Paris & Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Today, immerse yourself in the legendary Parisian atmosphere as you are welcomed to the postcard-worthy French capital. Upon arrival in Paris, youll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for an exciting two-night stay, nestled amidst wide boulevards and iconic city landmarks. This evening, meet your tour director and fellow guests for a convivial welcome drink.

Soak in the sights of romantic Paris on your included morning tour. Later, you may wish to explore the French capital’s exceptional heritage, arts, cuisine and café culture at your own pace. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan a wonderful day in Paris, also known as the City of Light,’ as it was one of the first cities to adopt street lighting and played a prominent role in the Age of Enlightenment. Included Excursion Guided bus tour of Paris and Seine River cruise On todays included excursion, join a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce you to the best that Paris has to offer. Embark on a guided bus tour, where youll see iconic Parisian highlights, including the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe. Later, youll join a charming river cruise along the Seine, delighting in gliding past the Eiffel Tower and other well-known gems, as well as picturesque riverscapes.

This morning, after breakfast, youll be transferred from Paris to southern France and Lyon by train. Upon arrival in Lyon, youll be welcomed on board your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship by your friendly captain and crew. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board with your fellow guests.

France’s third-largest city, Lyon, is a former Roman capital and steeped in history. Its considered the gastronomic heartbeat of the country thanks to its rich culinary heritage, abundant fresh produce and famous local chefs. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, bustling food markets and more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, youll be able to experience an array of cultural and culinary delights. Included Excursion Guided tour of Lyon Today, enjoy a guided coach tour of Lyon, starting at Fourvières Hill to view the ancient Roman Theatre. Pass by the Romanesque and Byzantine Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an impressive building that strayed away from the popular Gothic models of the same period. Join your guide on a walk through the city’s hidden passageways (called traboules) and admire the Renaissance-era houses. EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour of Lyon For guests who prefer an active excursion over the standard city tour, meet your local guides for an e-bike discovery. Ride to the green lungs of the city, the famous Parc de la Tête dOr, which was inaugurated in 1857, the same year as Central Park in New York. The largest urban park in France, it boasts an impressive collection of over 15,000 plant species. The tour will take in the Tête dOr park, zoo and greenhouses, former vet school and courthouse, and the Confluence district if requested. Take note that guests must be in good shape and confident cyclists. DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense) Located on a small hill overlooking the Ain River valley north of Lyon, the medieval walled town of Perouges is known for its wine and weaving. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, it’s filled with cobblestone streets and fascinating buildings. Starting from the upper gate, you’ll see the 15th-century fortified church, the former home of the princes of Savoy, the main street ‘Rue des Rondes’, a 33-metre-deep well and the Maison du Sergent de Justice, with its round tower. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours 

Founded by the Celts and developed by the Romans, Mâcon is at the heart of the Beaujolais wine region. The extensive planting of Gamay grapes makes Beaujolais one of just a few regions on the planet to focus on a single grape variety, and red wine accounts for 99% of its total wine production. Relax as you cruise along the Sâone river until you reach the lovely town of Mâcon. This could be a good time to explore what your Emerald Star-Ship has to offer, such as the Sun Deck, putting green and indoor swimming pool with retractable rooftop. Included Excursion Beaujolais wine tasting Experience the flavours of the renowned Beaujolais region with a guided wine tasting. Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, Beaujolais is famous for its vibrant, fruit-forward wines, particularly the Beaujolais Nouveau. Visit a local vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a selection of wines that capture the essence of this picturesque region. Whether youre a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this tasting offers a fascinating introduction to the world of Beaujolais wines.

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône and is dominated by a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village. Within, there are several iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers and a lush botanic garden. Part of the Rhône Valley, the village is surrounded by vineyards producing some of the world’s finest reds.  Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon Join your local guides on a walk through Tournon as they unveil fascinating local history and offer insight into the traditions of viticulture. Admire its Roman ruins and Renaissance monuments, then marvel at the world’s oldest suspension bridge with cables. Afterwards, there are many local stores and coffee shops to visit during your time at leisure. EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through the vineyards Embark on an active hike through the beautiful vineyards that surround Tournon, known for their fine syrah, marsanne and roussanne. A local guide will lead you through vineyards close to where your Emerald Star-Ship is docked, taking in the spectacular views of the Rhone River. On your way back to your Emerald Star-Ship, you may stop at a local chocolate maker for a tasting and to shop for renowned French chocolate.

Arrive in Viviers today, a walled town with Middle Age flair that’s home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals, with parts dating back to the 12th century. In its charming centre, pastel-coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, dotted with tiny shops and leafy squares. The town is part of the Provence region of southern France and is known for its natural beauty, relaxed ambience and sunny Mediterranean climate. Included Excursion Guided tour of Viviers Your included tour of the town follows a unique heritage discovery trail that touches on many of its iconic monuments. Admire its architectural treasures, including the Maison des Chevaliers, a lavishly decorated Roman house with an extravagant Renaissance façade. DiscoverMORE Provençal cosmetic workshop Experience the timeless art of Provençal soap-making in this hands-on workshop. Learn the traditional techniques used to create luxurious soaps from natural ingredients like olive oil, lavender, and other local botanicals. Create your own artisanal soap, guided by expert craftsmen, and take home a unique, fragrant souvenir of your Provençal experience. Activity Level: Easy, Duration 3 hours DiscoverMORE Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense) Embark on a transformative journey as you delve into the mesmerising depths of the Caverne du Pont-dArc Museum, an awe-inspiring testament to the indomitable spirit of human creativity. Let the luminosity of knowledge guide your steps as you traverse the cavernous expanse with a local guide who breathes life into the ancient canvases that adorn the largest decorated cave replica in the world. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

The words “Provence” and “lavender” have become synonymous with each other over the decades. The dusky purple shades and delicate fragrances that decorate its fields every summer are now so emblematic of the region that the Provence lavender fields have become a tourist attraction in their own right. The city of Avignon is an ideal base for lavender touring. Avignon has a rich history, from its Celtic beginnings to its powerful position as the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. It’s most famous for the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as other glorious medieval architecture and a world-renowned arts festival. EmeraldPLUS Tour to Lavender Fields Embark on an exciting journey to discover all facets of real lavender from Provence. Housed in a traditional Provençal farmhouse, the Lavender Museum is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about lavender production, distillation and the history of the region. As producers and distillers of fine lavender for five generations, you’ll see the passion for this magnificent blue flower through the Museum, hoping to pass on this fascination and to appreciate all facets of the fine Lavender. Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon Explore the World Heritage-listed highlights that adorn Avignon’s ancient town centre as you venture down its cobbled alleyways. Witness the splendour of the Pont d’Avignon, a 12th-century bridge, and soak in sights of some of the medieval architecture that generously pepper the city. EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon Choose an active way to explore the region. Travel north of Avignon to board a canoe and paddle back towards the town along the Rhône River. The wide, calm waters are ideal for canoeing, and you’ll get to take in the picturesque landscapes from a new perspective. You’ll even get to paddle beneath the famous Pont d’Avignon, a medieval landmark. EmeraldPLUS Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale This evening, youll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. Dine on authentic dishes that celebrate the flavours of the region and its abundant fresh produce. Chef Fabien brings his passion for food to the table during this immersive dining experience, where he engages with guests and shares his extensive knowledge and passion for Provençal cuisine. EmeraldPLUS Classical concert in Avignon During your visit to the fortified city of Avignon, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a private classical concert in the halls of one of the Provençal citys churches. As the light glows and music fills the space, a talented local trio performs timeless works. This exclusive experience blends Provence’s rich heritage with the beauty of live classical music for an unforgettable evening. DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense) In the heart of Provence, the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of humankind’s great masterpieces. This three-level Roman aqueduct is 275 metres long and 48 metres high and served as an aqueduct until the sixth century. Later, it was used as a toll gate, before being transformed into a road bridge. As well as marvelling at this wonderful feat of engineering, you’ll visit the small Roman town of Uzès, perfect for exploring and enjoying some great food in the local restaurants. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 4.5 hours DiscoverMORE Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense) The appellation of Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the most famous in France, known for its warm red blends and creamy whites. The village itself has centuries of history that will charm and delight, including the picturesque ruins of a 14th-century castle. Enjoy a curated tasting of the region’s famous wines at a local vineyard. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.25 hours

The past is yours to uncover in Arles. It was once an important Phoenician trading port, before being captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. It has been a favourite retreat for legendary artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin, drawn to its unique light and arresting beauty. Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with arena visit Discover Arles’ remarkable Roman heritage on a guided walking tour through one of France’s best-preserved ancient cities. Stroll past iconic landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheatre, ancient forum, and Roman baths, while learning how Arles once thrived as a major outpost of the Roman Empire. Along winding streets and sun-washed squares, history comes alive through stories of emperors, gladiators, and everyday life in Roman Gaul. DiscoverMORE In the footsteps of Van Gogh with a painting workshop (extra expense) Follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as you explore the landscapes that inspired his iconic works. Afterwards, take part in a painting workshop, where you’ll try your hand at recreating the vibrant scenes that captured the artist’s imagination. As a memory from this unique local experience, you get to bring home your own masterpiece inspired by Van Gogh’s legacy. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense) Set in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park, Les Baux de Provence is a World Heritage-listed site, recognised for being ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’. Compact, with numerous shops and restaurants, the village retains its traditional style, with its narrow cobblestone streets and grey medieval stone buildings. The high, rocky pinnacle of Château-Fortress des Baux extends southwest of the village, and the incredible views make the trip very worthwhile. Activity Level: Difficult / Active, Duration: 4 hours

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside, lavender scents 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.