Avalon Waterways Christens Europe’s Newest River Cruise Ship

The Scenery boasts floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks, a “fun pool” on the sky deck, elevator and “Club lounge.”  This ship also showcases Avalon’s signature, spacious 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 addition to providing the best ships on river waters, our team’s 80 years of experience in designing itineraries and land vacations makes Avalon Waterways the best on the land as well,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands.  “While on land, we spend more time telling the stories and lore behind each destination.”

In 2008, the Avalon Scenery will sail exclusively on the NEW Flavors of Burgundy & Provence journey with 32 departure dates between April and November.  And, as part of the Globus family of brand’s new Food & Wine vacation series, Avalon Waterways is featuring a special Food & Wine cruise on the Avalon Scenery.  Designed with Burt Wolf, this special getaway is filled with gastronomical delights to nourish the travel appetites of foodies and uncork the magic of the Rhône and Saône rivers.  Finally, Avalon Waterways boasts a holiday-specific opportunity to discover the South of France on Avalon Scenery with its Festive France getaway – a trip that includes two days of holiday shopping in Paris.

Making it even easier to book a dream vacation in the South of France on the Avalon Scenery, the Globus family of brands is providing travelers a special, limited-time offer.  Travelers who book an Avalon Waterways vacation in Europe between now and May 31, 2008 will receive $100 off per person ($200 off per couple).**

NEW Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (11 days)
Travelers will begin their journey with a stay in the “City of Light,” enjoying Paris’ living history.  From Paris, they will drive south past the forest of Fontainebleau into Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area which produces the region’s finest vintages of wines.  Continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saône, their new, luxurious river cruise vessel – Avalon Scenery – awaits.  After enjoying a leisurely port stop in Tournus, travelers will sail to Mâcon for a guided walking tour.  From there, they’ll enjoy cruising 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, nestled among vineyards between the River Rhône and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.  Avignon – also called the “City of Popes” – is the next magical stop.  Then, they’ll head 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 the Principality of Monaco. (Priced from $2,059; cruise/land-only)

Food & Wine Series: Flavors of Burgundy & Provence
On this journey, travelers will partake in a wine country adventure through the region’s finest vineyards and luscious countryside.  They’ll begin their vacation in Paris, with plenty of good food, good wine and good sightseeing.  Then they will drive south to Chalon-sur-Saône, where they will board the new, luxurious Avalon Scenery.  On the seven-night cruise to Arles, they will have plenty of opportunities to cultivate their wine knowledge, with rich history lessons and gastronomic delights doused along the way.  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.  While in Provence, they will experience the city of Avignon–often referred to as the “City of Popes”- before arriving in their final destination of Nice. (Priced from $2,059; cruise/land-only; Departure date: November 1, 2008)

•    Special food and wine features include: An on-board wine authority will offer cruisers instruction on how to differentiate between a truly great, an average and an everyday “table wine” and will  also describe how various grape varieties are cultivated.  Special wine tastings will show travelers what to look for in a good wine - from color and bouquet to “legs” and finish.  They will visit the Chardonnay area, home to the popular varietal of the same name and learn about the strict tradition of the Beaujolais Nouveau.  A special French dinner, for which each wine has been carefully chosen, will also teach travelers the rules of food and wine pairing - this is an adventure that Bacchus himself would enjoy!

Special Holiday Cruise: Festive France
Discover France at its festive best on this 11-day holiday river cruise.  Experience Old World charm and enchanting holiday traditions in the quaint villages on the banks of the Rhône and Saône Rivers.  Travelers are welcomed to France with a stay in Nice, enjoying the atmosphere of the city’s festive Christmas Village.  After making their way to Arles, travelers will board the most luxurious small ship in France, the Avalon Scenery.  Other stops on this holiday journey include: Exploring and enjoying Christmas Markets in Avignon and Lyon, wine tastings onboard the ship en route to Tournon and Tournus and on-land storytelling galore.  Travelers end their journey in Paris, photographing the giant Christmas tree in front of Norte Dame Cathedral, ice skating next to the Hôtel de Ville, indulging in French hot chocolate (chocolat chaud) and spending the holiday season shopping in Paris! (Priced from $2,059; cruise/land only; Departure date: December 1, 2008)