Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Welcome to Lyon, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Upon arrival at the airport, experience a warm welcome from a friendly team member ready to assist with a seamless transfer. Afterward, simply relax and settle into the contemporary surroundings of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to begin the journey.

As France’s third-largest city and a former Roman capital, Lyon is steeped in history and widely celebrated as the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Since this vibrant destination is the home of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, prepare to indulge in an array of exemplary culinary delights.

Today, embark on a guided city tour featuring a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning highlight of Lyon's inscribed historic center. Wander through the enchanting streets to soak in a vividly illustrated past, where magnificent buildings from various eras gracefully adorn the narrow cobblestone pathways. Alternatively, choose to discover the city's architectural and cultural highlights on two wheels by joining an engaging guided bike tour.

Included Excursion
Tastes of Lyon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon

Today, enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until you reach the lovely town of Macon. Here, 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
 

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 every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

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.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

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 part central to 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 Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This evening, enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale and later you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of EmeraldPLUS program.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon

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 Amphitheater 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 Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-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 out of Nice after 01:00 PM.

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 the terms and conditions for further information.