Idyllic Rhône with Highlights of Paris

Welcome to Paris, the City of Light. There are icons at every turn in the French capital, from the chic boutiques of the Champs Elysees to the meandering riverbank of the Seine and the bustling crossroads of the Arc de Triomphe, with the intricate metalwork of the Eiffel Tower always in view above. Paris is a city that almost defies description; stroll the historic streets and you’ll soon see why it has inspired generations of artists, musicians, filmmakers and fashionistas.  Check in to your luxurious hotel, located in the bustling 9th Arrondissement, also known as the Opera district. It’s known for its wide boulevards; many theatres, including the opulent Palais Garnier opera house; and grand Belle Epoque department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.

It’s your first morning in Paris, so why not start the day with a pain au chocolat and a café au lait? Paris is a city that has been immortalised in endless movies, TV shows, books and paintings, so even if you’re a first-time visitor you will feel like you already know it. Its elegant streets, grand buildings, shady parks, stylish cafes and even more stylish residents, you’ll quickly be swept up in the joie de vivre.  Freechoice: Today’s Scenic Freechoice: Panoramic city tour: Marvel at the city’s most famous sites on this interesting and engaging tour, taking in the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and more. You’ll learn what makes Paris so magical and why it’s one of the world’s most visited cities. Explore Bohemian Paris: The Montmartre district of Paris is known for its Bohemian spirit, home to artists, writers and rumours of debauchery. Explore this fascinating quarter and discover a hidden winery tucked away in the streets behind Sacre-Coeur.   This afternoon, discover the part of Paris that most inspires you. Perhaps you would like to visit one of the legendary art galleries, like The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay or Centre Pomidou. Splash some cash at the flagship boutiques of the world’s best designer labels or hunt out a treasure at one of the city’s vintage stores and flea markets. Then there’s the food; you could spend the whole afternoon (and more) at the patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries and bistros that line every street. Then pick up some supplies and retreat to one of the many elegant parks for a classic Parisian picnic.

After breakfast, transfer via high speed train to Lyon where your friendly crew will welcome you on board the Scenic Sapphire ready for your cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Wake up and arrange for your Personal butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy breakfast at Crystal Dining before you venture out for the day to explore Lyon. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life.   Freechoice: This morning’s choice of Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the 4th Century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon. Excursion to Perouges: Visit the medieval walled village of Perouges, perched atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. This enchanting 14th-century village has been beautifully preserved and is one of the most picturesque in the region, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness. Silk Painting Workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century, silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk production. Guided cycling tour to Tête d’or Park: With a local guide, cycle along Lyons many bike lanes to charming Tête d’or Park. At 105 hectares, it is one of France’s largest urban parks and features a sprawling lake with Souvenir Island at its centre, a botanical garden, rose garden and greenhouse, and a zoo. This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail along the Saône River, towards the town of Macon.

You’ll wake this morning in the town of Macon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Macon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, producing exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and sparkling.   Freechoice: Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Beaujolais region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy the privilege of sampling some of the region’s best drops. On your tour you will also visit Oingt in the Land of Golden Stones, so named for the limestone used to build the villages in the region. Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey: Step back in time to the medieval town of Cluny, which is famous for its Benedictine Abbey, which was once the largest Christian building in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history and soak up its charm during free time. Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Transfer by coach to the historic Château de Cormatin built in 1606. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour. Goat Farm Visit with tasting: Visiting an organic goat cheese farm and learning about open air farming, as well as the wild herbs that the goats eat that makes the milk much more tasteful. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the delectable cheese produced on site accompanied with a glass of locally produced wine

Cruising downstream, along the Rhône River, your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is blanketed with Roman history, including a terraced amphitheatre, first century temple, ancient baths, and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held.   Freechoice: Discover your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Vienne with amphitheatre: Take a walking tour in Vienne to uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. You will visit one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, which was built against the steep slopes of a hill and housed more than 10,000 spectators. Cycling tour of Vienne: On this cycling tour through Vienne and neighbouring Saint-Romain-en-Gal, you will see abundant evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman provincial centre. A marvellously preserved Roman temple stands proud in the town centre, a monument to Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. On the opposite bank of the river are the ruins of a once-thriving district complete with bath houses, villas and workshops.  Nature lovers will enjoy the detour upstream to the Ile Barlet, a river island boasting poplar groves, alluvial forest and wild orchids.

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the 5th century and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel like little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.   Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Viviers: Enjoy a walking tour with your local guide to explore Viviers, a town with an important heritage and rich past. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent, which was first built in the 11th century and is now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style and a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure. French Resistance Walking Tour: During a walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town. Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration to the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure in this beautiful region of France. This afternoon is spent on board sailing towards Avignon, known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Relax with a regional wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar and enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the banks of the Rhône or take time out in the wellness centre with a relaxing massage.

Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture, but also has a youthful energy to it with a buzzing arts scene. The former 14th century papal capital is circled by city walls, home to the magnificent World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.   Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice: Guided walking tour: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk-through Avignon, to the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace comprises numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour. Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes. Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Gourmands can join Scenic’s on board chef on a visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship, head to Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday). Wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines. This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms some 30 metres above the Rhône, which provides excellent views over the city and river, as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.    Enrich This evening’s Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at the Pope’s Palace: You will be treated to a truly unforgettable classical concert at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon. When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive concert by a trio of musicians. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.

Leaving Avignon early this morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for Arles.  Julius Caesar, founded a Roman colony here around 56BC and this coastal city remains rich in Roman history. Arles is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after The Eternal City itself, with the ruins ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings strewn along the left bank. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings. Freechoice: Todays’ Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Arles: Take a short walk from your Scenic Space-Ship to the heart of Arles. Arles is the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Las Arenas, an amphitheatre that seats 20,000 and is still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light on your tour of Arles, a city that has inspired many artists. Les Baux & Olive Farm visit: Drive to the town of Les Baux, located in Les Alpilles mountain range, passing through olive groves and vineyards. The medieval city is dominated by the ruins of the fortified 11th century castle, where the powerful Le Baux family ruled for 600 years until the 15th century. The cobblestoned old town is very attractive and is home to many shops, cafes and restaurants. Afterwards visit a family run olive farm to learn about their production techniques and enjoy a tasting of their fine products. On board painting class: Vincent Van Gogh once said, The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while joining an on board painting class. Cosmetics Workshop: The Provence region is renowned for its spectacular scenery and at certain times throughout the year (late June to Mid-August) is blanketed in purple lavender. Today visit a local farm that produces a variety of lavender-based products and join your host for a cosmetics workshop.

Depart after a farewell breakfast. Arles is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. From here, you will be transferred to Nice Airport for your onwards or homebound flight.  Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.