This triumvirate of France brings you the very best of each region—Paris and the Normandy coast in the north, vineyard-rich Bordeaux in the southwest, and the sun-drenched Mediterranean delights of Burgundy and Provence. You’ll tour glamorous capital cities in leisure and style, explore ancient villages still unspoiled by modern life, and walk in the footsteps of famous artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. With Uniworld’s extraordinary excursions, you’ll visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, taste incomparable wines in Bordeaux, stroll the charming medieval lanes of Viviers, peruse a farmers market in Southern France, and take a scenic bike ride through Lyon before seeing the city spectacularly illuminated at night. All the while, savor the renowned wines and cooking traditions that have made French cuisine the most revered in the world. Ultimate France is a combination of Paris & Normandy, Brilliant Bordeaux, and Burgundy & Provence.

1. Day 1
   Bordeaux (Embark)

   Sun, Jul 05, 2026

   Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International 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.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Cussac Fort Médoc

   Mon, Jul 06, 2026

   The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Cadillac

   Tue, Jul 07, 2026

   The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
4. Day 4
   Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde

   Wed, Jul 08, 2026

   The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Libourne (Saint-Émilion)

   Thu, Jul 09, 2026

   With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Libourne, Bordeaux

   Fri, Jul 10, 2026

   France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market?
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bordeaux

   Sat, Jul 11, 2026

   Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Bordeaux (Disembark), Transfer to Paris via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)

   Sun, Jul 12, 2026

   Disembark the breathtaking S.S. Bon Voyage 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. Note: Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9. Day 9
   La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny

   Mon, Jul 13, 2026

   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.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Rouen

    Tue, Jul 14, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)

    Wed, Jul 15, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Rouen (Normandy Beaches)

    Thu, Jul 16, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

    Fri, Jul 17, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Paris

    Sat, Jul 18, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Paris (Disembark), Transfer to Lyon via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)

    Sun, Jul 19, 2026

    You’ll transfer from the magical 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 this fabulous grand tour. Once you’ve settled into your new home, you’ll have some time to explore delightful Lyon, which is nestled alongside the Saône River.
16. Day 16
    Lyon

    Mon, Jul 20, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Mâcon (Beaune)

    Tue, Jul 21, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
18. Day 18
    Tain-l’Hermitage (Tournon)

    Wed, Jul 22, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
19. Day 19
    Viviers

    Thu, Jul 23, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
20. Day 20
    Avignon

    Fri, Jul 24, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
21. Day 21
    Arles

    Sat, Jul 25, 2026

    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.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
22. Day 22
    Arles (Disembark)

    Sun, Jul 26, 2026

    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 the Marseille Airport for your flight home.
    Meals: Breakfast