Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures—from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience “Village Day” in enchanting Viviers, including a recital of music composed by Bach and Handel. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can kayak on the tranquil Gardon River under the UNESCO-designated Pont du Gard; hike the steepest vineyards on the Rhône; and pedal through the city designed with bike riders in mind while in Lyon. Explore unforgettable “Burgundy & Provence” where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.
Locations Visited
Avignon, Arles, Marseille, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, Macon, Beaune
Proudly Powered By
Countries Visited
France
Travel Style
Luxury River Cruise
Accomodations
7 Nights onboard S.S. Catherine
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
Arrive at Marseille 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 docked in Avignon.
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsDinner
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.
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsBreaktfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening
AccomodationS.S. Catherine
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to Paris.
MealsBreakfast
Highlights
- Avignon walking tour with Palace of the Popes
- "Let’s Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River
- Intimate Viviers “Village Day”
- “Let's Go” Hermitage terrace vineyards hike with wine tasting
- Silk weavers walking tour
- Mâcon walking tour
What's Included
- 7 Full breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 7 dinners (1 Captain's Welcome and 1 Farewell Reception)
- 12 Included Excursions
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the striking S.S. Catherine
- Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
- All transfers on arrival and departure days
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Terms & Conditions
Price based on Classic room. Updated on 17Aug2021 and may be subject to change. Full terms and conditions apply. Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Single room supplements are available upon booking. Deposit must be paid within 7 days of booking. Valid on new bookings made between 03Aug2021-31Dec2021. GrownUps members offer may not be combinable with all offers. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. If your booking departs within 45 days, final payment is due at time of booking. Pricing is in New Zealand dollars. Discount applies to land portion of your trip price. Trips and departures are subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply; for full terms and conditions contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685.