Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Lyon
Your adventure starts when you arrive at the airport and get picked up for transfer to the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Once on board, you'll have time to settle into your cabin and get oriented before the river cruise begins.
- Day 2
Lyon
Lyon opens up with several options depending on what interests you most. A guided city tour takes in the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the historic cobblestone streets throughout the old town. If you prefer a different pace, there's a guided bike tour available, or you can head out to the charming village of Pérouges instead. For food lovers, a private culinary experience lets you dig into Lyon's reputation as France's gastronomic center.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon with cheese tasting
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
- Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière - Day 3
Lyon to Macon
The ship sails south on the Saone river toward Macon, which gives you a relaxing morning on the water. When you arrive, you'll explore the Beaujolais wine region with its characteristic fruity Gamay wines. A wine tasting is included, so you get to try several local varieties and learn about the area's winemaking traditions.
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
- Day 4
Tournon
Tournon welcomes you with a 16th-century castle that dominates the skyline and overlooks the entire village. You can join a guided tour that walks through the local heritage and history, or if you're more active, there's an optional guided hike through the vineyards surrounding the town. Either way, the views from up high are pretty great.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided hike through the vineyards
- Day 5
Viviers
Viviers is a medieval town with one of France's oldest cathedrals at its heart. The included walking tour highlights the spectacular monuments, ornate windows, and lavish facades throughout the town. You can also opt for a Provencal soap-making workshop if you want something hands-on, or take a trip to the famous Chauvet Cave to see prehistoric paintings.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
Optional Activities
- Provencal soap-making workshop
- Visit to Chauvet Pont D'Arc (extra expense)
- Day 6
Avignon
Historic Avignon comes into view with its connection to 14th-century papal history and the famous lavender fields nearby. The included walking tour covers the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and the ancient Pont d'Avignon. Later in the day, you can visit the lavender fields, go canoeing, or attend a classical concert if you want an evening activity.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Tour to Lavender Fields
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Private hidden Gems tour of Avignon (extra expense)
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon 
- Day 7
Arles
Arles shows off its Roman heritage with significant sites from when it was an important trading port centuries ago. Your included tour walks through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and locations connected to Vincent van Gogh. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to wander around at leisure. Later, you'll return to the ship for a Provencal dinner prepared by Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale.
- Meals
- Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
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)
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre 
- Day 8
Arles to Nice
After breakfast on the ship, you'll disembark and transfer to Nice for a three-night stay at a centrally located hotel on the Côte d'Azur. This is where the river cruise portion ends and your beach time begins.
- Day 9
Monaco and Monte Carlo
A local guide takes you through the French Riviera with a stop in Monte Carlo for an inside look at this glamorous destination known from classic films. You'll see the Prince's Palace of Monaco, which started as a Genoese fortress and later became home to Grace Kelly. The afternoon is free for exploring on your own.
Included Activities
- A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Landmarks Prince's Palace of Monaco - Day 10
Nice
Nice is yours to do with as you please today. The city has a glamorous reputation backed up by sun-kissed beaches and upscale surroundings, so there's plenty to see and do at your own pace. Your tour director is available if you need help planning what to check out. There's also an optional visit to the charming medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence if you want a guided excursion.
Optional Activities
- Visit to Saint Paul de Vence (extra expense)
- Day 11
Departure from Nice
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and head to the airport for your onward or homebound flight. You'll leave with memories of Roman amphitheatres, river cruises through the Rhone Valley, and the lush surroundings of the French Riviera.
