Transfer to the former Roman town of Tarascon, where you’ll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight you can look forward to a rousing welcome reception.
 

Set on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Tarascon has a distinctly medieval character and impressive castles in France. 

Freechoice: Visit the town of Les Baux, surrounded by incredible rock formations, picturesque olive groves, and vineyards, and drop into a local olive farm and enjoy a tasting of its produce. Or visit the city of Arles, home to many impressive Roman ruins including the Arena which you will visit on your tour. Here you will also see why Arles has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists with its glorious landscapes. Alternatively, stay on board for a painting class and learn about the region's artistic heritage.

Freechoice: Shop with a chef at the local market before cooking up a storm in Scenic Culinaire, or explore Avignon’s architectural wonder, the Popes’ Palace where you will see the impressive architecture and grand halls that were once home to several popes. Alternatively, join an excursion to Pont du Gard, an engineering masterpiece dating back to the middle of the first century which was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhone vineyard.

This afternoon take some time to explore on your own.

Enrich: After the doors close to the general public at Avignon’s prestigious Palais des Papes, you’ll be invited for an exclusive concert inside this elegant 14th-century palace.

Freechoice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town of Viviers, nestled between hill and river, and visit the imposing Cathedral. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and a visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own. While cruising to Vienne this afternoon, perhaps join a class in Scenic Culinaire and allow your onboard chef to sharpen your skills in French cookery. Learn how to make a delicious regional dish and of course enjoy a mouth-watering taste afterward.

Freechoice: Take a walking tour of Vienne including a visit to the Roman amphitheater and uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. Alternatively, for the more active, take in the picturesque landscapes of this region during a guided cycling tour of Vienne and neighboring villages where you will see an abundance of evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman city.

Back on board, perhaps take a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax and view the beautiful vistas as you cruise to Mâcon.

Freechoice: Travel to the ‘Golden Stone’ region of Beaujolais, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s delicious wines. Alternatively, explore charming Cluny, built around the great Benedictine Abbey, or explore Château de Cormatin where you can admire the castle's gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens.

Set on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is renowned as the gastronomic heart of France.

Freechoice: Walk Lyon’s hidden traboules, then visit Notre Dame Basilica which offers fabulous views across the city. Or perhaps learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production, which dates back almost five centuries, during a silk painting workshop. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges, or join a guided bike ride to Lyon’s Botanical Gardens and Zoo.

 

Disembark and depart after breakfast.