Itinerary
- Day 1
Nice to Arles
You'll arrive at Nice airport and get transferred to Arles, where you'll board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening features a welcome reception and dinner, giving you a chance to meet other guests and settle in for the journey ahead.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception and dinner with fellow guests)
- Day 2
Arles
Start with a guided tour of Roman Arles, including the 2,000-year-old amphitheatre that's still standing after all these centuries. You'll learn about Van Gogh's time here and what drew him to the city. After that, you'll have free time to wander around on your own before dinner, where chef Fabien Morreale hosts a Provençal meal for everyone on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale
Optional Activities
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
- Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
- Provencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre - Day 3
Avignon
A guided walking tour takes you through Avignon's history, with focus on its days as a papal residence. The Palais des Papes is the main attraction here, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its distinctive Gothic exterior. Later in the evening, there's a classical concert as part of the EmeraldPLUS program included with your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks Palais des Papes 
- Day 4
Viviers
You'll explore the medieval town of Viviers with its narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings that line the old neighborhoods. A guided walking tour covers the heart of the Old Town, showing off the local architecture and regional heritage that makes this place feel frozen in time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
Optional Activities
- CD lecture Art & Culture in the South of France
- Visit to Chauvet Pont D'Arc (extra expense)
- Day 5
Tournon
The ship sails down the Rhône River toward Tournon, and you'll see a 16th-century castle and ancient watchtowers from the water. Once there, you can choose between a guided town tour that covers local history and culture, or an active guided hike through the vineyards if you prefer something more physical.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
Optional Activities
- Guided hike through the vineyards
- Day 6
Macon
After a morning on the Saône River heading to Macon, you'll get to know the Beaujolais wine region, which produces distinctive Gamay red wines. An included wine tasting lets you try some of the region's celebrated bottles and understand what sets them apart.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
- Day 7
Lyon
Lyon is one of France's largest cities and a former Roman capital known for its outstanding local cuisine. You can join a guided walking tour featuring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, or opt for an active guided bike tour to see the city's architectural highlights from a different angle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
- Lyon by Night (extra expense)
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière 
- Day 8
Lyon to Airport
After breakfast, you'll disembark from the Star-Ship and head to the airport. You're leaving with memories of French architecture, vineyards, and the River valleys you've traveled through over the past week.
- Meals
- Breakfast
