Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Nice, France.

Welcome to Nice! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to the hotel. A three-night stay awaits in this fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur.

Depart by coach for the principality of Monaco to visit Monte Carlo on the French Riviera. Home to the Grand Prix, location of numerous movies and playground of the rich and famous – you’re sure to recognize its beautiful setting and famed casino. After an insightful tour and free time to explore, return to Nice for the remainder of the day at leisure. Meal: B

The final day in Nice is left free of planned activities. A hospitality representative is at your service to help you plan your day in this vibrant city. Meal: B

DiscoverMORE: Saint Paul de Vence (additional expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the French Riviera and journey by motorcoach to Arles where the captain and crew welcome you aboard the Emerald Liberté – home for the next seven nights. Settle into your new surroundings and enjoy dinner onboard as the vessel remains docked in Arles overnight. Meals: B, D

The UNESCO World Heritage Site and Provençal town of Arles combines all of the region’s charms. While strolling through the streets, medieval in character, with the local guide, you’ll discover why the colorful houses were an inspiration to Vincent Van Gogh and other famous artists. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater which is still in use today. This evening, a Provençal experience awaits as dinner is hosted by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Provençal dining experience onboard
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Provencal Soap-making onboard (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: In the footsteps of Van Gogh: Painting workshop (additional expense)

Avignon is one of the few French cities to have preserved its ramparts, historic center and churches. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is well known for the imposing Palace of the Popes. During your guided walk, see the famous ancient stone bridge, ‘Pont d’Avignon’, crossing the Rhône. Marvel at the ornate beauty of the Palace of the Popes and stroll through the historic center. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Canoeing excursion
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Pont du Gard (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Classical concert in Avignon

Arrive in Viviers, a town which still has Middle-Age flair. Join an included walking tour exploring the architectural heritage of this quaint town. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (additional expense)

As the vessel sails along the gently winding Rhône River, the landscape of Tournon comes into view. Nestled in the valley near the steep slopes of le Massif Central, France’s 3rd largest mountain range, it’s picture-perfect. During the included tour, a local guide leads you on a walk through Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th-century castle overlooking the village, ancient watchtowers and Roman ruins. The area has a long tradition in wine making, including the renowned wine growing center of Tain l’Hermitage across the river. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through vineyards (instead of included walking tour)
EmeraldPLUS: Art & Culture in the South of France (onboard lecture)

Today, enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until we reach the lovely town of Mâcon. Here we will discover the Beaujolais wine region, renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines with Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of the Gamay grape makes Beaujolais wine region one of the several regions on the planet to focus on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99% of the total wine production of the region. Meals: B, L, D Mâcon: Today, enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until we reach the lovely town of Mâcon. Here we will discover the Beaujolais wine region, renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines with Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of the Gamay grape makes Beaujolais wine region one of the several regions on the planet to focus on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99% of the total wine production of the region. Meals: B, L, D Mâcon: Today, enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until we reach the lovely town of Mâcon. Here we will discover the Beaujolais wine region, renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines with Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of the Gamay grape makes Beaujolais wine region one of the several regions on the planet to focus on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99% of the total wine production of the region. Meals: B, L, D

France’s third-largest city, Lyon, is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you’ll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights. Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour (instead of included city tour)
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Pérouges (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (additional expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid ‘au revoir’ to France and depart to the Lyon airport for your flight home. Flights to depart Lyon after 12:00pm. Meal: B