater, still hosting performances to this day.

This cruise is more than a holiday - it’s a front-row seat to France’s beauty, history, and culture, served with world-class wine and sweeping river views.

Avignon, France

Notre Dame - Paris, France

Price:

$16,998 pp
twin share

Departure date:

3 July 2026

Length:

23 days

Tour type:

Fly & cruise fully escorted group departure

Airline:

Emirates

Cruise Ship:

Avalon Poetry II & Avalon Tapestry II

Map & Inclusions

Inclusions:

Return early-bird Emirates airfares in Economy class on all flights (Brisbane - Dubai - Nice)
1 night Dubai Deluxe Stopover Intercontinental Dubai Festival City - with hotel to airport transfers
2 nights Nice Le Meridien Nice Beachfront Hotel
8 day Avalon Waterways Grand France River Cruise onboard Avalon Poetry II – Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône, in a Twin Window Stateroom (upgrades available)
- Arles
- Avignon
- Viviers
- Tournon
- Lyon
- Tournus - Chalon-sur-Saone
- Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)
Day trip Beaune
Dijon - Paris high speed train
8 day Avalon Waterways Grand France River Cruise onboard Avalon Tapestry II – Dijon to Paris, in a Twin Window Stateroom (upgrades available)
- Vernon
- Caudebec
- Normandy
- Rouen
- Conflans
- Paris (Disembarkation)
2 nights Paris Pullman Paris Montparnasse
Moulin Rouge show
Montmartre guided walk
1 night Dubai Layover Dubai International Airport Hotel
Fully escorted group departure
All transfers as per Detailed Itinerary
Port charges & prepaid gratuities
All meals on cruise, including; wine, beer & soft drinks with all lunches & dinners

For queries about upgrades, add-ons or single traveller pricing, talk to the Dream Maker team.

Please note: This package has been designed exclusively by Dream Maker Travel and can only be booked through us. All prices and upgrades are subject to availability at time of booking.

Downloadable PDFs

Itinerary PDF

Costing PDF

Booking Form

Travel Insurance Application PDF

Avalon Poetry II ship information

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard. Stretch out at day's end and wake to the world at your feet with Comfort Collection bed that faces the view. It truly is a view with a room! Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro. The Avalon Poetry II truly is poetry in motion!

Visit the Avalon Waterways website to find information on MS Poetry II

Avalon Tapestry II ship information

The Avalon Tapestry II is a true haven on the river with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning in your window-facing Comfort Collection bed to enchanting scenery. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, an elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare. The Avalon Tapestry II weaves a wonderful river cruise experience from ship to shore.

Visit the Avalon Waterways website to find information on MS Tapestry II