7 Night Cruise sailing from Chalon Sur Saone to Arles aboard River Royale.

Uniworld is committed to building ships that define the best of river cruising, combining quality craftsmanship and the latest technical innovations. Honoring this tradition of excellence, the most exciting new ship in Europe will launch in the spring of 2006 in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Provence. Her name — River Royale. In keeping with the spirit onboard, chefs have created delectable menus du jour and have selected outstanding French wines to complement the culinary traditions of Southern France. Be the first to experience River Royale and the best of Provence — all in one spectacular journey.

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. For thousands of years, it has been a destination of preference for the world's elite: Greeks, Franks, Romans, Gauls, writers, poets, artists of all types, celebrities, Popes, and the foremost chefs and sommeliers. They 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! You'll travel in high style aboard Uniworld's Grand River Royale, with an interior design evoking the warm tones and vivid colors of the French Provençal countryside. You'll sail past quaint hilltop cities and fashionable, lively towns, lush vineyards, fields of flowers and sun-drenched vistas made famous by great painters, such as Van Gogh and Cézanne, who were inspired by the charming area.

Highlights of this cruise:

Chalon-sur-Saone, France
Chalon is situated on the banks of the Saone in the heart of the 'route de vin' from Beaune to Cluny. You can visit some of the outstanding wine-making villages of the Cote de Beaune including Santenay, Remigny and Puligny-Montrachet.

Chalon's port and riverside quarter is particularly pleasant and well worth investigating. There are four museums worth visiting including Musee Niepce covering the work of Chalon's famous son Niepce who invented photography.

Viviers
Formerly seat of the bishopric, the city dates back to the 5th century. Due to its sheltered location at the end of the Donzere Pass, the city was able to keep its old charm to this day. See the old town with its beautiful Renaissance houses and the Roman St. Vincent cathedral.

Arles
Visit ancient sites that are the ruined Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard and the amphitheatre in Arles. This whole region is also fascinating since it was frequently painted by the great Post-Impressionist painters Cézanne and Van Gogh. The combination of gentle light and breathtaking scenery finds echoes throughout the art galleries of the world. Near Arles is Les Baux, a haunting medieval hilltop village. The many olive trees found throughout Provence provide a popular fruit and one of the important staples of the local cuisine, a fine olive oil used extensively in the cooking of local food. Garlic, though not exclusively associated with Provence, is used more here than in any other part of France.