Luxury French River Cruise ~ Signature Collection ~ | Sisterhood Womens Travel

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Luxury French River Cruise ~ Signature Collection ~

20 Days  |  Departing Thursday 10th July 2025 and returning Monday 29th July 2024

Prices & Options

Choose your Room:

$9643 deposit payable $10800 deposit payable $12534 deposit payable $14280 deposit payable
Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases and surcharges may apply. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Progress Payment: $ 9643 10800 12534 14280 by 11 Mar 2025
Final Payment: $ 8263 9255 10742 12239 by 11 Apr 2025
Pay by direct deposit or credit card.

Itinerary Map

CLICK HERE to view itinerary map

Highlights

2 Night stay in Paris in our luxurious 5 star accommodation
Fabulous venues for lunches and dinners whilst in Paris
Beautiful accommodation and facilities whilst onboard our 14-day Uniworld luxury river cruise ship SS Joie de Vivre and SS Catherine
Amazing range of included sightseeing:
Opera Garnier Discovery Walk
Chateau De La Roche-Guyon
Marvel at Monet's Garden at Giverny
Enjoy the musical heritage of Rouen Cathedral with a delightful concert
Walking tour of Rouen, the city with a hundred bell towers and Normandy's capital
Interesting Camembert cheese farm tour
Walking tour of the pretty village of Honfleur
Optional golfing experience at Etretat's clifftop course ranked one of the best in France
Visit to Normandy with a Highlights of British and Commonwealth Sites
Special Captain's farewell whilst onboard the ship
Tour of Versailles Palace Secret Apartments
Paris city tour or walking tour of the Latin Quarter
Silk Weavers walking tour in Lyon
Lyon Panoramic Tour with Traboules visit
Fun Lyon Peninsula bike tour
Burgundy Landscapes including Beaune and the Hospices
l'Hermitage Twin Villages stroll with wine tasting
Hermitage Terrace Vineyards with wine tasting
Explore the charming village of Viviers
The beautiful walled city of Avignon with the Palace of Popes
Walking tour of the city of Arles paying tribute to Van Gogh
2 Night stay in Cassis, the "Jewel of the Water's Edge"
Walking tour of Cassis
Vineyard tour with wine-tasting
Fabulous friends for company
 

Inclusions

Fully escorted by an experienced Sisterhood Tour Hostess who is on hand to make your holiday a memorable one
Return economy airfares including taxes ex Melbourne (other departure cities and classes of travel upon request)
All sightseeing as per detailed itinerary
All meals as per detailed itinerary (B, L, D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxury accommodation as per our itinerary
14-day Grand France luxury Uniworld River Cruise onboard both S.S. Joie de Vivre and S.S. Catherine
Transportation throughout including high-speed TGV train between Paris and Lyon
Tipping for Coach Driver & Tour Manager
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Longchamp Le Pliage Cabin Bag
Meet & Greet at an exclusive secret destination (Melbourne)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Thursday 10 July 2025

Melbourne - Singapore - Paris (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel and to our Signature Uniworld French River Cruise. Meet your Sisterhood tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for our flight to Paris.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards Paris the City of Lights!

Day 2 - Friday 11 July 2025

Welcome to Paris (L,D)

Paris's welcoming atmosphere, rich cultural tapestry, and endless activities make it an ideal destination for Sisterhood. The city's charm and beauty create a memorable and empowering travel experience that celebrates friendship and shared exploration.

Upon our arrival, we'll head to our hotel with an early check-in request. Later, we'll begin exploring our surroundings. Our hotel, the elegant Hotel de Louvre is centrally located between the famous Louvre and the impressive Opera Garnier. We are also within walking distance to the beautiful Jardin du Tuileries and Pont Neuf the oldest and most recognised bridge over the River Seine. Time to explore including lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the hotel for check-in and a rest before dinner at our hotel. Tonight, we'll meet our local Uniworld host for an informative briefing about our upcoming cruise.

Overnight - Hotel de Louvre (or similar)

Day 3 - Saturday 12 July 2025

Exploring Paris (B,D)

Today, we put on comfortable walking shoes and spend a couple of hours strolling through the geographical heart of Paris. We begin in the 9th arrondissement and the Opéra de Paris Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier. Work on this extravagant opera house began in 1865 and continued for 15 trouble-filled years, which included the discovery of an underground lake beneath the construction site. It’s still there, incidentally—confined to an enormous cistern where carp swim and rescue divers train. Our guide will take us inside to explore this glorious tribute to Second Empire opulence, complete with dazzling chandeliers, red-velvet wall coverings and draperies, gold-leafed cherubs, marble friezes, and a spectacular 20th-century ceiling by Marc Chagall.

Then we'll head out through the 8th arrondissement, exploring the wide avenues and arcades designed by Baron Haussmann when he modernized Paris between 1852 and 1870. As we walk toward the river and the 1st arrondissement, we'll come to the Palais-Royal, built by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629 (Louis XIV lived here as a child). The palace itself now houses government offices, but the garden offers a lovely breath of fresh air and greenery.

Our next destination, just a block or two away from our hotel is La Comédie-Française, the only state theatre to have its own troupe—it specializes in the work of Molière— before we loop back toward our hotel, passing the National Library and the Paris Bourse.

Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Hotel de Louvre (or similar)

Day 4 - Sunday 13 July 2025

Embark on Uniworld S.S. Joie de Vivre (B,L,D)

Today we are transferred to the luxurious Uniworld S.S. Joie de Vivre to begin our 14-day Grand France river cruise. For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. We have the chance to soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored countries in the world. The S.S. Joie de Vivre, our brightly colored, chic, and sophisticated Super Ship vessel on the Seine, will completely immerse us in all things French before we even set foot onshore. Ooh la la!

Over the next 14 days, we'll experience France from north to south, sailing three rivers and embarking upon in-depth shore excursions. We'll walk through Monet’s beloved Giverny, enjoying the enchanting grounds that he made famous; travel back in time and enjoy a Village day in charming Viviers and visit Lyon’s famous secret passageways, the Traboules.

From the beaches of Normandy and the verve and romance of Paris to the sun-drenched vistas of Burgundy and Provence, this itinerary in France is truly sans pareil!

With a light lunch onboard before we depart, we can start exploring the beautiful facilities of our ship. S.S. Joie de Vivre brings the “joy of living” to the rivers of France. We step aboard our floating pied-à-terre in France, featuring handcrafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design from the Golden Twenties to the free-spirited Sixties, all blending seamlessly with modern conveniences.

Dinner & Overnight - S.S. Joie de Vivre

Day 5 - Monday 14 July 2025

La Roche-Guyon,Vernon,Giverny (B,L,D)

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. We'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.

This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for us.

Dinner & Overnight - S.S. Joie De Vivre

Included options below:

CHÂTEAU DE LA ROCHE-GUYON

The limestone outcropping that eventually became known as Château de La Roche-Guyon began its history as a cave dwelling. It later transformed into a fortress, where medieval knights stood guard against marauding Vikings. Over the centuries it grew into a proper palace, housing a string of lords who gave the château its name—"La Roche-Guyon" translates to "the Rock of Guy," Guy being a typical name for these noblemen. You might think, as you walk through the elegantly designed garden and beautifully paneled rooms, that the residence’s military function was in the far distant past, but Rommel made his headquarters here during WWII, precisely because the ancient fortifications and caves were so secure.
 

LET'S GO: HIKE ON THE CRESTS TRAIL

The village of Château de La Roche-Guyon, which sprawls out across the hillsides of the estate that shares its name, is popularly considered one of the most beautiful in all of France. Begin your hike here today, passing along a restored 17th-century garden, the Saint-Samson church, the old dungeon, and more. Please note that this hike may need to be cancelled in the event of rain.

MONET'S GARDENS AT GIVERNY

Monet often painted the little riverside town of Vernon, so you are likely to recognize scenes the master rendered in oils on your way to his home in the village of Giverny, where he lived and worked for more than 40 years. When Monet bought the property, most of it was an orchard; he transformed it over the years into enchanting visions immortalized in his paintings, essentially creating each work of art twice: once as a living garden and again as a painting. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll see the famed Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by weeping willows. Monet’s house, which you will also visit, remains furnished as it was when the leader of the impressionist school lived here, complete with his precious collection of Japanese engravings.
 

LET'S GO: BIKE RIDE FROM VERNON TO GIVERNY

The country roads between Vernon and Giverny offer easy—and pretty—biking. Hop aboard your bike and pedal about three miles to the village where the artist lived for decades. You’ll pass the church and cemetery where Monet is buried and the Hotel Baudy, where his painter friends often stayed, and arrive at the artist’s home and garden for a tour.

Day 6 - Tuesday 15 July 2025

Rouen (Normandy Beaches) (B,D)

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 our full-day outing, we'll visit Normandy’s beaches, with a choice to venture to the British and Commonwealth beaches (lunch at our own cost). Here we learn of the efforts the British and Commonwealth allies made with the D-Day landings. Afterward, we'll partake in a private memorial ceremony for a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord, for those who have been to Gallipoli, Turkiye a sombre but similar special experience.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Joie de Vivre

** Being part of the Commonwealth we recommend the below sightseeing option:

NORMANDY BEACHES: HIGHLIGHTS OF BRITISH & COMMONWEALTH SITES

Immerse yourself in the tactics, desperate courage, and horrendous human cost of the 1944 Allied invasion of France, the first step in the ultimately victorious land campaign against the Nazis. It began here, on these Norman beaches, each of which was assigned a code name by the Allies as they planned their attack. At Arromanches—code-named Gold Beach—you can view the remnants of one of the two Mulberry harbors deployed in the D-Day invasion. These were artificial harbors constructed to ease and speed the process of unloading Allied troops, vehicles, and equipment onto the Normandy beaches.

Day 7 - Wednesday 16 July 2025

Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Etretat) (B,L,D)

Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is our base for one of two very different excursions. We 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. The choice is ours for the day.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Joie de Vivre

Included options below:

HONFLEUR WALKING TOUR

Transfer to Honfleur, where our walking tour of the fishing village begins at the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur—which looks much as it did a century ago, though now the boats in the harbor are more likely to be pleasure craft than fishing vessels. Our local guide will take us down tiny lanes, where houses stand shoulder to shoulder in a jumble of styles: narrow 19th-century slate-roofed townhouses, 15th-century fishermen’s cottages, and tall and elegant mansions— many adorned with figures of chimeras or saints. We’ll also see St. Catherine’s Church, built in the 15th century by shipwrights who gave it an oak ceiling that looks like the hull of a boat.

Note: shuttles to and from the ship will be offered in the afternoon for those who would like additional time in town after our tour.

LET'S GO: GOLFING IN ÉTRETAT

It would be hard to find a more spectacular location than Étretat’s clifftop course, which is ranked as one of the best in France. Originally laid out in 1908 and substantially redesigned in the 1990s, it offers a multitude of challenges: Two nine-hole loops take players right to the cliff’s edge, the wind can be a serious challenge in and of itself, and the 10th through 14th holes offer formidable tests of a golfer’s skill. Spend the morning on the course, lunch on your own in charming Étretat and explore the seaside village that so many artists, including Monet, rendered in paint, or return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon onboard.

Note: Golf excursion is open to a limited number of golfers. Club entrance and use of golf clubs are provided for usage during your excursion.

Day 8 - Thursday 17 July 2025

Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles) (B,L,D)

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.  The Versailles Palace Secret Apartments were the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palaces, Versailles stood alone in magnificence. Tour the royal apartments, which still look much as they did when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. In these rooms, you’ll find lush silk draperies, exquisite marquetry tables, gilded beds, Aubusson carpets, and porcelain ornaments that reveal the elegance of the 18th-century royalty’s lifestyle, as well as the extravagance that helped fuel the rage leading to the revolution. Climb the great staircase and enter the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, where the absolute ruler of France held court for the ambassadors of Siam, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, along with all the great seigneurs of France. Ladies were intrigued behind their fans, plots were hatched, and careers were made and destroyed beneath the sparkling chandeliers here.

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

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Joie de Vivre
 

Day 9 - Friday 18 July 2025

Paris and the Latin Quarter (B,L,D)

Today we arrive back into Paris and now that we've become locals as true Parisians, we'll take the metro to the Latin Quarter. We'll explore the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philosophers and the Sorbonne's students lived and worked, argued politics painted sipped ansinten and lived the bohemian lifestyle for which the district is famous. Matisse, Picasso, Rimbaud and Sartre as well as American expatriate writers Hemingway and Fitzgerald are just a few of the notables who made this district their home.

Tonight we'll enjoy our last night onboard our beautiful S.S. Joie de Vivre and prepare ourselves to be transferred to an equally stunning ship the S.S. Catherine as look forward to exploring the south of France.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Joie de Vivre

Day 10 - Saturday 19 July 2025

Embark on Uniworld S.S. Catherine - Paris - Lyon (B,L,D)

Today we get to see a little of the French countryside when we transfer from the S.S. Joie de Vivre cruise ship in Paris to the striking S.S. Catherine in Lyon via high-speed TGV train for the second half of our fabulous grand tour. Once we've settled into our new home, we'll have time to explore delightful Lyon nestled alongside the Saône River.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Catherine

Day 11 - Sunday 20 July 2025

Lyon (B,L,D)

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 Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Included options below:

LYON PANORAMIC TOUR WITH TRABOULES VISIT

You'll fall in love with Lyon today as you take in the view from the top of Fourvière Hill, where a magnificent cathedral rises above the city. Take in the view below, noting the splendid façades of Renaissance houses. You'll get a sense of how the city developed, growing from Roman roots to encompass the peninsula and the eastern bank of the Rhône before you ride through the streets to the riverbanks and discover les traboules, the city's old passageways in Lyon's historic quarter.

You may want to stroll along the quays back to the ship or opt for lunch in one of the traditional bouchons. They serve hearty meat-based dishes, but quenelles—luscious dumplings—and a seasoned cream cheese called cervelle de canut are longtime local favorites too.
 

SILK WEAVERS WALKING TOUR

Lyon’s history is entwined with silk, which dominated the city’s economy for centuries—at one time, almost a third of the city’s population were silk weavers. Jump on a tram and head into the historic Saint-Jean Quarter, part of the UNESCO-honored Old Town, where we’ll visit a shop keeping Lyon’s long tradition of weaving alive. Observe up-close as expert weavers thread strands of silk and gold into gorgeous patterns, designed to adorn couturiers and castle walls—the shop has even been commissioned to join the Versailles restoration project! The creation of such beautiful fabrics by hand is an incredibly strenuous task—in the past, a weaver could spend as much as 30 years of their life decorating a single palace room. If it weren’t for this workshop in Lyon, the tradition may have been long forgotten, replaced completely by modern techniques.

Next, we’ll walk through the historic quarter to some of the traboules, the old passageways that snake between and through buildings, secret shortcuts that silk weavers took to keep their delicate fabrics out of the rain.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
 

LET'S GO: LYON PENINSULA BIKE TOUR

Get out and about with a bike ride along the river. Lyon boasts a thriving bike-rental scene, which tells you just how popular this mode of transportation is—you will definitely have two-wheeled company as you pedal along the banks of the Rhône on a sunny day. Your route takes you over the new Raymond Barre Bridge, past the spectacular new Museum of Confluences (so named because it sits at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône) and along the peninsula, a strip of land with the Saône on one side and the Rhône on the other. Here, houseboats tie up along the banks, swans float on the water, and locals take advantage of the lovely park like setting. You’ll also have a great view of the Old Town on the other side of the river. This outing gives you a little taste of what it is like to live in Lyon, as well as a little exercise.

Day 12 - Monday 21 July 2025

Macon, Beaune (B,D)

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. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Catherine

Included option below:

BURGUNDY LANDSCAPES, BEAUNE, AND THE HOSPICES

Beaune may not be a large town, but it brims with history, a wealth of splendid regional architecture and incredible food. Nestled inside medieval ramparts, Beaune was the seat of the warlike dukes of Burgundy until the 16th century.

You’ll recognize the Hospices de Beaune (also known as Hôtel-Dieu) immediately by its fabulous multicolored-tile roof—it’s a symbol of Burgundy. Founded as a charitable institution by the duke’s chancellor in 1443, the hospital became a model for charitable giving in southern France, one with a unique fundraising tradition that continues to this day. Over the centuries, the hospice monks were given wine and vineyards, and they began selling the wine at auction in order to support their charitable work. The wine auction is now world-famous, and the institution remains a working hospital for the poor, with modern facilities standing alongside the historic Hôtel-Dieu.

Day 13 - Tuesday 22 July 2025

Tain-L'Hermitage - Tournon (B,L,D)

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. We’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when we walk through the Rue de Doux area, and we'll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Catherine

Included options below:

TOURNON AND TAIN-L’HERMITAGE TWIN VILLAGES STROLL WITH WINE TASTING

Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Cotes du Rhone, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage are an ideal destination for connoisseurs of fine wine.  We cross the pretty flower-decked Marc Seguin suspension bridge to Tain-l'Hermitage to visit local wine cellars, where you'll taste the region's famous Cotes du Rhone, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage wines. These wines are produced from the Syrah grapes that grow on the steep slopes lining the river. After our wine tasting, we'l have time to browse through the shops, the Valrhona chocolate factory is always a popular stop.

LET'S GO: HERMITAGE TERRACE VINEYARDS HIKE WITH WINE TASTING

Are you ready to explore the steepest vineyards on the Rhone? The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on precipitous slopes above the river, so steep that terracing is essential. Hike along the paths that parallel the rough courses of stone through the vineyards, each one situated to catch the afternoon sun. After you've seen how the grapes - primarily Syrah are grown, taste the fruit that has been transformed by the vintners' craft into legendary wine.

Day 14 - Wednesday 23 July 2025

Viviers (B,L,D)

Today we explore 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. Our exploration of the town will take us through both parts, as we begin at the crest and make our way to the riverbank.  

Sycamores line some of Viviers’ stone-paved streets (planted, so they say, to provide shade for Napoleon’s soldiers), and houses here bear the watermarks of floods over the years. A local expert will show us the fountain squares in the Old Town, which combine Roman and medieval influences, and cobblestone lanes so narrow you can stand in the middle and touch the medieval houses on either side. Viviers climbs a hill crowned by 12th-century St. Vincent’s Cathedral. View the smallest cathedral in France before you meet some of the local residents. We might choose to learn how a local potter makes the attractive wares sold at Poterie; step into a villager’s home; or sample the wares at a popular bar. Don’t feel that you must opt for the bar if you’d like a little refreshment; all visits include an aperitif. On our way back to the ship, we'll stop to try our hand at a game of pétanque, which is akin to horseshoes, only it’s played with steel balls.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S.Catherine

Day 15 - Thursday 24 July 2025

Avignon (B,L,D)

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. We'll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today and have the chance to visit a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.

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

Overnight & Dinner onboard S.S. Catherine

Included options below:

AVIGNON WALKING TOUR WITH PALACE OF THE POPES

It’s hard to believe, looking at the charming cafés and entertaining street performers in the Clock Tower Square, that this lively scene owes its existence to a 15th-century siege. This area was the heart of medieval Avignon (and the site of the original Roman town), crowded with cottages and narrow streets—until a pope had it all demolished in order to give his troops a clearer field of fire. That is Avignon in a nutshell: It was the city of the popes. The Avignon popes built the ramparts that still surround the Old Town and the huge, nearly impregnable fortress that dominates the UNESCO-designated district; in fact, the city did not officially become part of France until 1791. Stand below the high, thick walls to get a sense of just how daunting these fortifications were, then prepare to climb many steps as you tour the Palace of the Popes itself—it’s worth it!

PONT DU GARD ROMAN AQUEDUCT VISIT

In the middle of the first century, Roman engineers responded to Nîmes’s need for water to fill its baths, fountains, and pools by building a 30-mile-long aqueduct from Uzès to Nîmes—which required transporting Uzès springwater over the River Gardon. A thousand workers quarried 50,000 tons of soft golden limestone and used it to construct—without mortar—the magnificent tri-level bridge that still spans the river. An expert guide will explain the techniques used to build this engineering marvel, which has withstood 2,000 years of floods and storms that swept away much newer bridges. You can see notations those ancient Romans made in the stones as they cut and fitted them into place when you view the bridge itself, and you can learn about the entire project at the museum. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is as beautiful as it is fascinating.

Day 16 - Friday 25 July 2025

Arles (B,L,D)

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. Here, the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain.  

Van Gogh paid tribute to Arles’ atmospheric beauty in some 200 paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. It’s an ancient city boasting a remarkable collection of Roman ruins; among them is a theatre where the famous Venus of Arles—on display in the Louvre—was discovered in 1651 and an amphitheatre that is still used for sporting events. We'll join a local expert for a stroll through this district, where medieval houses crowd in among the ancient structures and the city gates dating to the 13th century. Pause before the town hall, built with stone quarried from the Roman theatre, and the Romanesque St. Trophime Church erected in the 12th century. It replaced the church where St. Augustine, the man who converted the inhabitants of England to Christianity, was consecrated by the first archbishop of Canterbury. Walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps past the cheery yellow Café de Nuit—still open and still the same shade of yellow it was when he painted it—and across Forum Square before visiting the town’s bountiful farmers’ market, which displays seasonal fruits and vegetables, medicinal herbs and many more specialties of Southern France.

During our free time after the tour, we can explore the local shops, go olive tasting or delve further into Arles’ stunning collection of architectural treasures.

Let's celebrate our last night onboard the beautiful S.S. Catherine.

Dinner & Overnight onboard S.S. Catherine

Day 17 - Saturday 26 July 2025

Arles - Cassis (B,D)

Today we disembark our ship and continue our Uniworld experience with our three-day adventure to Cassis, the “jewel of the water’s edge.” Sunny, scenic and situated right on the Mediterranean coast, this beautiful fishing port is the ultimate Provençal getaway.  We'll be transferred to the seaside Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, a Belle Époque mansion that was transformed into a 5-star hotel. We'll enjoy a walking tour of the city centre of Cassis to take in the history and natural beauty that this small village has to offer. Our guide will offer interesting anecdotes about points of interest along the way, providing backstory as we admire mansion facades, hidden alleyways, charming squares, and more.

Dinner at our hotel tonight.

Overnight - Hotel Les Roches Blanches (or similar)

Day 18 - Sunday 27 July 2025

Sightseeing Cassis (B,D)

Today after breakfast we will embark on a walking tour in the city center of Cassis to take in the history and natural beauty that this small village has to offer. Our guide will offer interesting anecdotes about points of interest along the way, providing backstory as we admire mansion facades, hidden alleyways, charming squares, and more. 

Today, we'll enjoy a vineyard and wine-tasting visit. Unlike the majority of Provence, the Cassis AOC is comprised predominantly of white wine grapes, which grow exceptionally well on the limestone soil. The wines produced here are typically on the dry side, full-bodied and low acidity. Some have herbal notes or even a pleasant salinity that captures the sea breeze coming off the Mediterranean coastline. Visit a local vineyard today to try a selection of the wines produced here.

A farewell dinner tonight to celebrate our wonderful Sisterhood signature tour.

Overnight - Hotel Les Roches Blanches (or similar)

Day 19 - Monday 28 July 2025

Cassis - Marseilles - Home (B)

Today we farewell France and begin our journey home. What a beautiful way to have experienced this country. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head home.

 

Day 20 - Tuesday 29 July 2025

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home! We've loved sharing this Sisterhood Signature experience with you and look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.

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