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Avalon Waterways Christens Avalon Scenery

May 13, 2008 on 8:17 am | In Adventure Travel, Belgium, Cruise Boats, Czech, Denmark, Dine Drink, Europe, Germany, London, Netherlands, Paris, United Kingdom |

Avalon Waterways unveiled its third new ship in Europe in two years. The Avalon Scenery, the newest ship on French waters, accommodates 138 passengers.

The Scenery boasts floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks, a “fun pool” on the sky deck, elevator and Club Lounge. The ship also showcases Avalon’s signature 172-square-foot staterooms with standard amenities that include hotel-style beds with duvets, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen satellite televisions, mini-bars, safes, modern bathrooms and large wardrobes.

In 2008, the Avalon Scenery will sail exclusively on the new “Flavors of Burgundy & Provence” journey with 32 departure dates until November.

And, as part of the Globus family of brand’s new Food & Wine vacation series, Avalon is featuring a Food & Wine cruise on the Avalon Scenery designed with Burt Wolf. Avalon also offers a holiday trip that combines the cruise in the South of France with two days of holiday shopping in Paris. Travelers who book an Avalon Waterways vacation in Europe between now and May 31 will receive $100 off per person or $200 off per couple.

Bookings must be made, under deposit and discount applied until May 31 for travel commencing until Oct. 31. A non-refundable $400 deposit, plus applicable travel protection fees, must be made to receive the discount. It is not applicable with any other discounts except Journeys Club, and applies to new 2008 air-inclusive Europe bookings only.

The new 11-day “Flavors of Burgundy & Provence” trip begins with a stay in Paris. From Paris, guests will drive south into Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area, and continuing to Chalon-sur-Saône to board Avalon Scenery. After a port stop in Tournus, travelers will sail to Mâcon for a guided walking tour. From there, they will cruise down the Rhône to Lyon, France’s second largest city and its gastronomic capital.

Then, it’s off to the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, located among vineyards between the River Rhône and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Avignon — also called the “City of Popes” — is the next stop. Then, the boat heads to Arles for more exploration, including venturing into the Roman Amphitheater. This journey ends with a stay in Nice and optional excursion to Monte Carlo in Monaco. The trip is priced from $2,059 cruise- and land-only.

The “Food & Wine Series: Flavors of Burgundy & Provence” also begins in Paris with a drive south to Chalon-sur-Saône to board the Avalon Scenery. On the seven-night cruise to Arles, they will have opportunities to cultivate their wine knowledge. As part of this cruise, travelers will visit several wineries and explore the folklore collection of the Burgundy museum, located in an old family mansion. The cruise also visits Avignon and concludes in Nice.

This trip departs Nov. 1 and is priced from $2,059 cruise- and land-only. Special food and wine features include wine tastings and instruction on how to differentiate between a truly great, an average and an everyday table wine. The cruise also will visit the Chardonnay area and learn about the tradition of the Beaujolais Nouveau.

A French dinner will also teach travelers the rules of food and wine pairing. The 11-day “Festive France” holiday cruise begins with a stay in Nice before boarding the Avalon Scenery in Arles. Other features include Christmas markets in Avignon and Lyon and wine-tastings on the ship en route to Tournon and Tournus. Travelers end their journey in Paris. The trip is priced from $2,059 cruise- and land only. Departure date is Dec. 1.

For more information, call 800-221-0090 or visit www.globusfamilypartner.com