Burgundy & Provence with Uniworld

Enjoy included airport lounge access before flying from the UK to Marseilles to begin your journey. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Uniworld cruise ship in Arles. Dinner will be served onboard this evening.

Stay: S.S. Catherine

Explore the sun-drenched Provençal town of Arles on a walking tour. Arles dates to the sixth century BC. You can still see a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including the  impressive arena which had a capacity of 20,000 spectators and a theatre where the famous Venus of Arles, now in the Louvre, was discovered in 1651. Both are still in use for sporting and musical events.  

Join your local guide to discover why Van Gogh paid tribute to Arles in over 200 paintings, following his footsteps past the cheery Café de Nuit, still the same shade of yellow. Stroll past medieval houses and 13th-century city gates. Pass the impressive Town Hall and the 12th-century St Trophime Church. Peruse local shops, go olive tasting, or discover yet more of Arles’ architectural treasures.

Stay: S.S. Catherine

Explore Avignon on your choice of two shore excursions. A walking tour of the city reveals a surprising history, which includes being all but demolished by a medieval pope. It was the city of the popes; they even built the ramparts that still surround the Old Town. Stand below the high walls, and then climb the many steps to the Palace of the Popes itself.

Alternatively, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. Roman engineers built a 30-mile-long aqueduct from Uzès to Nîmes. A thousand workers quarried 50,000 tonnes of limestone and constructed, without mortar, the tri-level bridge that still spans the river. Learn building techniques and spot notations made in the stones by the ancient Romans.

Alternatively, opt for one of Uniworld's Masterpiece Collection excursions (at extra cost) and visit the highly celebrated Chateaneuf du Pape or a sommelier hosted wine-tasting or enjoy a cooking lesson at the world-famous La Mirande cooking scholl. 

Stay: S.S. Catherine

Learn about French village life during your visit to Viviers. The sycamores lining the streets here are said to have been planted to give shade to Napoleon’s soldiers, and the houses show watermarks from years and years of flooding.  A local guide will show you the fountain squares in the Old Town, combining Roman and medieval influences. Wander down cobblestone lanes so narrow you can touch the houses on either side. View France’s smallest cathedral and meet local residents. Learn how a local potter creates his wares, step into a villager’s home, or taste a tipple at a popular bar. On the way back to the ship, try your hand at pétanque with the locals. 

Or, enjoy an excursion to the picturesque medieval village of Grignan to visit a family-owned truffle farm to join a hunt led by specially trained truffle dogs (Masterpiece Collection at extra cost).

Stay: S.S. Catherine

Explore the twin wine villages of Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon on one of two shore excursions.

For a more relaxed day, take a leisurely stroll over the flower-decked Marc Seguin suspension bridge to Tain-l’Hermitage to visit local wine cellars for a tasting of some of the region’s best wine. After your tasting, there will be time for shopping. We particularly recommend the Valrhona Chocolate Factory, always a popular stop.

For something more active, hike the steepest vineyards on the Rhône past the vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines, with rows and rows all designed to catch the afternoon sun. After your exhilarating hike and seeing how the grapes are grown, taste the legendary wine itself.

Wine enthusiasts may want to opt for a premium outdoor tasting of some of the phenomenal wines produced on the Hermitage Hill (Masterpiece Collection at extra cost).

Stay: S.S. Catherine

The ancient city of Lyon is full of intriguing contrasts, from evidence of its Roman roots to Renaissance flair to modern architecture.

Explore Lyon on one of three shore excursions. Take a panoramic tour, including staggering views from the top of Fourvière Hill and the discovery of les traboules, the city’s old passageways in Lyon’s Unesco listed historic quarter. If you have a particular interest in les traboules, take the silk weavers’ tour option to learn how these secret passageways were used. Alternatively, pedal along the city’s bike paths if you’re craving a bit of physical exertion.

While you’re in town, opt for lunch in a traditional bouchon for hearty, meat-based dishes and quenelles, dumplings that are a firm local favourite.

Stay: S.S. Catherine

Enjoy a full day excursion to Beaune, the attractive capital of the wine region of Burgundy, which brims with history, splendid regional architecture, and incredible food.  You’ll recognise the Hospices de Beaune (also known as Hôtel-Dieu) by its multicoloured tile roof. Founded in 1443, the hospital became a model for charitable giving in France. Its unique fundraising tradition continues today: hospice monks were given wine and vineyards, and they sold it at auction to support their philanthropic efforts. Learn how this tradition continues today, and enjoy time on your own for lunch.  

Alternatively, the Masterpiece Collection option (at extra cost) will take you to one of the southern Burgundy region's premium wineries - Chateau de Rully - for lunch and a tasting.

Or, simply enjoy a relaxed day and explore Macon at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the Saone River before visiting the Maison Maconnaise des Vins to taste some of this region's underrated wines before enjoying lunch by the river. 

Stay: S.S. Catherine

Today, you will return to Lyon to disembark your ship after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.