It is no surprise that the South of France is recognized as the birthplace of photography, its unrivalled beauty comprises the finest examples of French 15th century architecture, with Roman ruins and sun-soaked vineyards nestled at the foot of colossal mountain ranges. Journey to the country’s gastronomic beating heart, Lyon, before enjoying an authentic Provençal dinner on board, hosted by renowned French chef, Fabien Morreale.
Inclusions
- 7 nights river cruise aboard Emerald Liberte
- 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 CruisesCruise 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
- Book by Jun 30: Second Guest Sails FREE (pays taxes only)
| Sep 2 – Oct 28, 2023 | Guest 1 | Guest 2 (pay taxes only) |
| Emerald Stateroom | from $4699 | FREE |
| Panorama Balcony Suite | from $5759 | FREE |
| Taxes & Fees | $380 | $380 |
| Solo Travelers – No Single Supplement Fee | ||
Full payment is due upon booking
New Bookings Only. Promotion is subject to change without notice.
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
Included Excursions
- Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
- Guided tour of Lyon
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided tour of Viviers
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- EmeraldPLUS:
- Cheese and olive tasting on board
- Silk workshop presentation on board
- Regional wine tasting on board
- Provençal dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale
- EmeraldACTIVE:
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
- Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
- Guided bike tour to Glun
- Hike in Viviers
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
Lyon to Nice: September 2, 16, 30, October 14 and 28, 2023 (this itinerary)
Nice to Lyon: September 9, 23, and October 21, 2023 (reverse itinerary)
Day 1 Lyon (D)
Welcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, where you will be met and transferred from the airport to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 04:30 PM.
Day 2 Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune (B,L,D)
Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness 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, it 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
Day 3 Lyon (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.
Today, enjoy a guided city tour, including 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 on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.
EmeraldPLUS
Silk presentation on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon
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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
Day 4 Tournon (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 some of the local vineyards.
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
Day 5 Viviers (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 showcase some of its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers
Day 6 Avignon (B,L,D)
Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and 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. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.
This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon
Day 7 Arles (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, perhaps stopping at a local café or returning to your Star-Ship to relax on board.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
Day 8 Arles – Nice (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the 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 Nice after 01:00 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.
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.
