Avalon Tapestry II
Ship Facts
Ship's Registry: Germany
Passenger Capacity: 128
Crew Members: 37
Year Built: 2015
Length: 361 feet
Passenger Decks: 4
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A Taste of France
Food & Wine All-Lesbian River Cruise 2023
August 01 – August 09, 2023
Avalon Waterways Avalon Tapestry II
Food, wine, activity, and discovery—this trip is a great “taste” of France! This all-lesbian trip has something for everyone. If you like to bike or hike or even canoe, options are here! For those who enjoy leisurely walks, the French pastries, cheese, and wine, you’ll have many opportunities in the places we visit and on board. The cruise will feature French specialties, wines, and cheese with lunch and dinner. And for those who enjoy the artistry of Monet and Van Gogh, you’ll visit some of the beautiful villages, fields, and gardens where they resided and painted. Are you interested in history? We offer the choice to visit the monuments and beaches of Normandy, or you can choose to have a “taste” of Normandy to enjoy the coastal cities and Camembert cheeses they are famous for, and much more.
This fabulous lesbian river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque and historical region of Normandy.
Embark on your adventure in Paris and sail to Vernon, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.”
You may choose to go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison.
On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.
A culinary experience to remember
Enjoy a “taste” of France! Savor French wines, cheese, and regional specialties with onboard meals. Delight in cultural tours and culinary adventures in each port—whether by foot, bicycle, coach or even canoe! Your special activities may include preparing your own Chantilly cream; learning about Normandy cheese and French pastries; taking part in a pastry demonstration; tasting Calvados apple brandy at a local distillery, and more.
Your Ship - Avalon Tapestry II
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 free Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, 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.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
• Elevator
• Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
• Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee)
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary computer use in public areas
• Hair salon (manicures available)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Bicycles you can check out and use around many port towns
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Use of Nordic walking sticks
• Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts
• English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options
• Sky Deck game area
• Self-serve beverage station
• Well-stocked library
• Expanded Fitness Center
Dining:
• Olivia's welcome reception with sparkling wine and canapés
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early- and late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Breakfast buffets with foods that are low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Social hour and drink specials in Panorama Lounge
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Delectable regional & Western cuisine with all onboard meals
• Four-course dinners
• Wines from France’s most famous wine regions, beer or soft drinks with lunches and dinners; complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
• Coffee, tea and juices during all meals
• Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates and teas
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Delectable petite portions of regional specialties
• Tastings–sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Coffee or tea after dinner
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Comfort Collection Beds
• 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 bottled water
• 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 minibar
• In-room safe
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Full shower with glass door
• Vanity
What's Included
• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on Avalon’s ms Tapestry II, a 128 passenger ship
• Accommodations for 1 night at a 4-star hotel in Paris at the end of the trip, August 8-9
• All meals while on board
• Breakfast while at Paris hotel the morning of August 9
• Coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
• Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
• Included sightseeing tours in each port
• Headsets for guided tours provided
• Welcome cocktail reception
• Gratuities to ship crew, Avalon cruise director, tour guides, and bus drivers
• Olivia staff assistance throughout
• Transfer to included Paris hotel from ship in Le Havre
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A Taste of France
All-Lesbian River Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 01 August |
Paris, France |
D |
| 02 August |
Paris, France |
B, L, D |
| 03 August |
Conflans, France |
B, L, D |
| 04 August |
Vernon / Les Andelys |
B, L, D |
| 05 August |
Rouen, France |
B, L, D |
| 06 August |
Caudebec / Normandy |
B, L, D |
| 07 August |
Le Havre, France |
B, L, D |
| 08 August |
Le Havre / Paris |
B |
| 09 August |
Paris, France |
B |
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Itinerary is subject to change based on river level, traffic, and locks.
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Paris, France (Embarkation)
Tuesday, August 01, 2023
Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before embarking on your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
Overnight docking in Paris
Paris, France
Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases - The City of Lights Truly Shines
Wednesday, August 02, 2023
Your choice of included excursions:
Active
Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local on this enjoyable guided tour through Bois de Boulogne! OR:
Discovery
Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.
This afternoon, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. Alternatively, stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
Overnight docking in Conflans
Conflans, France
Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte
Thursday, August 03, 2023
Your choice of included excursions:
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
Active
This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:
Discovery
Travel to the Chantilly Castle on your own where the experts of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de crème Chantilly will show you how to prepare your own Chantilly cream, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Vernon.
Overnight docking in Vernon
Vernon / Les Andelys
Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Friday, August 04, 2023
Your choice of included excursions:
Active
Spend a fun and active day canoeing. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by canoe, OR:
Discovery
Enjoy and learn all about the Normandy cheese trail and traditional French pastries during this Guided Walking Tour, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces.
Discovery
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
Les Andelys
Serenity on the Seine’s Most Beautiful Riverbends
Your choice of included excursions:
Active
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:
Discovery
Visit one of ‘most beautiful villages of France’ situated in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Afterwards discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely.
Evening/overnight to Rouen
Rouen, France
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
Saturday, August 05, 2023
Included excursion:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
In the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city on your own or to join one of our Optional Excursions.
Overnight docking in Rouen
Caudebec / Normandy
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
Sunday, August 06, 2023
Your choice of included excursions:
Discovery
Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados apple brandy at a local distillery, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
Classic
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.
Overnight docking in Le Havre
Le Havre, France
20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy
Monday, August 07, 2023
Your choice of included excursions:
Active
Explore the city as only a local would: by bicycle. Cycle up to the quartier Saint François, OR:
Discovery
Travel to Fécamp to visit the Palais Benedectine where the world famous Benedectine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused around the famous liquor, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city center, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity.
This afternoon, you may want to choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
Overnight docking in Le Havre
Le Havre (Disembarkation) / Paris
Tuesday, August 08, 2023
Au Revoir, River Seine. Bonjour, Paris! Bid farewell to your ship’s crew and take an included transfer to your hotel in Paris. Take time to linger in a sidewalk café, shop for mementos, or take photographs of the city’s picturesque bridges.
Overnight at 4-star Paris Hotel
Paris Departure
Wednesday, August 09, 2023
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Vacation Stretchers
We will be overnighting on the ship in Paris on August 1 and will enjoy some of the highlights of Paris on August 2. We will not be offering pre- or post-hotel extensions on this trip. However, if you wish to extend your trip, we will have the information on the 4-star hotel we use on August 8 available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.
What's Not Included?
• Airfare to Paris;
• Transfer from the Paris Airport to ship and Paris hotel to the Paris Airport;
• Optional excursions;
• Meals other than breakfast while at hotel in Paris;
• Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated);
• Tips to Paris hotel staff;
• Phone/fax/ internet (wifi additional at hotel, but included on board);
• Salon services;
• Travel insurance;
• Personal incidentals
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Occupancy: 128 • Crew: 37 • Length: 361 feet • Built: 2015 • Registry: Germany
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2023 A Taste of France Food & Wine All-Lesbian River Cruise Rates
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RS - Royal Suite |
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Royal Deck. Located on the Royal deck, the Royal Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, a Comfort Collection bed that can convert to two single beds, soft and firm nonallergenic pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, minibar, bathroom with marble counter and two sinks, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 300 sq ft.
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P Panorama Suite |
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Royal Deck. Located on the Royal deck, this Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, a Comfort Collection bed that can convert to two single beds, soft and firm nonallergenic pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, minibar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 200 sq ft.
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A Panorama Suite |
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Sapphire Deck. Located on the Sapphire deck, this Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, a Comfort Collection bed that can convert to two single beds, soft and firm nonallergenic pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, minibar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 200 sq ft.
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B Panorama Suite |
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Sapphire Deck. Located on the Sapphire deck aft, this Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, a Comfort Collection bed that can convert to two single beds, soft and firm nonallergenic pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, minibar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 200 sq ft.
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D Deluxe Stateroom |
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Indigo Deck. Located on the Indigo deck, this Deluxe Stateroom features small windows above the waterline, a Comfort Collection bed that can convert to two single beds, soft and firm nonallergenic pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, minibar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. 172 sq ft.
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E Deluxe Stateroom |
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Indigo Deck. Located on the Indigo deck, this Deluxe Stateroom features small windows above the waterline, a Comfort Collection bed that can convert to two single beds, soft and firm nonallergenic pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, minibar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. 172 sq ft.
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Pre/Post Cruise Hotels
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Special Airfares
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Rates: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $499 per person (subject to change).
Early bird prices expire February 28, 2023.
Availability updated weekly and is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy is not guaranteed. Olivia & HappyGay Travel will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. It is advised for guests to check information provided on this site with an HappyGay Travel Travel Consultant.
For more information please read Olivia Terms & limit of responsibility
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