July 11 - 19, 2026
France
France River Cruise with Father Mike Schmitz
This tour is currently SOLD OUT. Please phone our team on 866.468.1420 to join the waitlist.
Join us on a luxurious river cruise through France! Relax in style as you enjoy an exclusive private charter of Uniworld’s S.S Catherine, a boutique ship that will take us from Marsielle to Lyon. Experience the culture of the region through sacred art and delicious wine with Dr. Liz Lev and Thomas Williams. Experience faith-filled excursions at the Papal Palace in Avignon, Cote du Rhone and Chateaux Neuf du Pape. Through it all, be inspired by daily Mass, evening talks, and reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz as you immerse yourself in the
faith of France!
INCLUSIONS
MAIN TOUR
•Seven-night river cruise on the S.S. Catherine
• Daily breakfast & dinner
• Four lunches on board
• Four wine tastings
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water
• Catholic guides and motorcoach transportation
• Evening talks by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Liz Lev & Thomas Williams
• Live local entertainment and presentations
• Gratuities for onboard personnel
• Free Wi-Fi
PRE-TOUR
• Three nights in a four-star hotel
• Daily breakfast
• One Lunch
• One dinner
• Local guides according to the itinerary
• Arrangements of daily Mass
• Luxury motor coach in Paris for specified sightseeing
• Local tour manager while in Paris
• Tour manager from the USA
• Hotel & city taxes and porterage for 1 piece of luggage
• Gratuities payable to the tour manager, guides, and motor coach drivers
YOUR TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Roundtrip airfare from the USA; this package is sold land only
• Meals unless specifically identified
• Beverages with meals unless specified
• Other personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Items not specifically mentioned
ITINERARY
Day 1: Saturday, July 11 - Depart USA
Depart the United States on overnight flights to Marseille, France
Day 2: Sunday, July 12 - Arrival in Marseille | Arles Embarkation
Upon arrival in Marseille, transfer to Arles and celebrate Mass. Board the Uniworld S.S. Catherine and enjoy a welcome dinner, followed by an introduction to the Provence/Burgundy region and the life and art of Van Gogh, led by Liz Lev and Thomas. Overnight on the ship.
Day 3: Monday, July 13 - Arles | Saint Remy | Montmajour Abbey
The day begins with a visit to Saint Remy, where Van Gogh created many of his masterpieces, followed by a visit to Montmajour Abbey, a Romanesque landmark rich in history. After lunch onboard and leisure time, enjoy an afternoon walking tour of Arles, retracing Van Gogh’s footsteps. Celebrate Mass at St. Trophime Cathedral, then return to the ship for dinner. Afterward, gather for Fr. Mike’s opening reflection and free evening onboard.
Day 4: Tuesday, July 14 - Avignon | Papal Palace
Start the morning with Mass at Avignon Cathedral, then visit the Papal Palace and stroll the charming streets of Avignon. In the afternoon, experience a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and enjoy a walk along the Pont d’Avignon. Return to the ship for dinner and live local music.
Day 5: Wednesday, July 15 - Viviers | Abbey of Aiguebelle
Celebrate Mass at St. Vincent de Viviers Cathedral, followed by a guided walk through the medieval town. Continue to the Abbey of Aiguebelle, surrounded by rolling countryside. Later, enjoy a Rosé Wine Tasting onboard the ship. The day concludes with dinner and a spiritual talk by Fr. Mike.
Day 6: Thursday, July 16 - Tain-L'Hermitage | Tournon
After a morning Mass, explore the Château-Musée of Tournon, known for its rich history and scenic views. Visit the renowned Hermitage vineyards and sample the wines. Return to the ship for
dinner and entertainment.
Day 7: Friday, July 17 - Lyon | Abbey of St. Martin
Celebrate Mass at Lyon’s cathedral or the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Visit Old Lyon, the Abbey of St. Martin d’Ainay, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Experience an afternoon wine tasting in Lyon, followed by an evening at leisure with dinner onboard.
Day 8: Saturday, July 18 - Mâcon | Beaune
Celebrate Mass at Notre-Dame de Beaune before touring Beaune’s historic Hospices and galleries. A final wine tasting and farewell dinner mark the close of the journey, with Fr. Mike offering a concluding reflection.
Day 9: Sunday, July 19 - Lyon Disembarkation
Disembark in Lyon and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Optional Pre-Tour to Paris
Day 1: Wednesday, July 8 - Depart USA
Day 2: Thursday, July 9 - Paris | Chapel of the Miraculous Medal
Day 3: Friday, July 10 - Notre-Dame Cathedral | Sainte-Chapelle
Day 4: Saturday, July 11 - Montmartre | Chartres
Day 5: Sunday, July 12 - Transfer to Marsielle | Embarkation
Itinerary is tentative and subject to change
CABIN OPTIONS
Classic
Double Occupancy $5,999
Single Supplement $4,300
French Balcony
Double Occupancy $7,499
Single Supplement $5,200
Deluxe Balcony
Double Occupancy $8,499
Single Supplement $6,000
Suite
Double Occupancy $12,999
Single Supplement $7,000
*All cabin types and pricing are limited and subject to availability when booking.
*Prices are per person
*These prices reflect a $500 per person Early Booking Discount for deposits received before July 31, 2025.
TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel protection is highly recommended.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION TERMS:
Deposit: $2,500 per person due upon registration
Second Deposit: 50% of your remaining balance due on or before December 2, 2025.
Final Payment: Balance due on or before March 27, 2026
All cancellations must be received in writing. Payments are non-refundable and subject to CTS Terms and Conditions, including the CTS Liability Release. CTS reserves the right to cancel any reservation if payments are not made according to the payment schedule. A $25 fee will be added to any reinstated reservation.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? REVIEW OUR FAQs.