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France
Bordeaux, Pauillac, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne, Vernon, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Versailles, Paris, Lyon, Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, Arles
Dinners, Breakfast Buffets, Lunchs, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, Continental Breakfast
Mainly 2 and 3 night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires walking to participate in top sites.
If all-inclusive, luxury travel is your standard go-to, or are traveling to celebrate a milestone or special occasion, a boutique, luxury river cruise is the perfect choice. The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line, for more than four decades, Uniworld has specialized in providing intimate and in-depth one-of-a-kind journeys for travelers seeking to explore the rivers of the world in exceptional style. On every all-inclusive Uniworld river cruise, you’ll be whisked away to a variety of destinations in one trip onboard a beautiful river ship. Along the way, you’ll enjoy five-star cuisine, unique local experiences, and exceptional service from the longest tenured crew in river cruising.
View all Uniworld River CruisesThe S.S. Bon Voyage is designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, starting with its stunning grand entrance—a signature Super Ship element—clad in polished wood, subtle brass details, and hand-crafted balustrade.
See ShipS.S. Joie de Vivre brings the “joy of living” to the rivers of France. Step aboard your floating pied-à-terre in France, featuring handcrafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design from the Golden Twenties to the free-spirited Sixties, all blending seamlessly with modern conveniences.
See ShipUniworld is committed to building a fleet of ships that represents the absolute best in luxury river cruising, combining quality craftsmanship with high-tech innovations and custom-designed interiors. Our second Super Ship vessel, the S.S. Catherine, continues this proud tradition of excellence with sumptuous materials and meticulous attention to detail. The vessel’s opulent interiors include a two-story lobby with a specially commissioned Murano glass chandelier and whimsical life-size glass horse.
See ShipThis triumvirate of France brings you the very best of each region—Paris and the Normandy coast in the north, vineyard-rich Bordeaux in the southwest, and the sun-drenched Mediterranean delights of Burgundy and Provence. You’ll tour glamorous capital cities in leisure and style, explore ancient villages still unspoiled by modern life, and walk in the footsteps of famous artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. With Uniworld’s extraordinary excursions, you’ll visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, taste incomparable wines in Bordeaux, stroll the charming medieval lanes of Viviers, peruse a farmers market in Southern France, and take a scenic bike ride through Lyon before seeing the city spectacularly illuminated at night. All the while, savor the renowned wines and cooking traditions that have made French cuisine the most revered in the world.
Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Oysters have long been a beloved product of the Médoc—and for good reason. Discover why today as you join an oyster farmer at the Guar...
See MoreOysters have long been a beloved product of the Médoc—and for good reason. Discover why today as you join an oyster farmer at the Guards’ House terrace for a tasting of this delicacy, accompanied by a glass of local white wine.
In 1855, when Napoleon III asked for a classification of the best wines in France to give visitors, some 60 Médoc wines were awarded Grand C...
See MoreIn 1855, when Napoleon III asked for a classification of the best wines in France to give visitors, some 60 Médoc wines were awarded Grand Cru status—out of 61 total. A panoramic tour of this legendary landscape takes you from Pauillac to the tip of the Médoc peninsula, past storied vineyards of the region, including Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild and Pichon Longueville Baron, and through the villages of Margaux, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. You might be surprised to discover that the peninsula is only three miles wide, though it is 50 miles long, and the road carries you past a dizzying array of architectural styles— Renaissance, Greek Revival and medieval—as well as miles of grapevines. You’ll turn off the road and enter one of these châteaux for a private tour and a tasting of superior wines.
Combine fresh air, gorgeous scenery and fine wine with a bicycle ride among the prestigious Médoc vineyards. Meet your guide and mount your ...
See MoreCombine fresh air, gorgeous scenery and fine wine with a bicycle ride among the prestigious Médoc vineyards. Meet your guide and mount your bicycle to pedal through the lush landscapes of historic estates that have seemingly remained unchanged for centuries. Truly experience the atmosphere—the earth, the sunshine—of this famous wine-growing region.
The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
Note: Sailing this stretch of the Garonne depends on the tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be transferred to your destination via motorcoach.
You’ll journey through the vineyards to Château Royal de Cazeneuve, a polygonal 14th-century fortress with a royal pedigree. A favored ...
See MoreYou’ll journey through the vineyards to Château Royal de Cazeneuve, a polygonal 14th-century fortress with a royal pedigree. A favored residence of Henry IV, who inherited it from his mother, Jeanne d’Albret. The beautifully restored château still belongs to descendants of the Albret family. After your intimate visit you will meet Louis and Caroline de Sabran-Pontevès, the owner and his wife for a Sauternes toast, sampling the unique perfume and flavor of the area.
Uncover the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Originally the home of his mother, Adèle, Château Toulouse-Lautrec would...
See MoreUncover the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Originally the home of his mother, Adèle, Château Toulouse-Lautrec would soon inspire much of his artwork. As one of the best painters of the post-impressionist period, Toulouse-Lautrec is known for his distinctive and colorful take on Paris in the late 1800s as well as his fascination with Moulin Rouge dancers and famous singers, who were prominent in much of his work. Venture to the nearby town of Verdelais, where you’ll notice two beautiful central walkways lined with trees and 19th-century façades. It is in Verdelais’ cemetery that Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is buried.
The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
This little road between Blaye and Bourg-sur-Gironde winds through picturesque hamlets with equally picturesque names—Pain de Sucre, Marmisso...
See MoreThis little road between Blaye and Bourg-sur-Gironde winds through picturesque hamlets with equally picturesque names—Pain de Sucre, Marmisson and Roque de Thau among them—limestone cliffs on one side, the Gironde on the other. Fishing huts on stilts stand above the waters of the estuary; charming 19th-century stone houses built by sea captains sit tidily along the road. Many of these captains traveled to far-off places and returned with exotic plants, which they planted in their gardens and along the road (hence the route’s name). But the history of these cliffs extends far beyond the 19th century—people have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
Upon returning to Blaye, your guide will take you through the 17th-century demilune-shaped citadel built by famed military engineer Vauban. This fortress design was the one Vauban, Louis XIV’s favorite military engineer, found most satisfactory, and he built some 300 of them in the Sun King’s realm. The citadel contains the ruins of a medieval castle, houses, squares, streets, even a convent, all enclosed within stark walls. If you stand on top of those walls, you will have a terrific view of the estuary— this view was the field of fire, giving the citadel command of the river.
Today you are invited to join an informal wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in Blaye. The owner here will giv...
See MoreToday you are invited to join an informal wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in Blaye. The owner here will give you a personal look into the life of a local wine lover, take you into his art studio, and show you his collections of wine and antique cars. From here, you’re welcome to explore Blaye at your leisure before returning to the ship.
Not all wine remains wine: some of it is distilled into cognac. Rémy Martin has been making cognac for almost three centuries, refining the process...
See MoreNot all wine remains wine: some of it is distilled into cognac. Rémy Martin has been making cognac for almost three centuries, refining the process over the years. Tour the facility and learn how this elixir is created, then taste three different cognacs with complementary nibbles.
$90 pre-purchase
€80 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets.
Note: Today's lunch will be on your own; ask your Cruise Manager for recommendations on the best nearby restaurants.
Hilltop Saint-Émilion offers both exceptional architecture and historic vineyards. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, and this ...
See MoreHilltop Saint-Émilion offers both exceptional architecture and historic vineyards. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, and this was the first vineyard region to be protected by UNESCO because of its history. Shops brimming with wine and wine tools line the steep cobblestone streets; medieval ramparts that bore witness to battles for control between French and English monarchs still stand; and vineyards encroach upon the village. Of all the sights, however, perhaps the most extraordinary is the 12th-century church carved into a cliff. Only the tower is above ground; the rest of the church is subterranean. Its numerous underground galleries provided refuge during periods of strife, and include the grotto where St. Émilion, for whom the town is named, lived out his life in the ninth century. You have to see it for yourself—you’ll be amazed by its almost unfathomable construction. After touring Saint-Émilion, you’ll visit the cellars of a fantastic estate where you’ll taste some of the world’s most highly rated wines.
Château Ambe Tour Pourret, with five hectares planted with merlot and cabernet franc vines, is a comparatively young wine house, dating to 1925 in ...
See MoreChâteau Ambe Tour Pourret, with five hectares planted with merlot and cabernet franc vines, is a comparatively young wine house, dating to 1925 in its current form (though parts of the chateau are much older). Tour the winery before you meet your chef/teacher, then walk to the well-equipped, modern professional kitchen. Tie on your apron and delve into the tasks the chef assigns you. You might zest kaffir limes to season a first course of seared duck foie gras or make the cherry sauce in kirsch that accompanies it or help to prepare wild trout or a decadent strawberry tart. You'll learn something about the art of French sauces in the process, and then you'll take a seat in the elegant dining room and enjoy the lunch you've helped prepare-naturally, each course will be accompanied by the appropriate wine from Chateau Ambe Tour Pourret's cellars.
$195 pre-purchase
€170 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Meet the cellar master of an estate that produces one of St. Emillion's finest wines, Château Beauséjour Bécot. They'll take you on a full tour of ...
See MoreMeet the cellar master of an estate that produces one of St. Emillion's finest wines, Château Beauséjour Bécot. They'll take you on a full tour of the property, during which you'll be privy to insight on the terroir that helps create such incredible wines, the history of the family, their underground cellars and more. After your tour, taste the fruits of this estate yourself on a terrace overlooking the vineyards.
$115 pre-purchase
€100 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
A warm welcome invites you into the beautiful Château Côte de Baleau, located just outside the medieval village of Saint-Émilion...
See MoreA warm welcome invites you into the beautiful Château Côte de Baleau, located just outside the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Here, you’ll learn about the wines of this region, famous for producing some of the best in the world. After, you’ll enjoy a typical French lunch on their picnic tables outside, soaking in the scenic setting with some delicious food and, of course, a glass of the estate’s spectacular wine!
$90 pre-purchase
€80 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market?
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
How could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmer's market? Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town; ...
See MoreHow could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmer's market? Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town; everyone comes here to choose the freshest vegetables, the ripest cheeses, the most luscious fruits, the loveliest flowers, and to chat with the producers and growers. Check out the stalls brimming with produce in the market square, then duck into the covered market and savor the enticing aromas of bread and cheese, fish and meat. After exploring the market, you and a small group of other travelers will be invited to push open the doors of ateliers, homes and shops, meeting the artisans who make some of the goods arrayed so enticingly in the market.
Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune is home to a submarine base with a checkered past. Originally built during the German occupation of France in WWII...
See MoreBordeaux’s Port de la Lune is home to a submarine base with a checkered past. Originally built during the German occupation of France in WWII, and later the target of allied bombings, this building has since attracted artists who wish to reclaim the site for beauty and culture. Its stark walls and history have served as a poignant backdrop to artistic installations for decades. Tonight, you’ll experience this for yourself at the Bassins des Lumières, a stunning and immersive light show projected against the walls of the base.
Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Catch a tram at the Quai des Chartrons to the Place de la Comédie, the heart of Bordeaux’ Golden Triangle. Though Bordeaux was the cap...
See MoreCatch a tram at the Quai des Chartrons to the Place de la Comédie, the heart of Bordeaux’ Golden Triangle. Though Bordeaux was the capital of Aquitaine in the Middle Ages and has its share of Gothic churches, it reached its apex in the 18th century. The splendid honey-colored stone buildings from this era make up a city core that UNESCO has designated a World Heritage Site (this is the district that inspired Baron Haussmann when he redesigned Paris at the behest of Napoleon III). Trade with the French colonies built this handsome district, furnishing vanilla, sugar, spices and cocoa to inventive chocolatiers and bakers, who used these goods to create iconic desserts. Chocolate, once a Spanish monopoly, became part of Bordeaux’ culinary heritage when banished Spanish Jews brought the art of chocolate-making to France. What are Bordeaux’ present-day residents enjoying when they step inside the luxurious food halls and elegant shops in this neighborhood? Find out as you sample the delicious handiwork of Bordeaux's bakers, and learn a few recipes too!
Hop on a bike and wheel with your expert guide along the Quai des Chartrons, a riverfront neighborhood that was the purview of British wine merchan...
See MoreHop on a bike and wheel with your expert guide along the Quai des Chartrons, a riverfront neighborhood that was the purview of British wine merchants back when they dominated the wine trade. It fell on hard times in the 20th century, but the tall merchant houses have since been reclaimed; now they house welcoming shops and cafés. Pedal past the antiques shops of Rue Notre Dame and the Church of St. Louis on your way to major city squares such as the Bourse and Parliament before heading back to the ship along the banks of the Garonne. Of course your outing will include a stop for refreshments at one of the delightful cafés you pass.
Get ready to explore a medley of what's best in Bordeaux! Your gentleman driver will take you on a journey to the unmissable places of the city: Gr...
See MoreGet ready to explore a medley of what's best in Bordeaux! Your gentleman driver will take you on a journey to the unmissable places of the city: Grosse Cloche, Place de la Bourse, the Darwin district, Basilique Saint-Michel, and any requested stops you'd like to make as well. This truly unique and exciting experience will take you well into the night with a local who knows all the histories, folklore, and of course, best spots for a photo-op. Quel charm!
$195 pre-purchase
€170 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Watch the city come alive at night with a sidecar tour of brilliant Bordeaux. Wind through backstreets, lit-up avenues and, of course, the most ico...
See MoreWatch the city come alive at night with a sidecar tour of brilliant Bordeaux. Wind through backstreets, lit-up avenues and, of course, the most iconic sites of Bordeaux, like the Grosse Cloche, Place de la Bourse and Saint Michael Basilica. Feel the city's festive energy as you zip through town on this vintage masterpiece before stopping for a photo, a sip of champagne and even a romantic moment with your sweetheart. Truly a night to remember!
$270 pre-purchase
€240 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Disembark the breathtaking S.S. Bon Voyage and transfer to Paris via high-speed TGV train. Your next ship, the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre, waits to carry you along the Seine on the next leg of your adventure. Note: Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors.
Today is a celebration of northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid château and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. In the morning, choose between a scenic hike or a visit to the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers sweeping views over the Seine. Later, explore the beautiful gardens of Monet. You'll have the opportunity to take in the French countryside on your way there with an invigorating bike ride, or opt to arrive by coach instead.
Note: Giverny will be closed during the March and November cruise departure dates. This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
The limestone outcropping that eventually became known as Château de La Roche-Guyon began its history as a cave dwelling. It later trans...
See MoreThe limestone outcropping that eventually became known as Château de La Roche-Guyon began its history as a cave dwelling. It later transformed into a fortress, where medieval knights stood guard against marauding Vikings. Over the centuries it grew into a proper palace, housing a string of lords who gave the château its name—"La Roche-Guyon" translates to "the Rock of Guy," Guy being a typical name for these noblemen. You might think, as you walk through the elegantly designed garden and beautifully paneled rooms, that the residence’s military function was in the far distant past, but Rommel made his headquarters here during WWII, precisely because the ancient fortifications and caves were so secure.
The village of Château de La Roche-Guyon, which sprawls out across the hillsides of the estate that shares its name, is popularly considered ...
See MoreThe village of Château de La Roche-Guyon, which sprawls out across the hillsides of the estate that shares its name, is popularly considered one of the most beautiful in all of France. Begin your hike here today, passing along a restored 17th century garden, the Saint-Samson church, the old dungeon, and more. Please note that this hike may need to be cancelled in the event of rain.
Note: Giverny is not open year-round; this excursion will be available for April through October cruise departure dates only. Monet often painted...
See MoreMonet often painted the little riverside town of Vernon, so you are likely to recognize scenes the master rendered in oils on your way to his home in the village of Giverny, where he lived and worked for more than 40 years. When Monet bought the property, most of it was an orchard; he transformed it over the years into the enchanting visions immortalized in his paintings, essentially creating each work of art twice: once as a living garden and again as a painting. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll see the famed Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by weeping willows. Monet’s house, which you will also visit, remains furnished as it was when the leader of the impressionist school lived here, complete with his precious collection of Japanese engravings.
Note: Giverny will be closed during the March, late October, and November cruise departure dates. On affected departures, an alternative excursion to Richard the Lionheart's Château Gaillard in Les Andelys will be offered instead.
The country roads between Vernon and Giverny offer easy—and pretty—biking. Hop aboard your bike and pedal about three miles to the vill...
See MoreThe country roads between Vernon and Giverny offer easy—and pretty—biking. Hop aboard your bike and pedal about three miles to the village where the artist lived for decades. You’ll pass the church and cemetery where Monet is buried and the Hotel Baudy, where his painter friends often stayed, and arrive at the artist’s home and garden for a tour.
Note: Giverny will be closed during the March and November cruise departure dates.
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied—Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, and Claude Monet are among them.
Tonight, walk through the streets of Rouen with your Cruise Manager to see this charming medieval city in a different light. You’ll arrive at...
See MoreTonight, walk through the streets of Rouen with your Cruise Manager to see this charming medieval city in a different light. You’ll arrive at the famous cathedral to enjoy a private concert. This is a wonderful way to appreciate the long musical heritage of the cathedral, whose choir and grand organ date back several hundred years. As you take in the sounds of traditional European music, look around to appreciate the mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and other architectural styles that comprise this building.
Please note: we advise that you layer, as there is no heating in this historic cathedral.
Victor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred bell towers. Easily the most famous of those towers is the one rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, ...
See MoreVictor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred bell towers. Easily the most famous of those towers is the one rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, which briefly made it the tallest building in the world. Begun some 800 years ago, the cathedral acquired a multitude of spires and styles as it was expanded and renovated in different eras. Stand on the opposite side of the square, under the apartment Monet used as a studio, for a view of the cathedral as the impressionist master saw it. On this tour, you'll also explore the cobblestone alleyways and half-timbered houses of the Old Town, Saint-Maclou (a spectacular late-Flamboyant Gothic church), and the adjacent Aître Saint-Maclou, once a cemetery for plague victims and now a garden. And of course, your guide will make sure to point out the bronze cross marking the most famous death in the city—the place where the English burned Joan of Arc at the stake.
Cheese is a product integral to French heritage and culture, with hundreds of beloved varieties distinct to the regions and towns they hail from. A...
See MoreCheese is a product integral to French heritage and culture, with hundreds of beloved varieties distinct to the regions and towns they hail from. Amongst the most famous is Camembert, an AOC-designated product from an eponymous town in the Normandy region. Visit a sustainably-minded, family farm today to see how it's made and taste a variety of their delicious Camemberts. To wash it down, sip on another classic product from Normandy, apple cider.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; and Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
One of France's most iconic sights, the abbey of Mont St. Michel seems to float above the shallow bay, impossibly beautiful. It's been a pilgrimage...
See MoreOne of France's most iconic sights, the abbey of Mont St. Michel seems to float above the shallow bay, impossibly beautiful. It's been a pilgrimage destination for a thousand years, as well as a fortress, a beacon of independence and even, at one point, a prison. Travel to this marvel of medieval architecture today, crossing the causeway bridge (the new one, which permits the tides to scour the bay and keep it free of silt) and climbing the cobblestone lane that twines around the island to the top, where the Gothic church reaches heavenward. Explore the historic crypts, chapels and vaults that support the church and cloisters above, stand on the walls that withstood a 30-year assault by the English in the 15th century and marvel at the legendary view.
$195 pre-purchase
€170 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.
Transfer to Honfleur, where our walking tour of the fishing village begins at the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most fre...
See MoreTransfer to Honfleur, where our walking tour of the fishing village begins at the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur—which looks much as it did a century ago, though now the boats in the harbor are more likely to be pleasure craft than fishing vessels. Your local guide will take you down tiny lanes, where houses stand shoulder to shoulder in a jumble of styles: narrow 19th-century slate-roofed townhouses, 15th-century fishermen’s cottages, and tall and elegant mansions— many adorned with figures of chimeras or saints. You’ll also see St. Catherine’s Church, built in the 15th century by shipwrights who gave it an oak ceiling that looks like the hull of a boat.
Note: shuttles to and from the ship will be offered in the afternoon for guests who would like additional time in town after their tour.
It would be hard to find a more spectacular location than Étretat’s clifftop course, which is ranked as one of the best in France. Ori...
See MoreIt would be hard to find a more spectacular location than Étretat’s clifftop course, which is ranked as one of the best in France. Originally laid out in 1908 and substantially redesigned in the 1990s, it offers a multitude of challenges: Two nine-hole loops take players right to the cliff’s edge, the wind can be a serious challenge in and of itself, and the 10th through 14th holes offer formidable tests of a golfer’s skill. Spend the morning on the course, lunch on your own in charming Étretat and explore the seaside village that so many artists, including Monet, rendered in paint, or return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon onboard.
Note: Golf excursion is open to a limited number of golfers. Club entrance and use of golf clubs are provided for usage during your excursion.
Just a short 10 minutes from where our ship is docked, in the forests above Caudebec-en-Caux, lies a Norman monastery dating back to the 7th centur...
See MoreJust a short 10 minutes from where our ship is docked, in the forests above Caudebec-en-Caux, lies a Norman monastery dating back to the 7th century. The Abbey of St. Wandrille is now of the Benedictine order, and we'll be meeting one of its brothers today for a personalized journey through various parts of the monastery. As you take in the site's architectural highlights, your guide will provide fascinating insight into the old order and life for St. Wandrille's modern monks. Before you leave, you will be presented with a home-made gift from the brotherhood.
$65 pre-purchase
€60 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level—experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. After, partake in a private memorial ceremony for a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Travel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You'll visit historic beaches and get an up-...
See MoreTravel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You'll visit historic beaches and get an up-close view of the Airborne museum. Later stop at the American Cemetery followed by a special memorial ceremony at the Omaha beach.
Note: Lunch on own if participating in this excursion.
Immerse yourself in the tactics, desperate courage, and horrendous human cost of the 1944 Allied invasion of France, the first step in the ultimate...
See MoreImmerse yourself in the tactics, desperate courage, and horrendous human cost of the 1944 Allied invasion of France, the first step in the ultimately victorious land campaign against the Nazis. It began here, on these Norman beaches, each of which was assigned a code name by the Allies as they planned their attack. At Arromanches—code-named Gold Beach—you can view the remnants of one of the two Mulberry harbors deployed in the D-Day invasion. These were artificial harbors constructed to ease and speed the process of unloading Allied troops, vehicles, and equipment onto the Normandy beaches.
Note: Lunch on own if participating in this excursion.
When the Allies prepared to invade Normandy, they assigned a six-mile stretch of beach to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division under the command of M...
See MoreWhen the Allies prepared to invade Normandy, they assigned a six-mile stretch of beach to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division under the command of Major-General Rodney Keller. The Canadians trained for their assault in Scotland and were generally regarded as the best-prepared of any of the invading forces. Unfortunately, preliminary bombing had failed to eliminate German battlements, so Canadian troops encountered stiff resistance, and several companies suffered heavy casualties. Walk the shoreline where so many died, and visit Juno Beach Center, dedicated to the Canadian war effort. One million Canadians served during WWII, and 14,000 participated in the landing. Exhibits describe both life at home during the war and the service of—and sacrifices made by—the men who fought.
Note: Lunch on own if participating in this excursion.
How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
It was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palac...
See MoreIt was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palaces, Versailles stood alone in magnificence. Tour the royal apartments, which still look much as they did when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. In these rooms, you’ll find lush silk draperies, exquisite marquetry tables, gilded beds, Aubusson carpets, and porcelain ornaments that reveal the elegance of the 18th-century royalty’s lifestyle, as well as the extravagance that helped fuel the rage leading to the revolution. Climb the great staircase and enter the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, where the absolute ruler of France held court for the ambassadors of Siam, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, along with all the great seigneurs of France. Ladies intrigued behind their fans, plots were hatched, and careers were made and destroyed beneath the sparkling chandeliers here.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you’ve been here many times before, there’s something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, or join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods.
If you are experiencing Paris for the first time, this tour will introduce you to the City of Light’s most cherished landmarks. You’ll ...
See MoreIf you are experiencing Paris for the first time, this tour will introduce you to the City of Light’s most cherished landmarks. You’ll drive along the Seine, passing the most stunning single-arch bridge in Paris. Pont Alexandre III displays elegantly sculpted nymphs, winged horses, and graceful art nouveau lamps. As you continue along riverbanks, you’ll be sure to spot the largest glass ceilings in France, which shelter the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. From the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate his Grand Army’s 128 victories, you'll drive down the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. These broad 19th-century avenues and stately buildings were created by Baron Haussmann in a great urban development that eliminated the cramped, crazy-quilt medieval city and gave Paris its modern form. You’ll pass the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the Place Vendôme (home to designer salons), the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. Stretch your legs at the Luxembourg Gardens, then take in the École Militaire before arriving at the manicured grounds of the Champs de Mars, the perfect vantage point from which to see Paris’s most iconic structure—the Eiffel Tower.
Note: You can opt to leave the tour at any stopping point if you would like to explore on your own. Shuttles between the ship and the Place de la Concorde will be available in the afternoon.
As a true Parisian would, take the Métro to the Latin Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philo...
See MoreAs a true Parisian would, take the Métro to the Latin Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philosophers, and the Sorbonne’s students have lived and worked, argued politics, painted, sipped absinthe, and lived the bohemian lifestyle for which the district is famous. Matisse, Picasso, Rimbaud, and Sartre, as well as American expatriate writers Hemingway and Fitzgerald, are just a few of the notables who made this district home. End with a view of the famous Notre Dame cathedral. Fun fact, Notre Dame is officially the center of France; facing its main entrance is Kilometer Zero, the location from which distances in France (including those of the French national highways) are traditionally measured.
How can you resist? Montmartre's Moulin Rouge is the most famous cancan cabaret in the world, the place where the rowdy and athletic dance was perf...
See MoreHow can you resist? Montmartre's Moulin Rouge is the most famous cancan cabaret in the world, the place where the rowdy and athletic dance was perfected. Lavish, lively and festive, the show constantly changes - but it always features the Can Can. Over its 120-year history the nightclub has attracted princes, painters, bankers, musicians and many ordinary patrons. Sit back and enjoy your dinner and Champagne while the glamorous girls and larger-than-life spectacle delight you.
$340 pre-purchase
€300 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. Approximately 38,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st cen...
See MoreThe Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. Approximately 38,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are exhibited throughout its halls, and one could easily spend many days attempting to see it all. Along with an expert guide, you'll optimize your time at the Louvre with a fascinating tour of its highlights, including the Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo and many more.
$115 pre-purchase
€100 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Paris is a city that must be experienced - its gastronomy, its sophistication and its savoir-vivre. Walk in the shoes of a Parisian and get a taste...
See MoreParis is a city that must be experienced - its gastronomy, its sophistication and its savoir-vivre. Walk in the shoes of a Parisian and get a taste of life in this cultural capital of Europe. There is no better place to discover the gastronomy culture of Paris than in the iconic Saint-Germain. Join us for a tour of this neighbourhood, featuring a perfect mix of historic, trendy and foodie Paris. Tucked in between the Seine river and the Luxembourg gardens, tour highlights include a traditional cheese tasting in a cellar before heading to a theater for some charcuterie, the Parisian way! Discover hidden foodie gems within the city's real food and culture. Enjoy four authentic tasting stops, interact with the local taste makers, and experience first-hand the Parisian way of life.
$145 pre-purchase
€130 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Hop into a retro sidecar for a thrilling ride through Paris at its most romantic-in the evening when the reason it's known as "The City of Lights" ...
See MoreHop into a retro sidecar for a thrilling ride through Paris at its most romantic-in the evening when the reason it's known as "The City of Lights" becomes apparent. Coast along the riverbanks of the Seine, zip past such sights as the glittering Eiffel Tower and the Luxembourg Gardens, then top off your ride with a champagne toast.
$410 pre-purchase
€360 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Buckle up, don't forget your safety gear and get ready to explore Paris' architecture and history by way of sidecar. Join your guide on a retro mot...
See MoreBuckle up, don't forget your safety gear and get ready to explore Paris' architecture and history by way of sidecar. Join your guide on a retro motorcycle as you drive past the Eiffel Tower on your way to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Continue cruising through the high-end shopping district on Boulevard Saint Germain. Enjoy some free time and make sure to stop by the famous Café de Flore or Ralph Lauren's restaurant featuring his take on classic American cuisine. On your way back to the ship you will pass by the Church of Saint-Sulpice. Built in the 17th century and elaborately enhanced in later centuries, Saint-Sulpice is the one of the largest churches in the city - second only, of course, to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, which happens to be your next destination. Make your way to Notre-Dame, and witness the destruction and revival this cathedral has endured over the decades. Before this Masterpiece experience ends, you will descend onto the glamorous Avenue Montaigne, home to some of the world's most renowned and revered fashion houses, including Valentino, Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Dior.
$330 pre-purchase
€290 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
You’ll transfer from the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre cruise ship in Paris to the striking S.S. Catherine in Lyon via high-speed TGV train for the second half of this fabulous grand tour. Once you’ve settled into your new home, you’ll have some time to explore delightful Lyon, which is nestled alongside the Saône River.
Ancient Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts, from Roman roots to stunning modern architecture and plenty of Renaissance flair in between. There's much to explore here, from the city's bike paths to the silk weavers' secret passageways. While you're in town, you might like to have lunch on your own at one of the many traditional bouchons that proliferate in the epicenter of French gastronomy.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
You'll fall in love with Lyon today as you take in the view from the top of Fourvière Hill, where a magnificent cathedral rises above the ci...
See MoreYou'll fall in love with Lyon today as you take in the view from the top of Fourvière Hill, where a magnificent cathedral rises above the city. Take in the view below, noting the splendid façades of Renaissance houses. You'll get a sense of how the city developed, growing from Roman roots to encompass the peninsula and the eastern bank of the Rhône, before you ride through the streets to the riverbanks and discover les traboules, the city's old passageways in Lyon's historic quarter.
You may want to stroll along the quays back to the ship or opt for lunch in one of the traditional bouchons. They serve hearty meat-based dishes, but quenelles—luscious dumplings—and a seasoned cream cheese called cervelle de canut are longtime local favorites too.
Lyon’s history is entwined with silk, which dominated the city’s economy for centuries—at one time, almost a third of the city&rs...
See MoreLyon’s history is entwined with silk, which dominated the city’s economy for centuries—at one time, almost a third of the city’s population were silk weavers. Jump on a tram and head into the historic Saint-Jean Quarter, part of the UNESCO-honored Old Town, where we’ll visit a shop keeping Lyon’s long tradition of weaving alive. Observe up-close as expert weavers thread strands of silk and gold into gorgeous patterns, designed to adorn couturiers and castle walls—the shop has even been commissioned to join the Versailles restoration project! The creation of such beautiful fabrics by hand is an incredibly strenuous task—in the past, a weaver could spend as much as 30 years of their life to decorate a single palace room. If it weren’t for this workshop in Lyon, the tradition may have been long forgotten, replaced completely by modern techniques.
Next, we’ll walk through the historic quarter to some of the traboules, the old passageways that snake between and through buildings, secret shortcuts that silk weavers took to keep their delicate fabrics out of the rain.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Get out and about with a bike ride along the river. Lyon boasts a thriving bike-rental scene, which tells you just how popular this mode of transpo...
See MoreGet out and about with a bike ride along the river. Lyon boasts a thriving bike-rental scene, which tells you just how popular this mode of transportation is—you will definitely have two-wheeled company as you pedal along the banks of the Rhône on a sunny day. Your route takes you over the new Raymond Barre Bridge, past the spectacular new Museum of Confluences (so named because it sits at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône) and along the peninsula, a strip of land with the Saône on one side and the Rhône on the other. Here, houseboats tie up along the banks, swans float on the water, and locals take advantage of the lovely park like setting. You’ll also have a great view of the Old Town on the other side of the river. This outing gives you a little taste of what it is like to live in Lyon, as well as a little exercise.
The pace of life is decidedly more relaxed in Burgundy, where endless rows of grapes hang heavy on the vine. The capital of the region’s wine trade, Beaune is renowned for its history, beauty, and highly prized wine, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune.
Beaune may not be a large town, but it brims with history, a wealth of splendid regional architecture and incredible food. Nestled inside medieval ...
See MoreBeaune may not be a large town, but it brims with history, a wealth of splendid regional architecture and incredible food. Nestled inside medieval ramparts, Beaune was the seat of the warlike dukes of Burgundy until the 16th century.
You’ll recognize the Hospices de Beaune (also known as Hôtel-Dieu) immediately by its fabulous multicolored-tile roof—it’s a symbol of Burgundy. Founded as a charitable institution by the duke’s chancellor in 1443, the hospital became a model for charitable giving in southern France, one with a unique fundraising tradition that continues to this day. Over the centuries, the hospice monks were given wine and vineyards, and they began selling the wine at auction in order to support their charitable work. The wine auction is now world-famous, and the institution remains a working hospital for the poor, with modern facilities standing alongside the historic Hôtel-Dieu.
Note: Today’s lunch will be on your own.
Drive through picturesque hamlets and pristine vineyards to a Burgundy wine estate, where you'll meet the owners and indulge in a lunch showcasing ...
See MoreDrive through picturesque hamlets and pristine vineyards to a Burgundy wine estate, where you'll meet the owners and indulge in a lunch showcasing regional specialties. You'll also enjoy a tasting that will bring to life the delicate flavors of southern Burgundy wine and illuminate the passion behind local winemaking traditions.
$145 pre-purchase
€130 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Tournon may be a small town, but stirring events took place here: A castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries, including two “new” towers built to defend against Protestant attacks in the 16th century. You’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area, and you’ll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.
Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are an...
See MoreNestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for connoisseurs of fine wine.
Cross the pretty flower-decked Marc Seguin suspension bridge to Tain-l’Hermitage to visit local wine cellars, where you’ll taste the region’s famous Côtes du Rhône, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage wines. These wines are produced from the Syrah grapes that grow on the steep slopes lining the river. After your wine tasting, you’ll have time to browse through the shops; the Valrhona chocolate factory is always a popular stop.
Are you ready to explore the steepest vineyards on the Rhône? The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on precipitous slopes...
See MoreAre you ready to explore the steepest vineyards on the Rhône? The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on precipitous slopes above the river, so steep that terracing is essential. Hike along the paths that parallel the rough courses of stone through the vineyards, each one situated to catch the afternoon sun. After you’ve seen how the grapes—primarily Syrah—are grown, taste the fruit that has been transformed by the vintners’ craft into legendary wine.
Embark on drive through Tain-l'Hermitage and up to its hilltop vineyards for an excellent vista overlooking rows upon rows of neatly arranged vines...
See MoreEmbark on drive through Tain-l'Hermitage and up to its hilltop vineyards for an excellent vista overlooking rows upon rows of neatly arranged vines, the river and the village below. At the very top of the hill, you'll discover that the wines produced here are just as phenomenal as the view. During your private outdoor tasting, a sommelier will present you with a selection of premium wines, explaining the terroir and the characteristics of each sample.
$250 pre-purchase
€220 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
An enchanting village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago, Viviers has a long and storied past that goes back more than 1,600 years—and a splendid architectural heritage to match. At one time, Viviers was divided along religious lines—the clergy lived in the upper part of the town, the laity in the lower part. Your exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.
Sycamores line some of Viviers’ stone-paved streets (planted, so they say, to provide shade for Napoleon’s soldiers), and houses here b...
See MoreSycamores line some of Viviers’ stone-paved streets (planted, so they say, to provide shade for Napoleon’s soldiers), and houses here bear the watermarks of floods over the years. A local expert will show you the fountain squares in the Old Town, which combines Roman and medieval influences, and cobblestone lanes so narrow you can stand in the middle and touch the medieval houses on either side. Viviers climbs a hill crowned by 12th-century St. Vincent’s Cathedral. View the smallest cathedral in France before you meet some of the local residents. You might choose to learn how a local potter makes the attractive wares sold at Poterie; step into a villager’s home; or sample the wares at a popular bar. Don’t feel that you must opt for the bar if you’d like a little refreshment; all visits include an aperitif. On your way back to the ship, stop to try your hand at a game of pétanque, which is akin to horseshoes, only it’s played with steel balls.
Beautiful Renaissance châteaux dot the hillsides as you travel to a family-owned truffle farm for a tasting of these "black diamonds," accompanied ...
See MoreBeautiful Renaissance châteaux dot the hillsides as you travel to a family-owned truffle farm for a tasting of these "black diamonds," accompanied by a local wine. Your next stop is a wine cellar in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine appellation, where you will sample various vintages.
$115 pre-purchase
€100 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France, with a host of historic gems to explore—including the fortress residence of rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, or have the chance to visit a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
It’s hard to believe, looking at the charming cafés and entertaining street performers in the Clock Tower Square, that this lively sce...
See MoreIt’s hard to believe, looking at the charming cafés and entertaining street performers in the Clock Tower Square, that this lively scene owes its existence to a 15th-century siege. This area was the heart of medieval Avignon (and the site of the original Roman town), crowded with cottages and narrow streets—until a pope had it all demolished in order to give his troops a clearer field of fire. That is Avignon in a nutshell: It was the city of the popes. The Avignon popes built the ramparts that still surround the Old Town and the huge, nearly impregnable fortress that dominates the UNESCO-designated district; in fact, the city did not officially become part of France until 1791. Stand below the high, thick walls to get a sense of just how daunting these fortifications were, then prepare to climb many steps as you tour the Palace of the Popes itself—it’s worth it!
In the middle of the first century, Roman engineers responded to Nîmes’s need for water to fill its baths, fountains, and pools by buil...
See MoreIn the middle of the first century, Roman engineers responded to Nîmes’s need for water to fill its baths, fountains, and pools by building a 30-mile-long aqueduct from Uzès to Nîmes—which required transporting Uzès springwater over the River Gardon. A thousand workers quarried 50,000 tons of soft golden limestone and used it to construct—without mortar—the magnificent tri-level bridge that still spans the river. An expert guide will explain the techniques used to build this engineering marvel, which has withstood 2,000 years of floods and storms that swept away much newer bridges. You can see notations those ancient Romans made in the stones as they cut and fitted them into place when you view the bridge itself, and you can learn about the entire project at the museum. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is as beautiful as it is fascinating.
Isle sur la Sorgue is not a literal island, but it is affectionately known as one because the Sorgue River surrounds it entirely. This quaint villa...
See MoreIsle sur la Sorgue is not a literal island, but it is affectionately known as one because the Sorgue River surrounds it entirely. This quaint village makes for an enticing day trip for many reasons-its charming canals, pretty greenery, waterside cafes, and narrow streets, for example. What Isle sur la Sorgue is most famous for, however, is its art and antique shops. With over 300 dealers in town, this village is one of Europe's most important centers for antiques. It's an absolute paradise for collectors or anyone looking for unique souvenirs. Get to know the village as you stroll around with your local guide, who will tell you the story of how the town's booming antiques industry has come to be. After your walk, you'll have some free time to do some shopping in town before it's time to drive back to the ship.
$35 pre-purchase
€30 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Don't miss the chance to stroll through Avignon's famous covered market, which always displays the best of local produce as well as seafood and suc...
See MoreDon't miss the chance to stroll through Avignon's famous covered market, which always displays the best of local produce as well as seafood and such Provencal specialties as lavender and textiles, and learn how to put that produce to use at a famous cooking school. La Mirande, a grand 17th-century house that stands in the shadow of the Palace of the Popes, has been repurposed as an elegant hotel with a fine restaurant and a noted cooking school. In the atmospheric 19th-century kitchen where your class convenes-it resembles a museum devoted to traditional Provencal cuisine, complete with wood-burning stove-the chef will happily show you how to create a delectable lunch using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. Before you sit down to enjoy the meal you've contributed to, you have a chance to taste some wines in the cellar with the sommelier, then sip an aperitif and take your place at the family table for your meal, which will be accompanied by well-chosen Côtes du Rhône wines.
$260 pre-purchase
€230 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Slather on some sunscreen and plan to get wet as you spend a couple of fun and relaxing hours on the clear, tranquil waters of the Gardon. Accompan...
See MoreSlather on some sunscreen and plan to get wet as you spend a couple of fun and relaxing hours on the clear, tranquil waters of the Gardon. Accompanied by a soundtrack of chirping cicadas, you'll paddle along the river, spotting trout and water birds on the shores. Your adventure ends with a marvelous view of the arches of the oldest extant Roman aqueduct in France, the 2,000-year-old, UNESCO-designated Pont du Gard. This magnificent tri-level aqueduct bridge has spanned the Gardon since 19 BC, when it was constructed as part of the system that carried water from Uzès to Nîmes.
$65 pre-purchase
€60 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Explore a sun-drenched Provençal town today with an allure all its own. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. Arles has existed since the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. It was here that the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.
Van Gogh paid tribute to Arles’ atmospheric beauty in some 200 paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. It’s an ancient ...
See MoreVan Gogh paid tribute to Arles’ atmospheric beauty in some 200 paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. It’s an ancient city boasting a remarkable collection of Roman ruins; among them are a theater where the famous Venus of Arles—on display in the Louvre—was discovered in 1651 and an amphitheater that is still used for sporting events. Join a local expert for a stroll through this district, where medieval houses crowd in among the ancient structures and the city gates date to the 13th century. Pause before the town hall, built with stone quarried from the Roman theater, and the Romanesque St. Trophime Church, which was erected in the 12th century. It replaced the church where St. Augustine, the man who converted the inhabitants of England to Christianity, was consecrated by the first archbishop of Canterbury. Walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps past the cheery yellow Café de Nuit—still open and still the same shade of yellow it was when he painted it—and across Forum Square before visiting the town’s bountiful farmers’ market, which displays seasonal fruits and vegetables, medicinal herbs and many more specialties of Southern France.
During your free time after the tour, you can peruse the local shops, go olive tasting or delve further into Arles’ stunning collection of architectural treasures.
Note: The open-air farmers’ market visit will take place in Beaune on the reverse direction cruise (Arles to Lyon).
Immerse yourself in art of a special kind - a digital exhibition devoted to a major artist, projected against the limestone quarries of Carrières d...
See MoreImmerse yourself in art of a special kind - a digital exhibition devoted to a major artist, projected against the limestone quarries of Carrières des Lumières at the foot of Les-Bauxde-Provence. Afterwards, learn about traditional olive horticulture and sample the fruits of the groves at an olive farm. Provence has been one of the world's finest olive-growing regions for more than 2,500 years.
$100 pre-purchase
€90 onboard
Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Marseille Airport for your flight home.
Oysters have long been a beloved product of the Médoc—and for good reason. Discover why today as you join an oyster farmer at the Guar...
See MoreIn 1855, when Napoleon III asked for a classification of the best wines in France to give visitors, some 60 Médoc wines were awarded Grand C...
See MoreCombine fresh air, gorgeous scenery and fine wine with a bicycle ride among the prestigious Médoc vineyards. Meet your guide and mount your ...
See MoreYou’ll journey through the vineyards to Château Royal de Cazeneuve, a polygonal 14th-century fortress with a royal pedigree. A favored ...
See MoreUncover the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Originally the home of his mother, Adèle, Château Toulouse-Lautrec would...
See MoreThis little road between Blaye and Bourg-sur-Gironde winds through picturesque hamlets with equally picturesque names—Pain de Sucre, Marmisso...
See MoreToday you are invited to join an informal wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in Blaye. The owner here will giv...
See MoreHilltop Saint-Émilion offers both exceptional architecture and historic vineyards. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, and this ...
See MoreHow could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmer's market? Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town; ...
See MoreBordeaux’s Port de la Lune is home to a submarine base with a checkered past. Originally built during the German occupation of France in WWII...
See MoreCatch a tram at the Quai des Chartrons to the Place de la Comédie, the heart of Bordeaux’ Golden Triangle. Though Bordeaux was the cap...
See MoreHop on a bike and wheel with your expert guide along the Quai des Chartrons, a riverfront neighborhood that was the purview of British wine merchan...
See MoreThe limestone outcropping that eventually became known as Château de La Roche-Guyon began its history as a cave dwelling. It later trans...
See MoreThe village of Château de La Roche-Guyon, which sprawls out across the hillsides of the estate that shares its name, is popularly considered ...
See MoreNote: Giverny is not open year-round; this excursion will be available for April through October cruise departure dates only. Monet often painted...
See MoreThe country roads between Vernon and Giverny offer easy—and pretty—biking. Hop aboard your bike and pedal about three miles to the vill...
See MoreTonight, walk through the streets of Rouen with your Cruise Manager to see this charming medieval city in a different light. You’ll arrive at...
See MoreVictor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred bell towers. Easily the most famous of those towers is the one rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, ...
See MoreCheese is a product integral to French heritage and culture, with hundreds of beloved varieties distinct to the regions and towns they hail from. A...
See MoreTransfer to Honfleur, where our walking tour of the fishing village begins at the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most fre...
See MoreIt would be hard to find a more spectacular location than Étretat’s clifftop course, which is ranked as one of the best in France. Ori...
See MoreTravel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You'll visit historic beaches and get an up-...
See MoreImmerse yourself in the tactics, desperate courage, and horrendous human cost of the 1944 Allied invasion of France, the first step in the ultimate...
See MoreWhen the Allies prepared to invade Normandy, they assigned a six-mile stretch of beach to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division under the command of M...
See MoreIt was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palac...
See MoreIf you are experiencing Paris for the first time, this tour will introduce you to the City of Light’s most cherished landmarks. You’ll ...
See MoreAs a true Parisian would, take the Métro to the Latin Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philo...
See MoreYou'll fall in love with Lyon today as you take in the view from the top of Fourvière Hill, where a magnificent cathedral rises above the ci...
See MoreLyon’s history is entwined with silk, which dominated the city’s economy for centuries—at one time, almost a third of the city&rs...
See MoreGet out and about with a bike ride along the river. Lyon boasts a thriving bike-rental scene, which tells you just how popular this mode of transpo...
See MoreBeaune may not be a large town, but it brims with history, a wealth of splendid regional architecture and incredible food. Nestled inside medieval ...
See MoreNestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are an...
See MoreAre you ready to explore the steepest vineyards on the Rhône? The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on precipitous slopes...
See MoreSycamores line some of Viviers’ stone-paved streets (planted, so they say, to provide shade for Napoleon’s soldiers), and houses here b...
See MoreIt’s hard to believe, looking at the charming cafés and entertaining street performers in the Clock Tower Square, that this lively sce...
See MoreIn the middle of the first century, Roman engineers responded to Nîmes’s need for water to fill its baths, fountains, and pools by buil...
See MoreVan Gogh paid tribute to Arles’ atmospheric beauty in some 200 paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. It’s an ancient ...
See MoreAll meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
21 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 21 dinners
3 Captain’s Welcome and 3 Captain’s Farewell Receptions
3 Welcome and 3 Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
18 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Let's Go,” “Do as the Locals Do,” and “Village Day” programs
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
21-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the breathtaking S.S. Bon Voyage, the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre and the striking S.S. Catherine
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Wi-Fi
18 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Let's Go,” “Do as the Locals Do,” and “Village Day” programs
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.
Not all wine remains wine: some of it is distilled into cognac. Rémy Martin has been making cognac for almost three centuries, refining the process...
See MoreChâteau Ambe Tour Pourret, with five hectares planted with merlot and cabernet franc vines, is a comparatively young wine house, dating to 1925 in ...
See MoreMeet the cellar master of an estate that produces one of St. Emillion's finest wines, Château Beauséjour Bécot. They'll take you on a full tour of ...
See MoreA warm welcome invites you into the beautiful Château Côte de Baleau, located just outside the medieval village of Saint-Émilion...
See MoreGet ready to explore a medley of what's best in Bordeaux! Your gentleman driver will take you on a journey to the unmissable places of the city: Gr...
See MoreWatch the city come alive at night with a sidecar tour of brilliant Bordeaux. Wind through backstreets, lit-up avenues and, of course, the most ico...
See MoreOne of France's most iconic sights, the abbey of Mont St. Michel seems to float above the shallow bay, impossibly beautiful. It's been a pilgrimage...
See MoreJust a short 10 minutes from where our ship is docked, in the forests above Caudebec-en-Caux, lies a Norman monastery dating back to the 7th centur...
See MoreHow can you resist? Montmartre's Moulin Rouge is the most famous cancan cabaret in the world, the place where the rowdy and athletic dance was perf...
See MoreThe Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. Approximately 38,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st cen...
See MoreParis is a city that must be experienced - its gastronomy, its sophistication and its savoir-vivre. Walk in the shoes of a Parisian and get a taste...
See MoreHop into a retro sidecar for a thrilling ride through Paris at its most romantic-in the evening when the reason it's known as "The City of Lights" ...
See MoreBuckle up, don't forget your safety gear and get ready to explore Paris' architecture and history by way of sidecar. Join your guide on a retro mot...
See MoreDrive through picturesque hamlets and pristine vineyards to a Burgundy wine estate, where you'll meet the owners and indulge in a lunch showcasing ...
See MoreEmbark on drive through Tain-l'Hermitage and up to its hilltop vineyards for an excellent vista overlooking rows upon rows of neatly arranged vines...
See MoreBeautiful Renaissance châteaux dot the hillsides as you travel to a family-owned truffle farm for a tasting of these "black diamonds," accompanied ...
See MoreIsle sur la Sorgue is not a literal island, but it is affectionately known as one because the Sorgue River surrounds it entirely. This quaint villa...
See MoreDon't miss the chance to stroll through Avignon's famous covered market, which always displays the best of local produce as well as seafood and suc...
See MoreSlather on some sunscreen and plan to get wet as you spend a couple of fun and relaxing hours on the clear, tranquil waters of the Gardon. Accompan...
See MoreImmerse yourself in art of a special kind - a digital exhibition devoted to a major artist, projected against the limestone quarries of Carrières d...
See MoreDining
When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit.
Complimentary Beverages
All beverages are included during your cruise. Complimentary beverages onboard include wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water.
Gratuities
Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included.
Curated Excursions
Complementary and comprehensive shore excursions led by local English-speaking experts designed to provide the best possible experiences ashore.
Scheduled Airport Transfers
Complementary airport arrival and departure group transfers provided for flights that meet guidelines.
Uniworld sails rivers in several Western & Central European Countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland
All Uniworld river cruises require a passport with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Must be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Visa Requirements: Access the latest entry requirements for all your destinations with our user-friendly Destination Entry Guide. Powered by CIBT, the leading authority in travel visas and US passports; check back as often as you like before your trip to ensure you have everything you need before you depart.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage storage space onboard is limited. For their own comfort and convenience, Uniworld requests guests bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Airline baggage restrictions change frequently. Guests should check on the specific air carrier’s website for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges.
Packing Tips for a River Cruise
Packing for a river cruise will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:
Laundry Services Onboard
A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer, and iron is available for your use while aboard the ship. The ship also provides washing, drying, and ironing services for a fee. There are no dry-cleaning facilities.
Electrical Currency on European Ships
Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. To accommodate guests’ needs, each stateroom or suite has one 110V outlet.
Using a Hair Dryer Onboard
Every stateroom or suite bathroom is stocked with a hair dryer, bath and body products, and a luxurious bathrobe for each guest.
Air Conditioning
Every stateroom and suite has an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat.
Connecting to the Internet & Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests. All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local expert.
Masterpiece Collection (Additional, Optional Experiences)
Uniworld’s curated Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions go above and beyond the included experiences and are available for an additional charge.
We highly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.
Spa Treatments & Massages While Cruising*
Spa treatments and massage services are available onboard the ship.
Special Dietary Needs
Please notify GET or Uniworld if you have special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered while traveling. Uniworld staff will do their best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but GET cannot guarantee that requests can be met in all cases.
Mobility Concerns
Passengers must advise GET at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation.
Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships, nor can they provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eyeglasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. Please note, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may not be navigable using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or the like. As well, excursions often include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, or stairs.
Traveling with Medications
In accordance with international laws, no over-the-counter medications are available on Uniworld ships. Pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Click the link to learn more about traveling with medications.
*Available on select ships. Additional fee for spa services.
Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included during your cruise.
Local Specialists & Coach Drivers
It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity of €1-2 (Euro) per person per half day.
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