Zenaida Cellars Rhône River Cruise

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Extensions
  • Accommodations
  • Details
  • Overview

    A journey of exquisite pleasures. Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France; the same beautiful countryside and culture that inspired the masters will now inspire you. 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.

    Itinerary

    Day 1

    May 5, 2023: Depart the U.S.

    Day 2

    May 6, 2023: Geneva (hotel stay)

    Arrive at airport in Geneva where you will be greeted by your group’s personal driver and transferred to your hotel.
    Day 3

    May 7, 2023: Lyon (Embark)

    Transfer from Geneva to Lyon to board the S.S. Catherine your home for the next 7 nights.
    Day 4

    May 8, 2023: Lyon

    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. Choice of Lyon Panoramic tour with Traboules Visit or Silk weavers walking tour or “Let's Go” Lyon peninsula bike tour. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
    Day 5

    May 9, 2023: Mâcon (Beaune)

    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. Choice of Burgundy landscapes, Beaune and the hospices
    Day 6

    May 10, 2023: Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage)

    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. Choice of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage twin villages stroll with wine tasting or “Let's Go” Hermitage terrace vineyards hike with wine tasting
    Day 7

    May 11, 2023: Viviers

    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. Featured Excursion: Intimate Viviers “Village Day”
    Day 8

    May 12, 2023: Avignon

    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. Featured Excursion: Choice of Avignon walking tour with Palace of the Popes or Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct visit A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
    Day 9

    May 13, 2023: Tarascon (Arles)

    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. Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour
    Day 10

    May 14, 2023: Arles (Disembark)

    Disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport for your flight home or join the optional post-cruise extension to Paris, France.

    Extensions

    Days 10-13

    Paris Post-Cruise

    Tour Includes: -3 Nights’ accommodation in a first-class hotel in Paris with breakfast each morning included -Enjoy a guided city tour of Paris, including Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and all transfers from the ship to the hotel and airport -Includes high-speed train to Paris!

    Accommodations

    Deck Plan Uniworld's S.S. Catherine

    Accommodations

    Deck Plan Uniworld's S.S. Catherine

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I sign up for the cruise?

    What is the cost for this journey?

    When is my payment due?

    What insurance is provided in the tour package & when is the last day I can purchase cancellation coverage?

    When will I get more information on optional tours?

    Can I upgrade my seat assignment or flights?

    Can I use my frequent flyer points to upgrade my flights?

    Can I extend my trip or travel from a different home city? If so, how does that work and what is the cost?

    I want to travel from a different home city than the group, is there a cost?

    Can I make my own flight arrangements?

    What if people want to travel together, what steps are needed to keep them together as much as possible?

    How are seat assignments handled?

    What luggage requirements do I need to know about?

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