Luxury boutique river ship holding just 158-guests!

Southern France River Cruise

Joint Medical/Dental Symposium
Confronting Healthcare Needs
Avignon to Lyon on Uniworld S.S. Catherine
July 18 – 25, 2021

Join PES for 7-nights and journey through Burgundy & Provence to visit picturesque places adorned with Roman ruins, stroll down enchanting cobblestone alleyways, and sip fine local wine atop panoramic hills aboard the 158-guest luxury boutique river ship, Uniworld S.S. Catherine!

CME/CE Overview

River Cruise Itinerary Highlights:

  • Visit Avignon, the heart of Provence, and see the medieval Palace of the Popes and the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Stroll through medieval Viviers, a small enchanting town with cobblestone lanes
  • Discover Roman ruins and medieval architecture in ancient Arles, a Provençal city dating back to the 7th century that inspired over 200 Van Gogh paintings
  • Enjoy a glass of fine local wine overlooking France’s oldest medieval twin cities, Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, nestled among vineyards
  • Journey to Lyon, a 2,000-year-old city and the gastronomic capital of France
  • Explore Beaune, the center of the Burgundy wine-making region

All-Inclusive River Cruise Package:

  • Free daily exclusive shore excursions led by English-speaking local guides and free use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
  • All meals included featuring regional and international cuisine
  • Unlimited beverages onboard including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee, tea, and mineral water
  • Prepaid gratuities for ship staff and shore excursion guides
  • Included transfers between airport and ship
  • Complimentary shipwide Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Luxurious public areas including a well-equipped fitness center, onboard local entertainment, spa, sun deck, and pool
View Flyer
Registration Form

Brief Itinerary

Date Day Optional 3 - Night Pre-Cruise Package: Village Life of Provence
Jul 15 – 18 Thu – Sun 3 Nights Aix-en-Provence with Tours & Transfers
Date Day 7 - Night Cruise Itinerary & Included Excursions
Jul 18 Sun Avignon: Transfer from Marseille International Airport to the ship
Jul 19 Mon Arles & Tarascon: Choice of Arles or Tarascon walking discovery tour
Jul 20 Tue Avignon: Choice of walking discovery tour with Palace of the Popes or Pont du Gard or kayak ride on the Gardon River
Jul 21 Wed Viviers: Exclusive intimate “Village Day” experience with the locals
Jul 22 Thu Tournon & Tain-l’Hermitage: Choice of twin villages stroll with wine tasting or guided vineyards hike with wine tasting
Jul 23 Fri Lyon: Choice of walking tour, silk weavers walking tour, or peninsula biking tour
Jul 24 Sat Mâcon & Beaune: Choice of Burgundy wine landscapes, Hosp open-air farmers’ market visit or Mâcon walking discovery tour
Jul 25 Sun Lyon: Disembark and transfer to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Date Day Optional 2 - Night Post-Cruise Package: Paris Highlights
Jul 25 – 27 Sun - Tue 2 Nights Paris with Rail Ticket, Tour & Transfers

Optional Pre-Cruise Package:

Village Life of Provence | July 15–18, 2021

Join PES for a three-night pre-cruise package in Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most charming towns. Aix (pronounced like the letter X) was once a Roman spa and the former capital of the Provence region. Today, it is known for its tree-lined, cobblestoned boulevards, stately houses, and art scene. Being a university town, it has a young, upbeat, energetic feel, and is popular with foodies and wine lovers!

Stroll through historic quarters with traces of Roman and medieval architecture, as well as 16th and 17th century fountains and facades, indulge in French delicacies at local artisan markets, visit aromatic lavender blooms, and begin your river cruise refreshed and rejuvenated, with memories of leisurely Provençal village life.

More Information

Detailed Itinerary & Included Excursions:

Sunday, July 18, 2021 | Avignon

Arrive at Marseille International Airport. You will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Uniworld S.S. Catherine docked in Avignon.

Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles has existed since the sixth century when it was founded by the ancient Greeks. It was here that the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain and facilitating the expansion of their empire. Long renowned as one of the region’s most attractive cities, it lured artist Vincent van Gogh, who painted hundreds of works here including “Starry Night.” 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. Bask in the warmth of the Provençal sunlight in either of these friendly Mediterranean towns.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Included Excursions: Choice of Arles walking discovery tour or Tarascon walking discovery tour

The walled city of Avignon, in the heart of Provence, is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France with a host of historic gems to explore. Avignon is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the mighty Palace of the Popes, an equivalent of today’s Vatican where the pope lived in the early 14th century, and Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old ancient Roman aqueduct.

Included Excursions: Avignon walking discovery tour with Palace of the Popes, Avignon walking discovery tour with Pont du Gard, or Exclusive guided “Let’s Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River

An enchanting village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago, Viviers has a long and storied past that goes back more than 1,600 years and a splendid architectural heritage to match. 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 exploration of the town will take you through both parts, as you begin at the crest and make your way to the riverbank. Visit the fountain square in Old Town, that combines Roman and medieval influences and stroll down cobblestone lanes so narrow you can stand in the middle and touch the historic houses on either side.

Included Excursion: Exclusive intimate Viviers “Village Day”

Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône, the picturesque twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for connoisseurs of fine wine. Whether you opt for a guided walk or a more vigorous vineyard hike, you’ll have a chance to taste the local wines made primarily from Syrah grapes that grow on the steep slopes lining the river.

Included Excursions: Choice of Exclusive Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage twin villages stroll with wine tasting or Exclusive guided “Let’s Go” Hermitage vineyards hike with wine tasting

At the epicenter of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. The city boasts colorful Old-World façades, medieval mansions, and hidden passageways as well as a sophisticated urbanity reminiscent of Paris. 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 place of fascinating dualities. Take a walking tour to learn of the important culinary history of Lyon, explore the city’s historic quarter and learn of its rich history of silk-making, or take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhône River.

Included Excursions: Choice of Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Lyon walking tour, Exclusive silk weavers walking tour, or Exclusive guided “Let’s Go” Lyon peninsula bicycle tour

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, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune. Located in the southernmost part of Burgundy, Mâcon, a Saône River port, is your gateway to Beaune. Mâcon, also known for its wine, has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and looks to the south for inspiration with its charming pastel-colored buildings.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Included Excursions: Choice of Burgundy wine landscapes, Beaune, Hospices de Beaune with open-air farmers’ market visit or Mâcon walking discovery tour

Disembark the Uniworld S.S. Catherine. You will be transferred with Uniworld to Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport for your flight home.

Optional Post-Cruise Package:

Paris Highlights | July 25–27, 2021

Extend your trip to France for two nights in the magical city of Paris! France’s cosmopolitan capital is home to masterpieces of art and architecture and a wealth of fine dining and haute couture, as well as cozy bistros and bohemian cafés. One of the most visited destinations in the world, the City of Light glitters brighter than ever.

See the most iconic Paris sites including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs Elysees, and Montmartre, and enjoy a river cruise on the Seine while hearing of the historical and architectural sites along the riverbanks. Spend the rest of your time at leisure exploring the world-class museums and ornate cathedrals, shopping the posh boutiques and street markets, or discovering culinary treasures around every corner.

More Information

PES Stateroom Rates:

About S.S. Catherine
Stateroom Descriptions
Deck Plan
Category Double Per Person Single Price
Classic Window Stateroom | Deck 1 | 162 sq. ft.$4,099 $5,049
French Balcony Stateroom | Deck 2 | 194 sq. ft.$5,299 $6,549
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom | Deck 3 | 194 sq. ft.$5,899 $8,199
Suite with Balcony | Deck 3 | 305 sq. ft.Waitlisted $8,199 --
CME/CE Professional Seminar Fee: $695
Seminar Attendance Fee: $450

Rates do not include port taxes of $170 per person.

Double pricing is based on double occupancy or two people per stateroom.

Single pricing is based on one person per stateroom and is capacity-controlled.

Cancellation Schedule: Cancellation penalties apply once deposit is paid, so please review policy below.

Reservations Booking Terms and Conditions:

Required Deposit: $1,500 per person for double occupancy or single occupancy and a non-refundable Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person

Second Payment: 50% of the remaining invoice balance is due by December 13, 2020

Final Payment: March 19, 2021

Airfare is not included. PES will book your air arrangements for a $75 service fee, or you may choose to handle your own reservation.

Airport Transfers: Airport transfers are not included in the package price.

Passports: Passports are required for all guests and must be valid for six months after the end of the cruise.

PES offers optional travel insurance. Travel insurance is strongly suggested and will give you the opportunity to recover monies lost through cancellations. We offer Travel Guard insurance as an option. Premiums vary depending on your age and the cost of your trip. Purchase within 14 days of deposit for additional benefits.

Cancellation Policy and Schedule:

New Reservation Booking Terms and Conditions:

Cancellation Penalties: All cancellations must be made in writing to Global Tracks. Travel insurance and airfare are non-refundable once purchased. Any payment to Global Tracks constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set herein, including but not limited to the cancellation terms. All cancellations are subject to the Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person paid at deposit in addition to the below schedule:

From time of deposit until December 13, 2020 $250 per guest penalty
From December 14, 2020 to March 19, 2021 40% of the total package
From March 20, 2021 to May 20, 2021 75% of the total package
After May 20, 2021 100% of the total package

2020 Postponed Reservation Booking Terms and Conditions:

Payments: 50% of the total package price has been paid

Cancellation Penalties: All cancellations must be made in writing to Global Tracks. Travel insurance and airfare are non-refundable once purchased. Any payment to Global Tracks constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set herein, including but not limited to the cancellation terms. All cancellations are subject to the Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person paid at deposit in addition to the below schedule:

Until March 19, 2021 40% of the total package
From March 20, 2021 to May 20, 2021 75% of the total package
After May 20, 2021 100% of the total package
View Flyer
Registration Form