Lyon to Arles

Connoisseur's Provence - 9 Days

Join us on our new Grand River Cruise Ship, River Royale. Sail on a leisurely-paced cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers through the heart of Burgundy and Provence. This region is a treat for all the senses — the enduring vineyards, culinary delights, lavender-scented fields, enchanting landscapes, and the charm of Arles, Avignon and the small villages of Provence. Marvel at the scenery that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne. Extend your vacation by adding a few days in Paris, the ever-fascinating “City of Lights,” or take a sojourn on the Côte d’Azur.

CHÂLON Located in the heart of Burgundy, Châlon is an important center for France’s wine trade. From Châlon, journey to Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune. Founded in the 15th century, the hospices were given vineyards so they could make wine to support charities, and today the tradition continues. Join us for wine tasting and indulge in some fine vintages of the region. MÂCON Enjoy a walk through Mâcon along the old paved streets of the “Heritage Trail,” highlighting the town’s architectural wealth. Witness its long and rich history as one of France’s major commercial wine centers. LYON Lyon is best known for its Gallo-Roman history, as well as its reputation as the culinary capital of France. Explore the beautiful Renaissance quarter and shop at many luxurious boutiques. Stroll through the famous local market, open on Sundays, and sample regional food and wine. Indulge your culinary yearnings at an exclusive dinner ashore. Bon appetit! TOURNON Visit one of France’s oldest cities, Tournon, set amidst a beautiful landscape of vineyards and fruit trees. This lovely place is also home to Valrhona, a world-famous chocolate factory that dates back to 1924 – the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth. And taste the wonderful wines of Côtes du Rhône Hermitage vineyards. VIVIERS Located in one of the most beautiful areas in Southern France, Viviers has retained its Old World charm. The town was developed around its Romanesque cathedral, with facade, porch, and solitary tower that still survive today. Enjoy a privately-arranged organ demonstration, followed by a Provencal-inspired dinner al fresco on the Sun Deck of the ship. AVIGNON Nestled in the lush hills of the Rhône Valley lies the Medieval walled city of Avignon. Named the “City of the Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican. Inside the Palais, a room is reserved for tasting the wonderful wines of the region. PROVENCE Its lush vineyards, delicious wines and colorful scenery have inspired great artists for centuries. Discover the beauty and warmth that makes Provence one of the most beautiful places on earth. ARLES Discover sun-drenched vistas and ancient monuments that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne. Known as the “Little Rome of Gaul,” a stroll through the narrow and winding streets of Arles is like stepping back in time. Enjoy the many cafés located by the Place du Forum and the Place Voltaire, as well as designer boutiques.

River Royale

Meet River Royale, our newest Grand River Ship. Truly unprecedented and unmatched. Uniworld is committed to building ships that define the best of river cruising, combining quality craftsmanship and the latest technical innovations. Honoring this tradition of excellence, the most exciting new ship in Europe will launch in the spring of 2006 in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Provence. Her name — River Royale. Sail in the heart of Provence, through the Rhône Valley from Lyon to Arles, visiting sun-blessed cities and centuries-old villages filled with museums, open-air markets and quaint shops. Explore, taste and indulge in exceptional cuisine and fine wines from famous wineries and vineyards. In keeping with the spirit onboard, our chefs have created delectable menus du jour and have selected outstanding French wines to complement the culinary traditions of Southern France. Spend seven relaxing days onboard River Royale. Enjoy elegant surroundings with the finest furnishings, custom leather upholstery and soft, luxurious European linens. The restaurant, lounges and spa areas are warm and inviting. And the Soleil Deck, up top, is a wonderful place to view the scenery. As with all our ships, spaciousness is a priority for our guests. River Royale is no exception. Staterooms, up to 162 square feet, offer generous storage space for clothes and belongings. French-style balcony doors (Category 1) and wide picture windows (Category 2) let you enjoy the sights of the ever-changing scenery. And your stateroom has the same fine amenities and special touches featured on all our other Grand River Cruise ships. Space in our suites, at 175 square feet, is quite ample. Be the first to experience River Royale and the best of Provence — all in one spectacular journey.

 I have sailed this ship's innaugural sailing. Call me at 800-640-4899

for Uniworld, Viking, Deilmann and Amadeus French sailings