Tour Type:River Cruise Tour Duration:17 Days (16 Nights) From:Paris toArles Tour Code:UNIGF Operator:Uniworld
from AU $5,945 pp
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River Cruise Description
From the bridges of Paris to the beaches of Normandy and the sunny landscapes of the Mediterranean, you will experience all of France in unsurpassed style and comfort. Sail north and explore world-famous Paris. Discover the charming towns of Honfleur and Giverny that inspired the Impressionists. See the beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII's D-Day Invasion, and visit Rouen where Joan of Arc was martyred.
As you sail south through Burgundy and Provence from Chalon sur Saône to Arles, you will enjoy lively towns and gorgeous landscapes. Visit Lyon, the culinary capital of France. Walk through the streets of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town immortalised by Van Gogh in over 300 of his paintings and drawings. Explore the well-preserved Medieval city of Avignon, with its spectacular Palace of the Popes. Grand France offers you the very best of France.
Included Features
14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant River Baroness and the breathtaking River Royale
2 nights in Paris at the superior first-class Radisson Blu Ambassador hotel (or similar)
16 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinners
Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
Complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
18 excursions, including 3 “Choice Is Yours” options, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
Paris
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Paris Featured Excursion: Choice of Paris city tour OR exclusive “Heart of Paris” walking tour.
Your panoramic city tour will begin with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Élysées, where you will pass the Arc de Triomphe before stopping at the Champs de Mars for an opportunity to photograph the Eiffel Tower. Then continue on to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then it’s on to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see a slice of daily Parisian life—gentlemen playing boules and children sailing boats on the glassy pond. Or get an intimate look at Parisian daily life on a walking tour that takes you on an up-close exploration of one of Paris’s neighborhoods. Wander from the Opera House to the Comédie-Française Theater, and get a glance at the Palais Royal gardens. (BB)
Day 3
Paris (Embark)
Transfer from your hotel to the ship. (BB/D)
Day 4
Les Andelys, Rouen Featured Excursion: Hike to Château Gaillard.
Les Andelys was of considerable strategic importance during the Middle Ages, prompting King Richard the Lionheart to build a fortified castle to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the French King Philip II in the 12th century. Your adventure takes you on a hike to the English king’s stronghold to admire the remains of the impressive Château Gaillard. In the afternoon, take in the enchanting beauty of the Seine’s lovely countryside. (BB/L/Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day 5
Rouen (Normandy Beaches) Featured Excursion: Full-day Normandy Beaches and a Choice of D-Day Museum at Arromanches OR the Tapestry Museum in Bayeux.
Normandy’s proximity to the sea has made it the site of many battles, including the famous D-Day Invasion by Allied forces during WWII. Before visiting the beaches of Normandy, you’ll be taken to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches. Spend time understanding the logistics of the Allied forces invasion when you visit the D-Day Museum, or drive to Bayeux, where you can appreciate the Medieval depiction of the Battle of Hastings on a tapestry from the 11th century. You’ll stop at the Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach before visiting a haunting reminder of the Allied forces’ hard fight for freedom—the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer (BB/D)
Day 6
Rouen Featured Excursion: Walking tour of Rouen.
Your visit to Rouen will take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral; the haunting Medieval quarter; and the Gros Horloge, a Renaissance clock tower that arches overhead. The walk ends at Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc was punished for her defiance. Later, set sail for the white cliffs of Caudebec-en-Caux. (BB/L/D)
Day 7
Caudebec (Honfleur) Featured Excursion: Honfleur visit.
After crossing the majestic Normandy Bridge spanning the river delta, travel overland to Honfleur, a charming French harbor town recreated in numerous paintings by such artists as Monet. You’ll be taken on a tour from the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur—through the pedestrian streets to St. Catherine’s Church. (BB/L/D)
Day 8
Vernon (Giverny) Featured Excursion: Monet’s Giverny.
Visit Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where he lived for 43 years, until his death in 1926. You will explore Monet’s house, furnished as it was when the leader of the Impressionist school lived here and still displaying his precious collection of Japanese engravings. Strolling through the gardens, you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by the weeping willows that so inspired this master’s work. Watch the light play on the pond, which is covered with the water lilies reproduced in Monet’s numerous enchanting versions of The Nympheas (The Water Lilies). While sailing during the afternoon, you will understand why the Seine provides the perfect backdrop for a painter’s artistic expression. Note: Giverny will be closed during the March 16, March 23, and October 26 cruise departure dates. Instead of Giverny, guests will visit Versailles Palace. (BB/L/Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day 9
Paris Featured Excursion: Choice of Montmartre village OR exclusive “Heart of Paris” walking tour.
Climb Montmartre’s picturesque little hill, which is surrounded by a labyrinth of extraordinary tiny streets and crowned by the Sacré Coeur. Take in the gorgeous views from this perch above the rooftops of Paris. Many fabulous figures have made this village their home, and you will understand why as this area of Paris provides the perfect setting to inspire. Or choose to take an intimate look at Parisian daily life with a “Heart of Paris” walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the epicenter of Paris and home to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. Note: The Paris city tour is offered for cruise-only passengers. (BB/L/D)
Day 10
Transfer to Chalon sur Saône (Embark)
Transfer to your ship docked in Chalon sur Saône (D)
Day 11
Chalon sur Saône (Beaune) Featured Excursion: Beaune, Hospices de Beaune, and open-air food market visit.
Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition continues. Sample local delicacies for lunch on your own at the open air market. (BB, Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day 12
Lyon Featured Excursion: Choice of Lyon city tour OR exclusive Lyon Heritage walk.
Lyon is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motorcoach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. Or opt for an intimate exploration of Lyon’s Heritage on foot. From Fourvières Hill, take the funicular down to the Saint Jean old quarter, where you’ll venture into the
maze of alleyways, courtyards, and traboules (historic passageways). (BB/L/D)
Day 13
Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage Featured Excursion: Wine tasting and Tournon walking tour.
Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB/L/D)
Day 14
Viviers Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour and organ concert.
Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retained much of its historic charm. Your tour of Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You will take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral, where you will enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you will walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB/L/D)
Day 15
Avignon Featured Excursion: Choice of Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes OR exclusive Avignon secret garden tour.
Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you will capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Popes’ Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. Or opt for a tour of Avignon’s secret gardens, with an invigorating walk through parks and orchards, secret squares and fountains, and the flower market. You will have leisure time to enjoy more of this magical city on your own. (BB/L/Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Day 16
Arles Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour and open-air food market visit.
Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid colors of nature, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Roman monuments, such as the Amphitheater and Constantine’s baths. (BB/L/D)
Day 17
Arles (Disembark), transfer to Marseille airport
Disembark the ship in Arles and transfer to the Marseille International Airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay in Aix-en-Provence. (CB or BB)
This itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. There may be some amendments to this itinerary on 2013 departures. To view the preview 2013 brochure click here.
River Cruise Prices
Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
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Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
Cabin Upgrades:
Upgrade your cabin from Champagne Deck (Category 3)
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
Cabin Upgrades:
Upgrade your cabin from Brittany Deck (Category 3)
The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only.
Cruise Operator: Uniworld
Uniworld presents an unrivalled river cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. Travel onboard intimate, luxurious ships with a maximum of 134 guests - fewer guests than any other river cruise company in Europe. With one highly trained staff member for every three guests and expert onboard hotel management, Uniworld are able to deliver a guest satisfaction rate of 98%.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Uniworld including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well fleet information, deck plans, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
It does not matter which direction you choose, as each direction contains the same included features. Timings of activities may, of course, vary a little due to cruising times up- or downstream, but you will not see or do more in one direction than in the other.
During the day, comfortable, casual attire is appropriate. The weather in Europe can be very changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket and an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. Evenings are a little dressier. Gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket to the Captain's dinner. You'll find average temperatures listed on each of the cruises on our website.
Our ships accommodate between 100 and 138 guests. They are generally 360 feet long (110 meters), and 37.5 feet wide (11.4 meters). The draft is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). There are typically 34 crew members aboard. We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information each ship. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience. The River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess offer guests the convenience of checking and sending e-mails. On the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess, each guest is provided with a terry cloth robe in their cabin. Our ships have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.
Sumptuous buffets at breakfast and lunch offer an extensive array of hot and cold selections. Breakfast features crispy Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and warm maple syrup, a dozen or more homemade breads and jams, an omelette station, and hand-cut seasonal fresh fruit.
Lunch offers a delectable feast with salads, soups, carved-to-order roasts, and more. Evenings provide exquisite ambience with relaxed open seating. Each dish is flawlessly prepared using the finest ingredients—local meats and seafood along with tasty side dishes. Always included with dinner onboard are European fine wines and a selection of beer and soft drinks served by an attentive, caring staff. Of course, every meal concludes with a wide range of freshly prepared, decadent desserts that look every bit as delicious as they taste.
Uniworld also provides a variety of dining experiences including: al fresco “under the stars” and light-lunch dining—both on the sun deck; Captain's Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner; early-riser breakfast; and afternoon tea. Plus, Uniworld gives you the choice of dining on lighter cuisine with our Traveling Lite menu.
The ships are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. There are elevators on the River Princess, River Queen, River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. On the River Queen, the elevator does not reach all decks. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking. Some excursions are walking cruises only, and several occur on cobblestone streets.
Tips & gratuities including the customary end-of-trip gratuity/tip for the cruise/tour manager, crew onboard and local guides for the included shore excursions are included in the price of your trip (excluding Optional Excursions). Europe & Russia cruises only.
Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience.
On other ships all purchases and paid services on board
are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account.
At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid
with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made
by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro. View individual ships here.
It depends; in many places you will dock within walking distance to the city center, but there are places where the river only touches the outskirts of a town (i.e. Bamberg or Nuremberg), and thus a motorcoach transfer is necessary.
Arrival & Departure Information
Transfers
Transfers to/from airports will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. The following time limits apply:
Arrival
Departure
Europe
7am - 3pm
7am - 5pm
Extensions
24 hours
24 hours
Extra Nights
24 hours
24 hours
Passenger flight details must be given to Global Journeys 45 days prior to departure. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of the above you may purchase a private car transfer from Uniworld or make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, for missed cruise/trip days or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing.
Boarding Time
On turnaround day, the entire ship must be cleaned in preparation for your arrival. The facilities of the ship, including your cabin, will not be available before 4pm. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Should you arrive early, you may leave your bags in the Reception area and take a walk into the city, or relax in the lounge.
Terms & Conditions:
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