Burgundy & Provence

Arles to Châlon - 9 days

CRUISE HIGHLISTS INCLUDE:

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the breathtaking
• All meals onboard
• Complimentary fine wine during dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffee
• 6 shore excursions fully hosted by English-speaking guides
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Complimentary use of bicycles
• Exciting onboard entertainment and insightful lectures
• Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program
• Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
• An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
• All transfers on arrival and departure days

ITINERARY

• DAY 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Marseille
• DAY 2: Transfer to Arles (embark)
  Arrive at Marseille International Airport where you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to your ship docked in Arles. (D)
• DAY 3: Arles and Avignon
  Irresistible Optional Tour: Tour of Olive Farm
  The name of Arles is closely connected with that of Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence. During your walking tour discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as the fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheater and Constantine’s Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)
• DAY 4: Avignon
  Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes
  Irresistible Optional Tour: Provençal countryside and magnificent Luberon villages
  Nestled in the lush hills of the Rhône Valley lies the medieval walled city of Avignon. Named the “City of the Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when the Palace of the Popes was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Your walking tour of Avignon starts at Clocktower Square, with its many cafes, shops and namesake clock tower dating back to the 1300s, and now part of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Next, it’s on to Pope’s Palace Square for an inside visit of the grand Palace of the Popes. (BB, L, D)
• DAY 5: Viviers, Tournon
  Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour
  Charming Viviers has retained much of its old charm and was developed around its Romanesque cathedral. Our tour in Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. We’ll stop by Rue Chèvrerie, Porte Riquot, Maison des Chevaliers, Rue du Chateau, and Maison Élémentaire du Commerçant. Finally, we’ll walk through the medieval streets of this charming town on our way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)
• DAY 6: Tournon, Tain L' Hermitage, Lyon
  Featured Excursion: Tasting & Tournon walking tour
  Nestled among the famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of chocolate and wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côte du Rhone wines. Cross the Marc Seguin suspended bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. Discover the secrets of world-famous Valrhona chocolate during an informative onboard lecture and tasting arranged by the Valrhona School of Chocolate. (BB, L, D)
• DAY 7: Lyon
  Featured Excursion: Lyon city tour
  The city was founded by Julius Caesar about 2000 years ago, and as a result, it has a wealth of Roman remains, as well as many impressive museums, renaissance architecture galore, and – of course – world-renowned cuisine. We’ll start our tour with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town built at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers. From the bus, we’ll view Terreaux Square, the Fine Art Museum, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore. Rent one of the public bicycles to ride in the many parks and squares along the Rhône, walk through the renaissance quarter with its maze of medieval passageways, or simply relax with a glass of Beaujolais at one of the many taverns. (BB, L, D)
• DAY 8: Chalon-sur-Saone (Beaune)
  Featured Excursion: Beaune & Hospices de Beaune
  Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Châlon is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, we will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel that has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. Founded in the 15th century, the Hospices were given some vineyards so they could make wine to auction off to support charities, and today the tradition still continues. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
• DAY 9: Châlon-sur-Saône (disembark), transfer to airport in Lyon
  Disembark the ship in Châlon-sur-Saône and transfer to Lyon for your return to North America, or extend your stay in Paris!