2019 President's Cruise – Burgundy, Provence & the French Riviera
Once a year, Dennis and I host a cruise that I believe is going to be very special and one not to be missed. For my 2019 President’s Cruise, I have chosen what I think is the perfect springtime cruise along the scenic Rhone River through the south of France. Before our luxury river cruise even begins, we’ll enjoy two nights in the heart of the Cote d’Azur — the French Riviera. I hope you’ll join me.
P.S. Combine this with my 2019 President’s Tour, “Paris by Peggy,” for the ultimate France experience.

Per Person Double Occupancy
From $5999
Single Supplement Available
May 16-26, 2019
11 Days / 10 Nights
Itinerary
Depart USA
Relax on your overnight flight to southern France.
Nice
Arrive in Nice and transfer to our hotel for an exclusive two-night pre-cruise stay. Tonight, get to know your fellow cruisers over a rooftop welcome reception.
Nice
Welcome to the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera). Today is yours to explore the pebbly shores and beautiful city streets of Nice.
Nice to Avignon (Embark)
This morning after breakfast we’ll take a scenic bus ride through the French Riviera to Avignon with lunch en route. Later, board the S.S. Catherine for your first overnight stay.
Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon)
Explore one of two sun-drenched Provençal towns today on a walking discovery tour. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles has existed since the 6th century BC when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. Long renowned as one of the region’s most attractive cities, it lured artist Vincent van Gogh, who painted hundreds of works here. A short distance from Arles is the ancient and charming town of Tarascon. Its many medieval sites include a 12th- century church and a 15th-century castle that is rich with tales of a beloved ruler and a ferocious dragon. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
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. From a distance, the picture-perfect city center 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. Today you have your choice of two walking discovery tours, with the Palace of the Popes or the Pont du Gard. You’ll also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct on the Gardon River.
Viviers
Meet some new friends today in the village of Viviers. No matter whom you get to know—a pottery maker, a dance teacher or a local homeowner—you’ll enjoy an authentic experience, encounters that get at the heart and soul of the French people. 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 “Village Day” exploration will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank.
Tournon (Tain-l’Hermitage)
If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Take a guided stroll or opt for a more vigorous vineyard hike and taste the local specialty, wines made from Syrah grapes.
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 city of tantalizing contrasts. Today you have your choice of two walking tours; sample Lyon’s world–famous 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 bike paths on a guided “Let’s Go” Lyon peninsula bicycle tour.
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. Located in the southernmost part of Burgundy, Mâcon, a Saône River port, is your gateway to Beaune. Today you can explore this charming region on a Burgundy wine landscapes, Beaune, Hospices de Beaune tour or a Mâcon walking discovery tour.
Lyon (Disembark)
Today we’ll disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport for your flight home or if you’re combining the President’s Cruise and Tour, take the train to Paris and meet the group for the next part of your French adventure.
Inclusions
Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare from Chicago
- Two-night pre-cruise package in Nice
- Ground transportation and custom luggage handling
- Complete services of Cruise & Tour
- 7 nights aboard the award-winning luxury river cruise line, Uniworld - S.S. Catherine:
- All dining aboard & unlimited beverages
- Gratuities
- Complimentary WiFi & Shore Excursions
President’s Cruise Exclusives:
- $100 Per Person Shipboard Credit
- French Riviera Two-Night Pre-Cruise Package Including:
- 4-Star Accommodations in Nice
- Welcome Reception
- Provence Lunch
- Cocktail Party
- President’s Gift Set
Not Included
- Taxes and visa fees of $170 per person (subject to change regardless of payment status)
- Travel insurance
- Baggage fees
- Meals not described in inclusions
- Tips for guides
- Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone, etc.)
Testimonials
Staterooms
Rates
Category | Room Size | Complete Pricing (Per Person Double Occupancy) |
---|---|---|
Classic (Picture Window) | 162 sq. ft. | $5999 |
French Balcony | 194 sq. ft. | $6999 |
Deluxe Balcony | 194 sq. ft. | $7399 |
Suite | 305 sq. ft. | $9599 |
Grand Suite | 401 sq. ft. | $11899 |
Taxes & Fees | $170 Per Person |
Single Supplement | Please Call |
Travel Insurance | Please Call |
President's Cruise & Tour Combo | Starting at $9499* |
*Per Person Double Occupancy
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT:
$1000 per person deposit required with your reservation
$2000 per person second deposit due 10/18/18
Final payment due 1/16/19
All payments can be made by credit card, check or cash. Please be advised that there is a 2.5% discount for making all payments by check or cash.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Initial $1000 deposit refundable through 10/18/18, less a $500 cancellation fee
10/19/18 to 1/16/19: Cancellation charge is 50% of deposits paid
After 1/16/19 or non-appearance on departure day: 100% of cost forfeited

How to Book
- Call Cruise & Tour at (800) 383-3131 or REQUEST A CALL
- Ask to have a place held on this trip
- You will receive an email with a link to our online registration form
Fill it out and you’re in!
It’s that easy. Give us a call today!
Travel Insurance Information
Worldwide Trip Protector
Cruise & Tour recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
To purchase travel protection insurance:
- Click here to view and print the Travel Insured International brochure which has a brief summary of coverage.
- After making your travel reservation and deposit, a Cruise & Tour representative will create an insurance quote for you. You will receive that travel insurance quote from Travel Insured International Customer Care.
- From here you will be able to view the quote, add additional coverage options such as Cancel for Any Reason, and purchase your policy all in the Travel Insured International Portal.
Please Note: Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion will be waived if you purchase the protection plan within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment. Options such as Cancel for Any Reason or Interrupt for Any Reason must also be purchased within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment.
To view and print the Explanation of Benefits, click here.

Cancellation/Interruption