S.S. Joie de Vivre, 16 Night Cruise & Tour: Indulge in France & Britain ex Edinburgh, Scotland to Paris, France

Journey by land to experience Great Britain in all its glory as you explore Alnwick and Edinburgh Castles. Join the Yeoman Warder for a Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Partake in a traditional high tea in the grand Castle Howard after it closes to the public. See the ancient spas of Bath before enjoying a Michelin-starred lunch of seasonal fare. Moving your journey to the Seine River, board the S.S. Joie de Vivre to cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny, and the famed Normandy beaches. Discover a different side of Northern France’s history with a behind-the-scenes tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Day 1 – Edinburgh
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Kimpton Charlotte Square for a 2-night stay. This vibrant city escape offers beautifully designed rooms, exquisite dining, and a lively glass-roofed courtyard—perfect for unwinding in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
Tonight, toast the start of your journey with your fellow guests at our Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 – Edinburgh
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900 years of history. This afternoon, meet a former bagpiper to the royals. Additionally, you can personalize your day with a choice to either visit the 17th-century Mary King’s Close or participate in a stimulating whisky tasting.

Day 3 – Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle, Lake District
Visit Alnwick Castle with a Local Expert, uncovering its storied legacy and cinematic allure. Journey onward through the picturesque English countryside to the Lake District, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a magnificent stay at a charming country house hotel overlooking Lake Windermere.

Day 4 – Lake District, Ullswater, York
Let the rugged beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise across shimmering Ullswater. Pause for lunch at a traditional English pub before continuing to York. Stroll the cobbled lanes of The Shambles with your Travel Concierge, soaking in the city’s rich medieval charm.

Day 5 – York
Step back into the Middle Ages in York, where you’ll join an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.

Day 6 – York, Stratford, Cotswolds, Bath
Trace the footsteps of Shakespeare with a stroll around Stratford-upon-Avon, the playwright’s birthplace. Continue through the honey-colored villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds before arriving in the elegant Georgian city of Bath.

Day 7 – Bath
Uncover the elegant history of Bath on a guided city tour, admiring its Georgian architecture and Roman legacy. Then indulge in a Michelin-starred lunch at The Olive Tree, where refined British cuisine is served in a beautifully relaxed setting. Personalize your day with a choice to either visit the Jane Austen Centre or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs.

Day 8 – Bath, Stonehenge, London
Savor a relaxed start to your day before standing in awe of mysterious Stonehenge, Britain’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to London and experience the centuries-old Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, before settling in for the evening at The Rubens at the Palace.

Day 9 – London
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire London’s iconic landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey. Take in the energy of Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.
This evening, toast your journey with a Celebration Dinner at The English Grill, a refined dining experience in regal surroundings.

Day 10 – London, Paris (Embark)
Transfer via high-speed train to Paris, where your Floating Boutique HotelTM awaits. As you settle into your new home for the week, we’ll begin our cruise on the Seine River.

Day 11 – La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny
Today is a celebration of northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid château and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. In the morning, choose between a scenic hike or a visit to the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers sweeping views over the Seine. Later, explore the beautiful gardens of Monet. You’ll have the opportunity to take in the French countryside on your way there with an invigorating bike ride, or opt to arrive by coach instead.
* Note: Giverny will be closed during the March and November cruise departure dates.
This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 12 – Rouen
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied—Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, and Claude Monet are among them.

Day 13 – Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur)
Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. From here, drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters.

Day 14 – Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level—experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. After, partake in a private memorial ceremony for a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.

Day 15 – Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)
How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.
* A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 16 – Paris
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you’ve been here many times before, there’s something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, or join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods.

Day 17 – Paris (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.

S.S. Joie de Vivre brings the “joy of living” to the rivers of France. Step aboard your floating pied-à-terre in France, featuring handcrafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design from the Golden Twenties to the free-spirited Sixties, all blending seamlessly with modern conveniences.


Note: Designated suites provide triple-accommodation options. Adjoining staterooms are available; please inquire at the time of booking.

Leading the Way since 1976 We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.

The Original Floating Boutique Hotels We took everything travellers love about boutique hotels and made it float—think warm and personalized service, unique design schemes that highlight your destination, locally-inspired dining, thoughtfully curated activities, and ultra-comfortable furnishings. Each member of our fleet is one-of-a-kind, a work of art with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, and local craftsmanship to bring the destinations outside in. Many of our ships even share a design team with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And the best part is, you’ll wake up to a wonderful new place to explore every day.

The Highest Quality in All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising Our all-inclusive itineraries are tailored to deliver authentic luxury. You can keep your wallet closed the entire trip, and still find everything you need and more to have a fantastic time. What truly distinguishes the meaning of “All-Inclusive” at Uniworld is our commitment to quality and passion for Tiny Noticeable Touches™. Handmade Savoir beds, a wide selection of premium wines and spirits, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—every piece of the Uniworld experience is hand selected to transform good experiences into exceptional ones.*

No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small® “No request too large, no detail too small”—that’s our driving ethos, and every member of the Uniworld crew lives by it. Our service is second to none. With a 2.4-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio and the longest tenured team in the business, our team starts to learn your name and your drink order from day 1. It’s little touches like this that make you feel like family onboard with us, and what makes returning for your next sailing feel like coming home.

Our Travel Family We’re proud to be a part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) collection of award-winning travel brands—including Trafalgar Tours, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, and African Travel. We share a collective ethos: treat your guests, your staff, and the local communities you visit like family, and you’ll create the most rewarding travel experiences out there.

*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.

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S.S. Joie de Vivre - Jules Verne Deck

S.S. Joie de Vivre - Balzac Deck

S.S. Joie de Vivre - Victor Hugo Deck

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Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (260 sq ft – 24 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

Grand Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (410 sq ft – 38 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
The Grand Suite offers extra benefits, including a separate spacious living room, bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and secluded toilet and bidet area
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror, and comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Deluxe French Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms (194 sq ft – 18 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms (194 sq ft – 18 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Classic

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (162-180 sq ft – 15-17 sq m)
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line