Beginning next March, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ elegant River Royale will whisk guests on an amazing journey through France’s gorgeous Burgundy and Provence regions. It’s a stunning itinerary that shouldn’t be missed by any river cruiser who enjoys France.
Sailing from Arles to Lyon (or reverse), this weeklong voyage visits three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offers eight excursions while in port, including two “Choice Is Yours” options and “Go Active” and “Gentle Walking” options that are perfect for every interest and activity level.
Sailing along the Saone and Rhone rivers, guests have the opportunity to explore some of the most striking destinations in France.
In Arles, Vincent van Gogh created more than 300 paintings and drawings in a little more than a year, including the famous “Starry Night.” It might also be recognizable to movie fans for its prominent role in the 1998 Robert De Niro film, Ronin. A comprehensive walking tour is offered to better acquaint guests with this strikingly Romanesque city.
Avignon, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that Uniworld highlights with a walking tour featuring the historic Palace of the Popes. Alternately, guests can take part in a tour of Avignon’s back streets, complete with hidden alleyways and quaint squares with sparkling fountains and off-the-beaten-path marketplaces.
In the next days, calls on Viviers, Tournon, Chalon sur Saone and Beaune precede the end of the voyage in the beautiful port of Lyone.
The full itinerary:
| DAY | PORT | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arles | Transfer from Marseille Airport to Arles; embark River Royale |
| Day 2 | Arles | Arles Walking Tour |
| Day 3 | Avignon | Avignon walking tour & Palace of the Popes or exclusive "Back Streets of Avignon" tour. |
| Day 4 | Viviers | Viviers walking tour with organ concert |
| Day 5 | Tournon / Tain l'Hermitage | Tournon walking tour with wine tasting |
| Day 6 | Lyon | Choice of Lyon city tour or exclusive "See Lyon as the Lyonnais Do" tour. |
| Day 7 | Chalon sur Saone (Beaune) | Beaune, Hospices de Beaune, and open-air market visit |
| Day 8 | Lyon | Disembark River Royale in Lyon for return flights home. |
There’s also plenty to like about the recently refurbished River Royale. Carrying just 132 guests, this elegant ship captures the essence of the South of France with her beautiful appointments and public rooms. Guests can choose from staterooms ranging from value-added “river view” staterooms to staterooms and suites featuring full French Balconies.
Departing from March to November 2013, the splendours of France are alive and well aboard this stunning itinerary.
More information about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, its River Royale and full itineraries can be found by viewing our complete company overview here on River Cruise Advisor.
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