A charming winter voyage for the culturally curious, this journey blends France’s history, cuisine, and romance with the magic of the holiday season. Cruise along three rivers to see Monet’s peaceful Giverny, the storybook lanes of Viviers, Lyon’s hidden Traboules, and the dramatic cliffs of Étretat dusted in winter light. From the frosted shores of Normandy and the twinkling streets of Paris to the cosy warmth of Burgundy and Provence, this Christmas-time itinerary is truly sans pareil.
Includes
15 Day Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the alluring S.S. Joie de Vivre and the striking S.S. Catherine
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Wi-Fi
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinners
2 Captain's Welcome and 2 Captain's Farewell Receptions
2 Welcome and 2 Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
12 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Let's Go” “and “Village Day” programs
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Excludes
Flights
Arrival / departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Extras
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.
Highlights
14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the alluring S.S. Joie de Vivre and the striking S.S. Catherine
All meals onboard
Unlimited beverages spirits and wines on-board
Carefully curated excursions
Itinerary
Day 1: Arles, Embark
Arrive at the Marseille 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 Arles.
Day 2: Arles
Explore a sun-drenched Provençal town today with an allure all its own. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. 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.
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, or have the chance to visit a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Day 4: Viviers
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.
Day 5: Tain-l’Hermitage
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Tournon may be a small town, but stirring events took place here: A castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries, including two “new” towers built to defend against Protestant attacks in the 16th century. You’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area, and you’ll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.
Day 6: Lyon
Ancient Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts, from Roman roots to stunning modern architecture and plenty of Renaissance flair in between. There's much to explore here, from the city's bike paths to the silk weavers' secret passageways. While you're in town, you might like to have lunch on your own at one of the many traditional bouchons that proliferate in the epicenter of French gastronomy.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
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.
Day 8: Lyon (Disembark), Transfer to Paris via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)
Disembark the striking S.S. Catherine and transfer to Paris via high-speed TGV train. Your next ship, the magical S.S. Joie de Vivre, waits to carry you along the Seine on the next leg of your adventure.
Day 9: La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny
Today is a celebration of northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid château and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. In the morning, choose between a scenic hike or a visit to the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers sweeping views over the Seine. Later, explore the beautiful gardens of Monet. You'll have the opportunity to take in the French countryside on your way there with an invigorating bike ride, or opt to arrive by coach instead.
Note: Giverny will be closed during the March and November cruise departure dates.
This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Day 10: Rouen
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied—Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, and Claude Monet are among them.
Day 11: Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)
Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.
Day 12: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level—experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. After, partake in a private memorial ceremony for a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Day 13: Mantes-La-Jolie (Versailles)
How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Day 14: Paris
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you’ve been here many times before, there’s something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, or join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods.
Day 15: Paris (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 Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
Ship info
S.S. Catherine
Uniworld is committed to building a fleet of ships that represents the absolute best in luxury river cruising, combining quality craftsmanship with high-tech innovations and custom-designed interiors. Our second Super Ship vessel, the S.S. Catherine, continues this proud tradition of excellence with sumptuous materials and meticulous attention to detail.
Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and can be requested. Excludes flights, transfers, visas, travel insurance and anything not mentioned. Savings are not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. High season supplements and block out dates may apply, pricing varies pending departure date. Package excludes flights. You can do optional free-time add-on experiences in your free time and pay for them as you travel (additional costs apply). Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers and adjust savings anytime. All savings / discounts mentioned have already been included in the advertised price.
Uniworld's 12 Days of Christmas Event: 12 Days of Christmas Sale requires payment in full and is valid for new, individual bookings on select 2026 itineraries and departure dates only. Bookings must be made between 28 Nov 2025 and 19 Dec 2025. Offer applies to full-fare bookings only. Savings featured are per person in SA Rand and apply to cruise or cruise/tour only and do not apply to airfare or other optional vacation add-ons. 12 Days Sale is not combinable with any other promotional offer or program except standard River Heritage Club member savings/benefits. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Offer is capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply.
At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. Pentravel and Tour Operator reserves the right to withdraw or amend promotional offers at any time. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.
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