Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon and get picked up at the airport for your transfer to the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Once on board, settle into your cabin and spend time meeting other passengers. This is your chance to get oriented with the ship and grab a bite before dinner service.
Landmarks/POIs Lyon - Day 2
Chalon-sur-Saône to Beaune
The ship travels toward Chalon-sur-Saône, where you'll notice the architectural character of the town along the river. Later you'll head to Beaune, and there's a guided visit to the Hospices de Beaune, a former hospital that now hosts one of Burgundy's major wine auctions. Back on the ship, try some local cheese and olives while you're docked.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
- Cheese and olive tasting on board
Landmarks/POIs Hospices de Beaune Beaune - Day 3
Lyon
You have two options for exploring Lyon, France's third-largest city and an old Roman capital known for its food scene and history. You can take a guided walking tour that includes the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière (a UNESCO site) and wander the old cobblestone streets. Or if you prefer, there's a guided bike tour that covers the city differently. Either way, you'll get a good sense of the city's layout and heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière Lyon - Day 4
Tournon
You'll dock in Tournon, a small village sitting along the Rhône and dominated by a 16th century castle. A guided tour covers the village's cultural sites and historic watchtowers. In the afternoon, pick between a guided hike through the surrounding vineyards or a guided bike ride to Glun. By evening, you're back on the ship for regional wine tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided hike through the vineyards
- Guided bike tour to Glun
- Regional wine tasting on board
Landmarks/POIs Tournon Castle Glun - Day 5
Viviers
Viviers comes into view with its medieval character and one of France's oldest cathedrals. You'll take a guided walk through the city to see the grand monuments, detailed windows, and impressive facades. This is a smaller stop, but it has real historical depth if you pay attention during the tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
Landmarks/POIs Viviers Cathedral Viviers - Day 6
Avignon
You arrive in Avignon, a city with roots going back to Celtic times and later served as home to seven successive Popes. A guided walking tour takes you past the Palais des Papes (UNESCO listed) and the Pont d'Avignon, both major historical sites. The afternoon is yours to wander the city on your own. For dinner, you'll have a special Provençal meal prepared by Fabien Morreale, a Top Chef finalist.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard - Day 7
Arles
Arles was once a significant Phoenician trading port and later important under Roman rule, with several monuments still standing from that era. Your guided tour covers the Roman and Romanesque sites, including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre. You'll also walk through areas that inspired Vincent van Gogh during his time here. After the tour wraps up, the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Arles Amphitheatre Les Baux de Provence - Day 8
Departure from Arles
You'll have breakfast on the ship, then disembark and transfer to the airport. It's time to head home with memories of the French countryside, the rivers, and the food you've tried along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
