S.S. Catherine Inauguration

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