Ultimate France

Day 1: Biarritz
If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted at the Biarritz Airport by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Hotel du Palais Biarritz. This property was originally a lavish palace commissioned by Napoleon III for his wife, Empress Eugénie—in fact, a bird’s-eye-view of the hotel reveals a clear “E” shape in her honor. Biarritz was the empress’s favorite place to holiday, and it may just be yours after your stay here.

Day 2: Biarritz (BB)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Biarritz Walking Tour with Market Visit
Today after breakfast you will embark on an exciting tour of Biarritz. Start with a visit to the Biarritz lighthouse, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the bay. If you so choose, you can climb the 248 steps to the top and take in a view of the cape that highlights the boundary separating the sandy coast and rocky mountains of the Basque country. Next, take in the historic architecture of the Biarritz city center on a walking tour. We’ll end our tour at the market hall, where you might choose to stay and explore during your free time before returning to the hotel.

Day 3: Biarritz (BB)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Discover the Basque Country
Today after breakfast you will discover the cities of Bayonne and St. Jean de Luz. In contrast to the resort town of Biarritz, Bayonne offers a laid-back, authentic take on Basque life. And while it may surprise you, this mellow town is also the capital of French chocolate. You’ll find several master chocolatiers crowded into the charmingly narrow shops and alleyways of Bayonne, alongside an eclectic array of small boutiques.

Next up: the Atlantic fishing village of St. Jean de Luz. Right by the border to Spain, this town is famous for hosting the marriage of King Louis XIV of France and Maria Theresa of Spain, a union that helped end the Franco-Spanish War.

Day 4: Biarritz (CB/BB)
Today after breakfast you will transfer from the hotel in Biarritz to the ship in Bordeaux to begin your cruise.

Day 1: Cassis (D)
Once you have cleared customs, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the seaside Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, a Belle Époque mansion that was transformed into a 5-star hotel. There you will check in, drop off your bags and, if you wish, go out and explore the city on your own. Your hotel is a nice 20-minute stroll from the town center, and your Uniworld local host can offer suggestions for your leisure time. This evening, dinner is included at your hotel.

Day 2: Cassis (BB)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Cassis Walking Tour
Today after breakfast you will embark on a walking tour in the city center of Cassis to take in the history and natural beauty that this small village has to offer. Your guide will offer interesting anecdotes about points of interest along the way, providing backstory as you admire mansion facades, hidden alleyways, charming squares, and more.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting Visit 
Unlike the majority of Provence, the Cassis AOC is comprised predominantly of white wine grapes, which grow exceptionally well on the limestone soil. The wines produced here are typically on the dry side, full bodied and low acidity. Some have herbal notes, or even a pleasant salinity that captures the sea breeze coming off the Mediterranean coastline. Visit a local vineyard today to try a selection of the wines produced here.

Day 3: Cassis (CB/BB)
Today after breakfast at the hotel, your journey will draw to a close. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Marseille Airport for your flight home.