Idyllic Rhône

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.

Fly from the UK to Marseille.Upon arrival in Nice, transfer to Tarascon, where you’ll board your Scenic Space-Ship.  

Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views.

This evening you will be welcomed with a cocktail reception. 

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

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.

Wake this morning in the city of Arles. Founded by Julius Caesar, this coastal city is rich in Roman history and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after The Eternal City itself. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for a multitude of his paintings and drawings.
 

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided tour of Arles: Take a short walk from your Scenic Space-Ship to the heart of Arles. Arles is the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Las Arenas, an amphitheatre that seats 20,000 and is still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light on your tour of Arles, a city that has inspired many artists.

Les Baux & Olive Farm visit: Drive to the town of Les Baux, located in Les Alpilles range of mountains, passing through olive groves and vineyards. The medieval city is dominated by the ruins of the fortified 11th century castle, where the powerful Le Baux family ruled for 600 years until the 15th century. The cobblestoned old town is very attractive and is home to many shops, cafes and restaurants. Visit an olive farm and enjoy a tasting.

On board painting class: Vincent Van Gogh once said, 'The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France'. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while joining an on board painting class.

Lavender Fields to Cream: A Provence Herbal Workshop: The Provence region is renowned for its stunning landscapes and the production of aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. On this excursion, you'll visit a local organic farm specializing in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other Provençal herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender-based cream to take home.

After lunch, your Space-Ship will sail towards Avignon. Admire the rolling landscapes in the comfort of your Suite or perhaps relax with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. 

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.

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.

Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture but has a youthful energy to it with a buzzing arts scene. The former 14th century papal capital is circled by city walls, home to the magnificent World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.  

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided walking tour: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk in Avignon to the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace comprises numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.

Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.

Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Gourmands can join Scenic’s on board chef on a visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship, head to the Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought.

Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a very fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines. 

This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms some 30 metres above the Rhône, which provides excellent views over the city and river, as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.  

Enrich
Tonight’s Scenic Enrich:

Classical Concert at Pope’s Palace: After the doors close to the general public, you will gain exclusive access to the Pope’s Palace in Avignon for a private classical concert. With a glass of Champagne, you will witness virtuoso musicians performing Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi in this 14th-century palace.

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture.  

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Viviers: Enjoy a walking tour with your local guide to explore Viviers, a town with an important heritage and rich past. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent, which was first built in the 11th century and is resplendent in 18th-century gothic style and a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.

French Resistance Walking Tour: During a walking tour of Viviers, learn about the French Resistance, who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Hear local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town.

Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration to the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure in this beautiful region of France. 

This afternoon will be spent on board cruising towards Vienne. Perhaps you’d like to join a class in Scenic Culinaire to sharpen your skills in French cookery by learning how to make a delicious regional dish.  

Cruising along the Rhône River, your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is blanketed with Roman history, including a terraced theatre, first century temple, ancient baths, and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held.

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre: Take a walking tour in Vienne to uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. You will visit one of the best-preserved Roman theatres, which was built against the steep slopes of a hill and housed more than 10,000 spectators.

Cycling tour of Vienne: On this cycling tour through Vienne and neighbouring Saint-Romain-en-Gal, you will see abundant evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman provincial centre. A marvellously preserved Roman temple stands proud in the town centre, a monument to Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. On the opposite bank of the river are the ruins of a once-thriving district complete with bath houses, villas and industries. A museum exhibits some of the magnificent mosaics and artefacts found here. Nature lovers will enjoy the detour upstream to the Ile Barlet, a river island boasting poplar groves, alluvial forest and wild orchids.

You’ll wake this morning in the town of Macon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Macon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, producing exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and sparkling. 

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Beaujolais region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy the privilege of sampling some of the region’s best drops. On your tour you will also visit Oingt in the Land of Golden Stones, so named for the limestone used to build the villages in the region.

Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey: Step back in time to the medieval town of Cluny, which is famous for its Benedictine Abbey, which was once the largest Christian building in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history and soak up its charm during free time.

Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Transfer by coach to the historic Château de Cormatin, built in 1606. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour.

Goat Farm Visit with tasting: Visit an organic goat cheese farm and learn about open air farming, as well as the wild herbs that goats eat that makes milk much more tasteful. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the delectable cheese produced on site accompanied with a glass of locally produced wine.

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.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Lyon today, France’s third largest city and one of its most culturally vibrant, with a blend of fascinating history and a sophisticated dining and shopping scene. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants, including 20 that hold Michelin stars – eating well is a way of life here.

Freechoice:
Choose one from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the 4th Century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.

Excursion to Perouges: Visit the medieval walled village of Perouges, perched atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. This enchanting village has been beautifully preserved since the 14th century and is one of the most picturesque in the region, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.

Silk Painting Workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage in silk production that dates back almost five centuries when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During a workshop, learn about the history and process of silk production.

Guided cycling tour to Tête d’or Park: With a local guide, cycle along Lyon’s many bike lanes to charming Tête d’or Park. At 105 hectares, it is one of France’s largest urban parks and features a sprawling lake, with Souvenir Island at its centre, a botanical garden, rose garden and greenhouse, and a zoo. 

This evening, enjoy the extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Enjoy culinary creations inspired by this wonderful region. 

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.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.