: R55750
Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne & Gauguin on this exquisite all-inclusive journey through southern France; the same beautiful countryside & culture that inspired the masters will now inspire you. Cruise the serene Rhône & Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine & cuisine & discovering its many treasures—from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to the lively Les Halles food market in Lyon.
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Starting from | R55 750 |
Package Validity | Set departure date: 30 OCT 2016. *** Book & pay by 29 JUL 2016 to qualify for free return airfare booked by Uniworld *** |
Duration | 7 nights |
Destination | France |
Starts in | Lyon |
Ends in | Avignon |
{tab Description}
- Return flights into Lyon & out of Marseille
- Pre-payable airport/security taxes
- All transfers on arrival & departure days
- 7 nights cruise accommodation in a riverview stateroom on-board the S.S Catherine
- All dining & unlimited beverages on-board including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee & tea & bottled water
- Captains Welcome & Farewell Receptions
- Welcome & Farewell Gala dinners
- Unlimited beverages on-board, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee & tea & bottled water
- 6 excursions including "Choice is Yours" options, all fully hosted by English speaking local expert
- Guided "Go Active", "Do as the Locals Do" & "Gentle Walking" programs
- Assistance of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- On-board local entertainment
- Cultural enrichment including a signature lecture: "Vincent van Gogh's troubled destiny"
- Port charges & ungrade fee
This cruise is available on selected departure dates in 2016 : 07 AUG 2016*, 14 AUG 2016, 21 AUG 2016*, 28 AUG 2016, 04 SEP 2016*, 11 SEP 2016, 25 SEP 2016, 23 OCT 2016, 30 OCT 2016* & 06 NOV 2016. (* Cruise operates in reverse). Please enquire with your travel agent about the prices
{tab Day 1}
Lyon (embark)
Arrive at the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship.
{tab Day 2}Macon (Beaune)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Beaune & Hospices de Beaune
Learn about Burgundy’s celebrated wines on an excursion to the Hospices de Beaune, where monks have been making & selling wine to support their charitable work since the 15th century. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome & Gala Dinner.
{tab Day 3}
Lyon
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Lyon gourmet tour OR exclusive silk weavers walking discovery tour OR exclusive guided “Go Active” Lyon peninsula bicycle tour, & exclusive Lyon “Illuminations” tour
Delve into France’s capital of gastronomy with a guided tour of Les Halles, Lyon’s world-famous food market, taking in a tantalizing array of elaborate food stalls, bars & restaurants. As an alternative, you can choose a walking discovery tour of the city’s old Quartier St. Jean, where you'll meet an artisan who will demonstrate the refined art of silk weaving. For something more active, you can opt to do your sightseeing by bicycle. This evening, enjoy a extra special "Illuminations” tour of the city.
{tab Day 4}
Tournon, Tain l'Hermitage
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of exclusive Tournon & Tain I’Hermitage village stroll with wine tasting OR exclusive guided “Go Active” Hermitage vineyards hike with wine tasting
You'll have an opportunity to experience this famous wine district in one of two ways today. Explore Tournon & its historic castle, then cross over the suspension bridge to Tain l’Hermitage to taste Côtes du Rhône wines. Or, you can choose a guided hike through the verdant Hermitage vineyards, followed by a tasting of distinctive local wines.
{tab Day 5}Viviers
FEATURED EXCURSION: Exclusive “Village Day” “Intimate Viviers through Music” tour
Founded in the fifth century, Viviers retains much of its medieval character & charm, with narrow lanes & historic structures, such as the Maison des Chevaliers (House of Knights). See the sights on foot, then climb Rue du Château to take in the view from the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral. Afterwards, you can go inside the cathedral to hear a recital of music by Puccini, Bach & Handel.
{tab Day 6}
Avignon
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Avignon walking discovery tour with Palace of the Popes visit OR exclusive “Off the Beaten Path” Avignon walking discovery tour OR exclusive guided “Go Active” kayak ride on the Gardon River
Enjoy a guided walking discovery tour of picturesque Avignon—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—before venturing inside the grand Palace of the Popes. Or, you can choose to explore a different side of the city on a guided tour that takes you “off the beaten path.” Yet another alternative is to “Go Active” with a guided kayak ride on the tranquil Gardon River. You'll glide under the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-designated site that was built by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
Note: The kayak ride on the Gardon River is only available for May–September departure dates.
{tab Day 7}Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Arles walking discovery tour & open-air food market visit OR Tarascon walking discovery tour
On today’s walking discovery tour of Arles, you’ll see a number of sites associated with Vincent van Gogh, as well as some fascinating ancient Roman monuments. You can also explore the city's expansive open-air food market, where you’ll find plenty of local delicacies, including Burgundian & Jura cheeses, heirloom vegetables, honey, & sausages. Or, you can choose to explore the historic heart of Tarascon, with its medieval church, beautiful Renaissance palace & Souleiado Museum devoted to the region’s distinctive textiles. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception & Gala Dinner.
Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Beaune on the onward direction cruise (Avignon to Lyon).
{tab Day 8}
Avignon (disembark), transfer to Marseille Airport
Disembark the ship & transfer to Marseille International Airport for your flight home.
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