Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll arrive at Lyon airport and meet the Emerald Cruises team for your transfer to the Star-Ship. Plan to get there before 4:30 PM so you'll have time to settle in and get oriented before dinner.
Landmarks Lyon 
- Day 2
Lyon
Start with a guided walk through Lyon's historic center, taking in the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the old cobblestone streets that show off the city's Roman past. If you prefer, there's a guided bike tour option instead. Later in the day you'll have free time to try some of Lyon's food scene, which is worth the leisurely approach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
- Lyon by Night (extra expense)
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviève 
- Day 3
Lyon to Mâcon
The morning brings a relaxed sail along the Saône river heading toward Mâcon. From there, you'll visit the Beaujolais wine region for a guided tasting where you'll learn about the Gamay grape variety that dominates the area's production. It's a straightforward day of travel and wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
Landmarks Beaujolais Wine Region - Day 4
Tournon
You'll arrive in Tournon and see the 16th century castle right away, sitting on the hills above the Rhône. There's a choice here: either take a guided tour through the village to learn about its local culture, or join a hiking group through the vineyards to see where some of Europe's better wines come from.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided hike through the vineyards
Landmarks Tournon Castle - Day 5
Viviers
Viviers comes next, a town with strong medieval character and one of France's oldest cathedrals. Your guided walking tour shows off the grand monuments, detailed windows, and decorated building fronts. That evening there's an EmeraldPLUS lecture about art and culture in Southern France to round out the day.
- 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 Chauvet Pont D'Arc - Day 6
Avignon
Arriving in Avignon, you'll explore a city that was home to seven Popes in succession. The guided tour covers the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon crossing the Rhône, both UNESCO sites. Dinner comes from Fabien Morreale, a Top Chef finalist, followed by a classical concert as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dining experience prepared by Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Chateauneuf du Pape 
- Day 7
Arles
Arles is your destination, and you'll walk through what used to be a major Phoenician trading post taken over by Romans. The guided tour highlights the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and other Roman and Romanesque buildings, all UNESCO listed. You'll also see places connected to Vincent van Gogh, then the rest of the day is yours to wander and relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
- Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
- Provencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre Les Baux de Provence 
- Day 8
Arles to Nice
After breakfast you'll leave the Star-Ship and head to Nice by transfer. You'll check into your hotel in the center of Nice for three nights, getting settled in the Côte d'Azur's main city right on the Mediterranean.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Nice 
- Day 9
Nice to Monaco and Monte Carlo
A local guide takes you around the French Riviera's coastal areas, then the afternoon is free time. Later you can visit Monte Carlo for a guided look at this glamorous spot, checking out the Prince's Palace of Monaco, which was originally a Genoese fortress and was once home to Grace Kelly.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Landmarks Prince's Palace of Monaco Monte Carlo 
- Day 10
Nice
Nice is open to explore on your own schedule. The city's known for its style, beaches, and upscale vibe, so there's a lot to see and do. Your tour director is available if you want help planning what to do or where to go.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit to Saint Paul de Vence (extra expense)
Landmarks Saint Paul de Vence - Day 11
Nice to Airport
After breakfast you'll say goodbye to the other travelers and get transferred to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Roman ruins and the French Riviera's coastal beauty with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
