Uniworld Cruise

Arles to Châlon - Burgundy & Provence

Sail through the heart of Provence and Burgundy on a magical journey where fine cuisine, wine, art, nature and history are a treat for all the senses. Writers, poets, artists, celebrities, and the foremost chefs and sommeliers have all been inspired by the luminous landscapes of these sunny regions where joie de vivre is a way of life. Now it’s your turn. You’ll travel in high style aboard Uniworld’s newest ship, River Royale, with an interior design evoking the warm tones and vivid colors of French Provencal countryside. Discover the delights of Lyon, culinary capital of France. Experience the sun-drenched vistas of the Rhône Valley. Explore the spectacular Papal Palace while in Avignon. Visit lush vineyards, open-air markets and quaint shops. And all along the way you’ll eat sumptuous meals that both delight the senses and educate the palate, with daily offerings reflective of the regions we visit.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers who want to walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gaugin and see the countryside and villages that inspired their works. History buffs, movie fans, gastronomes, wine connoisseurs and chocoholics will love it as well.

Included Features

• 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom on River Royale
• All meals onboard the ship
• 8 shore excursions with English-speaking guides
• Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
• Exciting onboard entertainment and insightful lectures

Included Highlights

• Arles Walking Tour
• Avignon Walking Tour and Papal Palace
• Viviers Walking Tour
• Wine Tasting & Tournon Walking Tour
• Lyon City Tour
• Mâcon Walking Tour

The Ship

Itinerary

Day 3 Arles
Bask in the warmth of this friendly Mediterranean town known for its unique Provençal light. Our tour starts with a walk downtown, and then on to the Roman Amphitheater, occasionally the venue for modern bullfights. Our next stop will be Town Hall Square, including City Hall and the St. Trophime Cathedral, a Romanesque cathedral built in the 12th century. After this, we’ll visit the museum Espace Van Gogh, and pass by Forum Square and Constantine’s Roman Baths as we make our way back to the ship.

Day 4 Avignon
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 Papal Palace. The palace is an impressive piece of architecture built between 1335 and 1364. After visiting the palace museum, we’ll make our way up to Rocher des Doms, where Avignon was first settled.

Day 5 Viviers
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.

Day 6 Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage
Nestled among the famous vineyards, the twin cities of Touron/Tain L’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of chocolate and wine. Celebrate this region by indulging in some of the world’s famous chocolate and by sampling some of the famous Côte du Rhône wines of the region. Top off your day with a visit to Tournon and its historic castle.

Day 7 Lyon
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 a good vantage point to see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church. We’ll stop on Croix-Rousse Hill for a dramatic view of the Beaujolais Mountains and Saône River. 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. Wander through the Renaissance quarter with its maze of Medieval passageways, or simply relax with a glass of beaujolais at one of the many taverns.

Day 8 Mâcon
We’ll meet up with our guides pier-side where they will give us a summary of the rich history of Mâcon and its role in the wine trade.We will see the Hospital of the Charité, Town Hall, and the St. Pierre Church. The visit will conclude with an inside visit to the Wooden House, a charming halftimbered Renaissance house. Day 9 Depart Châlon
Disembark the ship and transfer to Lyon for your return to North America.

Cost of This Trip