Itinerary
- Day 1
Marseille to Arles
You'll meet your group at Marseille airport and get transferred to Arles, where the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship will be waiting. Board the ship and settle in for the evening. There's a welcome reception and dinner with the other guests, so you'll get to meet people right away.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception and dinner)
- Day 2
Arles
You'll start with a guided tour through Arles, checking out the ancient amphitheatre and the UNESCO World Heritage sites that make this place historically significant. After learning about the Roman structures, your guide covers Vincent van Gogh's years in the city and what drew him to paint here, connecting the locations to his most recognizable pieces. Then you have time to walk around on your own, maybe grabbing lunch at a local spot or just wandering the streets to get a feel for the place. By evening, chef Fabien Morreale hosts a Provençal dinner where you'll try regional dishes and get a sense of how people actually eat in this part of France.
- Meals
- Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles
- Visit Arles Amphitheatre
Optional Activities
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
- Provencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)
- Leisure time to explore Arles
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre Arles - Day 3
Avignon
Avignon's got medieval history all over it. There's a guided walking tour that takes you through the Palais des Papes (also UNESCO World Heritage listed) and through the historic market area. Later this evening, there's a classical concert included as part of the EmeraldPLUS program, so you'll have something nice to do after dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon with market visit
- 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 head to Viviers today, which has this charming medieval feel with pastel buildings and narrow cobblestone streets everywhere. The guided walking tour takes you through the Old Town, and it really does feel like stepping into a traditional French village. It's a smaller stop but worth seeing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
Optional Activities
- Visit to Chauvet Pont D'Arc (extra expense)
- Day 5
Tournon
The ship sails down the Rhône River to Tournon. There's a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village, plus old watchtowers scattered around. You can either do a guided tour that includes wine tasting, or if you're more active, there's the EmeraldACTIVE option which is a guided hike through the local vineyards. Pick whichever suits your energy level.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon with wine tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided hike through the vineyards
- Day 6
Vienne
Vienne has deep roots going back to Roman times and it's an important historical spot in the Rhone-Alpes region. The walking tour shows you monuments from both the Roman period and the medieval era. After that, you'll head back to the ship for a cheese and olive tasting session on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne
- Cheese and olive tasting on board
- Day 7
Lyon
Lyon is a major French city and was the Roman capital at one point. It's famous for its food culture. For the day, you can join a guided walking tour that includes the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviève (UNESCO World Heritage site), or choose a guided bike tour to see the architecture and historic spots around the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tastes of Lyon
- Walking tour of Lyon including Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière
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, it's time to leave the ship and head to the airport for your transfer. You'll have memories of the French architecture and vineyards from your week on the river. Say goodbye to the people you've met and head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
