Cruises

Burgundy & Provence (2025)

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Arles to Lyon | 8 Days

Date Range: Mar 2025 - Nov 2025

Ships : S.S. Catherine

Countries: France

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Explore unforgettable “Burgundy & Provence” where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Explore unforgettable “Burgundy & Provence” where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience “Village Day” in enchanting Viviers. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city designed with bike riders in mind. Explore unforgettable “Burgundy & Provence” where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Arles to Lyon | 8 Days
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

Program offerings are subject to change.
DAY 1 Arles (Embark)
Arrive at the Marseille 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 docked in Arles.
DAY 2 Arles
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.

Featured Excursion:
DAY 3 Avignon
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.

Other Excursions:

It’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!

Avignon Walking Tour with Palace of the Popes
or

In 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.

Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct Visit

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 4 Viviers
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.

Featured Excursion:
DAY 5 Tain-l’Hermitage (Tournon)
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.

Other Excursions:

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 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.

Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage Twin Villages Stroll with Wine Tasting
or

Are 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.

Let's Go: Hermitage Terrace Vineyards Hike with Wine Tasting
DAY 6 Lyon
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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
  • Lyon’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.

    Silk Weavers Walking Tour
  • This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.

Other Excursions:

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 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 Panoramic Tour with Traboules Visit
or

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 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.

Let's Go: Lyon Peninsula Bike Tour

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 7 Mâcon (Beaune)
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.

Featured Excursion:
DAY 8 Lyon (Disembark)
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 Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to Paris.
Lyon to Arles | 8 Days
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

Program offerings are subject to change.
DAY 1 Lyon (Embark)
Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry 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.
DAY 2 Lyon
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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
  • Lyon’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.

    Silk Weavers Walking Tour
  • This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.

Other Excursions:

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 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 Panoramic Tour with Traboules Visit
or

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 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.

Let's Go: Lyon Peninsula Bike Tour

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 3 Mâcon (Beaune)
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.

Featured Excursion:
DAY 4 Tain-l’Hermitage (Tournon)
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.

Other Excursions:

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 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.

Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage Twin Villages Stroll with Wine Tasting
or

Are 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.

Let's Go: Hermitage Terrace Vineyards Hike with Wine Tasting
DAY 5 Viviers
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.

Featured Excursion:
DAY 6 Avignon
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.

Other Excursions:

It’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!

Avignon Walking Tour with Palace of the Popes
or

In 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.

Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct Visit

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 7 Arles
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.

Featured Excursion:
DAY 8 Arles (Disembark)
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.
Cruise Departure Double Occupancy Pricing Ship
Sun, 23 Mar 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 30 Mar 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 06 Apr 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 13 Apr 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$11,039.00
$13,799.00
S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 20 Apr 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 27 Apr 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 04 May 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 11 May 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 18 May 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 25 May 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 01 Jun 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 08 Jun 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 15 Jun 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 22 Jun 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$12,959.00
$14,399.00
S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 29 Jun 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 06 Jul 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 13 Jul 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 20 Jul 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$12,689.00
$14,099.00
S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 27 Jul 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$12,689.00
$14,099.00
S.S. Catherine
Select this date
Sun, 10 Aug 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$12,689.00
$14,099.00
S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 17 Aug 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 24 Aug 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 31 Aug 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 07 Sep 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 14 Sep 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 21 Sep 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 28 Sep 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 05 Oct 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 12 Oct 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 19 Oct 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 26 Oct 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$0.00 S.S. Catherine
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Sun, 02 Nov 2025
(Arles to Lyon)
$11,879.00
$13,199.00
S.S. Catherine
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  • All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
  • Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
  • Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
  • Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
  • Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
  • The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
  • Prices exclude additional port charges of $230 per person

Dining

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water

Dining

Excursions

  • 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Guided “Let's Go” and “Village Day” programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Excursions

Accommodations

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on 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

Accommodations

Experiences

  • 1 country: France
  • 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour

Experiences