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?

    For more information, or to book today please visit: Click Here to Download the Reservation Form or call Perfect Pairings at (800) 614-8613

    What is the cost for this journey?

    When is my payment due?

    A $600 deposit is required to secure your reservation. A preliminary invoice will automatically be provided with your confirmation; giving you an opportunity to view our services and confirm the pricing matches the materials you’ve received so far. If there are any discrepancies, please contact your Travel Advisor as soon as possible to review. We will then send you an official invoice approximately 120 days prior to departure. This invoice is due approximately 110 days prior to travel. This is an excellent time to let us know if you are planning to extend your stay, participate in a pre or post-tour option, or if you’re interested in upgrading your travel arrangements in some way. Once you’ve paid for the trip, we will begin finalizing airline tickets and other important travel arrangements. If you wait until after this time to let us know these important details, it may become very expensive to make those changes (Changes made after ticketing will be done at your expense). So, if you’re thinking about any of these options, put them in writing to your travel advisor prior to paying your final invoice.

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

    As a guest traveling with this group, you will receive complimentary comprehensive post-departure insurance including medical, baggage, missed connection coverage. Trip Cancellation coverage is NOT included in this package. You may choose to purchase additional coverage to protect your vacation in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may require you to cancel your trip. Options include:

    • Group Policy offered through Travel Guard: this plan is designed to cover personal medical related issues and specifically does not cover the pandemic. (the cost is 7.2% of your trip total, which is approximately $216 for $3,000 worth of coverage or $288 for $4,000 worth of coverage) - this option must be purchased by the time you make your final payment for the trip. However, to receive the pre-existing waiver with your coverage, the insurance must be purchased the same day you make your deposit for the trip. The Group certificates can be accessed by clicking HERE . To view a full listing of coverage benefits click HERE .

    • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance: Allianz Cancel ANY Time policy which covers any reason you may want/need to cancel your trip (not just the pandemic at hand) and reimburses up to 75% of the trip cost if you cancel using the CFAR option. If you cancel for medical/sickness reasons the policy will reimburse up to 100%. You can purchase this coverage by clicking HERE .

    When will I get more information on optional tours?

    Optional tour information will be sent out to all travelers approximately 110 days prior to travel. You will have plenty of time to review and pre-pay for these tours prior to travel.

    Can I upgrade my seat assignment or flights?

    Seat upgrades are possible in most cases, depending on the airlines availability and rates. Options vary depending on the specific airline booked and the equipment used for specific flight routes/connections. Requests should be submitted by the time you make your final payment for the trip, so that we can review options and ticket you accordingly. If you requested upgrade options, our air department will reach out to you with specific options at the time of ticketing. Your prompt response to those options is required as prices and availability are subject to change until finalized. Group tickets may not be upgradeable, so it is important that we know your requests prior to tickets being issued. Requests received after ticketing may not be possible and/or may incur airline change fees.

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

    You can provide your Frequent Flyer details. If we book the airline, you have points with, we will enter the information you provided with your reservation. If you register for a Frequent Flyer account after you are ticketed, you can enter the information into your record on the airline’s website and send us the information to keep on file for future flights booked through us.

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

    Absolutely. We are happy to work with you and your guests in making special travel arrangements. These are handled on a case-by-case basis approximately 120 days prior to the trip. If you wish to extend your trip or travel from a different home city, you should put your detailed requests in writing as soon as possible so that we can begin working on the research for their trips. Approximately 75-100 days prior to their travel dates, Perfect Pairings/Adelman Travel will send you information detailing your travel options. At that time, you may elect to use our services, cancel your request and simply travel with the group, or make your own arrangements. Either way, you must return the materials with your final selection noted so that we can finalize ticketing arrangements on your behalf.

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

    That’s not a problem. Let us know where you’d like to fly from prior to making your final payment for the trip. We will provide you with an estimated cost to make those arrangements for you. Prices range from $95 - $395 per person to fly from different home cities.

    Can I make my own flight arrangements?

    Yes. If you are interested in making your own flight arrangements, please let us know and we will provide you with a deduction on your final invoice.

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

    Guests wishing to travel together need to put their requests in writing and submit to Perfect Pairings/ Adelman Travel via email receptionist@foodandwinetrails.com and identify exactly who they wish to travel with (i.e. Marta Jones and Betty Harris wish to travel with Susie & Tom Klein - they are traveling on the JUSTIN Winery Wine Cruise with xxx in Month YEAR)

    How are seat assignments handled?

    Every airline has different rules regarding group seating. As a courtesy, Perfect Pairings/ Adelman Travel makes every effort to secure appropriate seating for you and your travel companion. However, we cannot guarantee that the individual airlines will honor our requests. Therefore, if your particular seat assignment is essential to your travel, we encourage our guests to contact the airlines approximately 1 week prior to travel to inquire as to your assignment. Please note that many airlines will wait to confirm arrangements for group seating until airport check in. Additionally, due to the nature of travel, airlines may change aircraft up until the time of departure; which may affect any pre-confirmed seating arrangements.

    What luggage requirements do I need to know about?

    Currently, most airlines allow passengers flying to Europe to check one bag at no extra charge. If you choose to check two bags, you will be responsible for the additional charge, which is typically $50 each way. Neither bag can exceed the maximum weight allowance of 50 lbs nor can they exceed the linear inches limit of 62” (total length + width + height). You are also allowed a carry-on small enough to place underneath the seat of the plane or in the overhead bin. You will not be allowed to board the plane without your passport (please be sure to check the expiration date before you leave home). As airline policies may vary and are subject to change, we recommend that you visit your airlines website for specific luggage policies and limitations 2-3 weeks prior to traveling.

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