The Best of France
• NICE - AVIGNON - ARLES - VIVIERS - TOURNON - VIENNE - LYON •
HOSTED BY STEPHEN SCOURFIELD
7th - 16th August 2022
10 Days starting from just $5,995 per person
Limited Cabins Available!
The Experience
Join Travel Editor of The West Australian and West Travel Club Stephen Scourfield on one of his favourite trips.
The adventure begins in Nice, where it is time to explore the famous French Riviera! Enjoy 2 nights in Nice, including welcome function before making your way to Avignon to board Viking's stunning longship Heimdal for 7 glorious nights cruising up the Rhône river to Lyon.
Tap into your inner van Gogh at an Arles painting class, discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes amphitheater and the Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy.
Savor Beaujolais wines, hunt for truffles and see how chèvre cheese is made, all while witnessing the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall.
If you're not ready to head home just yet, why not continue your adventure with our 3 Night Parisian extension. Upon disembarking the cruise in Lyon, you will be taken by private transfer to Lyon station where you will take the TGV train through the French countryside to Paris.
You will then have 3 Nights to experience the city of love and all that it has to offer - the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc du Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Moulin Rouge, Montparnasse, Saint Germain, Notre Dame, Galeries Lafayette, the Seine and so much more!
The Inclusions
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Arrival Airport to Hotel transfer in Nice
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2 Nights Accommodation at the Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais in a Superior Room (upgrades available)
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Private Welcome Event in Nice
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Private group transfer from Nice to Avignon
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7 Nights aboard Viking's Longship Heimdal cruising from Avignon to Lyon
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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
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Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
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Visits to UNESCO Sites
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Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
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Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner (option to upgrade to an all inclusive drinks package)
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24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
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Port taxes & fees
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Gratuities
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Fully Comprehensive Travel Insurance* - including Covid Travel Cover
* Based on up to 69 years of age with no pre-existing medical condtions. Please advise if you need adjustments to this in your booking form.
The Cost
Standard CABIN
$5,995 per person
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Stateroom size: 150 sq ft (Category E)
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River-view stateroom with half-height picture window
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Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration)
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Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
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42" flat-screen TV with infotainment system, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
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Private bathroom with accessible shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
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Premium Freyja® toiletries
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Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
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Telephone, safe, refrigerator with bottled water replenished daily
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Individual climate control
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Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
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Under-bed suitcase storage space
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Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
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12pm Embarkation - 3pm stateroom access
FRENCH BALCONY
FROM $6,595 per person
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Stateroom size: 135 sq ft (Category D)
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River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
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Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration)
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Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
-
42" flat-screen TV with infotainment system, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
-
Private bathroom with accessible shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
-
Premium Freyja® toiletries
-
Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
-
Telephone, safe, refrigerator with bottled water replenished daily
-
Individual climate control
-
Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
-
Under-bed suitcase storage space
-
Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
-
12pm Embarkation - 3pm stateroom access
Verandah CABIN
FROM $7,095 per person
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Stateroom size: 205 sq ft (Category B)
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River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
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Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration)
-
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
-
42" flat-screen TV with infotainment system, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
-
Private bathroom with accessible shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
-
Premium Freyja® toiletries
-
Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
-
Telephone, safe, refrigerator with bottled water replenished daily
-
Individual climate control
-
Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
-
Under-bed suitcase storage space
-
Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
-
12pm Embarkation - 3pm stateroom access
Upgrades and Extras
AIRFARES
We can book flights for you, alternatively, Frequent Flyer Flights are available.
Book with us to get your free transit airport lounge pass (oneway)
BEVERAGE PACKAGE
Beer, wine and soft drink is included with lunch and dinner,
however you have the option to upgrade to have all of you drinks including
Champagne, Premium Wines & Beer, Cocktails, Mocktails, Soft Drinks, Juices for just $30 per person per day
Total Cost - $240 per person
PRE and/or POst ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITIES
If you would like to upgrade your room type, or extend your stay, please let us know!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel, medical and cancellation insurance with nib is included in your tour price.*
Additional premiums apply for travellers 70 years and over, and with pre-existing medical conditions.
The included insurance has a $250 excess, you can remove the excess completely from an additional $70 per person
The insurance includes cancellation cover to the value of $10,000 per person
The insurance includes unlimited medical cover (including Covid-19), as well as Covid-19 Travel Cover.
You can download the Full PDS here, as well as one-page flyers on
Cruise Cover, Coronavirus Travel Cover & Emergency Assistance
Available Cabins
Secure your cabin with a deposit of just $1000 per person
An invoice for full payment will then be sent to your email address
Full Payment is due by the 20th of April 2022
Join Our Waitlist
The Itinerary
Please note the finalised itinerary and times will be included in your travel documents.
Day 1 - 7th AUGUST 2022: NICE
Arrive in Nice at any time
Transfer from the Airport to Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais, check in and enjoy free time to explore the hotel and surrounds
This evening is your to enjoy at your leisure, a sunset dinner or cocktail may be order to kick of your French Adventure!
Stay: Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais, Nice
Day 2 - 8th AUGUST 2022: NICE
Take a walk along the promenade, go to one of the beach clubs or perhaps go for a wander around the old town of Vieille Ville, and take the free elevator up to Parc de la Colline du Château where you will experience some of the best views od the riviera.
This afternoon/evening there will be a Welcome function where you can meet and mingle with the other West Travel Club Members.
Stay: Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais, Nice
Day 3 - 9th AUGUST 2022: AVIGNON
Meet the group in the lobby of the hotel at 9am for your private transfer to Avignon.
The scenic drive will take 2.5-3 hours and will take you along the coast pas Antibes and Cannes before heading inland to Aix-en-Provence, and up to Avignon where you will board Viking Cruises' luxurious Longship Heimdal, which will be home for the next 7 nights.
After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town on the scenic Rhône River, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented before we embark on out 8 day cruise done the Rhône.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 4 - 10th AUGUST 2022: ArLES
Disembark after breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colours and striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore Arles on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 5 - 11th AUGUST 2022: AVIGNON
This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic centre, see the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture that served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon.
You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine.
Lunch and dinner are served on board the ship.
We depart for Viviers this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 6 - 12th AUGUST 2022: VIVIERS
This morning join a walking tour of Viviers’ Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Once a 5th-century Roman settlement, today the cobblestone streets are dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral.
This afternoon, we set sail to Tournon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 7 - 13th AUGUST 2022: Tournon & VIENNE
Board the Train de l’Ardèche this morning for a locomotive ride through the deep gorges of the Ardèche plateau, cut by the Doux River. Return to your ship and enjoy lunch on board as we cruise past dramatic landscapes.
Arrive in Vienne this afternoon, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice on a walking tour before dinner on board the ship.
We remain docked in Vienne this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 8 - 14th AUGUST 2022: LYON
After breakfast, disembark in Lyon for a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice.
Then take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous.
We remain docked in Lyon overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 9 - 15th AUGUST 2022: LYON
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep and enjoy a tasting in one of Beaujolais’s famous cellars.
Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time.
We remain docked in Lyon overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Viking Cruises - Heimdal
Day 10 - 16th AUGUST 2022: PARIS
Today our tour comes to an end, for those flying back to Perth we can arrange airport transfers for you.
If you would like to extend your stay in Paris or anywhere else in Europe or the UK, please let us know and we would be happy to help you with your plans and discounted rates.
We hope you have had a wonderful time, and look forward to welcoming you on another trip soon!
Paris Extension
3 nights
Take in the French countryside from your First Class seat from Lyon to Paris - in less than 2 hours you'll be in Paris!
Upon arrival a Gare du Lyon, we will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
A 2 Day Hop On - Hop Off Big Bus Premium Ticket is included
Enjoy the next three days at your leisure, taking in the sights - and tastes! of one of the world's most famous cities!
Total Cost
4 Star: Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs Elysees - from $775 per person
5 Star: Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg - from $1150 per person
Or we can tailor a package just for you!
