From Nice, transfer to Arles and board the Emerald Liberté. Arles is famous for being an inspiration to the paintings of Van Gogh. Then sail towards the Avignon, which is rich in history and became a residence of Popes who fled from Europe. Viviers perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Walk along its narrow cobblestone streets and appreciate the faded pastel-colored buildings. Sail down the twisting Rhône to reach the 16th-century castle of Tournon and learn its history and culture. In Lyon, join a walking tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Visit the Hospices de Beaune before going back to Lyon to disembark the ship.
Highlights
Get inspired in Arles like Vincent van Gogh
Cross the 12th-century Stone Bridge in Avignon
Explore the medieval town of Viviers
Hike through some of the local vineyards in Tournon
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.
Day 8: Lyon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport.
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.
$3,295
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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
YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES
7 nights on board an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship
Airport transfers to and from the ship
The services of an Emerald Waterways Cruise Director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Guided tour of Arles including visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman Amphitheatre arena
Guided tour in Avignon
Walking tour of Viviers
Walking tour of Tournon
City tour of Lyon
Guided tour of Village of Beaune & Hospice
EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
