Arrive at Marseille International Airport where you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Avignon.
Transfer from your hotel to board the S.S. Catherine, your home for the next 7 nights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disembark the ship. You will be transferred to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to Paris.
LEGEND: ( ) = Included meal, B = Breakfast, D = Dinner, DB = Dinner Banquet, L = Lunch
• 8-day cruise aboard Uniworld River Boutique Cruises’ S.S Catherine<br/>• Unlimited wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee, tea & bottled water<br/>• All onboard gratuities included<br/>• Uniworld complimentary shore excursions<br/>• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites<br/>• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Prices are subject to Deck and Cabin Type
$200 Savings for Early Bookings!!
Paris Post Cruise Extension
3 night post cruise tour in Paris, France. Includes 3 nights hotel, breakfast and a familiarization tour.
*Optional Tours and Tour Extensions require minimum participation numbers and as such are subject to cancellation, change and price changes based upon participation rates.*