River Cruise Itinerary

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored countries in the world. Experience France from north to south, sailing three rivers and embarking upon in-depth shore excursions. Walk through Monet’s beloved Giverny, seeing the enchanting grounds that he made famous; travel back in time and enjoy a Village day in charming Viviers; visit Lyon’s famous secret passageways, the Traboules; and have a chance to golf high above the cliffs of Étretat—one of the most spectacular courses in France. From the beaches of Normandy and the verve and romance of Paris to the sun-drenched vistas of Burgundy and Provence, this itinerary in France is truly sans pareil! Grand France is a combination of Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence.

1. Day 1
   Arles (Embark)

   Sun, Sep 29, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Arles

   Mon, Sep 30, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Avignon

   Tue, Oct 01, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Viviers

   Wed, Oct 02, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Tain-l’Hermitage (Tournon)

   Thu, Oct 03, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Lyon

   Fri, Oct 04, 2024

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Mâcon (Beaune)

   Sat, Oct 05, 2024

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

   Sun, Oct 06, 2024

   Disembark the striking S.S. Catherine 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.
9. Day 9
   La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny

   Mon, Oct 07, 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, Oct 08, 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, Oct 09, 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, Oct 10, 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, partake in a private memorial ceremony for a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

    Fri, Oct 11, 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, Oct 12, 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, Oct 13, 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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