Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
An Emerald Cruises representative meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel in central Paris. Your accommodation puts you right among the city's main attractions and the wide, tree-lined boulevards that Paris is known for.
- Day 2
Paris
A local guide takes you through Paris's highlights, stopping at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. Later in the day, you'll board a river cruise along the Seine that sails toward the Eiffel Tower, giving you a different perspective of the city from the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Paris
- Seine river cruise
Landmarks Notre Dame Cathedral Arc de Triomphe Eiffel Tower 
- Day 3
Paris to Lyon
After breakfast, you'll take the train from Paris to Lyon. Once you arrive, board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and meet the captain and crew. Settle into your cabin this evening and enjoy your first dinner on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (First dinner on board with fellow guests)
Included Activities
- Transfer from Paris to Lyon by rail
- Welcome aboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Optional Activities
- Lyon by Night tour (extra expense)
- Day 4
Lyon
Lyon is France's third-largest city and known for its food scene. You can choose between a guided city tour that covers the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviѐre and the old cobblestone streets, or take a guided bike tour instead. The afternoon is free, so you'll have time to wander around and see more of the city's history on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière - Day 5
Lyon to Mâcon
The ship sails at a relaxed pace along the Saône river heading to the town of Mâcon. From there, you can reach the Beaujolais wine region, which produces fruity red wines from the Gamay grape. This grape makes up 99 percent of all the wine produced in the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
- Day 6
Tournon
You stop in Tournon, a village sitting along the Rhône river with a 16th century castle overlooking the water and old watchtowers nearby. A guided tour shows you the town's cultural heritage and history. There's also a guided hike through the vineyards if that interests you more.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
Optional Activities
- Guided hike through the vineyards
- Day 7
Viviers
Viviers is a medieval town with one of France's oldest cathedrals at its center. Your walking tour points out the city's notable buildings with their detailed windows and decorated facades. You'll also attend a CD lecture about 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)
- Day 8
Avignon
Avignon has a long history going back to Celtic times and later became home to seven Popes from 1309 to 1377. Your walking tour takes you past the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and the old Pont d'Avignon bridge. After, there's a Provençal dinner on board and a classical concert in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dining experience expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided 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 Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon 
- Day 9
Arles
Head to Arles, which started as a Phoenician trading port and later became a Roman city with significant historical architecture. A guided tour shows you the UNESCO World Heritage Roman and Romanesque buildings, including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre. You'll also learn about Vincent van Gogh's connection to the city. After lunch, you'll have free time to check out local cafes and explore on your own before heading back to your Star-Ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
- Provençal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre 
- Day 10
Arles to Nice
Following breakfast, you say goodbye to your fellow passengers and leave the Star-Ship for a transfer to the airport. You take with you memories of the French countryside and all the good meals you've had along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
