UNIWORLD
8 Days | Burgundy & Provence
Southbound

CHALON SUR SAONE TO ARLES

Day 1 | Lyon, France. Transfer to Chalon sur Saône. Arrive at Lyon airport where you will be transferred to your ship docked in Chalon sur Saône. (D)

Day 2 | Chalon sur Saône (Beaune). Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saône is an important center for France’s wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition continues. Sample local delicacies for lunch on your own at the open air market. (BB,Captain's Welcome Gala) Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Arles on reverse direction cruise (Chalon sur Saône to Arles).

Day 3 | Lyon. Lyon is the country’s lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motorcoach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. Or opt for an intimate exploration of Lyon’s Heritage on foot. From Fourvières Hill, take the funicular down to the Saint Jean old quarter, where you’ll venture into the maze of alleyways, courtyards, and traboules (historic passageways). (BB,L,D)

Day 4 | Tournon. Tain l’Hermitage. Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB,L,D)

Day 5 | Viviers. Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, retains much of its historic charm. Your tour of Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You will take the Rue Chévrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Château to reach St. Vincent Cathedral, where you will enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you will walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB,L,D)

Day 6 | Avignon. Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you will capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful café terraces face the magnificent architecture of City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it’s on to Popes’ Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. Or opt for a tour of Avignon’s secret gardens, with an invigorating walk through parks and orchards, secret squares and fountains, and the flower market. You will have leisure time to enjoy more of this magical city on your own. (BB,L,Captain's Farewell Dinner)

Day 7 | Arles. Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid colors of nature, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months, including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as a fascinating wealth of Roman monuments, such as the Amphitheater and Constantine’s baths. Afterwards, visit open-air market and sample some of its delicacies. (BB,L,D)

Day 8 | Arles. Disembark the ship in Arles and transfer to the Marseille International Airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay in Aix-en-Provence. (CB,BB)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

SOUTHBOUND ITINERARY 8 DAYS | CHALON-SUR-SAONE TO ARLES Click HERE to view 8-day NORTHBOUND itinerary.