S.S. Joie de Vivre, 13 Night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul ex Paris, France to Istanbul, Turkey

Romantic Paris, imperial Vienna, majestic Istanbul ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by luxury river cruise and private train to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of lesser-known marvels in between. Begin by following the path of the Seine River through Normandy to stroll Monet’s lush gardens at Giverny, sample camembert and crisp apple cider at a countryside farm, and sit for a private concert at the Rouen Cathedral, then glide your way through 7 scenic nations aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. You’ll stop in Champagne, France, for a vineyard tour and tasting, listen to live saxophone music echo through the stone halls of the Postojna caves, and much more.

Day 1 - Paris (Embark)
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)
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. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.

Day 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Paris (Disembark), Transfer to Train (Embark), Champagne
Disembark the S.S. Joie de Vivre and transfer to the Paris Gare de Lyon Station, where the indulgence begins with a champagne drinks reception before stepping aboard the stylish Golden Eagle Danube Express. Settle into life onboard your private train as we journey across the serene French countryside towards our first stop, Champagne.
Renowned for producing the world’s finest sparkling wines, Champagne boasts manicured vineyards draped over rolling hills. On an exclusive guided tour of one such vineyard today, you’ll enjoy a tasting of this AOC-protected product.

Day 9 - Vienna
Traverse the majestic Alps as we weave our way through the breathtaking Austrian countryside towards Vienna. Whether you choose to unwind in the privacy of your cabin—where your dedicated cabin attendant is ready to cater to your every need—or opt for the sophisticated ambiance of the Bar Lounge Car, every moment promises spectacular views and refined relaxation.
As twilight descends, we gracefully arrive in the imperial city of Vienna. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner in town and experience the pinnacle of cultural delight with a private classical concert featuring the illustrious Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

Day 10 - Vienna, Postojna
Austria’s stunning capital, steeped in a rich heritage, casts its enchanting spell on visitors. With its elaborate palaces, iconic coffee houses, and a cultural tapestry woven with classical music and captivating opera, Vienna stands as a seductive metropolis that beckons to be explored.
Indulge in an exquisite post-lunch affair as you step into a realm of culinary opulence with a confectionary masterclass, presented by our Catering Manager, Krisztian, and the Head Pastry Chef, Rebeka.
Tonight, we venture into the enchanting depths of Postojna Caves. Aboard an underground train, we delve into a subterranean world filled with intricate cave formations and inhabited by mysterious creatures. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric ambiance, heightened by the soulful notes of a saxophonist echoing through the cavernous spaces.

Day 11 - Belgrade
Uncover the hidden treasures of Belgrade, beginning with an exclusive exploration of Tito’s legendary blue train, a relic of Yugoslavia’s storied past. Indulge your senses with a traditional Serbian feast at a local restaurant, where the flavors are as bold and diverse as the city itself.
Next, prepare to savor the essence of Serbian hospitality as we delve into the world of Rakija, Serbia’s beloved elixir. At the city’s oldest brewery, we’ll sample an array of Rakija varieties, all while regaling in captivating tales and anecdotes that breathe life into Belgrade’s spirited history.
Before we board the train, join us as we unravel the secrets of Belgrade’s bustling streets, where every corner reveals a new facet of its vibrant culture.
* Tonight, a special 8-course Gala Dinner will be held onboard.

Day 12 - Sofia
Enjoy a morning of relaxation in the Bar Lounge Car as we head towards Bulgaria. Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back around 7,000 years. You’ll find some magnificent architecture throughout the city, with a mixture of Western and Central European influences. Our adventure begins amidst the captivating ruins of the Roman city of Serdica, where echoes of a bygone era whisper tales of glory and conquest. Wander through the enchanting City Garden, home to the prestigious National Theatre Ivan Vazov, and marvel at the opulent façade of the Presidential Palace and other iconic landmarks that adorn Sofia's skyline.
But the excitement does not end there. Later, join an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience as we descend into the hallowed Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Here, in this sacred space, we'll be mesmerized by the melodies of the "Cosmic Voices.” Enchanting and evocative, this private performance by the renowned Vanya Moneva Choir stirred hearts at the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Day 13 - Istanbul (Disembark)
Today, the final destination awaits as we arrive at the end of our European rail odyssey: the fabled city of Istanbul, spanning both Asia and Europe. We’ll transfer to the Four Seasons Sultanahmet for a one-night stay at this centrally located hotel, then the rest of the day is for you to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. This evening, join us for a Farewell Dinner on the atmospheric banks of the Bosphorus.

Day 14 - Istanbul
Check out of your hotel. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to the airport in Istanbul 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.