AARP Member Benefits
AARP Members Save on select departures

Grand France

15 Day Cruise from Arles to Paris

AARP Member Benefits
AARP Members Save on select departures
SAVE UP TO $2,700
From $7,199
WAS $9,899
Find this price
15 Days
1 Country

France

11 Cities

Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l'Hermitage, Lyon, Mâcon, Vernon, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Versailles, Paris

All Meals

Dinners, Breakfast Buffets, Lunchs, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, Continental Breakfast

Comfortable

Mainly 2 and 3 night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size 120 passengers

All-Inclusive River Cruises by Uniworld

If all-inclusive, luxury travel is your standard go-to, or are traveling to celebrate a milestone or special occasion, a boutique, luxury river cruise is the perfect choice. The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line, for more than four decades, Uniworld has specialized in providing intimate and in-depth one-of-a-kind journeys for travelers seeking to explore the rivers of the world in exceptional style. On every all-inclusive Uniworld river cruise, you’ll be whisked away to a variety of destinations in one trip onboard a beautiful river ship. Along the way, you’ll enjoy five-star cuisine, unique local experiences, and exceptional service from the longest tenured crew in river cruising.

View all Uniworld River Cruises

S.S. Catherine

Uniworld is committed to building a fleet of ships that represents the absolute best in luxury river cruising, combining quality craftsmanship with high-tech innovations and custom-designed interiors. Our second Super Ship vessel, the S.S. Catherine, continues this proud tradition of excellence with sumptuous materials and meticulous attention to detail. The vessel’s opulent interiors include a two-story lobby with a specially commissioned Murano glass chandelier and whimsical life-size glass horse.

See Ship

S.S. Joie de Vivre

S.S. Joie de Vivre brings the “joy of living” to the rivers of France. Step aboard your 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.

See Ship

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored countries in the world.

Average group size
120 passengers
Tour brand
Uniworld River Cruises
Travel style
S.S. Catherine S.S. Joie de Vivre
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arles (Embark)

Arrive at the Marseille 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 docked in Arles.

Arles  (Embark)
Included Meals Dinner

Day 2

Arles

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.

Arles
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Featured Excursions
Arles Walking Tour

Van Gogh paid tribute to Arles’ atmospheric beauty in some 200 paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. It’s an ancient ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 3

Avignon

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.

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

Avignon
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
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 sce...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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 buil...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 4

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. Your exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.

Viviers
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Village Day: Ardèches

Sycamores line some of Viviers’ stone-paved streets (planted, so they say, to provide shade for Napoleon’s soldiers), and houses here b...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 5

Tain-l’Hermitage (Tournon)

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.

Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage Twin Villages Stroll with Wine Tasting

Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are an...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

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

Are you ready to explore the steepest vineyards on the Rhône? The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on precipitous slopes...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 6

Lyon

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

Lyon
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Featured Excursions
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 ci...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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&rs...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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 transpo...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 7

Mâcon (Beaune)

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.

Mâcon (Beaune)
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Dinner
Featured Excursions
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 ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 8

Lyon (Disembark), Transfer to Paris via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)

Disembark the striking S.S. Catherine 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.

Lyon (Disembark), Transfer to Paris via High-Speed TGV Train (Embark)

Day 9

La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny

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.

Note: Giverny will be closed during the March and November cruise departure dates. This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Featured Excursions
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 trans...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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 ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Monet’s Gardens at Giverny

Note: Giverny is not open year-round; this excursion will be available for April through October cruise departure dates only. Monet often painted...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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 vill...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 10

Rouen

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.

Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Nights Out: Private Concert at the Rouen Cathedral

Tonight, walk through the streets of Rouen with your Cruise Manager to see this charming medieval city in a different light. You’ll arrive at...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Rouen Walking Tour, the Dukes of Normandy’s Capital

Victor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred bell towers. Easily the most famous of those towers is the one rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Camembert Cheese Farm

Cheese is a product integral to French heritage and culture, with hundreds of beloved varieties distinct to the regions and towns they hail from. A...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 11

Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)

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.

Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
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 fre...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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. Ori...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 12

Rouen (Normandy Beaches)

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.

Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Normandy Beaches: Highlights of American Sites

Travel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You'll visit historic beaches and get an up-...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
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 ultimate...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Normandy Beaches: Highlights of Canadian Sites

When the Allies prepared to invade Normandy, they assigned a six-mile stretch of beach to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division under the command of M...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 13

Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

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.

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

Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Featured Excursions
Versailles Palace Secret Apartments

It was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palac...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 14

Paris

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.

Paris
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Paris City Tour

If you are experiencing Paris for the first time, this tour will introduce you to the City of Light’s most cherished landmarks. You’ll ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Paris Walking Tour of the Latin Quarter

As a true Parisian would, take the Métro to the Latin Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philo...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 15

Paris (Disembark)

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 Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.

Paris (Disembark)
Included Meals Continental Breakfast, Breakfast Buffet

Select your date

AARP Members Save $100
{{getFormattedDateShort(departure.departureDate)}} {{getDayOfWeek(departure.departureDate)}}
{{getFormattedDateShort(departure.returnDate)}} {{getDayOfWeek(departure.returnDate)}}
Current Deals
  • {{offer.title}}
Click here for more info

Current Deals

{{roomOption.name}}
{{(roomOption.salePrice && roomOption.salePrice < roomOption.basePrice ? roomOption.basePrice : '') | currency }} {{roomOption.salePrice | currency}}
Cruise Itinerary: {{departure.additionalInfo}} Ship(s): {{departure.shipsCsv}} Fares listed are inclusive of all taxes and port charges.
Today's Price Based on twin share Request Quote

Included Highlights

Top Highlights

Featured Excursions
Arles Walking Tour

Van Gogh paid tribute to Arles’ atmospheric beauty in some 200 paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhône. It’s an ancient ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 sce...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 buil...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Village Day: Ardèches

Sycamores line some of Viviers’ stone-paved streets (planted, so they say, to provide shade for Napoleon’s soldiers), and houses here b...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage Twin Villages Stroll with Wine Tasting

Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are an...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Let's Go: Hermitage Terrace Vineyards Hike with Wine Tasting

Are you ready to explore the steepest vineyards on the Rhône? The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on precipitous slopes...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 ci...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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&rs...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 transpo...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 trans...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Monet’s Gardens at Giverny

Note: Giverny is not open year-round; this excursion will be available for April through October cruise departure dates only. Monet often painted...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 vill...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Nights Out: Private Concert at the Rouen Cathedral

Tonight, walk through the streets of Rouen with your Cruise Manager to see this charming medieval city in a different light. You’ll arrive at...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Rouen Walking Tour, the Dukes of Normandy’s Capital

Victor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred bell towers. Easily the most famous of those towers is the one rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Camembert Cheese Farm

Cheese is a product integral to French heritage and culture, with hundreds of beloved varieties distinct to the regions and towns they hail from. A...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 fre...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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. Ori...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Normandy Beaches: Highlights of American Sites

Travel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You'll visit historic beaches and get an up-...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
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 ultimate...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Normandy Beaches: Highlights of Canadian Sites

When the Allies prepared to invade Normandy, they assigned a six-mile stretch of beach to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division under the command of M...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Versailles Palace Secret Apartments

It was the official residence of the country’s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palac...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Paris City Tour

If you are experiencing Paris for the first time, this tour will introduce you to the City of Light’s most cherished landmarks. You’ll ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Paris Walking Tour of the Latin Quarter

As a true Parisian would, take the Métro to the Latin Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philo...

See More
Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients

14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinners

2 Captain's Welcome and 2 Captain's Farewell Receptions

2 Welcome and 2 Farewell Gala Dinners

Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water

Excursions

12 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts

Guided “Let's Go” “and “Village Day” programs

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions

Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the alluring 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

Experiences

12 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts

Guided “Let's Go” “and “Village Day” programs

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions

Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Cruise: Western & Central Europe

Dining  

When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. 

Complimentary Beverages  

All beverages are included during your cruise. Complimentary beverages onboard include wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water.  

Gratuities 

Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included. 

Curated Excursions 

Complementary and comprehensive shore excursions led by local English-speaking experts designed to provide the best possible experiences ashore. 

Scheduled Airport Transfers 

Complementary airport arrival and departure group transfers provided for flights that meet guidelines.

Uniworld sails rivers in several Western & Central European Countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland 

  • Official Languages: Croatian (Croatia), Dutch (Belgium, Netherlands), French (Belgium, France, Switzerland), German (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland), Italian (Italy, Switzerland), Luxembourgish (Luxembourg), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Spain), Romansh (Switzerland) 
  • Capital Cities: Vienna (Austria), Brussels (Belgium), Zagreb (Croatia), Paris (France), Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), Vaduz (Liechtenstein), Luxembourg City (Luxembourg), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Lisbon (Portugal), Madrid (Spain), Bern (Switzerland).  
  • Time Zones: Western European Time (EET), UTC+0, and Western European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+1, Central European Time (CET) UTC+1, Central European Summer Time (CEST) UTC+2 during daylight saving time. 
  • Currencies: 
    Austria: Euro (EUR) € 
    Belgium: Euro (EUR) € 
    Croatia: Croatian Kuna (HRK) kn 
    France: Euro (EUR) € 
    Germany: Euro (EUR) € 
    Italy: Euro (EUR) € 
    Liechtenstein: Swiss Franc (CHF) CHF 
    Luxembourg: Euro (EUR) € 
    Netherlands: Euro (EUR) € 
    Portugal: Euro (EUR) € 
    Spain: Euro (EUR) € 
    Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF) CHF 

All Uniworld river cruises require a passport with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Must be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.  

Visa Requirements: Access the latest entry requirements for all your destinations with our user-friendly Destination Entry Guide. Powered by CIBT, the leading authority in travel visas and US passports; check back as often as you like before your trip to ensure you have everything you need before you depart.  

  • Austria: Austria features a temperate continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with more rain in the summer months. 
  • Belgium: Belgium has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year. 
  • Croatia: Croatia has a varied climate, with continental influences inland and a Mediterranean climate along the coast. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild along the coast but colder inland with snowfall. 
  • France: France experiences a variety of climates, ranging from oceanic and Mediterranean to alpine. Generally, it has mild winters and warm summers, but specific regions may have different weather patterns. 
  • Germany: Germany has a temperate seasonal climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Winters are usually cold, while summers are mild to warm. 
  • Italy: Italy has a diverse climate, with Mediterranean conditions prevailing along the coast and continental climates in the interior. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are mild in the south and colder in the north. 
  • Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with slightly more rain in the summer months. 
  • Luxembourg: Luxembourg has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. 
  • The Netherlands: The Netherlands has a maritime climate influenced by the North Sea, with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year. 
  • Portugal: Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The southern region experiences hotter temperatures compared to the north. 
  • Spain: Spain has a diverse climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the south to maritime and continental in the north. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters vary from mild to cold depending on the region. 
  • Switzerland: Switzerland has a temperate climate with distinct regional variations. The Alpine region experiences cold winters and cool summers, while the lowlands have milder temperatures with more precipitation throughout the year. 

Baggage Allowance 

Baggage storage space onboard is limited. For their own comfort and convenience, Uniworld requests guests bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Airline baggage restrictions change frequently. Guests should check on the specific air carrier’s website for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges.  

Packing Tips for a River Cruise 

Packing for a river cruise will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started: 

  • A valid and current passport
  • A copy of your travel insurance and any necessary travel documents. 
  • Your Cruise Travel Companion, easily accessible should you need to reference it. 
  • Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day.  
  • Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is fine both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer months, bring lightweight clothing that can be layered. For early spring and late fall departures, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and pants are perfectly suitable. 
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore.  
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably a hooded one) for all seasons, and a heavier weight jacket for colder temperatures and destinations.  
  • Evening wear: Resort-type wear is perfectly suitable. Men may want to bring a sport jacket for dressier venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women may wish to bring a cocktail dress or two for finer dining or entertainment experiences.  

Laundry Services Onboard 

A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer, and iron is available for your use while aboard the ship. The ship also provides washing, drying, and ironing services for a fee. There are no dry-cleaning facilities. 

Electrical Currency on European Ships 

Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. To accommodate guests’ needs, each stateroom or suite has one 110V outlet.  

Using a Hair Dryer Onboard 

Every stateroom or suite bathroom is stocked with a hair dryer, bath and body products, and a luxurious bathrobe for each guest. 

Air Conditioning  

Every stateroom and suite has an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat.  

Connecting to the Internet & Wi-Fi 

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.  

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests. All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local expert.  

Masterpiece Collection (Additional, Optional Experiences) 

Uniworld’s curated Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions go above and beyond the included experiences and are available for an additional charge. 

We highly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad. 

Spa Treatments & Massages While Cruising* 

Spa treatments and massage services are available onboard the ship. 

Special Dietary Needs 

Please notify GET or Uniworld if you have special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered while traveling. Uniworld staff will do their best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but GET cannot guarantee that requests can be met in all cases.  

Mobility Concerns 

Passengers must advise GET at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation.  

Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships, nor can they provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eyeglasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. Please note, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may not be navigable using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or the like. As well, excursions often include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, or stairs. 

Traveling with Medications 

In accordance with international laws, no over-the-counter medications are available on Uniworld ships. Pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Click the link to learn more about traveling with medications 

*Available on select ships. Additional fee for spa services.  

Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included during your cruise. 

Local Specialists & Coach Drivers 

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity of €1-2 (Euro) per person per half day.

Your GET Wishlist

{{ tour.title }}
{{ tour.duration }} Days from {{ tour.displayPrice }}

Find Your Perfect Destination

Italy
50 tours from $1,125
Britain & Ireland
46 tours from $1,395
Spain & Portugal
30 tours from $1,395
France
23 tours from $2,385
Greece
12 tours from $1,913
United States
54 tours from $1,575
Australia
9 tours from $3,948
Africa
11 tours from $3,112
Dates & Prices Back to Top