EMERALD WATERWAYS
8 Days | Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Southbound

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LYON TO NICE

Join us on the Rhône as we drift through provincial wine lands dotted with spirit-lifting heritage towns and ancient cities whose cobblestone streets bristle with culture and epicurean tradition.

From Lyon to Arles over eight wonderful days, discover the wine-making customs of Chalon-Sur-Saône, the half-timbered charm of Mâcon, and the Roman-age splendour of Arles, all while cruising in effortless contemporary comfort on-board your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This memorable sailing introduces southern France in all its iconic style and splendour, from the revered vineyards of Beaujolais to the jovial bouchons of Lyon, the acclaimed culinary capital of the world.

Day 1 | Lyon, France. Embark. Welcome to Lyon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board. (D)

Day 2 | Chalon-Sur-Saône. Beaune. Chalon–Sur–Saône is best known as the birthplace of photography and the center of Burgundy’s wine region. Travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune, where we visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth–century architecture. Marvel at the multi–colored roofs of this former hospital, now a museum, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. (B,L,D)

EmeraldPLUS — Cheese and olive tasting on board

Day 3 | Lyon. Lyon is France’s third largest city, a former Roman capital positioned at the conference of the Rhone and Saone rivers, which is steeped in history. Today be part of the guided tour of Lyon, which starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then, pass by the recently re–discovered Roman amphitheatre and walk through the cobbled streets of the gastronomic old town including the secret laneways. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour of Lyon. (B,L,D)

EmeraldACTIVE — Guided Bike Tour
DiscoverMORE — Tour to Perouges (extra expense)

Day 4 | Tournon. Join your local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th century castle and roman ruins, and is nestled in the valley near the steep slopes of le Massif Central, France's 3rd largest mountain range. The area has a long tradition in wine making, including the renowned wine growing centre of Tain l'Hermitage across the river. (B,L,D)

EmeraldACTIVE — Guided active walk through vineyards
EmeraldPLUS — Regional wine lecture on board

Day 5 | Viviers. Arrive in Viviers, a town which still has a lot of flare. Viviers is also the home of one of France’s oldest cathedrals, join an included city tour exploring all the architectural heritage of this quaint town. (B,L,D)

DiscoverMORE — Tour to Grignan (extra expense)

Day 6 | Avignon. Avignon has a rich history from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Popes and later central to the French Revolution. Although a fortified town, it is the Papal Palace which stands more secure on a hill in the centre of town; its walls are 17–18 feet thick. Your guided walk with a local guide takes you through this historic centre with its cobbled laneways and shops, overlooking the famous 'Pont d’Avignon'. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)

EmeraldACTIVE — Guided active hike in Avignon
EmeraldACTIVE — Yoga Lesson on Board
EmeraldPLUS — Provençale dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale
DiscoverMORE — Excursion to Pont du Gard (extra expense)

Day 7 | Arles. Sail into Arles where you will join your local guide for a walking tour showcasing the highlights of the city in particular the 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre still in use today, which was originally built to hold 20,000 spectators in the style of the Colosseum in Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on board and explore Arles further. (B,L,D)

DiscoverMORE — Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

Day 8 | Arles. Disembark. Nice. After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship in Arles, transfer to Nice airport for your onward or homebound flight. (B)

(NOTE: Flights departing out of Nice: Please book your flight to depart between 1pm and 8pm.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

SOUTHBOUND ITINERARY 8 DAYS | LYON TO NICE Click HERE to view 8-day NORTHBOUND itinerary.