Overview Let Travelpride Introduce You To Southern France At Its Best, Aboard Uniworld Grand River Cruises' deluxe ship, River Royale! Just as we did in 2005 by offering the first-ever all gay deluxe river cruise in Southern France, Travelpride brings you back to the glorious French rivers for 2008 in deluxe style. Only Travelpride can show you the heart of Burgundy and Provence the way it should be seen...up close and personal...and in grand style. You'll sail through the heart of Provence and Burgundy on a magical journey where fine cuisine, wine, art, nature and history are a treat for all the senses. Writers, poets, artists, celebrities, and the foremost chefs and sommeliers have all been inspired by the luminous landscapes of these sunny regions where joie de vivre is a way of life. Now it's your turn. Experience the Best of Burgundy and Provence! Discover the delights of Lyon, culinary capital of France. Experience the sun-drenched vistas of the Rhône Valley. Walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin and see the countryside and villages that inspired their works. Explore the spectacular Papal Palace while in Avignon. Visit lush vineyards, open-air markets and quaint shops. Be treated to sumptuous meals that both delight the senses and educate the palate, with daily menus reflective of the regions we visit.

Day Location Arrive Depart Sun, Jul 6 Marseille/Arles   Overnight Mon, Jul 7 Arles/Avignon   Evening Tue, Jul 8 Avignon   Evening Wed, Jul 9 Viviers/Tournon Morning Evening Thu, Jul 10 Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage/Lyon   Evening Fri, Jul 11 Lyon   Evening Sat, Jul 12 Mâcon/Châlon Morning Evening Sun, Jul 13 Châlon/Paris     Itinerary subject to change Embarkation begins at 3:00 PM. Disembarkation by 10:00 AM.

The River Royale is the newest and most beautiful river ship in Southern France.

You'll travel in high style aboard Uniworld's newest ship with an interior design evoking the warm tones and vivid colors of French Provencal countryside. Each lavishly-appointed stateroom includes a private bathroom, the finest amenities and spectacular views. After a day of sightseeing, nothing feels better than stepping into a well appointed personal sanctuary, where everything is just as you like it. The River Royale also boasts of an elegantly decorated lounge with soft leather couches and rich decor. A beautifully decorated open-seating restaurant with views. The library is a perfect cozy retreat to read a book or catch up on the day’s events. Or perhaps your form of relaxation is hitting the fitness center, relaxing in the sauna or outside Jacuzzi, or taking in a blissful massage.

Be Our Guest and Let us Entertain you!

On-board you'll have the time of your life with a complimentary open-bar Tea Dance, DJ mixed music and videos, and a first-class nightly lineup of live entertainment. Everything is perfectly balanced so that you can enjoy your cruise and never feel exhausted.

Uprooting you from the common cruise routine, your cruise aboard River Royale allows for pier-side moorings in the heart of every town or village we visit...the pleasures of French gastronomy...the warmth of being more a guest than a passenger.... this is what all-gay river cruising should be and it's all yours when you join us in July 2008!

Detailed Itinerary

Friday, July 4 - Depart your home country - Optional Pre-Cruise hotel
Depart your home city for your (from USA - overnight) flight to any European hub airport to connect on to Marseille.

Saturday, July 5 - Marseille - Optional Pre-Cruise Hotel
Arrive at Marseille International Airport and check into our Pre-Cruise Hotel. Explore Marseille or rest. Later this evening we will host a pre-cruise, cash bar Reception in the hotel so that you may meet your fellow cruise guests.

Sunday, July 6 - Marseille/Arles - Embarkation/Overnight
Guests booked in our Pre-Cruise Hotel will be transferred to the ship in Arles starting at 2:00 PM. Those arriving on Embarkation day or have other hotel plans may purchase transfers departing from our Pre-cruise Hotel to the ship (Please make sure your flight arrives prior to 1:00 PM). Arles is approximately 1 hour from Marseille. Prior to dinner on board, we will welcome you aboard with a complimentary cocktail party. As we overnight here, your evening will be free to explore Arles, and its lively town square. (D)

Monday, July 7 - Arles/Avignon - Shore Excursion
Included Excursion: Arles Walking Tour
The Roman bridge and aqueduct at Pont du Gard, and the charmingly preserved Medieval village at Uzes bask in the warmth of this friendly Mediterranean town known for its unique Provençal light. Our tour starts with a walk downtown, and then on to the Roman Amphitheater, occasionally the venue for modern bullfights. Our next stop will be Town Hall Square, including City Hall and the St. Trophime Cathedral, a Romanesque cathedral built in the 12th century. After this, we'll visit the museum Espace Van Gogh, and pass by Forum Square and Constantine's Roman Baths as we make our way back to the ship. Depart for evening river cruising for overnight in Avignon.(B,L,D)

Tuesday, July 8 - Avignon - Shore Excursion
Included Excursion: Avignon Walking Tour and Papal Palace
Optional Tour: Luberon Villages
Your walking tour of Avignon starts at Clocktower Square, with its many cafes, shops and namesake clock tower dating back to the 1300's, and now part of the Hotel de Ville (City Hall). Next, it's on to Pope's Palace Square for an inside visit of the Papal Palace. The palace is an impressive piece of architecture built between 1335 and 1364. After visiting the palace museum, we'll make our way up to Rocher des Doms, where Avignon was first settled. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, July 9 - Viviers/Tournon - Shore Excursion
Included Excursion: Viviers Walking Tour
Onboard Highlight: Insightful Lecture
Our tour in Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. We'll stop by Rue Chèvrerie, Porte Riquot, Maison des Chevaliers, Rue du Chateau, and Maison Élémentaire du Commerçant. Finally, we'll walk through the Medieval streets of this charming town on our way back to the ship. Depart for evening river cruising for overnight in Tournon. (B,L,D)

Thursday, July 10 - L'Hermitage/Lyon - Shore Excursion
Included Excursion: Wine Tasting & Tournon Walking Tour
Onboard Highlight: Insightful Lecture
Nestled among the famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of chocolate and wine. Celebrate this region by indulging in some of the world's famous chocolate and by sampling some of the famous Côte du Rhône wines of the region. Top off your day with a visit to Tournon and its historic castle. Depart for evening river cruising for overnight in Lyon. (B, L, D)

Friday, July 11 - Lyon - Shore Excursion
Included Excursion: Lyon City Tour
Lyon was founded by Julius Caesar about 2000 years ago, and as a result, it has a wealth of Roman remains, as well as many impressive museums, renaissance architecture galore, and - of course - world-renowned cuisine. We'll start our tour with a drive to a vantage point to see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon's hallmark church. We'll stop on Croix-Rousse Hill for a dramatic view of the Beaujolais Mountains and Saône River. From the bus, we'll view Terreaux Square, the Fine Art Museum, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore. Wander through the Renaissance quarter with its maze of Medieval passageways, or simply relax with a glass of Beaujolais at one of the many taverns. (B,L,D)

Saturday, July 12 - Mâcon/Châlon - Shore Excursion
Included Excursion: Mâcon Walking Tour
Optional Excursion: Half-day trip to Beaune, the capital of Burgundy Wine.
We'll meet up with our guides pier-side where they will give us a summary of the rich history of Mâcon and its role in the wine trade.We will see the Hospital of the Charité, Town Hall, and the St. Pierre Church. The visit will conclude with an inside visit to the Wooden House, a charming halftimbered Renaissance house. Return to your ship and enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure. Later, say farewell to your new found friends at Tea Dance where you will enjoy a complimentary, open-bar. Late arrival into Châlon. And yes, there is a gay bar in Châlon, believe it or not! (B,L,D)

Sunday, July 13 - Châlon/Paris - Disembark
Breakfast will be served before you disembark.
The train station in Châlon is a short taxi ride away and taxi appointments will be arranged for your convenience. If you have an early morning flight from Paris, Lyon or another city, you will be given priority disembarkation/taxi assignment. If you are booked on our POST-CRUISE HOTEL program your transfer to Paris is included. Those guests with other hotel/travel plans may purchase the transfer to Paris. The Paris transfer will depart at approximately 10:00 AM. The drive to Paris is approximately 2 hours and will make a brief lunch stop. (B)

*Itinerary subject to change.
Embarkation begins at 3:00 PM. Disembarkation by 10:00 AM.
The following meals are included in your cruise fare: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner