River Cruise Itinerary

This picture-perfect journey blends your passion for the good life—art, culture, and gastronomy—with a broad sweep of lovely French landscapes. Travel from beautiful Bordeaux and delight in the countryside of southwest France. Explore Saint-Émilion, with its astonishing Monolithic Church, and ancient Blaye, with its famous citadel. Journey through a land of noble wines, tasting the flavors of the regions as you go. Sail the Seine to marvel at magnificent Rouen Cathedral, tour the former smugglers’ harbor in Honfleur, and follow in the footsteps of Monet at his beloved Giverny. And, of course, your majestic France experience ends with an exploration of the romance and magnificence of Paris. Enjoy the best France has to offer with Uniworld’s plethora of private excursions (including a private wine tasting of famous Médoc wines) as you visit charming locales and sample myriad culinary delights. A Portrait of Majestic France is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux and Paris & Normandy.

1. Day 1
   Bordeaux (Embark)

   Sun, Apr 28, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Cadillac

   Mon, Apr 29, 2024

   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.
3. Day 3
   Cussac Fort Médoc

   Tue, Apr 30, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde

   Wed, May 01, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Libourne (Saint-Émilion)

   Thu, May 02, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Libourne, Bordeaux

   Fri, May 03, 2024

   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?
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bordeaux

   Sat, May 04, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Bordeaux (Disembark), Transfer to Paris via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)

   Sun, May 05, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9. Day 9
   La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny

   Mon, May 06, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Rouen

    Tue, May 07, 2024

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)

    Wed, May 08, 2024

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Rouen (Normandy Beaches)

    Thu, May 09, 2024

    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, you’ll partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial—a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

    Fri, May 10, 2024

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Paris

    Sat, May 11, 2024

    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, join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods, or pedal your way along the Left Bank, a fresh and fun way to take in the sights.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Paris (Disembark)

    Sun, May 12, 2024

    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 Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
    Meals: Breakfast

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