Sherman's Travel

The Luxury Experience Avalon Waterways, whose unique cruise/land tours, combined with outstanding service and a sleek, modern fleet, landed the company one of Sherman’s Travel 2009 Smart Luxury Awards. The 138-guest Avalon Scenery glides along the Saône and Rhône rivers through the French countryside of Burgundy and Provence on 7-night sailings to Arles, in Provence (followed by a one-night hotel stay in Nice). Guests board the ship in Chalon-sur-Saône (about 185 miles from Paris) after bunking down for two evenings in the French capital (premium hotels are included in rate). Port highlights include the Beaujolais wine region, Lyon, Avignon, and others –complimentary shore excursions and guided sightseeing are offered for each. 

The Value The April 4 itinerary, including sailing and three nights’ hotel, is priced at $450 less per person than the same itinerary in late spring. Plus, as part of the Spring Fling offer, each stateroom is reduced an additional $1,000, bringing the rate down to $2,469 per person.

The Catch April in France still sees cooler temperatures – bring a beret!

The Details 877-797-8791, www.avalonwaterways.com

From the Feb/March 2010 issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.