Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon and get picked up from the airport for transfer to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Once on board, you'll have time to settle into your cabin and get oriented with the ship before the week begins.
Optional Activities
- Lyon by Night
- Day 2
Lyon
Take a guided tour through Lyon's gastronomic center, walking past the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and wandering through historic cobblestone streets. If you'd rather bike, there's a guided bike tour option, or you could pay extra to visit the medieval town of Pérouges instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon with cheese tasting
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviève - Day 3
Beaujolais Wine Region
Start with a morning sail along the Saône river heading toward the charming town of Mâcon. Once there, you'll explore the Beaujolais wine region, which is known for its Gamay grape variety and red wines. You'll get to do a wine tasting experience during your time in the area.
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
- Day 4
Tournon
You'll arrive in Tournon, a village that sits along the Rhône river with a 16th-century castle overlooking it. Take a guided tour to walk through the village and learn about its cultural heritage and landmarks, or you can go on an EmeraldACTIVE guided hike through the vineyards nearby if you prefer.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided hike through the vineyards
Landmarks Tournon Castle 
- Day 5
Viviers
You'll dock in Viviers, a medieval town with one of France's oldest cathedrals. The included walking tour covers the city's monuments, ornate windows, and lavish facades. Later, there's an optional CD lecture on Art and Culture in the South of France, or you can visit the prehistoric Chauvet Pont d'Arc cave at additional cost.
- 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
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral 
- Day 6
Avignon
Arrive in Avignon and tour the city's history from Celtic times through its papal period and French Revolution significance. You'll see lavender fields, with chances to try canoeing. For dinner, chef Fabien Morreale (Top Chef finalist) prepares a Provençal meal, followed by a classical concert. Pont du Gard and Châteauneuf du Pape winery visits are available as optional activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dinner on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Tour to Lavender Fields
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
- Classical concert in Avignon
- Guided tour of Avignon
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting
Landmarks Lavender Fields of Provence Pont du Gard Châteauneuf du Pape 
- Day 7
Arles
Head to Arles, an ancient Phoenician port that developed into a major Roman city. The included tour shows UNESCO-listed Roman and Romanesque sites, including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre. You can walk Van Gogh's routes, sit at local cafés, and explore on your own before returning to ship. Optional activities include Les Baux de Provence, a Van Gogh painting workshop, or a Provençal soap-making class (75°F/24°C).
- 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
- Provencal Soap Making Workshop
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre Les Baux de Provence 
- Day 8
Departure from Nice
After breakfast, you'll leave your Star-Ship and get transferred to the airport. You'll head home with memories of the French countryside, the rivers, and the food you experienced during the cruise.
