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Uniworld River Cruises, Burgundy & Provence, Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Priced From: $ 2049 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Oct, Nov, Mar - Nov
Ship: River Royale
Start: Arles to Châlon
Burgundy and Provence will capture your heart—and delight your senses
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. For thousands of years, it has been a destination of preference for the world’s elite: Greeks, Franks, Romans, Gauls, writers, poets, artists of all types, celebrities, Popes, and the foremost chefs and sommeliers. They 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 Grand River Royale, with an interior design evoking the warm tones and vivid colors of the French Provençal countryside. You’ll sail past quaint hilltop cities and fashionable, lively towns, lush vineyards, fields of flowers and sun-drenched vistas made famous by great painters, such as Van Gogh and Cézanne, who were inspired by the charming area.
An unforgettable experience
You’ll visit regions filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Arles, forever connected to Vincent van Gogh, who painted many masterpieces here, including Night Café, The Yellow House and Starry Night; Lyon, known as the center of Gallo-Roman history and the culinary capital of France; and Avignon, a well-preserved medieval city with the spectacular Palace of the Popes. You’ll indulge in the world-famous treats of the area – Côte du Rhône wines and Valrhona chocolate from the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’ Hermitage. And all along the way, you’ll become entranced and inspired by the spectacular beauty of these wonderful regions.
Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers who want to walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin and see the countryside and villages that inspired their works. History buffs, movie fans, gastronomes, wine connoisseurs and chocoholics will love it as well.
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
Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour
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!
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the Uniworld River Cruise vacation planner to be contacted by Our Uniworld, Europe River Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446- 5252
11/09
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