Culinary Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Welcome to France and Lyon, a historic city situated halfway between Paris and the Côte d'Azur, at the confluence of the beautiful Rhône and Saône rivers. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board. Later, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow guests.

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Lyon by night (extra expense)
Experience Lyon in a whole new light as the city comes alive after dusk. Stroll through illuminated streets, where centuries of history blend with modern vibrancy. From the glowing façades of Old Lyon to the shimmering reflections on the Saône, every corner tells a story. Marvel at the breathtaking view from Fourvière Hill, where the cityscape sparkles beneath the starry skies. Discover the charm of the World Heritage-listed Presqu'île, resplendent with beautifully-lit squares and fountains. Let the enchanting atmosphere of Lyon by night leave you spellbound.

Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 04:30 PM.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

The third-largest city in France and a flourishing trading city since Roman times, the stunning city of Lyon is steeped in history. With its superbly preserved historic quarters, a significant section of Lyon has been designated a World Heritage-listed Site, which contains the emblematic Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Lyon is arguably most famous for its outstanding cuisine and culinary heritage, considered the heart of gastronomy in France and one of the world’s premier food capitals. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample an array of exceptional culinary delights, accompanied by some of Europe’s finest wines.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon with cheese tasting
Discover the gastronomic heart of France on a flavourful journey through Lyon. Wander through the city’s charming streets with a local expert and explore the traditions and specialties that shaped its renowned culinary culture. The highlight of today’s tour is a guided visit to the incredible Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, an iconic city market showcasing the excellence of French cuisine. Meet dedicated artisans, observe their craft, and learn the stories behind Lyon’s celebrated gastronomic heritage. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s outstanding artisan cheeses–a rich, immersive culinary experience for food lovers.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Lyon
For those feeling more energetic, explore the highlights of Lyon on two wheels, as part of a guided e-bike tour through this enchanting city.

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
Located on a small hill overlooking the Ain River valley north of Lyon, this compact medieval walled town thrives on its local wine and weaving industries. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, a variety of fascinating buildings, including a fortified church and the house of the Princes of Savoy, invite you to stroll the quaint cobblestone streets. Explore from the upper gate to the 15th-century church, the main street ‘Rue des Rondes’, passing the 33-metre-deep well and the Maison du Sergent de Justice, distinctive with its round tower. A lovely place to relax with a drink, you’ll soon understand why this picturesque location has been used as the backdrop for numerous films, including the French classic, ‘The Three Musketeers.’

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, the Beaujolais region is well-known for its distinctive wines produced here, particularly the world-famous Beaujolais Nouveau. The Beaujolais wine region is renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines produced with the Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of Gamay grapes makes Beaujolais one of several regions across the world that focus solely on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99 percent of the total wine production in the Beaujolais wine region.

Included Excursion
Beaujolais wine tasting
Journey through the rolling hills and charming villages of the Beaujolais region, a landscape shaped by centuries of winemaking traditions. Accompanied by a local wine expert, explore the area’s distinctive terroirs that give Beaujolais its lively, expressive character — from fresh, fruit-forward crus to elegant, refined vintages. Enjoy guided tastings as you uncover the craftsmanship, history, and passion behind each pour. A refined and engaging experience created especially for wine lovers.

Today, you’ll arrive in Tournon, a charming village that borders the gently meandering Rhône. Picturesque Tournon is dominated by a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village and several iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers and impressive Roman relics.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon with wine tasting
Led by an expert local guide, enjoy a walking tour that highlights the village’s intangible cultural heritage. You’ll also learn about the area’s rich history of viticulture and enjoy a special wine tasting of the local varieties.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards
Alternatively, for those feeling more active, join a guided hike through the verdant local vineyards. As you take in the bucolic splendour that surrounds you, marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes that are selected to produce some of the finest wines in Europe. 

Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town's Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers' tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.

Welcome to Viviers, a small walled village in southern France that dates back to ancient Roman times. This delightful village is best known for its impressive medieval cathedral – one of the oldest in France – as well as romantic views across the beautiful Rhône River.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers
Today, your included walking tour with a local guide through charming Viviers will highlight many of the village’s striking monuments, distinctive for their ornate windows and lavish façades.

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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)
Embark on a transformative journey as you delve into the fascinating Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum, an awe-inspiring testament to the indomitable spirit of human creativity. Let the luminosity of knowledge guide your steps as you traverse this cavernous expanse. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who breathes life into the ancient canvases that adorn the largest decorated cave replica in the world.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Set along the banks of the Rhône River in the celebrated region of Provence, the fortified city of Avignon bears a rich and illustrious history – from Celtic beginnings to the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. This legacy is evident today in the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), which is surrounded by medieval stone ramparts and an assortment of grand palaces and courtyards. Avignon also played a significant role in the nation-defining French Revolution during the late 18th century.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon with market visit
Discover the charm of Avignon on a guided walk through its historic streets, from medieval ramparts to lively local squares. Today’s walk leads you into the vibrant Les Halles d’Avignon, the city’s covered market, where colourful stalls and Provençal aromas capture the spirit of southern France. Learn about regional traditions, daily life, and the city’s rich heritage as your guide brings Avignon’s stories to life. Enjoy a delightful immersion in the culture and evocative atmosphere at the heart of Provence. 

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef, Fabien Morreale
This evening, you’ll enjoy an exclusive Provençal dining experience on board your Emerald Star-Ship, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. This celebrated French chef will prepare a special Provençal dinner menu just for you to enjoy and savour the authentic flavours of the gastronomic region of Provence, paired with fine wines.  

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon
After your exclusive Provençal dinner, later this evening, you’re invited to another unforgettable experience: an exclusive classical concert performed within the halls of one of the ancient churches in Avignon.

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
At the heart of Provence, the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard Aqueduct presents one of humankind’s great masterpieces. Technically and architecturally impressive, this three-level Roman aqueduct served as an aqueduct until the 6th century A.D., transporting thousands of gallons of water per day. Later, it was used as a toll gate before transforming into a road bridge. On this fascinating guided tour, you’ll also visit the small Roman town of Uzès. Explore the circular streets that once protected the medieval castle and sample some of the region’s delicious cuisine in the local restaurants.

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Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Enjoy sampling some of the local wines during a private tasting within the delightful village of Chateauneuf du Pape, known for its fine red wines, storied viticulture and charming medieval lanes.

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

The glorious past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who liberally peppered the city with iconic monuments that are still clearly evident today.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Today, your included tour of this city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries. Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh; some of his legendary artwork was inspired by the dazzling beauty of the surrounding area. 

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh with a painting workshop (extra expense)
Follow in the footsteps of celebrated artist Vincent van Gogh as you explore the beautiful landscapes that inspired his iconic works. Afterwards, take part in a painting workshop, where you’ll try your hand at recreating the vibrant scenes that captured the artist’s imagination. You’ll get to keep your own masterpiece inspired by Van Gogh’s legacy and then take this home as a unique souvenir to keep.

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
Set at the heart of the Alpilles regional country park, the World Heritage-listed Les Baux de Provence is recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Situated at a fortified rocky site between Arles and St. Remy-de-Provence, explore the Old Village with its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval stone buildings. Compact and brimming with shops and restaurants, the village retains a traditional lifestyle while being regarded as an outstanding attraction. The high, rocky pinnacle of Château-Fortress des Baux extends to the southwest of the village and reveals incredible views from the hilltop.

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside, exceptional gastronomic and world-famous wines.

Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 AM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.