Europe and Mediterranean: Burgundy and Provence Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France; the same beautiful countryside and culture that inspired the masters will now inspire you. You’ll cruise the serene Rhône and Saône rivers on Uniworld’s striking Super Ship, S.S. Catherine, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures — from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to the hum and thrum of lively Lyon’s Les Halles food market — along the way.

All-Inclusive Cruise

  • True All-Inclusive Boutique River Cruising™

  • All gratuities for onboard services

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages**

  • Shore excursions with local experts as your guide

  • Internet and Wi-Fi

  • All arrival and departure day transfers

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  • Receive a $50 shipboard credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom)♦

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Uniworld® river cruise†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Lyon

Overview

A two thousand year old city, situated at the junction of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon rests below the impressive Fourviere and Croix Rousse hills. In Lyon, visitors can take a unique journey through time and across cultures, by strolling down its narrow streets, crossing its “traboules“ (narrow secret passages), walking along its bustling docks, passing through its impressive squares, and seeing over 200 sites illuminated at night.

Day 2 Lyon

Overview

A two thousand year old city, situated at the junction of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon rests below the impressive Fourviere and Croix Rousse hills. In Lyon, visitors can take a unique journey through time and across cultures, by strolling down its narrow streets, crossing its “traboules“ (narrow secret passages), walking along its bustling docks, passing through its impressive squares, and seeing over 200 sites illuminated at night.

Day 3 Macon

Overview

Situated downstream of Tournus, flower-bedecked Mâcon proudly displays the smiling character of Burgundy’s southernmost town. As one crosses the venerable Saint-Laurent bridge separating Mâcon from the flatlands of the Bresse one is greeted by a beautiful, spacious riverside townscape punctuated by several church spires. The town’s historical centre includes such treasures as the Municipal Museum, quartered in an old Ursuline convent, the Romanesque remains of the ancient cathedral of Saint-Vincent and the dispensary of the Hôtel-Dieu. Alphonse de Lamartine, French poet and statesman, was born in Mâcon in 1790. Although he travelled extensively in his career as a diplomat and politician, he remained very attached to his home town and took a personal interest in the wine harvests on his estates in the Mâconnais. The town possesses a museum exclusively devoted to the life and work of Lamartine, as well as a statue and a large mosaic wall. But perhaps the true attraction of Mâcon lies in the charm of its squares and side streets, especially the Place aux Herbes which during the summer months echoes to the sounds of the daily vegetable and flower market under the windows of the Maison de Bois with its finely sculptured columns. The pleasant atmosphere is a foretaste of the nearby vineyards. The town also boasts a superbly equipped stretch of water on the Saône as well as a golf course. The Mâconnais Wine Centre (Maison Mâconnaise des Vins) is situated at the northern entrance to the town and is the point of departure for a journey to the Mâconnais vineyards.

Day 4 Tain-l'Hermitage

Overview

Tain l’Hermitage, a little town with a well-established reputation for gastronomy. Leave noise far away on the charming and sunlit banks of the Rhône. For those who like walking, the paths on the hillside climb between the vineyards. Depending on the season, the surrounding countryside offers you orchards in full or laden with fruits, its « Route des Vins » and a number of pretty villages. You are at the gates of both the Ardčche and the Vercors. Tain l’Hermitage can be reached by train and A7 motorway.

Day 5 Viviers

Overview

Viviers is a medieval village that has withstood the ravages of architectural progress.The old part of the village, said to be one of the best preserved in France, rises sharply up a very steep hillside.The steep grade likely made the upper town easier to defend when it was built several hundred years ago. But the difficulty of ascending the cobblestone-lined lanes caused about half our walking party of 70 to give it up before we reached the top, where fortress walls once protected a monastic order. Our guide was not aware of any attacking force successfully climbing almost straight up 200 or so feet from the side facing the river to the plateau's top and breaching the stone walls. A spectacular view of the village's red tile roofs, the Rhone and the valley awaits those who make the climb to the summit. Also awaiting is the Cathedral of St. Vincent, which was consecrated in 1119 and still serves residents of the upper village. With dusk falling by the time we reached it, the Gothic and Romanesque building was closed. Some of the stucco-like buildings of the upper town beneath have been occupied since the 15th Century. A few sport TV satellite dishes from their rooftops. Living in those cramped, hillside quarters had no appeal to us. The steep, twisting streets built for passage in medieval times are 8 or so feet wide. The buildings are 3 and 4 stories high, contain no air conditioning and few modern conveniences. There are no gardens or even grass, only occasional window boxes of the ever-present, red geraniums. Just a view of your neighbors' gray walls and windows left open to catch a cooling breeze. The contrasts in height and the brightness of the red tile roofs made for a picturesque sight. But I thought that living there would only be a step or two above living in Folsum Prison. The well-worn cobblestones on the steep streets must be treacherous in times of snow or ice. But the lower town, built on the river plain in more modern times, looks to be quite livable for those who like very small towns.

Day 6 Avignon

Overview

City of history and city of theater, the fortified city of Avignon will not leave you in different. Avignon's architecture is marked by papal history. Going through any of the seven doors of the superbly preserved walls one discovers the city of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes built in the 14th century overlooks a lively square. Nearby are the museums the Petit Palais and Palais du Roure, Not too far away stands the famous Pont d'Avignon. Take your time wandering about the streets of Avignon, The ancient streets, the courtyards of the private mansions, the renovated facades will all charm you! One of the most elegant streets is the rue Joseph Vernet, adjacent to the Calvet museum and the Requien Museum. Don't miss the Antiquaire quarter, the Place de l'Horloge or the Chemin de Ronde which will take you to the Rocher des Doms. From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen for a fort: Avignon stands high above the immense plains of the Rhone River and is the strategic point of the whole valley. The theater festival has made Avignon important in modern times. Started in 1947 by Jean Vilar, every year between the 10th of July and the 5th of August nearly 120,000 spectators come to discover new talent or admire those actors already known, These shows (dance, theater or music) are enhanced by the background of powerful history and often appear renewed or refreshed in this environment. The Off Festival is a series ot street shows set up by would be actors and is considered to be an excellent work lab for these aspiring young people. Late at night when the shows are over the terraces fill up with actors and spectators alike all creating a unique atmosphere found only in Avignon in the summer.

Day 7 Arles

Overview

Arles, which was previously known as Arelas and Arelate, is located in southern France’s Departement of Bouches-du-Rhone, on the Rhone River. The city of Arles is linked to its port, on the Mediterranean Sea, by a canal. It is a farm-trade and manufacturing center. Its products include processed food, textiles and chemicals. Tourism is also important to the economy. Points of interest, in Arles, include a Roman amphitheater, which held about 26,000 spectators; a Roman obelisk, retrieved from the Rhône River and now in the Place de la République; the ruins of a Roman theater, in which were found many works of art including the statue Venus of Arles (which is displayed at the Louvre in Paris); the palace of the 4th century Roman emperor Constantine the Great; and the Romanesque Church of Saint Trophime. Parts of the wall, around the old town, also originated in Roman times. During the first century BC, Arelas, as the city was then called, emerged as one of the chief commercial centers of the Roman Empire. An episcopal see from the 4th century until 1790, it was the site of several important ecclesiastical councils, including the Council of Arles (314), which condemned Donatism, a heretical Christian movement. The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh was very active in Arles. He painted more than 200 canvases here in 1888 and 1889.

Day 8 Arles

Overview

Arles, which was previously known as Arelas and Arelate, is located in southern France’s Departement of Bouches-du-Rhone, on the Rhone River. The city of Arles is linked to its port, on the Mediterranean Sea, by a canal. It is a farm-trade and manufacturing center. Its products include processed food, textiles and chemicals. Tourism is also important to the economy. Points of interest, in Arles, include a Roman amphitheater, which held about 26,000 spectators; a Roman obelisk, retrieved from the Rhône River and now in the Place de la République; the ruins of a Roman theater, in which were found many works of art including the statue Venus of Arles (which is displayed at the Louvre in Paris); the palace of the 4th century Roman emperor Constantine the Great; and the Romanesque Church of Saint Trophime. Parts of the wall, around the old town, also originated in Roman times. During the first century BC, Arelas, as the city was then called, emerged as one of the chief commercial centers of the Roman Empire. An episcopal see from the 4th century until 1790, it was the site of several important ecclesiastical councils, including the Council of Arles (314), which condemned Donatism, a heretical Christian movement. The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh was very active in Arles. He painted more than 200 canvases here in 1888 and 1889.

Onboard the S.S. Catherine

Costco Member Reviews

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. Uniworld's second Super Ship, 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.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Bar/Lounge

  • Fitness Center
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Elevators
  • Self-Service Laundromat

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Spa

  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Cézanne Restaurant

Main Dining

Cézanne Restaurant (open seating): This seating option allows you to choose when and with whom you dine. Menus are a blend of classic cuisine with a touch of contemporary elegance, and are created using only the finest and freshest ingredients often brought onboard from local ports of call. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of passing riverbank towns and villages.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Classic Stateroom with Window (Category: CL)

Category: CL

Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: FB)

Category: FB

Deluxe Stateroom with Full Open-Air Balcony (Category: DB)

Category: DB

Suite with Full Open-Air Balcony (Category: S)

Category: S

Grand Suite with Full Open-Air Balcony (Category: GS)

Category: GS

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Camargue Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Third berth availableThird berth available
Single occupancySingle occupancy

Ship Facts

S.S. Catherine ship image
  • Ship Name: S.S. Catherine
  • Year Built: 2014
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2014
  • Ship Class: Sister ship to S.S. Antoinette
  • Maximum Capacity: 159
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 3
  • Number of Crew: 57
  • Officers' Nationality: International
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 14
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 61
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 159
  • Country of Registry: The Netherlands
  • Total Staterooms: 81
  • Suites with Balcony: 9
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date - 04/27/2025

Inside Stateroom

N/A

River-View Stateroom

$4,319

Balcony Stateroom

$5,489

Suite Stateroom

N/A

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

**Unlimited beverages include premium wine and premium spirits. Diamond List of wine and spirits is available at an additional cost.

♦Executive Members receive a $50 shipboard credit per person, maximum $100 per stateroom. Executive Member benefit is valid for primary cardholder only. Shipboard credit is per stateroom based on double occupancy. Shipboard credit will be applied to your onboard account. Any unused portion of the credit is nontransferable, nonrefundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Netherlands

    Package ID: UNICATEUR20200609