Sensations of Lyon & Provence

You will be met at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for you to board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 12:00 PM. (D)

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit 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 that 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 ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône'. Then, enjoy some time to explore Arles at your leisure.

EmeraldPLUS A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale

Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

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

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of Popes who fled Rome, hoping to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. Embark on a guided walking tour 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 yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.

• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense) (B/L/D)

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings, that have been gently faded by the sun, line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the old town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Viviers (B/L/D)

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône 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. If you would like to explore more of the region's natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards. Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will introduce you to the French countryside and provide priceless insight into the lives of the people who live there.

• 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)

As one of the largest cities in France and a 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. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

EmeraldPLUS Silk presentation on board

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Lyon

Included Excursion Guided tour of Lyon

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (B/L/D)

The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. 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.

EmeraldPLUS Cheese and olive tasting on board

Included Excursion Visit to the Hospices de Beaune (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed vineyards with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Lyon after 12:00 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 our terms and conditions for further information. (B)