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Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul
S.S. Joie de Vivre, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
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S.S. Joie de Vivre
Departure: 17/05/2026
Duration: 14 Days
Paris to Istanbul
Itinerary
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
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Day 1 Paris, France 17 May 2026 (Sunday)
- Day 2 Vernon, France 18 May 2026 (Monday)
- Day 3 Rouen, France 19 May 2026 (Tuesday)
- Day 4 Caudebec-en-Caux, France 20 May 2026 (Wednesday)
- Day 5 Rouen, France 21 May 2026 (Thursday)
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Day 6 Mantes-la-Jolie, France 22 May 2026 (Friday)
Mantes-la-Jolie is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region of north-central France. It is located to the west of Paris, 48.4 km from the centre of the capital.
Mantes-la-Jolie is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region of north-central France. It is located to the west of Paris, 48.4 km from the centre of the capital.
See less - Day 7 Paris, France 23 May 2026 (Saturday)
- Day 8 Paris, France 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
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Day 9 Vienna, Austria 25 May 2026 (Monday)
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Oper... See more
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.
See less - Day 10 Postojna, Slovenia 26 May 2026 (Tuesday)
- Day 11 Belgrade, Serbia 27 May 2026 (Wednesday)
- Day 12 Sofia, Bulgaria 28 May 2026 (Thursday)
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Day 13 Istanbul, Turkey 29 May 2026 (Friday)
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the... See more
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
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Day 14 Istanbul, Turkey 30 May 2026 (Saturday)
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the... See more
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
See less
What's Included:
Suites
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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 linevan
Classic
Classic
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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
French Balcony
French Balcony
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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
Deluxe French Balcony
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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
Suite
Suite
Suite
Suite
Suite
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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
Grand Suite
Grand Suite
Grand Suite
Restaurants
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La Cave Des Vins
Lovers of French food and wine can experience an exclusive epicurean event in our onboard show kitchen. Under the guidance of Uniworld’s talented chef, prepare an exquisite seven-course meal. Then relish your creation with wine pairings designed just for you by our Sommelier. Simply ask our Concierge to reserve your spot. Bon appetit!
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Le Bistrot
The ship's very own Parisian-style sidewalk café serves classic French cuisine. Designed with windows that lower for an open-air ambiance, Le Bistrot is a très bon spot to savor wrap-around views of the Seine.
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Le Restaurant Pigalle
Le Restaurant Pigalle is located on Balzac Deck.
Deckplans
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Sun Deck
- Deck de Montmartre
- Bridge
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Victor Hugo Deck
- Serenity River Spa
- Massage
- Fitness Centre
- Swimming Pool
- Club L'Esprit / Claude's
- Bar
- Suites
- Le Bistrot
- Salon Toulouse
- 24-Hour Tea and Coffee Station
- Grand Suite
- Deluxe French Balconies
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Balzac Deck
- French Balcony Staterooms
- Reception
- Le Restaurant Pigalle
- French Balcony Staterooms
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Jules Verne Deck
- Classic Staterooms
- Laundry
- La Cave des Vins
Ready to Book?
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