Festive Sensations of Lyon & Provence: 8 days Lyon to Marseille

Welcome to Lyon, a beautiful and historic city situated on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, amid the Southeast region of France. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board and dine with your fellow guests.

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital steeped in impressive history and considered the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, here you’ll savour a mouthwatering array of outstanding culinary delights.     Today, a guided city tour awaits, which includes a visit* to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historical site of Lyon. You’ll also experience an authentic French festive atmosphere, with a visit to Lyon’s famous Christmas market. Resembling a genuine Christmas village, explore the dozens of  illuminated and decorated stands filled with artisan products and regional treats such as candied chestnuts and charming wooden toys.  Wander through the city and soak up the twinkling festive lights and centuries-old buildings amid Lyon’s well-preserved historic quarters.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon with Christmas market visit

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

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Lyon by Night (extra expense)

Today, we take you on an included walking tour of Vienne, an important town situated south of Lyon within the Rhône-Alpes region. This quaint riverside town boasts a long and prestigious history dating back to the Allobroges, a tribe of Gauls, and conquered by Julius Caesar, during Roman times, was a prominent regional hub. Although Vienne lost its status of importance to Lyon after the Middle Ages, today, this historic town reveals several important monuments that are legacies of both the Roman and medieval eras.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Vienne

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the meandering Rhône and is a truly memorable sight, nestled under the silhouette of a 16th century castle that overlooks the village. It is also home to several iconic landmarks that include a set of ancient watchtowers. Adorned with festive decorations, Tournon appears even more enchanting. 

Today’s included guided tour will reveal Tournon’s intangible cultural heritage and rich history of viticulture dating back to the ancient Greeks, granting you every opportunity to immerse yourself in these storied surroundings.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

Today, you’ll arrive in Viviers, a charming walled town along the Rhône River brimming with Middle Age history. Viviers is home to one of France’s oldest – and smallest – cathedrals, founded in the 12th century and a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Today, embark on a memorable historical journey. Your included walking tour will highlight many of this charming town’s stunning and well-preserved architectural treasures along narrow streets, resplendent with ornate windows and lavish façades.

For your EmeraldPLUS experience, join a festive workshop to decorate santon; hand-crafted clay figurines that represent iconic Provençal characters. A beloved Provence symbol, Santons are traditionally displayed in nativity scenes at Christmas time.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

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Decorating Christmas Santon figurines

Avignon boasts a rich history, from ancient Celtic beginnings and the residence of seven successive Popes in the 14th century, to playing a major role in the French Revolution. This morning, your included walking tour takes you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, and Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône, as well as explorations of cobbled alleyways and elegant streets.

You’ll also visit one of Provence's largest Christmas markets, where Provençal traditions come to life in the heart of this beautiful city. Join Avignon’s locals for festive delicacies, artisanal treasures and authentic Christmastime cheer. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, savour a Provençal-style Christmas dinner on board, exclusively prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale and later you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of our EmeraldPLUS program.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon with Christmas market

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon

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 this historic coastal city showcases some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how Arles 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, whose inspired art works include “Starry Night Over the Rhône.”

The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure; perhaps a stop at a quintessential café or the classic Christmas market, hosted in the city centre.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with a visit to the local Christmas markets.

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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Provençal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)

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Provencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-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 Marseille after 11:00 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.