Wines of Lyon and Provence: 8 days Lyon to Marseille

Welcome to France and Lyon, a historic city situated halfway between Paris and the Côte d'Azur, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board. Later, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow guests.

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Lyon by night (extra expense)
Experience Lyon in a whole new light as this enchanting city comes magically alive after dusk. Stroll through illuminated streets, where centuries of history blend with modern vibrancy. From the glowing façade of Old Lyon to the shimmering reflections on the Saône, every corner tells a story. Marvel at the breathtaking view from Fourvière Hill, where the cityscape sparkles beneath the starry skies. Discover the charm of the World Heritage-listed Presqu'île, adorned with beautifully lit squares and fountains

France’s third-largest city and a flourishing trading city since Roman times, Lyon is steeped in history. With its superbly preserved historic quarters, a significant section of Lyon has been designated a World Heritage Site. Lyon is arguably most famous for its outstanding cuisine and culinary heritage, considered the heart of gastronomy in France and one of the world’s premier food capitals. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you’ll enjoy sampling an array of exceptional culinary delights, accompanied by some of Europe’s finest wines.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon
Today, a guided city tour of Lyon awaits. Stroll through the city and soak up the vividly illustrated history, admiring the striking buildings spanning the eras along narrow cobblestone streets. One of your highlights is a visit to the World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Lyon
Alternatively, those feeling more active can explore the highlights of Lyon on two wheels, as part of a guided e-bike tour through the city.  

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
Located on a hill overlooking the Ain River Valley north of Lyon, this small medieval walled town thrives on its local wine and weaving industries. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, several fascinating buildings, including a fortified church and the house of the Princes of Savoy, await along the cobblestone streets. Explore from the upper gate to the 15th-century church, the main street ‘Rue des Rondes’ and the Maison du Sergent de Justice. This picturesque location has provided the backdrop for numerous films, including ‘The Three Musketeers.’

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, the Beaujolais region is well known for its distinctive wines produced here, particularly the world-famous Beaujolais Nouveau. The Beaujolais wine region is renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines produced with the Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of Gamay grapes makes Beaujolais, one of several regions across the world that focus solely on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99 percent of the total wine production in the Beaujolais wine region.

Included Excursion
Beaujolais wine tasting
Experience the signature flavours of the renowned Beaujolais region with a guided wine tasting. You’ll visit a local vineyard, learn about the wine-making process, and sample a selection of wines that capture the essence of this picturesque region. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this tasting offers a marvellous first-hand introduction to the world of Beaujolais.

Today, you’ll arrive in Tournon, a charming village that borders the gently meandering Rhône. Picturesque Tournon is dominated by a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village and several iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers and impressive Roman relics.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon with wine tasting
Led by an expert local guide, enjoy a walking tour that highlights the village’s intangible cultural heritage. You’ll also learn about the area’s rich history of viticulture and enjoy a special tasting of the local wines.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards
Alternatively, for those feeling more active, join a guided hike through the verdant local vineyards. As you take in the bucolic splendour that surrounds you, marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes that are selected to produce some of the finest wines in Europe.

Welcome to Viviers, a small walled village in southern France that dates back to Roman times. This delightful village is best known for its medieval cathedral – one of the oldest in France – as well as romantic views across the Rhône River. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers
Today, your included walking tour with a local guide through charming Viviers will highlight many of the village’s striking monuments, distinctive for their ornate windows and lavish façades.   

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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)
Embark on a transformative journey as you delve into the fascinating Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum, an awe-inspiring testament to the indomitable spirit of human creativity. Let the luminosity of knowledge guide your steps as you traverse this cavernous expanse. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who breathes life into the ancient canvases that adorn the largest decorated cave replica in the world.

Set along the banks of the Rhône River in the celebrated region of Provence, the fortified city of Avignon bears a rich and illustrious history – from Celtic beginnings to the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. This legacy is evident today in the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), which is surrounded by medieval stone ramparts and an assortment of grand palaces and courtyards. Avignon also played a major role in the nation-defining French Revolution during the late 18th century.

Included Excursion
Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting
Experience the charm of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a guided visit and exceptional wine tasting. Delve into the region’s distinctive terroirs and age-old winemaking traditions, then savour expertly curated tastings that highlight the depth, elegance, and character that make Châteauneuf-du-Pape one of the Rhône Valley’s true treasures.

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner & wine pairing hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
This evening, you’ll enjoy an exclusive Provençal dining experience on board your Emerald Star-Ship, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. This celebrated French chef will prepare a special Provençal dinner menu for you to enjoy and savour the authentic flavours of the gastronomic region of Provence, highlighted with fine wine pairings.

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon
Enjoy a classical concert set within a historic chapel where centuries-old stone walls create exceptional acoustics and a truly atmospheric setting. As the gentle light glows and music fills the space, a talented local trio performs timeless works, offering a moment of elegance, reflection, and cultural immersion. This exclusive experience blends Provence’s rich heritage with the beauty of live classical music for an unforgettable evening.

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
At the heart of Provence, the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard Aqueduct presents one of humankind’s great masterpieces. Technically and architecturally impressive, this three-level Roman aqueduct served as an aqueduct until the 6th century, transporting thousands of gallons of water per day. Later, it was used as a toll gate before transforming into a road bridge. On this fascinating guided tour, you’ll also visit the small Roman town of Uzès. Explore the circular streets that once protected the medieval castle and sample some of the region’s exceptional cuisine in the local restaurants.

The glorious past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who liberally peppered the city with iconic monuments that are still clearly evident today.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Today, your included tour of Arles will showcase some of the World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, which illustrate how this ancient 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.  

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh with a painting workshop (extra expense)
Follow in the footsteps of celebrated artist Vincent van Gogh as you explore the beautiful landscapes that inspired his iconic works. Afterwards, take part in a painting workshop, where you can try your hand at recreating the vibrant scenes that captured the artist’s imagination. You’ll get to keep your own masterpiece inspired by Van Gogh’s legacy and then take it home with you as a unique souvenir.

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
Set at the heart of the Alpilles regional country park, the World Heritage-listed Les Baux de Provence is recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Situated at a fortified rocky site between Arles and St. Remy-de-Provence, explore the Old Village with its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval stone buildings. Compact and brimming with shops and restaurants, the village retains a traditional lifestyle, while being regarded as an outstanding attraction. The high, rocky pinnacle of Château-Fortress des Baux extends to the southwest of the village and reveals incredible views from the hilltop. 

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport. Leave with cherished memories of the idyllic countryside and the exceptional wines and gastronomy of Southern France.

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.