Day 1 - Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lyon, France.
Day 2 - Lyon, France
Welcome to Lyon, at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises
and Tours and transferred to the Emerald Liberté. Settle into your
new surroundings and enjoy dinner onboard as the ship departs for
Chalon-Sur-Saône this evening. Meal: D
Day 3 - Chalon-Sur-Saône-Beaune
Chalon–Sur–Saône is best known as the birthplace of photography
and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region. Travel by road to the
quaint village of Beaune, where you visit the Hospices de Beaune,
one of the finest examples of French 15th–century architecture.
Marvel at the multi–colored roofs of this former hospital, now a
museum, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS Cheese and olive tasting onboard
Day 4 - Lyon
Lyon, France’s third largest city, is steeped in history and a former
Roman capital positioned at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône
Rivers. Today, take part in the guided tour of Lyon, which starts
with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s
hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then pass by the
recently re–discovered Roman amphitheater and walk through the
cobbled streets of the old town with its including secret alleyways.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour
DiscoverMORE Tour to Perouges (additional expense)
Day 5 - Tournon
Join your local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, dominated by
the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Nestled in the valley near
the steep slopes of le Massif Central, France's 3rd largest mountain
range, it is picture-perfect. The area has a long tradition in wine
making, including the renowned wine growing centre of Tain
l'Hermitage across the river. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE Guided walk through vineyards
EmeraldPLUS Regional wine tasting onboard
EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Glun
Day 6 - Viviers
Arrive in Viviers, a town which still has a lot of flare. Viviers is also
the home of one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Join an included city
tour exploring all the architectural heritage of this quaint town.
Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE Tour to Grignan (additional expense)
Day 7 - Avignon
With a rich history from Celtic beginnings, Avignon is one of the
few French cities to have preserved it ramparts, historic center and
churches. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is
well known for the imposing Palace of the Popes. Your guided
walk takes you through this historic center, strolling the cobbled
lanes, overlooking the famous ‘Pont d’Avignon’. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing experience
DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pont du Gard (additional expense)
Day 8 - Arles
The UNESCO World Heritage Site and Provençal town of Arles
combines all of the region’s charms. While strolling through the
streets, medieval in character, with the local guide, you’ll discover
why the colorful houses were an inspiration to Vincent Van Gogh
and other famous artists. See the 2,000-year-old Roman
amphitheater which is still in use today. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS Provençale dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale
DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (additional expense)
Day 9 - Nice
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the captain and crew as
your river cruise comes to end. But your land adventure is just beginning
as you journey by coach to Nice on the famed Cote d’Azur.
See the old town with its cafés, historic buildings, picturesque harbor and the infamous sea-front promenade.
Meals: B, D
Day 10 - Monte Carlo
After a morning at leisure, depart by coach for the principality of
Monaco to visit Monte Carlo on the French Riviera. Home to the
Grand Prix, location of numerous movies and playground of the
rich and famous – you’re sure to recognize its beautiful setting and
famed casino. After some free time to explore, return to Nice for the
evening. Meal: B
Day 11 - Nice
The final day in Nice is left free of planned activities. Your
hospitality representative is at your service to help you plan your
day in this vibrant city. Meal: B
DiscoverMORE Visit to St. Paul de Vence (additional expense)
Day 12 - Nice / USA
It’s time to bid ‘au revoir’ to France and depart to the Nice airport
for your flight home. Meal: B