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8 Day Parisian Winter Holiday
Uniworld River Cruise starting in Paris and finishing in Paris
Countries Visited: France 
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 8 Days (7 Nights)
From: Paris to Paris
Tour Code: UNIPWH
Operator: Uniworld
from AU $2,315 pp
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River Cruise Description

The allure of Paris and Northern France during the holidays is like a dazzling holiday package just waiting to be unwrapped! Visit this magical place at this most festive time of year and create memories you will never forget. Sample traditional Normandy pancakes and cider while in Les Andelys. In the Medieval town of Rouen, browse through the traditional Christmas Market. Later in the day, be enchanted by an ethereal church choir recital at magnificent Rouen Cathedral, which was famously memorialised in Monet's paintings. You'll have several days to enjoy Paris, with all of her famous landmarks decked out for the holidays. You will visit the incomparable Palace of Versailles and stroll down the famous Champs-elysees. Take a moonlight drive through the 'City of Light' and enjoy an Eiffel Tower light show. Celebrate the holidays in high style on this memorable trip with the perfect blend of cruising, touring, and free time exploring the grand city of Paris.

Included Features

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant River Baroness
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
  • 6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
  • Holiday Gala Dinner
  • Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Signature lecture: "France's Presidents and their Influence on Paris' Architecture"
  • An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days

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Day
1
Paris (Embark)
Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)
Day
2
Paris
Featured Excursion: Paris city tour.
The Ile de la Cité, usually referred to as the epicenter of Paris, is home to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame, with its grimacing gargoyles and impressive sculpted façade. Walking through the labyrinth of alleyways, your guide will bring the famous stories of Notre Dame back to life. Poignant history continues at La Conciergerie, where many prisoners were held, including Marie Antoinette. (BB/L/D)
Day
3
Les Andelys, Rouen (Versailles)
Featured Excursion: Normandy pancakes and cider.
After docking at this countryside port, you will stroll through the streets of Les Andelys village. We invite you to take an invigorating climb to the hill of Chateau Gaillard. This fortified castle was built by Richard the Lionheart, and from this tranquil promontory, you can view the meandering Seine River below. Upon return from your hike, enjoy a treat of traditional Normandy pancakes and cider in the village. (BB/L/Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day
4
Rouen
Featured Excursion: Rouen walking tour, Rouen Cathedral choir recital, and Christmas Market.
Visit Medieval Rouen, one of France’s best-preserved cities, with its enchanting Christmas Market and Christmas crèche honoring the birth of Christ in the stunning Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, which was depicted so vividly by Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Admire the historic Medieval quarter with its half-timbered, slate-tile roofs, 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. Afterward, visit the delightful Christmas Market, which features wondrous handicrafts, including exquisite porcelain figurines. Later in the day, let yourself be enchanted by a choir recital at the cathedral. Note: Christmas market will be closed after December 23. (BB/L/D)
Day
5
Conflans Sainte Honorine, Paris
Featured Excursion: Palace of Versailles and horse show at the Royal stables.
During the ride to the Palace of Versailles, a local guide will share a glimpse of the rich and opulent world of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. The beautiful Palace of Versailles is a famous symbol of the system of absolute monarchy. It was the official residence of the kings and queens of France from 1682 until 1790. Once you enter the Hall of Mirrors, you will see why Versailles established the European standard of palatial opulence. Marvel at 17 impressive beveled mirrors and resplendent chandeliers.The Royal Stables that formerly housed the king’s 600 horses are equally stunning. The Grand Stables housed the horses used by the royal family, while the Lesser Stables were for the nobility of the court. Their architecture is quite remarkable and they have been turned into the Academie du Spectacle Equestre (Academy of Equestrian Arts). Note: A Holiday Gala Dinner will be served on the December 13 departure. For the December 20 departure, a Christmas Dinner will be served. For the December 27 departure, a New Year’s Dinner will be served. (BB,L, Holiday Gala Dinner)
Day
6
Paris
Featured Excursion: Paris at night, “City of Light” tour.
Your senses will be tantalized as you awaken to an exclusive brunch to celebrate the holidays in grand style. During the day, you’ll have more free time to continue exploring this glamorous city on your own. Europe’s metropolis of style offers an ultra-cosmopolitan culture with the charms of a centuries-old village. Why not visit the Montparnasse district, or Montmartre, where you can walk through the white-domed Basilique du Sacré-Coeur? Later in the evening, discover why Paris has been named the “City of Light” as you experience the magical beauty of Paris after dark with a panoramic tour starting along the Seine. During the holidays, Paris calls upon her most talented lighting designers to create spectacular illuminations throughout the city. Glimpse many of the city’s most famous landmarks lit up for the winter celebrations. See the Place de la Bastille, Hôtel de Ville, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, La Conciergerie, the Louvre, and the bridges of the Seine River in their glittery evening dresses. Continue on the Rue de Rivoli to the Opéra Garnier and slowly drive through the continuous stream of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds at Place Vendôme. (BB/L/D)
Day
7
Paris
You’ll have leisure time to discover even more about this wonderful city. Stroll down the world-famous Champs-Élysées. View the city from above as you are whisked to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Explore the city’s many museums, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée de l’Orangerie, on your own. Walk through the enchanting Tuileries Gardens or shop in one of Paris’ haute couture boutiques found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne. A shuttle will be available to bring you back to the ship. (BB/L/Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day
8
Paris (Disembark), Transfer to the Airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. (CB or BB)
Uniworld Brochure 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.

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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%.




Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

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).

Which direction of the cruise should I book? Is one better than the other?

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.

What is the dress code onboard?

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.

How large are the ships?

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).

Do your ships have any exclusive features?

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.

Are meals included onboard?

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.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

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.

Are tips/gratuities included in our tour price?

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.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

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.

Do we always dock in the heart of the city?

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:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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