Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Aix-en-Provence

Welcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a member of our friendly greetings team and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 05:00 PM. (D)

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.

• EmeraldPLUS Cheese and olive tasting on board
• Included Excursion Visit to the Hospices de Beaune (B/L/D)

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'll 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.

• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Lyon
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Lyon
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.

• EmeraldPLUS Regional wine tasting on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Glun
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through the vineyards
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon (B/L/D)

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 (B/L/D)

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. In the afternoon, the beauty of Avignon is yours to leisurely explore. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.

• EmeraldPLUS Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon (B/L/D)

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 Amphitheatre 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
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your Star-Ship to your centrally located hotel in Aix-en-Provence. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend exploring Aix-en-Provence at leisure, perhaps sitting in one of its delightful café terraces and soaking in sights of manicured gardens and ornate fountains. Your hospitality representative will be available to help you. (B)

Your charming day in Aix-en-Provence will commence with a guided tour, as you stroll down leafy green boulevards and admire the 17th and 18th-century mansions that adorn the city’s many public squares.

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Aix-en-Provence (B)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of Lyonnais cuisine and open leafy boulevards with you.

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 our terms and conditions for further information. (B)