Sensations of Lyon and Provence

Upon arrival to the Nice airport, transfer to Arles, and board the Emerald Liberté. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board. 

**Please book your flight to arrive to Nice prior to 12PM. 

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles and Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where spectators would have once gathered by the masses to watch superb chariot races.

Enjoy learning about the time Vincent van Gogh spent in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including the “Starry Night Over the Rhône”, before exploring Arles at leisure.
 

Avignon has a long and storied history, as this fortified town was once the residence of Popes who fled from Rome, hoping to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire.

Embark on a guided walking tour of Avignon 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 decades. This afternoon is free to explore at leisure, perhaps including a crossing over the 12th-century Stone Bridge.
 

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits our arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. During a guided walking tour, explore the pastel-colored buildings that have been gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets and the heart of the old town.

As the ship sails down the gently twisting Rhône and into Tournon, a 16th-century castle sits overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers can be seen adorning the surrounding rural landscape.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon to learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. For those wanting to get out and explore more of the region’s natural beauty, participate on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

Later, take a guided bike tour to Glun that will touch on the French countryside and the lives of the people who live there.

As one of the largest cities in France and former Roman capital, a lot 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.

Enjoy a locally-guided walking tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. For a more active choice, join a guided bike tour around Lyon, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

Travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune - the birthplace of photography and the center of Burgundy’s wine region. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.
 

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport.