8-day Avignon to Lyon River Cruise

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

DAY 1: Avignon (Embark)

Arrive at Marseille 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 docked in Avignon.

DAY 2: Tarascon

Explore one of two sun-drenched Provençal towns today, each with an allure all its own. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there; Tarascon boasts an ancient castle, as well as a local legend about a ferocious dragon. 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 Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain and facilitating the expansion of their empire. Long renowned as one of the region’s most attractive cities, it lured artist Vincent van Gogh, who painted hundreds of works here (including Sunflowers and The Yellow House) in just 15 months. A short distance from Arles is the ancient and charming town of Tarascon. Its many medieval sites include a 12th-century church and a 15th-century castle that is rich with tales of a beloved ruler. Bask in the warmth of the Provençal sunlight in either of these friendly Mediterranean towns.

Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

DAY 3: Avignon

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 rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.

Choice of Avignon walking tour with Palace of the Popes or Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct visit or "Let’s Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River

DAY 4: Viviers

Meet some new friends today in the village of Viviers; encounters that really get at the heart and soul of the French people and their culture and traditions. No matter whom you get to know—a pottery maker, a dance teacher or a local homeowner—you’ll have an enjoyable and truly authentic experience, something you’ll remember for years to come. 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.

Featured Excursion: Intimate Viviers “Village Day”

DAY 5: Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage), Lyon

If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Whether you opt for a guided walk or a more vigorous vineyard hike, you’ll also have a chance to taste the local specialty—wonderful wines made primarily from Syrah grapes.

Choice of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage twin villages stroll with wine tasting or “Let's Go” Hermitage Terrace vineyards hike with wine tasting

DAY 6: Lyon

As the epicenter of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There’s much to explore here, from the work of culinary visionaries to silk weavers’ secret passageways. After your choice of excursions, embrace the locals’ favorite mode of transportation with a patisserie-fueled bike ride—a great way to see the sights. Two rivers: one tranquil, one torrential. Two hills: one for labor, where the sound of the silk weavers’ looms used to echo; the other for prayers, crowned by a spectacular basilica. Two cities, as different as night and day: one boasting colorful Old World façades, medieval mansions and hidden passageways; one with a sophisticated urbanity reminiscent of Paris. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and with roots stretching back over 2,000 years to the days of Julius Caesar, Lyon is a place of fascinating dualities. Today you have your choice of ways to explore this city of contrasts: Sample its culinary riches with a visit to its peerless market hall or follow the footsteps of the silk weavers in the old quarter. For a more active option, see the city from its extensive—and lovely—bike paths.

Choice of Lyon Capital of Gastronomy tour or “Let's Go” Lyon peninsula bike tour or Silk weavers walking tour

DAY 7: Mâcon (Beaune)

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. Located in the southernmost part of Burgundy, Mâcon, a Saône River port, is your gateway to Beaune.

Choice of Burgundy landscapes, Beaune and the hospices or Mâcon walking tour

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

DAY 8: Lyon (Disembark)

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 Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure with an extension to sparkling Paris.

* Please note: 2020 Solo Traveller offer applies to select dates and itineraries only. Category upgrade charges apply. Solo Traveller offer is not applicable to suites. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. This offer is capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply.

AVIGNON TO LYON:

29 Mar 2020 -

• Classic Stateroom - from $5399 per person*
• Deluxe Stateroom - from $6699 per person*
• French Balcony - from $7499 per person*
• Suite - from $11,199 per person*
• Grand Suite - from $14,499 per person*

12 Apr 2020 -

• Classic Stateroom - from $5399 per person*
• Deluxe Stateroom - from $6699 per person*
• French Balcony - from $7499 per person*
• Suite - from $11,199 per person*
• Grand Suite - from $14,499 per person*

26 Apr 2020 -

• Classic Stateroom - from $5899 per person*
• Deluxe Stateroom - from $7199 per person*
• French Balcony - from $7999 per person*
• Suite - from $11,699 per person*
• Grand Suite - from $14,999 per person*

10 May 2020 -

• Classic Stateroom - from $6899 per person*
• Deluxe Stateroom - from $8199 per person*
• French Balcony - from $8999 per person*
• Suite - from $12,699 per person*
• Grand Suite - from $15,999 per person*

LYON TO AVIGNON:

22 Mar 2020 -

• Classic Stateroom - from $5399 per person*
• Deluxe Stateroom - from $6699 per person*
• French Balcony - from $7499 per person*
• Suite - from $11,199 per person*
• Grand Suite - from $14,499 per person*

19 Apr 2020 -

• Classic Stateroom - from $6099 per person*
• Deluxe Stateroom - from $7399 per person*
• French Balcony - from $8199 per person*
• Suite - from $11899 per person*
• Grand Suite - from $15,199 per person*

Classic Stateroom:

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (162 sq ft - 15 sq m)
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, flatscreen TV with infotainment center, and safe
• Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cosy bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony Stateroom:

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, flatscreen TV with infotainment center, and safe
• Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cosy bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe Balcony Stateroom:

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with open-air balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, flatscreen TV with infotainment center, and safe
• Marble bathroom includes: Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cosy bathrobes and slippers

Suite:

• Lavishly appointed riverview suite (305 sq ft - 28.3 sq m) with an open-air balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, flatscreen TV with infotainment center, and safe
• Triple accommodation option available. The sofa converts into a comfortable bed to accommodate a third person 
• Marble bathroom includes Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cosy bathrobes and slippers
• Uniquely decorated and additional amenities and services, including: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; free laundry service; and a special dinner in Bar du Leopard

Grand Suite:

• Lavishly appointed riverview Grand Suite (410 sq ft - 38 sq m) with an open-air balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with infotainment center, safe, separate spacious living room and a bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and a secluded toilet and bidet area
• Marble bathroom includes Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, cosy bathrobes and slippers