Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise

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

Welcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a member of our friendly greetings team and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 04:30 PM. Meal: 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 of Lyon
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Pérouges (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (additional expense)

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

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers. Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe. Meals: B, L, D

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

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.Meals: B, L, D

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

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution. Your included walking tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon. Meals: B, L, D

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

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries. Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France’s Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
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)

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the ship for your transfer to Nice, where you will be taken to your centrally located hotel. Included is a three-night stay in the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur. Meal: B

Today, the stunning seaside surrounds of the French Riviera are yours to explore with your local guide, before spending the afternoon exploring at leisure. You will be taken to Monte Carlo for an insightful tour. Famously portrayed in films that include Never Say Never Again and To Catch a Thief, Monte Carlo offers much in the way of its charming past. Witness the impressive Prince’s Palace of Monaco, originally a Genoese fortress with a dramatic past and the home of beloved actress Grace Kelly. Meal: B

Nice has long held a reputation for its glamour, where sun-kissed beaches and lavish surrounds create a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other. Today, explore Nice at leisure. Your Emerald Waterways representative will be available to help you to plan your day in this vibrant city. Meal: B

DiscoverMORE: Saint Paul de Vence (additional expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare to be transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of Roman amphitheaters and the lush surrounds of the French Riviera with you. Meal: B