Embark on an 8-day cruise from Lyon to Marseille on the Emerald Liberté. The South of France's reputation as photography's birthplace is well known, boasting exceptional French 15th-century architecture, Roman remnants, and vineyards bathed in sunlight nestled against imposing mountains. Explore the culinary core of France, Lyon, and savor an authentic Provençal dinner on the ship, led by renowned French chef Fabien Morreale.
Highlights
Explore Lyon, a former Roman capital, and indulge in its gastronomic delights
Discover the architectural heritage of Chalon-sur-Saône
Immerse yourself in the picturesque village of Tournon and its intangible cultural heritage
Uncover the rich history of Arles and visit its Roman and Romanesque monuments
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. On arrival at the airport, a welcoming team member will be there to assist and transfer you to the modern ambiance of the ship.
Please book your flight to arrive in Lyon prior to 4:30 p.m.
Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you can have the opportunity to observe the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surroundings as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.
Lyon, France's third-largest city, is a former Roman capital steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you can 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.
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 you every opportunity to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an Emerald Active hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe.
Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.
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.
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 role in 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 the Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. In the afternoon, the beauty of Avignon is yours to leisurely explore. This evening, you can enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
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 ship.
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.
Please book your flight to depart from Marseille after 11:00 a.m.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,590
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 105 sqft (9.8 sqm). 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Stateroom (E)
Emerald Stateroom - Dimensions: 170 sq ft (15.8 sq m) 7 cabins located at Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Stateroom (D)
Emerald Stateroom - Dimensions: 170 sq ft (15.8 sq m) 6 cabins located at Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite - Dimensions: 170 sq ft (15.8 sq m) 14 cabin located at Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with the open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV, infotainment system and mini-fridge
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Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite - Dimensions: 170 sq ft (15.8 sq m) 13 cabin located at Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with the open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV, infotainment system and mini-fridge
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Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite - Dimensions: 170 sq ft (15.8 sq m) 21 cabins located at Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with the open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV, infotainment system and mini-fridge
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Grand Balcony Suite (S)
Grand Balcony Suite - Dimensions: 170 sq ft (15.8 sq m) 4 cabins located at Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, an in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
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Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite (SA)
Owner's One-Bedroom Suite - Dimensions: 315 sq ft. (29.3 sq m) 2 cabins located at Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks
Notes
Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
