Itinerary
- Day 1
Geneva to Lausanne
You'll land in Geneva and take a transfer through the Swiss countryside to Lausanne, where you're staying for the next four nights. The drive gives you nice views of rolling hills and farmland as you head toward the lake. Once you arrive, you'll meet your tour director and the rest of the group. Lausanne sits right on Lake Geneva and mixes old architecture with galleries and restaurants, so there's plenty to check out when you get settled. After you drop your bags at the hotel, you might walk around the lakefront or grab dinner somewhere nearby to get a feel for the city.
Landmarks Lake Geneva 
- Day 2
Lausanne
A guided walk through Lausanne's old centre takes you along the waterfront. After that, you'll do a scenic boat cruise on Lake Geneva with mountain views, then visit Château Chillon, a medieval castle right on the lake's edge with real historical significance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Lausanne
- Boat cruise on Lake Geneva
- Visit to Château Chillon
Landmarks Château Chillon Lake Geneva Lausanne Waterfront - Day 3
Montreux to Gstaad
You're taking a scenic train from Montreux to Gstaad, a small alpine village in the Swiss Alps. From there, a cable car ride gets you to Glacier 3000 where you can walk the Peak Walk by Tissot, see Alpine animals at the Glacier Garden, and take in the views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Train from Montreux to Gstaad
- Cable car ride to Glacier 3000
- Peak Walk by Tissot
- Glacier Garden visit
Landmarks Gstaad Glacier 3000 
- Day 4
Lausanne
Today is free to explore Lausanne and the French-Swiss region on your own. Wander the medieval streets with local cafés and shops, check out the 12th-century cathedral known for its early Gothic design, or spend time at the Olympic Museum and lakeside Olympic Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Gruyères and Maison Cailler (extra expense)
Landmarks Lausanne Cathedral Olympic Museum Olympic Park - Day 5
Lausanne to Lyon
After breakfast in Lausanne, you'll head to Lyon, France by transfer. Once there, you'll board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and get settled in for the rest of your journey down the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Lyon by Night
- Day 6
Lyon
You have options today in France's food capital. Take a guided city tour that covers the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, or if you prefer something different, there's a guided bike tour looking at the city's history and buildings. After that, the afternoon and evening are yours to try the local food scene and check out whatever catches your interest.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière - Day 7
Lyon to Mâcon
The morning brings a relaxed sail on the Saône River heading to Mâcon. You'll explore the Beaujolais wine region known for its fruity red wines made from Gamay grapes. The region produces almost all red wine and focuses heavily on this single grape variety.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
Landmarks Beaujolais Wine Region - Day 8
Tournon
Tournon is a small village right along the Rhône River where a 16th-century castle sits above the town with ancient watchtowers nearby. You can join a guided tour of the village's history and heritage, or take an EmeraldACTIVE guided hike through local vineyards producing some of Europe's best wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
Optional Activities
- Guided hike through the vineyards
Landmarks Tournon Castle - Day 9
Viviers
Viviers is a medieval town with one of France's oldest cathedrals. Your guided walking tour shows off monuments, ornate windows, and decorative building facades throughout the city. Later, there's a CD lecture focused on Art and Culture in Southern France.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
- CD lecture Art & Culture in the South of France
Optional Activities
- Visit to Chauvet Pont d'Arc (extra expense)
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral - Day 10
Avignon
Avignon has deep history going back to Celtic times, then became home to seven Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city was significant in the French Revolution. Your guided tour passes the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and the ancient Pont d'Avignon bridge crossing the Rhône. This evening features a Provençal dinner with Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale followed by a classical concert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Avignon
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Visit to Châteauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon - Day 11
Arles
A guided tour takes you through Arles' Roman history, including the UNESCO-listed amphitheatre from 2,000 years ago and other historic monuments. You'll walk where Vincent van Gogh did, then have the afternoon free to wander the old streets and stop by local cafés at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop
- Provençal Soap Making Workshop
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre - Day 12
Arles to Marseille
After breakfast you'll leave the ship and head to the airport, taking with you memories of the French countryside and the food you experienced along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
