Your adventure begins in Lyon, stepping aboard the opulent S.S. Catherine, where you'll stay in a Classic Riverview Stateroom. An attentive crew will look after you, and all your meals and drinks, including fine wines, are included on board.
Ian joins you for the week, accompanying you for dinner and drinks throughout the cruise and sharing his knowledge as a wine aficionado. He'll also give an extraordinary talk about his career, answer your questions, and host an insightful tasting of the region's exemplary wines at the Tain-l'Hermitage winery.
Rosemary Shrager also joins the cruise, hosting a private cooking demonstration and preparing a delicious meal for guests. She'll also accompany you on a visit to the delightful food market in Arles.
You'll sail along the peaceful Rhône and Saône rivers through beautiful landscapes that inspired Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin and discover the secrets which make this region one of the world's top gastronomic destinations. You'll stop at a different port every day, with many shore excursions included, until you reach Avignon, where your cruise draws to a close.
Ian Botham is one of cricket's best-loved figures as a player and commentator, as well as a prolific charity fundraiser. He was knighted in 2007. Ian has developed his own range of wines, Botham Wines.
Rosemary is a British chef and TV presenter, has experience as an haute cuisine teacher and has published eight cookbooks, including Absolutely Foolproof Cookery. Rosemary has also written two fictional novels including The Last Supper.
Today you'll arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport where you'll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
This evening, your cruise manager will invite you to an exclusive welcome event with Ian "Beefy" Botham and Rosemary Shrager who will be on board with you for the rest of the cruise.
Today is all about exploring 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.
This evening you'll join Ian Botham in the Bar du Leopard for a special talk about his career and have the opportunity to ask him any questions. Later, a special Captain's welcome reception and dinner will be prepared for you.
Today your cruise will take you to lovely Lyon. As the epicentre of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalising contrasts. There's so much to explore here, from the work of culinary visionaries to silk weavers' secret passageways.
Your very special activity today is a private winery visit at the wine cellar of the Paul Jaboulet Ainé estate in Tain-l'Hermitage with Ian.
This afternoon you'll enjoy an exclusive cooking demonstration with Rosemary and wine tasting with Ian, followed in the evening by a special dinner prepared by Uniworld's executive chefs.
Today you'll have more time to explore the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, a real delight for lovers of fine wine.
Tournon may be a small town, but it has a rich history, reflected in its many elegant buildings: a castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries.
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.
You'll visit Viviers today, 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. Your exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.
You'll explore the beautiful walled city of Avignon today, one of the most fascinating towns in southern France. There is a whole host of historic gems to explore here, 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, and there'll also be the chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
Tonight you will enjoy dinner prepared by Rosemary and the Executive chefs with a wine pairing by Ian "Beefy" Botham.
Explore the sun-drenched Provençal city of Arles today. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. The sunny coastal city has existed since the sixth century BCE, 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.
Today you'll join Rosemary and a Uniworld chef on a visit to Arles market, where you'll marvel at the range of delicious, fresh local produce.
This evening, a Captain's farewell reception and dinner will be prepared for you, followed by a special charity auction.
It's time to say goodbye to the S.S. Catherine and your fellow travellers as your unforgettable trip draws to a close. You'll be transferred to Marseille International Airport for your flight home.
Five-class luxury Super Ship
Uniworld's second Super Ship Catherine continues their proud tradition of excellence with sumptuous materials and meticulous attention to detail. The vessel's opulent interiors include a two-story lobby with specially commissioned Murano glass chandelier and whimsical lifesize glass horse. The swimming pool and Bar du Leopard is lavishly decorated, as is the inviting Cézanne Restaurant and Van Gogh Lounge.
Staterooms feature handcrafted Savoir Beds, generous built-in closets, individual climate-control thermostat, and a television. The marble bathrooms also include Asprey bath and body products and plush towels. Upgrades to, French Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Suite and Grand Suite cabins available at a supplement.
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