21 Day South of France with Italy's Epicurean Heart

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Cruise Length

21 Days

Cruise Starts

Lyon

Cruise Finishes

Rome

21 Day South of France with Italy's Epicurean Heart Itinerary (Scenic)

Countries Explored: France, Italy

Cruise Line

Scenic

58 Reviews

Ship

Scenic Sapphire

Passengers

149

Crew

Launched

2009

Refurbished

2017

Cruise Code

IRLC-3

Overview

Take the time to discover the beauty of the South of France on a luxury cruise with Scenic. Over ten awe-inspiring nights, the tastes, sights and smells of Southern France unravel as you cruise the magical Saône and Rhône Rivers. Taste the gourmet offerings in Lyon, the food capital of France, and immerse yourself in the acclaimed Burgundy wine region, sampling many of its products. Marvel at iconic sights such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, visit Arles and see the sights Vincent Van Gogh so famously painted during his time here. The possibilities are endless and the temptations of succumbing...read more

Itinerary

Welcome to the spectacular city of Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board. Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps relax in the on board Salt Therapy Lounge and soak in the healing properties of the salt, or simply take a beverage on to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon. (D)

Relax on board as you cruise the Saône River towards Tournus. Perhaps sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Freechoice: Explore Château de Cormatin, admire the castles gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens, or join highly trained hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village locating and sampling French truffles. Alternatively, visit the restaurant of three star Michelin chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. The former hospital is a prime example of traditional 15th century Burgundian architecture and now houses a fascinating museum. Alternatively, visit a local château and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region, or visit the photography museum in the town where it was first invented. The museum is home to over three million photographs and objects, which you will have the opportunity to observe with your local guide. (B/L/D)

Perhaps start your day with a stretching class on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning as you take in the picturesque riverside panoramas. Freechoice: Enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, or join a guided walking tour of the village of Tain l’Hermitage, including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Rhône to neighbouring villages. (B/L/D)

A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning. Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to the Popes’ Palace and famed St. Benezet Bridge also known as the Pont d’Avignon. 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 paddle along the Gardon River underneath the spectacular Pont du Gard by kayak.

Enrich: Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes. After the doors close to the general public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. If you’re feeling more active, you may choose to visit one of the most beautiful villages of France, Roussillon for a guided tour and a visit to the Lavender museum. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty medieval hilltop village of Les Baux and visit Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that now houses an impressive art installation. Alternatively, tour a charming family-run olive farm followed by a cooking class where our host will divulge local recipes, or take an active walk through La Camargue National Park.

This afternoon you may wish to enjoy the medieval charm of Tarascon. It is the perfect city to cycle around so why not jump on an e-bike and cycle the riverside paths along the Rhône, or simply stay on board and take a painting class. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of Viviers. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures of this beautiful town, or learn about the history of the French Resistance. Hear stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the town.

Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park including the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a replica museum depicting the collection of engravings, paintings and drawings found in the nearby Chauvet Cave, or visit Bollene Hydroplant and dive into the world of renewable energies. Learn about the hydro power plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon. Enrich: Tonight admire the beauty of one of the city’s greatest baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As an exclusive experience with Scenic, join your fellow guests for a breathtaking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for magnificent views across the city. Or explore Lyon on foot and view famous sights along the waterways. Alternatively, learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production during a silk painting workshop, or walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. This evening enjoy one final indulgence when a local pâtissier comes on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. (B/L/D)

Board your included flight to the Italian capital, Rome. Tonight meet your fellow guests and Tour Director for a welcome drink at your hotel. (B)

It should come as no surprise that the Roman culture influenced the food. Today your local guide will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the city, highlighting some of the cities most popular culinary aspects as well as some of Rome’s most iconic sights, all while sampling some of the flavours of this truly wondrous city. Tonight you will tantalise your taste buds further with a delicious welcome dinner. (B/D)

This morning we bid farewell to Rome and journey south to Sorrento. Perched overlooking the Bay of Naples, today is your chance to explore this laid back town. Stop along the way to taste some of the region’s most famous and delicious produce such as a helping of thick and creamy Gelato and the tangy yet sweet Limoncello. Enjoy a two night stay. Enrich: The only thing better than home-cooked Italian food is Italian hospitality, and you’ll enjoy healthy servings of both. Meet a friendly local family and experience a feast of the senses at a home-hosted dinner. (B/D)

Freechoice: Join a Pizza making class and learn how to make the perfect crust and create your favourite combination of topping before baking it in a wood fired oven. Alternatively, join a local expert and learn the techniques of making fresh Mozzarella. (B/L)

Your first stop today is the medieval village of Assisi, the charming hill top town famous as the home of Saint Francis of Assisi. Then, it’s only a short drive to Perugia to view the Fontana Maggoire and the monuments around the Roman Forum. Tonight, you are in for a special treat with an overnight stay at your resort, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Umbrian countryside. (B)

Today we dive deep into the heart of Emilia Romagna, regarded as Italy’s greatest food producing region with Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar and Tortellini just a few of the culinary specialities of the area. Your local guide will escort you through the region. Enjoy a two night stay in Bologna. (B)

Journey to nearby Modena where your highlights include a visit to a local producer of Parmigiano Reggiano. Witness production techniques, learn about the aging process and what effects it has on the end product. Afterwards we visit the celebrated Balsamic Vinegar maker Acetaia Giusti, this acclaimed producer dates back to 1605. (B/D)

This morning we travel to Florence, where we will visit the famous Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Then we journey to the medieval village of San Donato where you will learn how to make the perfect Pasta in a rustic farm house. Set in the most picturesque location, this is the perfect setting for our dinner this evening. Our final stop today is your resort. (B/D)

This morning your local guide will show us the highlights of Siena during a guided tour. (B/D)

Today we take our final flourish through the Chianti region. Stop along the way for a wine tasting before returning to the historic capital, Rome. (B)

After breakfast say Arrivederci to Italy and transfer to Rome airport for your onwards or homebound flight. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. (B)