A journey of exquisite pleasuresFollow 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 Les Halles food market. 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.Who will enjoy this cruiseTravelers wishing to walk through the lands that inspired Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin. History buffs, gastronomes and wine connoisseurs.Connoisseur Collection (select sailings)Lyon is France’s culinary capital and home to Chef Paul Bocuse, considered an ambassador of modern French cuisine. Experience some of the Bocuse magic at l’Institut Paul Bocuse. Go in search of the “black diamond” at a truffle farm, where you’ll walk through the truffière with the owners and their trusted dog, learning how they cultivate the “black diamond.” Celebrate the tradition of winemaking at an induction ceremony by Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage Winemakers Brotherhoods. Wine, truffles and a taste of history are only a few of the highlights of your culinary journey.

Highlights

YOUR CRUISE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

TRAVEL
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the striking S.S. Catherine
All transfers on arrival and departure days

TASTE
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water

EXPLORE
1 country
6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Go Active,” “Do as the Locals Do,” “Village Day,” and “Gentle Walking” programs
3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio- headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

EXPERIENCE
Captivating onboard local entertainment
Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture: “Vincent van Gogh’s Troubled Destiny”

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

You will visit the following 6 places:

Lyon

Lyon, a city in east-central France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Lyon, also written Lyons in English, is the third largest city in France and centre of the second largest metropolitan area in the country. It is the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region and the Rhône département. It is known as a gastronomic and historical city with a vibrant cultural scene. It is also the birthplace of cinema.

Avignon

Avignon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in southeastern France. The city is well known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where several popes and antipopes lived from the early 14th to early 15th centuries. It is situated on the left bank of the Rhône, a few kilometres above its confluence with the Durance, about 580 km (360.4 mi) south-east of Paris, 229 km (142.3 mi) south of Lyon and 85 km (52.8 mi) north-north-west of Marseille. Avignon occupies a large oval-shaped area, not fully populated and covered in great part by parks and gardens. The historic centre, which includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral, and the Pont d'Avignon, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The medieval monuments and the annual Festival d'Avignon have helped to make the town a major centre for tourism.