Back
iCruise.com iCruise.com

21 Night Ultimate France and Land Tour

From Bordeaux to Arles

SS Joie de Vivre

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
5 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13964590
  • Departs: Sun, Aug 30, 2026
  • Returns: Sun, Sep 20, 2026
    Track this Cruise and Get Price Alerts.
    Riverview
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    Balcony
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    Suite
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "View Lowest Prices >" button to view all room rates including Senior, Military, and Resident promotions.
    Send Quote View Lowest Prices >

    Itinerary Summary

    Tour Features and Highlights

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - Aug 30, 2026
    Day
    1
    Bordeaux, France
    • Bordeaux, France
    Arrive at Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
    Monday - Aug 31, 2026
    Day
    2
    Fort Medoc, France
    • Fort Medoc, France
    The legendary Medoc region abounds with prestigious wine chateaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Medoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
    Tuesday - Sep 1, 2026
    Day
    3
    Cadillac, France
    • Cadillac, France
    The French phrase "la douceur de vivre" is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV's and Queen Margot's tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
    Wednesday - Sep 2, 2026
    Day
    4
    Blaye, France
    • Blaye, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Bourg, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Blaye, France
    The Route de la Corniche Fleurie...could this be the most beautiful road you've ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you'll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea. ...
    Read More
    Thursday - Sep 3, 2026
    Day
    5
    Libourne, France
    • Libourne, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Saint-Emilion, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Libourne, France
    With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Emilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region's history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Emilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets. ...
    Read More
    Friday - Sep 4, 2026
    Day
    6
    Libourne, France
    • Libourne, France
    • Bordeaux, France
    France's rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region's exquisite cuisine-and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads, and fruits than with a visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market?
    Saturday - Sep 5, 2026
    Day
    7
    Bordeaux, France
    • Bordeaux, France
    Discover Bordeaux's many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels-the locals' preferred way to navigate the city's charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Sunday - Sep 6, 2026
    Day
    8
    Bordeaux, France
    • Bordeaux, France
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 8 - Sunday - Sep 6, 2026
    Day
    8
    • TGV Train Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 8 - Sunday - Sep 6, 2026
    Day
    8
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Paris, France
    Disembark the breathtaking S.S. Bon Voyage and transfer to Paris via high-speed TGV train. Your next ship, the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre, waits to carry you along the Seine on the next leg of your adventure. Note: Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels, closures because of public holidays, or other uncontrollable factors. ...
    Read More
    Monday - Sep 7, 2026
    Day
    9
    La Roche-Guyon, France, France
    • La Roche-Guyon, France, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Giverny, France
    • Bus Travel
    • La Roche-Guyon, France, France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Tuesday - Sep 8, 2026
    Day
    10
    Rouen, France
    • Rouen, France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Wednesday - Sep 9, 2026
    Day
    11
    Caudebec-en-Caux , France
    • Caudebec-en-Caux , France
    • Bus Travel
    • Honfleur, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Caudebec-en-Caux , France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Thursday - Sep 10, 2026
    Day
    12
    Rouen, France
    • Rouen, France
    • Bus Travel
    • D-Day Beaches, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Rouen, France
    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, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. Afterward, you'll partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial-a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord. ...
    Read More
    Friday - Sep 11, 2026
    Day
    13
    • Mantes-la-Jolie, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Versailles, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Mantes-la-Jolie, France
    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.
    Saturday - Sep 12, 2026
    Day
    14
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    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, or join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods.
    Sunday - Sep 13, 2026
    Day
    15
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 15 - Sunday - Sep 13, 2026
    Day
    15
    • TGV Train Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 15 - Sunday - Sep 13, 2026
    Day
    15
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Lyon, France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Monday - Sep 14, 2026
    Day
    16
    Lyon, France
    • Lyon, France
    Ancient Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts, from Roman roots to stunning modern architecture and plenty of Renaissance flair in between. There's much to explore here, from the city's bike paths to the silk weavers' secret passageways. While you're in town, you might like to have lunch on your own at one of the many traditional bouchons that proliferate in the epicenter of French gastronomy. ...
    Read More
    Tuesday - Sep 15, 2026
    Day
    17
    • Macon, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Beaune, France
    • Bus Travel
    • Macon, France
    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.
    Wednesday - Sep 16, 2026
    Day
    18
    Tain L'Hermitage, France
    • Tain L'Hermitage, France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Thursday - Sep 17, 2026
    Day
    19
    Viviers, France
    • Viviers, France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Friday - Sep 18, 2026
    Day
    20
    Avignon, France
    • Avignon, France
    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, or have the chance to visit a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. ...
    Read More
    Saturday - Sep 19, 2026
    Day
    21
    Arles, France
    • Arles, France
    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. ...
    Read More
    Sunday - Sep 20, 2026
    Day
    22
    Arles, France
    • Arles, France
    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.


    Get FREE Price Alerts

    Subscribe to our weekly cruise deals email and enjoy FREE price change alerts and updates for this cruise and others like it.

    We promise to protect your privacy and personal data. You can review our privacy policy here.

    Complete the form below and we will send this cruise and a message to your friends on your behalf.

    Enter up to 5 emails separated by commas:

    Your First Name

    Your Last Name

    Your Email Address:

    Optional Message to Your Friend(s):

    Send Email

    Please enter your email address to Add to Favorites. You can then access this cruise from other devices.


    Email Address:

    Save to Favorites

    Please complete the form below for a quote on this cruise or tap the "See all Rates >" button below for an instant price quote


    How many are traveling
    Adults (Age 18 and over)
    Kids (6 months to 17 years)
    First NameLast NameState of Residence

    Phone NumberEmail AddressAny special request or comments?

    Submit Request >