Ultimate France (2025) (Bordeaux to Arles, 2025)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Bordeaux
Duration
22 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of France, where history, culture, and gastronomy intertwine to create a truly unique experience. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the artistic havens of Paris, this journey offers a rich tapestry of sights and flavors. Explore medieval towns, indulge in exquisite wines, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of iconic cities. With luxurious accommodations and expertly curated excursions, this tour promises an adventure filled with discovery and delight. Whether you're a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or an art lover, this grand tour of France has something for everyone.

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Included

21-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the breathtaking

S.S. Bon Voyage

, the magical

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

S.S. Bon Voyage: Grand Suite ,Suite ,Deluxe ,Classic, S.S Joie de Vivre: Grand Suite ,Suite ,Deluxe Suite

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1 country: France

7 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager

Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)

Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour

TGV train between Lyon and Paris, and Paris and Bordeaux

Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment

Excursions included:

- Fresh Médoc Oysters Tasting

- Bourg sur Gironde Stroll

- Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

- Village Day: Libourne with Farmer's Market

- Nights Out: After Hours at the Bassins des Lumières

- Nights Out: Private Concert at the Rouen Cathedral

- Versailles Palace Secret Apartments

- Burgundy Landscapes, Beaune, and the Hospices

- Village Day: Ardèches

- Arles Walking Tour

Additional excursions to choose from:

- Médoc Châteaux Route with Private Wine Tasting

- Let’s Go: Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

- Private Owner's Tour of Royal Château with Sauternes Toast

- The Colorful Life of Toulouse-Lautrec

- Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress

- Intimate Experience with Local Wine & Art Connoisseurs

- Do as the Locals Do: Bordeaux Walking Tour

- Let’s Go: Bike Bordeaux Backstreets

- Château de La Roche-Guyon

- Let's Go: Hike on the Crests Trail

- Monet’s Gardens at Giverny

- Let's Go: Bike Ride from Vernon to Giverny

- Rouen Walking Tour, the Dukes of Normandy’s Capital

- Camembert Cheese Farm

- Honfleur Walking Tour

- Let's Go: Golfing in Étretat

- Normandy Beaches: Highlights of American Sites

- Normandy Beaches: Highlights of British & Commonwealth Sites

- Normandy Beaches: Highlights of Canadian Sites

- Paris City Tour

- Paris Walking Tour of the Latin Quarter

- Lyon Panoramic Tour with Traboules Visit

- Silk Weavers Walking Tour

- Let's Go: Lyon Peninsula Bike Tour

- Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage Twin Villages Stroll with Wine Tasting

- Let's Go: Hermitage Terrace Vineyards Hike with Wine Tasting

- Avignon Walking Tour with Palace of the Popes

- Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct Visit

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Cruise Managers

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Meals as per itinerary.

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S.S. Bon Voyage or S.S. Joie de Vivre or S.S. Catherine

High Speed Train

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Destinations

Giverny
Saint Jean Castle and Cathedral de la Major and the Vieux port in Marseille, France.Marseille
Saint-Émilion
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Versailles - city in FranceVersailles
Beaune - city in FranceBeaune
Tain-l'Hermitage
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux
The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon
Arles - city in FranceArles
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen
Honfleur

Map

Attractions

Château de Cazeneuve
Pont du GardPont du Gard
Falaises d'Etretat vues de la mer
La Vouivre - Refuge Periurbain
Château de VayresChâteau de Vayres
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
Photo of Versailles palace outside Paris at sunset, France.Palace of Versailles
France, Bordeaux, the St. Michel basilicaBasilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux
Monet's Train - Givernon
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceHôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Omaha Beach Memorial, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceOmaha Beach Memorial
Beach Piqueyrot
Calvados Pierre HUET
Place du Parlementplace du Parlement
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Castle of La Roche-Guyon, La Roche-Guyon, Pontoise, Val-d'Oise, Ile-de-France, Metropolitan France, FranceCastle of La Roche-Guyon
Saint Eligius Church

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Arrival in Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux - Arrival day
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  • Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
  • More

Welcome to the enchanting city of Bordeaux, where your journey begins. Upon arrival at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative and transferred to your luxurious cruise ship, your home for the next leg of this unforgettable adventure.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Exploring the Médoc Region

  • Bordeaux
  • More
  • Musée d'Aquitaine tram stop
  • Tour Pey-Berland
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Embark on a scenic drive through the legendary Médoc region, renowned for its prestigious wine estates and endless vineyards. Indulge in a wine tasting at a beautiful estate, savoring the rich flavors of the region's finest offerings.

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Day 3

Day 3 – The Sweet Life in Cadillac

The Sweet Life in Cadillac

  • Château Peixotto
  • More

Discover the charm of Cadillac, a town famed for its dessert wines. Visit the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve, where tales of royal romance come alive. Enjoy a toast with the owner, savoring a glass of exquisite Sauternes.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Journey to Blaye

Journey to Blaye

  • place du Parlement
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Travel along the picturesque Route de la Corniche Fleurie to the historic Blaye Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site once protected Bordeaux from maritime threats. Explore its rich history and enjoy the stunning views.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Wine and History in Saint-Émilion

  • Saint-Émilion
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  • Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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From Libourne, venture to the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. Wander through its cobblestone streets, explore wine shops, and admire the rock-hewn church that lies beneath the city.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Market Day in Libourne

  • La Sauve
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  • Base sous-marine
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Libourne's farmer's market, where the freshest produce, cheeses, and breads await. Experience the heart of French culinary tradition.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Discovering Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
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  • Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
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Explore Bordeaux's charming backstreets on foot or by bike. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a delightful mix of history and modernity, with plenty of opportunities for discovery.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Transfer to Paris

  • Paris
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  • Grand Trianon
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Disembark your ship and board a high-speed TGV train to Paris. Your next adventure awaits as you prepare to explore the wonders of the Seine aboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Inspiration in Giverny

  • Giverny
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  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Visit the enchanting gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. Choose between a scenic hike or a bike ride through the picturesque French countryside to reach this artistic haven.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Historic Rouen

  • Rouen
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  • Évreux Cathedral
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Walk through the medieval streets of Rouen, a city steeped in history. Visit the cathedral immortalized by Monet and explore sites linked to Joan of Arc's legacy.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Seaside Charm in Honfleur

  • Honfleur
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  • Labyrinthe de Honfleur
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From Caudebec-en-Caux, journey to the picturesque harbor of Honfleur. Stroll through its charming streets and soak in the artistic ambiance that has inspired countless painters.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Remembrance at Normandy

  • Étretat
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  • Botanical Garden
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Experience the profound history of the Normandy beaches. Choose to explore American, British, or Canadian sites and partake in a private memorial ceremony honoring Operation Overlord.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Royal Splendor in Versailles

  • Versailles
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  • Palace of Versailles
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Step into the opulent world of French royalty at the Palace of Versailles. Explore the secret apartments and marvel at the grandeur of this historic palace.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Exploring Paris

  • Paris
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  • Jardin des plantes
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Discover the timeless allure of Paris. Choose between a panoramic city tour or a walk through the historic Latin Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the City of Light.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Arrival in Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Musée Ampère
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Transfer to Lyon via high-speed train and settle into your new accommodations. Explore the vibrant city nestled alongside the Saône River, known for its rich history and culinary delights.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Exploring Ancient Lyon

  • Lyon
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  • Tour d'Oingt
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Discover the contrasts of Lyon, from its Roman roots to modern architecture. Explore the city's secret passageways, known as traboules, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional bouchon.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Wine and History in Beaune

  • Beaune
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  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
  • More

Explore the heart of Burgundy's wine trade in Beaune. Visit the medieval Hospices de Beaune and enjoy the picturesque landscapes that define this renowned wine region.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Twin Villages of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage

  • Tain-l'Hermitage
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  • Armenian Heritage Center
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Discover the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, known for their rich history and fine wines. Enjoy a stroll through the vineyards and indulge in a wine tasting experience.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Timeless Viviers

  • Tain-l'Hermitage
  • More
  • Orange Cathedral
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Step back in time in the enchanting village of Viviers. Explore its storied past and architectural heritage as you wander through the town's upper and lower parts.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Historic Wonders of Avignon

  • Avignon
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  • Palais des Papes
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Explore the walled city of Avignon, home to the Palace of the Popes. Discover the rich history and architectural marvels of this fascinating town in southern France.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Artistic Inspiration in Arles

  • Arles
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  • Roman Theatre of Arles
  • More

Discover the sun-drenched town of Arles, known for its remarkable Roman ruins and artistic legacy. Explore the sites that inspired Van Gogh's masterpieces.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Departure from Marseille

  • Marseille - Departure day
  • More
  • The Marseille Soap Museum
  • More

Conclude your extraordinary journey with a transfer to Marseille Airport for your flight home. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made during this grand tour of France.

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