Discover the best of Switzerland and Southern France on this 12-day river cruise from Lausanne to Arles aboard the Emerald Liberte. Begin in the Swiss city of Lausanne with guided tours, a Lake Geneva cruise, and a visit to Chateau de Chillon. Ride the scenic train from Montreux to Gstaad and explore Glacier 3000. Continue to France with a walking tour of Lyon, wine tasting in Beaujolais, and guided visits in Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Enjoy active options like biking in Lyon, vineyard hikes, canoeing in Avignon, and workshops in Arles. Delight in EmeraldPLUS experiences, including a Provencal dinner hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale and a classical concert in Avignon. This itinerary combines historic towns, culinary highlights, and cultural encounters across two of Europe’s most scenic regions.
Highlights
Explore Lausanne’s historic center and scenic Lake Geneva promenade
Tour Lyon’s basilica and heritage lanes or cycle its urban heart
Taste Beaujolais reds in Macon’s celebrated wine-growing region
Stroll Tournon’s riverside castle and medieval vineyard terraces
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your captivating journey begins in Lausanne, a picturesque Swiss city on Lake Geneva, where French-Swiss charm blends with rich history and stunning alpine scenery. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers as you commence a memorable four-night stay.
Day 2: Lausanne
1 Breakfast
Today, join your Tour Director for a guided walking tour through Lausanne’s historic old town and along its scenic waterfront. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque boat cruise on Lake Geneva, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and water. Your day also includes a visit to the iconic Château de Chillon, a medieval lakeside castle rich in history and legend.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lausanne
EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Chateau Chillon & Lake Geneva cruise
Day 3: Lausanne
1 Breakfast
Embark on a scenic journey from Montreux to Gstaad, nestled amidst the soaring Swiss Alps. Board the charming train and admire the magnificent panoramic views as you ascend to this world-famous alpine village. From Gstaad, take a thrilling cable-car ride to Glacier 3000, a glacial paradise offering spectacular vistas, exciting activities that include the Peak Walk by Tissot, and the chance to encounter Alpine animals at the Glacier Garden.
Included Excursion
Train from Montreaux to Gstaad & visit to Glacier 3000
Day 4: Lausanne
1 Breakfast
Today, you're free to explore Lausanne and the wealth of French-Swiss wonders at your own pace. You may wish to wander the medieval city center and along its quaint streets and alleys, lined with delightful cafés and boutiques. Be sure to stop and admire the city’s 12th century cathedral, regarded as Switzerland’s most impressive piece of early Gothic architecture. Or perhaps pay a visit to the Olympic Museum and lakeside Olympic Park.
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Visit to Gruyere & Maison Cailler (extra expense)
This morning after breakfast, bid a fond farewell to Lausanne and transfer onwards to France and Lyon, ready to embark your Emerald Cruises luxury Star-Ship and your next marvelous adventure.
France’s third-largest city, Lyon 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.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon
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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
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.
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.
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.
EmeraldPLUS
CD lecture Art & Culture in the South of France
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers
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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)
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, you can 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 the EmeraldPLUS program.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon
EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
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Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef 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 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
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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
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In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
Day 12: Arles | Disembark | Marseille
1 Breakfast
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 Marseille after 11:00 AM.
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.
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.
$10,6552-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
