Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests. Please book your flight to arrive into Marseille prior to 04:30 PM.

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races. Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure. Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with arena visit EmeraldPLUS A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale DiscoverMORE In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)

The words Provence & lavender fields have become so synonymous with each other over the decades that we can hardly mention one without the other. The dusky purple shades and delicate fragrances that decorate its fields every summer are now so emblematic of the region that the Provence lavender fields have very much become a tourist attraction in their own right. Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution. Embark on a guided walking tour this afternoon to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decad es. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of our EmeraldPLUS program. EmeraldPLUS Tour to Lavender Fields Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon EmeraldPLUS Classical concert in Avignon EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the Old Town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour. EmeraldPLUS Provencal soap-making workshop Included Excursion Guided tour of Viviers DiscoverMORE Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape. Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards. Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through the vineyards

Today we enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until we reach the lovely town of Macon. 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. Included Excursion Beaujolais wine tasting

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history. Included Excursion Guided tour of Lyon with cheese tasting EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Lyon DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed vineyards with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.