Day 1 - Sunday - Jul 13, 2025
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 - Monday - Jul 14, 2025
Explore a sun-drenched Provencal 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 Rhone River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Jul 15, 2025
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 popes who once lived and ruled here. You'll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
Day 4 - Wednesday - Jul 16, 2025
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.
Day 5 - Thursday - Jul 17, 2025
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 du Doux area, and you'll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.
Day 6 - Friday - Jul 18, 2025
As the epicenter of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There's much to explore here, from the work of culinary visionaries to silk weavers' secret passageways. After your choice of excursions, embrace the locals' favorite mode of transportation with a bike ride-a great way to see the sights.
Day 7 - Saturday - Jul 19, 2025
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.
Day 8 - Sunday - Jul 20, 2025
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.
Day 9 - Monday - Jul 21, 2025
| La Roche-Guyon, France, France |
|
|
| La Roche-Guyon, France, France |
|
|
Today is a celebration of northern France's natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid chateau 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 Chateau 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.
Day 10 - Tuesday - Jul 22, 2025
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.
Day 11 - Wednesday - Jul 23, 2025
| Caudebec-en-Caux , France |
|
|
| Caudebec-en-Caux , France |
|
|
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 Etretat for a game of golf.
Day 12 - Thursday - Jul 24, 2025
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, including Utah Beach and Sainte-Mere-Eglise, 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.
Day 13 - Friday - Jul 25, 2025
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.
Day 14 - Saturday - Jul 26, 2025
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.
Day 15 - Sunday - Jul 27, 2025
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.
