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.

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 Rhone'. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure.

EmeraldPLUS
A Provencal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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 decades. This afternoon is yours to leisurely explore, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)

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.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhone 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.

Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will introduce you to the French countryside and provide priceless insight into the lives of the people who live there.

EmeraldPLUS
Regional wine tasting on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Glun

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

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 Fourviere. 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.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon

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Excursion to Perouges (extra expense)

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.

EmeraldPLUS
Cheese and olive tasting on board

Included Excursion
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

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.