S.S. Catherine Inauguration
Lyo n to Lyo n
| 4 n i g h ts /5 days
Saô ne R iver
Program Overview
Lyon
Burgundy
Tournon n e River
Tain l’Hermitage Viviers
Rh ô
FRANCE
Provence
Mediterranean Sea
SPAIN
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Ly o n
You’ll be greeted at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and transferred to the S.S. Catherine. Afternoon: For those arriving early, you have a choice of excursions to help you discover more about Lyon:
Welcome
“Follow in the Steps of the Proud Silk Weavers” Tea ceremony and Crêpes Flambées demonstration and tasting at Institut Paul Bocuse
We look forward to welcoming you onboard the striking S.S. Catherine for the christening and inaugural cruise. We want to do everything we can to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience with us. With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet with a day-to-day overview of what you can expect, along with options of excursions from which to choose.
Active: Bicycling along the Left Bank to Parc de la Tête d´Or
Go
Evening: Welcome reception, dinner, and entertainment Evening excursion: Lyon illumination city tour Evening attire: Cocktail
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Ly o n
Our warmest regards,
Morning: S.S. Catherine Inauguration Celebration Afternoon: Sailing the Rhône to the “Twin
Cities,” Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon Afternoon onboard: Opera recital, “Love at
First Sight” guy young president uniworld boutique river cruise collection
SWITZERLAN
Evening: Inaugural dinner and entertainment Daytime attire: Casual elegance Evening attire: Formal (black-tie optional)
ITALY
Friday, March 28, 2014
Ta i n - l ’ H e r m i ta g e a n d T o u r n o n Morning: Choice of excursions to help you discover more about Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon:
Château des Seigneurs de Tournon Discover a “World Behind a Chocolate Square” at Cité du Chocolat, Valrhona
Go
Active: Bicycle ride along Via Rhôna
all guests: Induction ceremony hosted by
the Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage Winemakers Brotherhoods Early Afternoon Onboard: Goat cheese and
Rhône Valley wine tasting Afternoon: Sailing the breathtaking landscapes of the Ardèche to enchanting Viviers Evening: “Grand France” reception, dinner, and entertainment Daytime attire: Casual elegance
Ly o n
Evening attire: Cocktail
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Viviers Morning: Choice of excursions to help you discover more about Viviers and the products from its surrounding areas:
La Rabassière, the “Black Diamond,” and Truffle hunting
D ay 1
March 26, 2014
An intimate experience of Viviers through music
Active: Walk through the hills to the viewpoint and “Vierge de la Joanade”
Go
Afternoon Onboard:
Sailing upstream to Lyon Tasting of Arcachon oysters and Aquitaine caviar
Arrival Day
Bienvenue en France! You will be greeted by a Uniworld representative at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and transferred to the S.S. Catherine, docked in the heart of Lyon, situated at the confluence of two rivers—the Rhône and Saône—and at the foot of the Alps.
Evening: “Flavors of Provence” Farewell reception, dinner, and entertainment.
Settle into your luxuriously appointed stateroom
Daytime attire: Casual elegance
crafted Savoir® of England bed draped in fine
Evening attire: Cocktail
linens and a bathroom stocked with L’Occitane
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Ly o n
Transfer from the S.S. Catherine to the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
onboard the S.S. Catherine, featuring a hand-
en Provence bath and body products. You may wish to relax onboard or you may want to go ashore to explore Lyon, which is steps away from the ship. Lyon has long been considered the culinary capital of France—of the world, in fact—but the city was actually built on trade image: lyon, france
and banking. From the 16th through the 19th
Option 2
centuries, it was the capital of Europe’s silk
Tea ceremony and Crepes Flambées demonstration and tasting at Institut Paul Bocuse
industry, the wealth and success of which can be seen in the historic quarter, Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO-designated site defined by its elegant,
“Happiness is in the cooking” – Paul Bocuse
pastel-colored architecture.
There are few chefs in France as universally
We’ve provided guided excursion options for you
known as Paul Bocuse, considered an ambassador
to get further acquainted with Lyon and take
of modern French Cuisine. It could be because
advantage of all the city’s charms.
Chef Bocuse is a descendant of a family of chefs dating back to the late 1600s, or it could be the
Option 1
fact that his namesake restaurant in Lyon has had
“Follow in the Steps of the Proud Silk Weavers”
three Michelin stars for over 43 years—the longest
Cross the Saône River at Passerelle du Palais
consecutive period for any restaurant to be
de Justice and walk through the Quartier de St.
designated with such an honor.
Jean—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore
Today, you’ll get to experience some of the
the Quartier St. Jean, where you’ll encounter
Bocuse magic at the Institut Paul Bocuse in the
many spectacular examples of medieval and
heart of Lyon. Here, you’ll be treated to a tea
Renaissance architecture, including La Cour des
ceremony and Crepes Flambées demonstration
Loges, La Tour Rose, and La Maison de l’Outarde
and tasting at the recently opened (November 7,
d’Or. Enter the courtyard of the newly renovated
2013) l’Institut and L’Ecole de Cuisine. L’Institut
Musée Gadagne, which is housed in an early-16th-
Paul Bocuse has aroused the passion of more
century building, and stroll along Rue Juiverie,
than 770 gourmet enthusiasts in 2013, and
which has been occupied since Roman times and
reinforced its role as an ambassador of French
boasts Nostradamus as a former resident.
know-how in gastronomy and hospitality. Further,
Your guide will show you “les traboules,” the
this respected school is listed on the UNESCO
city’s old passageways, and then while explaining
register of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Lyon’s important gastronomic history, your guide will show you the city’s bouchons, which serve
Go Active: Bicycling along the Left Bank
traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Finally, you’ll meet a
For those who would like to be more active,
silk weaver who will demonstrate silk and velvet
Lyon is a great place to take our complimentary
weaving on a Jacquard loom. Afterwards, you’ll
bicycles out for a spin. Lyon was the first city in
have free time to spend in town at your leisure,
France to develop a sustainable public transport
shopping in the fashion or textile boutiques,
system by encouraging its residents to use
visiting the antique dealers, or simply relaxing
bicycles. In further support of its cyclists, the
with a glass of Beaujolais at one of the many
city developed an extensive network of bike
cafés. Or, you might prefer to do as the locals do
paths. Starting from the University Bridge, you’ll
and use one of the ship’s bicycles to ride up the
discover the Lyonnais’ favorite route. Ride along
Left Bank to the Parc de la Tête d’Or (Park of the
the waterfront, where car parks have been turned
Golden Head).
into gardens and playgrounds, and then enter the gates of the Parc de la Tête d’Or where you’ll cycle beautiful pathways that line the lake and cross broad lawns that lead to the rose garden.
Welcome Reception and Dinner This evening, you’ll be treated to a culinary experience that will immerse you in the fresh flavors and savoir-faire that have made France the epitome of gastronomic delight. Evening Excursion: Lyon illumination tour
After dinner, new magic will begin to reveal itself
Ly o n D ay 2
as the sun sets over Lyon. One by one its squares, fountains, and monuments come to life in a spectacle of light. This is one of France’s must-see
M a r c h 2 7, 2 0 1 4
landscapes at night, with an endless charm that is not to be missed. This illuminated backdrop will
the inauguration
be the setting to a nocturnal romp that takes you
of the S.S. Catherine
through the heart of the city, as your passionate guide reveals the many secrets and legends of
On behalf of the Tollman Family and Uniworld
Lyon’s past. Our tour brings it all into focus by
Boutique River Cruises, join us for the inauguration
unlocking the secrets, mysteries, and scandals
festivities of Uniworld’s newest Super Ship, S.S.
that make this one of the most intriguing cities
Catherine. Listen to an orchestra play while the
in the world.
ship is christened by its Godmother. Immediately following the ceremony and christening of the ship, guests are welcome to join the champagne reception on the Sun Deck as we prepare for the S.S. Catherine’s maiden voyage sailing the Rhône through the wine country to the “Twin Cities,” Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon.
image: lyon illuminated
During the afternoon sailing, enjoy the wonderful amenities onboard the S.S. Catherine. Take a dip in the pool, work out in the fitness center, relax in one of the lounges, or unwind with a wellbeing treatment—including one of our many massage treatments—at our Serenity River Spa.™ Or perhaps simply gaze at the beautiful scenery along the river, including the city of Vienne, the vineyards of Condrieu and Côtes-Rôtie, and the village of Château d´Ampuis.
Onboard Presentation Later in the afternoon, you’ll be treated to a special opera recital, “Love at First Sight.”
Evening Celebration Join us for our spectacular Inaugural Cocktail Reception and Dinner. After dinner, you can dance the night away to Samy Goz, an international
ta i n - l ’ h e r m i ta g e and to u r n o n
crooner, who is often compared to Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones.
D ay 3
March 28, 2014
The “Twin Cities” 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 ideal destination for connoisseurs of fine wine and chocolate. 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; two “new” towers were 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—unusual for the number of houses incorporated in its walls—and the oldest secondary school in France. image: vienne, france
image: tain-l’hermitage, france
You have two shore excursion options this morning,
Option 2
depending upon your interests. History buffs and architectural enthusiasts might prefer Option 1,
Discover a World Behind a Chocolate Square at Cité du Chocolat, Valrhona
while Option 2 may appeal more to chocolatiers.
More than just a museum, the Cité du Chocolat at Valhrona offers a fun, multi-sensory experience.
Option 1
Identify smells, search for aromas, and taste
Château des Seigneurs de Tournon
chocolate in all its forms. Here, you’ll discover the
Tournon Castle’s remarkable state of preservation
close link between Valrhona chocolate and the
and its architecture, both medieval defensive and
Rhône River’s art and tradition of blending wine.
avant-garde (early Renaissance Italian), make it one of the most beautiful castles of the Ardèche. Its massive and elevated position gives it an impressive look. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, its architecture reflects the evolution of society, between the medieval period and early Renaissance. The castle-museum of Tournon serves as a remarkable record of the passing centuries. Here lived the Counts of Tournon, one of
Valrhona was the first to offer chocolate with 70% cocoa guanaja, which makes it one of chocolate’s grands crus. This is no ordinary chocolate, as you will learn during our informative lecture and tour. Each year, 200 premium chocolate specialists are trained at l’Ecole du Grand Chocolat. At the end of the tour, be sure to buy a sample or two (or more!).
the most powerful families of Ardèche. The library
What better way to wash down the delicious
is home to some 800 volumes of books, hundreds
chocolate than with wine? Join the rest of the
of tables, antique coins, marble statues, busts,
group for a tasting provided by the Saint-Joseph
tapestries, and many other treasures. Since 1927,
and Crozes-Hermitage Winemakers brotherhoods.
the castle has housed a museum labeled “Musée de France.” The museum collection ranges from the Renaissance to the present day, and includes items related to inland navigation, the bridges of Marc Seguin, the history of the castle and the city, sculptures, drawings, engravings, and paintings, including Giovanni Capassini’s The Triptyque of The Resurrection, 1555. After spending time at the museum and enjoying the spectacular vistas of the Rhône River from the terrace, you will join the rest of the group for a special invitation by the Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage Winemakers brotherhoods.
image: citÉ du chocolat, valrhona
all guests: Induction Ceremony hosted by the Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage Winemakers Brotherhoods
To celebrate the tradition of wine making and the contribution of river cruising to the wealth of the region, you will attend a unique induction ceremony. The “Grand Maitre” invites one of our guests to enjoy the honor of becoming a proud member of the brotherhood, and to vow to be an advocate of the wines grown in this region. Later, celebrate and savor Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph, which are two of the appellations with great wines. You’ll discover the difference between the wines and which you might fancy the most.
viviers D ay 4
March 29, 2014
The Black Diamond and a Taste of History Onboard
Awaken in one of France’s most enchanting and
Board the S.S. Catherine and enjoy a Rhône Valley
best-preserved walled towns. With its narrow
wine and goat cheese tasting presented by the
passageways and cobbled, sycamore-lined
Head of the Tain-l´Hermitage sommelier school
streets—not to mention its miniscule population—
as we sail to Viviers, a magical village.
you might feel as though you’ve gone back in time, or been transported to a Hollywood soundstage
Evening “Grand France” Dinner
(Viviers is said to have inspired the idealized sets
Cap the day off with a “Grand France” dinner
of the Juliette Binoche film Chocolat.) The village
offering the cuisine, wine, and chocolate reflective
is divided into two parts: the lower town, where the
of this wonderful country. Then you can dance
tradesmen and artisans once lived, and the upper,
the night away as Paolo Nassi entertains you with
which was home to more prosperous families. An
arias and serenades, including tangos and paso
impressive Gothic cathedral dominates the upper
dobles. Or, if you prefer, walk the silent avenue
town, which also features a castle terrace that
from the river to Place de la Roubine, where the
affords tremendous views.
locals party on Saturday night at the Ginger Bar.
image: viviers, france
You have two delightful excursion options this
Onboard
morning from which to choose.
As we sail back to Lyon, and in celebration of
Option 1
La Rabassière, the “Black Diamond,” and Truffle Hunting Beautiful Renaissance châteaux dot the hillsides in the distance (including Château de Grignan, where Madame de Sévigné died) as you travel today through the lush rolling hills of
“Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux”—the newest Uniworld cruise itinerary unveiling the secrets of Aquitaine—we will taste this region’s delicacies with Arcachon oysters and Aquitaine caviar. You’ll learn all about these culinary delights that are mainstays in French cuisine.
the Drôme Provençale to a truffle farm. Here,
“Flavors of Provence” Farewell Reception and Dinner
you’ll experience one of the gourmet treats of
This evening, we’ll gather together for our
the region at La Rabassière, where you’ll be
Farewell reception and dinner with the perfect
welcomed by the owners, as well as their trusted
theme: “Flavors of Provence.” Dinner will be
canine companion. Together, you’ll walk through
prepared with the finest ingredients from local
the truffière, learning how they cultivate the
farmers’ markets, including fragrant herbs and
“black diamond”; you’ll see how the owners’ well-
fresh vegetables.
trained dog sniffs out the truffles; and afterwards, you can enjoy a tasting of homemade terrines, patés, olives, canapés, and local wines.
After dinner, spend time listening to music or dancing in the Van Gogh Lounge or Bar du Leopard.
Option 2
An intimate experience of Viviers through music Don your walking shoes and join your guide as you head down 100-year-old Sycamore Alley, where houses bear the watermarks of floods from decades past. The street will wind toward the fountain square in Old Town Viviers, which reflects an interesting combination of Roman and medieval influences. You’ll see the Maison des Chevaliers (House of Knights), a handsome 16thcentury Renaissance house built by a notable local figure, Noël Albert, an unscrupulous tax collector who got his due. Climb the Rue du Château up to the hilltop quarter, once reserved exclusively for clergymen, to take in the spectacular view and then enter the 12th-century St. Vincent’s Cathedral, where you’ll hear a beautiful Trio recital, including Puccini, Bach, and Haendel.
image: bordeaux, france (uniworld’s new 2014 destination)
Ly o n D ay 5
March 30, 2014
Ce n´est qu´un au revoir (Until we meet again)
We bid farewell to our friends and colleagues. Thank you for being part of this special celebration of our S.S. Catherine! We look forward to welcoming you onboard the new S.S. Maria Theresa in 2015, when she sets sail along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. You’ll transfer from the S.S. Catherine to LyonSaint Exupéry Airport for your journey home.
image: lyon’s great wheel on bellecour square of louis xiv—a unesco world heritage site