Burgundy and Provence

Day 1 UK - Marseille - Avignon Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Marseille. Meet your Uniworld representative on arrival and transfer to the port in Avignon to embark S.S. Catherine (5T). Day 2 Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon) Explore one of two sun-drenched Provençal towns today. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles has existed since the 6th century BC and so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings here. Tarascon boasts many medieval sites including a 12th century church and 15th century castle, rich with tales of a beloved ruler. A special Captain’s welcome reception and dinner will be prepared for you this evening. 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. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Avignon is home to the medieval bridge immortalised in the folk song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ and from a distance, the picture-perfect city centre looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of a history book, but all you need to do is step inside its medieval walls to discover the prosperous heart of contemporary Avignon. Please note: The kayak ride on the Gardon River is only available on May to September departure dates. 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. Day 5 Tournon (Tain l’Hermitage) If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Whether you opt for a guided walk or a more vigourous vineyard hike, you’ll also have a chance to taste the local speciality - wonderful wines made primarily from Syrah grapes. Day 6 Lyon Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and with roots stretching back over 2,000 years to the days of Julius Caesar, Lyon is a place of fascinating dualities. Today you have your choice of ways to explore this city of contrasts: sample its culinary riches with a visit to its peerless market hall or follow the footsteps of the silk weavers in the old quarter. For a more active option, see the city from its extensive - and lovely - cycle paths. 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. Located in the southernmost part of Burgundy, Mâcon, a Saône River port, is your gateway to Beaune. A special Captain’s farewell reception and dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Arles on the reverse-direction cruise (Lyon to Avignon). Day 8 Lyon - UK Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.