Embark on a transcendent culinary journey through the heart of France with our exclusive river cruise, personally hosted by the acclaimed Canadian celebrity chef, Michael Bonacini and for the first time with Emerald Cruises, his son, Oscar Bonacini – fellow accomplished chef and restaurateur.
Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavours as you gracefully sail through the picturesque waters of southern France, weaving through Lyon, the undisputed gastronomic capital, and the captivating landscapes of Provence. Explore the luscious wine regions of Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, savouring the essence of Provençal cuisine. Join both chefs for an intimate voyage of culinary excellence amidst the beauty of France’s culinary heartland.
Inclusions
- Airfare to Nice and return from Lyon
- 7 nights river cruise aboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
- Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
- Excursions and guided tours
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Complimentary Bicycles on board (when available)
- All tipping and gratuities
- Airport transfers to and from the ship
- Port taxes and charges
- Exclusive Culinary Experience with the acclaimed Canadian Celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini and Chef Oscar Bonacini
- Book by Dec 31: Reduced air*! (price reflects discount)
| April 4, 2025 | Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax |
| Emerald Stateroom | $6139 |
| Panorama Balcony Suite | $6719 |
| Taxes & Fees | $476 |
| 3 Night Nice Pre-Cruise Extension: add from $1675 more | |
Full Payment is due at booking
*Maximum ticket cost, including taxes, not to exceed $1,850pp.
| New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. The prices listed are per person based on double occupancy. It is for lead-in categories, but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit may be non-refundable Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise. |
EXCLUSIVE CULINARY EXPERIENCE WITH CANADIAN CELEBRITY CHEF MICHAEL BONACINI AND CHEF OSCAR BONACINI
- Indulge in Michael and Oscar’s collaborative French-inspired menu at a special dinner on board your cruise.
- Attend a private cocktail reception hosted by both father and son.
- Experience Lyon’s culinary paradise at Les Halles Paul Bocuse – an indoor food market where you’ll tour and taste the city’s best-known delicacies.
- Ask Chefs Michael and Oscar questions during an interactive Q&A session on board.
- Plus, enter to win the chance to dine with our celebrity chefs!
About Chef Michael Bonacini
Renowned chef Michael Bonacini, co-founder of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, is a key figure in Canada’s culinary scene. Born in Tenby, South Wales, Bonacini’s upbringing in a family-run hotel business shaped his passion for hospitality. After training under Chef Anton Mosimann in London, he immigrated to Canada in 1985. Partnering with Peter Oliver in 1993, Bonacini played a pivotal role in introducing regional Canadian cuisine, notably with his restaurant Canoe. He received the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Award in 1996 and has since contributed to various TV shows, released a cookbook, and served as a judge on MasterChef Canada. His Toronto restaurants and O&B’s diverse portfolio nationwide reflect a commitment to culinary excellence and a strong corporate culture.
About Chef Oscar Bonacini
Chef Oscar Bonacini, a Toronto native, began his culinary journey at 14 with a dishwashing job, leading him to kitchens across Europe. After studying Hospitality Business Management at George Brown College, he honed his skills under chef Mark Hix in England, working at renowned establishments like St. JOHN and Holborn Dining Room. In 2019, Oscar returned to Canada, contributing his experience to the local culinary scene. Joining Oliver & Bonacini’s Maison Selby in 2022, he expanded his expertise in front-of-house management. Currently, he collaborates with restaurateur Chris White at Restaurant 20 Victoria, which earned a Michelin Star and the Michelin Guide Toronto’s Service Award in 2023.
Dining Highlights:
- 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
- Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
Included Excursions
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- Guided tour of Avignon
- Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
- Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Classical Concert in Avignon Cheese and olive tasting on board
- Guided tour of Viviers
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided tour of Lyon
Day 1 Sat, 05 Apr Nice – Arles (D)
Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests.
Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 12:00 PM.
Day 2 Sun, 06 Apr Arles (B,L,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 thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.
Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh 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 the beauty of Arles at your leisure.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
EmeraldPLUS
A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale
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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
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Visit to L’Occitane Factory (extra expense)
Day 3 Mon, 07 Apr Avignon (B,L,D)
Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.
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 decad es. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon
EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon
EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
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Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense)
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Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Day 4 Tue, 08 Apr Viviers (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 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.
Join your culinary hosts, Chef Michael Bonacini and his son, Oscar Bonacini for a cocktail reception on board in the afternoon.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers
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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)
Day 5 Wed, 09 Apr Tournon (B,L,D)
As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape.
Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and 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.
In the afternoon, join celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini and his son, Oscar in the lounge for an interactive Q&A session.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards
Day 6 Thu, 10 Apr Lyon (B,L,D)
As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many 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’re 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.
Exclusive Chefs Bonacini Experience: Join Chef Michael Bonacini and Oscar on a visit to Lyon’s culinary paradise at Les Halles Paul Bocuse – an indoor food market where you’ll tour and taste the city’s best-known delicacies.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon
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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
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Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)
Day 7 Fri, 11 Apr Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune (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.
Exclusive Chefs Bonacini Experience: Celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini and his son Oscar will prepare a special French inspired dinner.
Included Excursion
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
EmeraldPLUS
Cheese and olive tasting on board
Day 8 Sat, 12 Apr Lyon (B)
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 10:00 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 our terms and conditions for further information.
Nice Pre-Cruise Extension
Add from $1675 per person
Day 1 Wed, 02 Apr Nice
Welcome to Nice, a fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur. You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, where a three-night stay is yours to enjoy.
Day 2 Thu, 03 Apr Nice (B)
Today, you will be taken to Monte Carlo to learn about the jet set lifestyle that can be found in Monaco, an area that has famously been portrayed in a handful of successful movies and the home to one of the most recognisable Grand Prix tracks in the world.
Included Excursion
A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Day 3 Fri, 04 Apr Nice (B)
Today is yours to spend enjoying tour seaside surrounds at leisure, and your hospitality representative will be available to help you plan your day.
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Visit to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra expense)
Day 4 Sat, 05 Apr Nice (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare to be transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of Roman amphitheatres and the lush surrounds of the French Riviera with you.
Flexible Booking Plan
| River Cruising | Yacht Cruising |
| $125 | $200 |
- Should you choose to defer or cancel your booking, the total monies paid to us (less third-party fees) will be applied as a Future Travel Credit which is valid for 24 months for you to use on an alternate tour/cruise.
- If you do not re-book within 24 months, your FTC it will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable. Non commissionable.
- Excludes Russia cruising.
- Not available to guests using COVID Future Travel Credits
Platinum Protection Plan
The Platinum Protection Plan (“PPP”) is available for new river and ocean cruising bookings for travel after 1 January 2022 for Scenic and Emerald Cruises (“Eligible Booking”). By adding this plan, you are covered if you unable to travel due to health reasons, or your travel plans are impacted by COVID-19, up to 31 days prior to departure with a 100% refund (less airline cancellation fees and PPP cost), or a 70% refund between 15 and 30 days prior to departure (less PPP cost). The PPP must be purchased together with the Eligible Booking at time such booking is made and may not be added at a later date. The PPP is provided at a cost of $395 per person per river cruise, $495 per person per cruise on Emerald Cruises yacht cruising and $595 per person per cruise on Scenic Eclipse voyages (“PPP Fee”).
Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders may require an ETIAS visa waiver from late 2023 when traveling to the E.U.
United Kingdom passport holders do not require visas (excluding tours that feature Russia and Turkey, where guests are required to obtain a Visa).
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, Scenic recommends that you contact the relevant Consulates for the latest information regarding visa requirements.
