Day 1 – Lyon
In Lyon embark on the Scenic Sapphire. Scenic’s friendly crew will be excited to welcome you on board ready for your 10 night cruise along the Saône and Rhône rivers. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 – Lyon > Chalon-sur-Saône
Relax on board as you cruise the Saône River towards Chalon-sur-Saône. Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. The former hospital is a prime example of traditional 15th century Burgundian architecture. Alternatively, visit Château Garnerot and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate, or visit the photography museum in the town where it was first invented. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Tournus
Freechoice: Tour Château de Cormatin and admire the castle’s gilded rooms or join highly trained hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village locating and sampling French truffles. Alternatively, visit the restaurant of Michelin starred chef Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. Tonight, your highlight dinner will be created using regionally sourced truffles. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Tournon
Freechoice: Explore the riverside town of Tournon by foot or hike through the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Rhône. This afternoon make a toast to the beautiful scenery as you enjoy a beverage on the terrace of Tournon Castle, overlooking the Rhône River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Avignon
A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning. Freechoice:Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to the Popes’ Palace and famed St. Benezet Bridge also known as the Pont d’Avignon. Alternatively, join an excursion to Pont du Gard, an engineering masterpiece dating back to the middle of the first century which was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes, or paddle along the Gardon River underneath the spectacular Pont du Gard by kayak. Enrich: Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes. After the doors close to the general public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Avignon
Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. If you’re feeling more active, you may choose to visit one of the most beautiful villages of France, Roussillon for a guided tour and a visit to the Lavender museum. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Arles
Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit Arles Arena, or tour the pretty medieval hilltop village of Les Baux and visit Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that now houses an impressive art installation. Alternatively, tour a charming family-run olive farm followed by a cooking class where your host will divulge local recipes or join a Cosmetics Workshop at a local Lavender farm. This afternoon stay on board and relax or take a painting class accompanied by a glass of local wine. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Viviers
Freechoice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of Viviers. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures of this beautiful town, or learn about the history of the French Resistance. Hear stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the town. Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park including the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a replica museum depicting the collection of engravings, paintings and drawings found in the nearby Chauvet Cave, or visit Bollene Hydroplant and dive into the world of renewable energies. Learn about the hydro power plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Lyon
Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon.
Enrich: Tonight admire the beauty of one of the city’s greatest baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As an exclusive experience with Scenic, join your fellow guests for a breathtaking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Lyon
Freechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for magnificent views across the city. Or explore Lyon on foot and view famous sights along the waterways. Alternatively, learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production during a silk painting workshop, or walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. This evening enjoy one final indulgence when a local pâtissier comes on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Lyon
Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Lyon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. 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. Meals: Breakfast
Note: Preview itinerary subject to change.