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
   Paris (Embark)

   Sun, Apr 28, 2024

   Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny

   Mon, Apr 29, 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
3. Day 3
   Rouen

   Tue, Apr 30, 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
4. Day 4
   Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)

   Wed, May 01, 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
5. Day 5
   Rouen (Normandy Beaches)

   Thu, May 02, 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
6. Day 6
   Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

   Fri, May 03, 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
7. Day 7
   Paris

   Sat, May 04, 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
8. Day 8
   Paris (Disembark), Transfer to Lyon via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)

   Sun, May 05, 2024

   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.
9. Day 9
   Lyon

   Mon, May 06, 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
10. Day 10
    Mâcon (Beaune)

    Tue, May 07, 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
11. Day 11
    Tain-l’Hermitage (Tournon)

    Wed, May 08, 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
12. Day 12
    Viviers

    Thu, May 09, 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
13. Day 13
    Avignon

    Fri, May 10, 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
14. Day 14
    Arles

    Sat, May 11, 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
15. Day 15
    Arles (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 the Marseille Airport for your flight home.
    Meals: Breakfast

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