EMERALD WATERWAYS
8 Days | Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Northbound

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NICE TO LYON

Romance, spectacular historic landmarks & Roman influence, celebrate France’s past & present on this sensory journey through renowned vineyards & world-class restaurants along the Saône & Rhône rivers. Savour the pastoral charm and history of Provence with an 8-day Rhône river cruise from Nice to Lyon.

Travelling north, you’ll cut a course through lavender fields and wineries, visiting captivating destinations such as Arles, Avignon, and Chalon-Sur-Saône. After a relaxing evening on-board the Emerald Liberté, Arles is your first stop, and here you can join a guided walking tour of the city’s Romanesque architecture, including a visit to the wonderfully preserved Roman Amphitheatre. The culinary theme continues in Lyon, an ancient city recognised as the world capital of gastronomy. Take a tour of the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere church, before visiting a local Bouchon Lyonnais to sample the best in decadent French fare.

Day 1 | Nice, France. Arles. Embark. You will be met at the airport in Nice and transferred to the Emerald Liberte Luxury ship in Arles where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board. (NOTE: Flights arriving into Nice: Please book your flight to arrive prior to 12:00pm for your group transfer to Arles. (D)

Day 2 | Arles. 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. (B,L,D)

EmeraldPLUS — Provençale dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale
DiscoverMORE — Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

Day 3 | 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 strolling the cobbled laneways and browsing the shops, overlooking the famous "Pont d’Avignon." (B,L,D)

EmeraldACTIVE — Guided active hike in Avignon
EmeraldACTIVE — Yoga Lesson on Board
DiscoverMORE — Excursion to Pont du Gard (extra expense)

Day 4 | 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 5 | 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 taste on board
EmeraldACTIVE — Guided bike tour to Glun

Day 6 | 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 take part on 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 7 | Chalon-Sur-Saône. Beaune. Chalon–Sur–Saône is best known as the birthplace of photography and the centre 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–coloured 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 8 | Lyon. Disembark. After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship in Lyon and transfer to Airport for your onward or homebound flight. (B)

(NOTE: Flights departing out of Lyon: Please book your flight to depart between 10am 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.

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