Day 1 - Sunday - Aug 6, 2023
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Day 2 - Monday - Aug 7, 2023
Today is a celebration of northern France's natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid chateau and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. In the morning, choose between a scenic hike or a visit to the hilltop Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers sweeping views over the Seine. Later, explore the beautiful gardens of Monet. You'll have the opportunity to take in the French countryside on your way there with an invigorating bike ride, or opt to arrive by coach instead.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Aug 8, 2023
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy's medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied-Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, and Claude Monet are among them.
Day 4 - Wednesday - Aug 9, 2023
| Caudebec-en-Caux , France |
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| Caudebec-en-Caux , France |
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Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Etretat for a game of golf.
Day 5 - Thursday - Aug 10, 2023
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level-experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you'll visit Normandy's beaches, including Utah Beach and Sainte-Mere-Eglise, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. After, you'll partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial-a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Day 6 - Friday - Aug 11, 2023
How did France's rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.
Day 7 - Saturday - Aug 12, 2023
Whether you're a first-time visitor to the "City of Light" or you've been here many times before, there's something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods, or pedal your way along the Left Bank, a fresh and fun way to take in the sights.
Day 8 - Sunday - Aug 13, 2023
You'll transfer from the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre cruise ship in Paris to the striking S.S. Catherine in Lyon via high-speed TGV train for the second half of this fabulous grand tour. Once you've settled into your new home, you'll have some time to explore delightful Lyon, which is nestled alongside the Saone River.
Day 9 - Monday - Aug 14, 2023
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.
Day 10 - Tuesday - Aug 15, 2023
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.
Day 11 - Wednesday - Aug 16, 2023
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 du Doux area, and you'll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.
Day 12 - Thursday - Aug 17, 2023
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.
Day 13 - Friday - Aug 18, 2023
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 popes who 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.
Day 14 - Saturday - Aug 19, 2023
Explore a sun-drenched Provencal 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 Rhone River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.
Day 15 - Sunday - Aug 20, 2023
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Marseille Airport for your flight home.
