Your Great French Escape

Your Great

FRENCH Escape 2022 & 2023 France River Cruising

FRENCH Few countries spark the emotions quite like France, a land of elegance and grace, filled with a passion for fine wine and good food.

Emerald Liberté

With our stylish and spacious Star-Ship, Emerald Liberté, which has been specially appointed to traverse the romantic Rhône and Saône rivers, France’s sublime rolling hills, charming towns and iconic cities, set against its iconic and historic backdrop, are waiting for you to explore.

Your next great escape is on the horizon and a river cruise through France is a 'fantastique' choice.

Explore Southern France

Contents

This was my first ever river cruise. I have been thoroughly impressed and felt content every minute of every day.

Emerald Cruises guest sailing the Rhône, May 2022

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CLICK HERE to discover more about our France river cruises

Page

Cruise with confidence

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A wealth of generous inclusions

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EmeraldDISCOVERY

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EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE

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Explore France

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Our award-winning Emerald Liberté Star-Ship

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France River Cruise Offers & Inclusions

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2022 & 2023 France River Cruises Sensations of Lyon & Provence

16-19

Extend Your Stay

20-23

CLICK HERE to book your France river cruise

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Cruise with

You're in safe hands

Let us take care of you

Ship Expe

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On board pool

Small Ship Experts

Don’t just take our word for it

When travelling with Emerald Cruises, you’ll benefit from the small ship experience, enjoying the intimacy of small guest numbers paired with the spacious surrounds of our innovative Star-Ship, Emerald Liberté. Every part of our award-winning cruises have been designed with you in mind.

Emerald Cruises are fully accredited by ATOL, ABTA and IATA, and for the second year running we are delighted to gain a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, presented only to brands that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer service.

The state-of-the-art Emerald Liberté caters for just 132 guests, letting you meet like-minded travellers in a more intimate group, whilst allowing you to have plenty of room for yourself.

Our commitment to our guests and crew, the guest experience and their health, safety and well-being remains our key priority. This year we are delighted to retain the recognition of Which? as a recommended river cruise provider, confirming our commitment to excellence and exceeding guest expectations.

Our Flexible Booking Policy With our Flexible Booking Policy, you can defer your travel plans and transfer to an alternative departure date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to your cruise commencing with no Emerald Cruises fees (third party fees may apply). This policy is available for new bookings across our 2022 France river cruises.

Cruise with Confidence We are working closely with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), local and international Government Health agencies, to ensure our protocols exceed the latest regulatory requirements. We are ensuring you can travel with complete confidence that your well-being and safety are taken care of to the highest standard. We are continuously updating our protocols to safeguard both the health, safety and the experience of our valued guests.

We’ve created our book with confidence assurance to give you complete peace of mind when booking your next getaway with us.

Fresh air and open spaces

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Relax and cruise with confidence

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Confidence

CLICK HERE for more information on our book with confidence assurance

Voted Best River Cruise Line for Value for 5 years running 2015 - 2019

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A wealth of

generous inclusions

Always included You can look forward to an exciting collection of included excursions and experiences, hand picked to make the most out of your time in the South of France. From guided hikes and bike rides, canoeing excursions and walking tours of iconic towns and cities, to wine tasting, and exclusive experiences with local residents that will truly immerse you into local life. Whether you are seeking adventure, or just want to relax, there is something for everyone on an Emerald Cruises French river cruise.

Enjoy all of these inclusions on our collection of French river cruises...

■ Return flights from a choice of up to 16 UK regional

airports. No-fly options are also available via Eurostar at no additional cost ■ Airport transfers to and from Emerald Liberté ■ Stylish accommodation on board the Emerald

Liberté Star-Ship ■ Spectacular innovations such as an indoor pool which

transforms into a cinema at night ■ All on board meals including a collection of highlight

dinners at Reflections Restaurant, or breakfast and a light lunch at The Terrace ■ Enjoy a delicious selection of wine, beer and soft drinks at

meal times on board ■ From luscious lattes to creamy cappuccinos, our

state-of-the-art coffee machines are yours to enjoy throughout your cruise ■ Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin ■ Enjoy an included excursion almost every day of

your cruise Explore iconic vineyards

Guided bike rides

We include return flights, transfers and even all gratuities in the price you pay, as well as delicious regionally inspired meals and selected drinks at meal times. On board Emerald Liberté, stylish accommodation comes complete with modern amenities, so whether you are spending time on board, or exploring onshore, we include a wealth of experiences and inclusions to help you make memories that last a lifetime.

■ Extra-special excursions and experiences courtesy of our

EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programmes

Whether you’re meandering through the world-famous wine vineyards of Tournon or uncovering the historic Roman influence and architecture in Avignon, when you book a holiday with us you can rest assured knowing that a generous list of inclusions are always available for every Emerald Cruises guest.

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■ Visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites

■ First-class service from an English-speaking crew

Prefer not to fly?

■ ESPA luxury toiletries on board ■ Knowledgeable local guides at every destination

On selected France itineraries we offer travel via Eurostar and rail at no extra cost. A great alternative to flying, sit back and relax as you make your way to Emerald Liberté’s docking location.

■ Wi-Fi on board ■ On board bicycles ■ Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points for every Emerald

Cruises river cruise, entitling you to exclusive benefits

For more information CLICK HERE

■ All airport taxes and port charges ■ ABTA & ATOL protected ■ All gratuities on board †

Enjoy delicious dining on board

To find out more about our generous inclusions CLICK HERE

Amenities differ by ship

For more details on our generous inclusions CLICK HERE CLICK HERE to book your France river cruise

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Fall in love with France with

EmeraldDISCOVERY Your cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers is sure to provide many magical moments in breathtaking destinations. Our hand-crafted itineraries and EmeraldDISCOVERY programme will provide the perfect platform for you to explore the South of France with in style.

Whether you prefer to explore independently or as part of a guided tour, each port of call will bring you a wealth of knowledge and culture, with our included excursions designed to help bring each destination to life.

St. Georges, Lyon, France

Chef Fabien Morreale

EmeraldPLUS

Included Excursion Led in small groups and at different paces to suit all our guests' needs, our itineraries through the heart of France all offer a selection of included excursions, each giving in-depth and expansive experiences so you have the opportunity to see the very best of each destination we visit.

Discover UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites with our EmeraldPLUS, EmeraldACTIVE and DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences, which provide an in-depth and sometimes exclusive look at each fascinating destination we visit.

Designed to show the destinations we visit in a different light, our EmeraldPLUS programme will enable you to see places from a different perspective bringing memorable experiences that go above and beyond that of the ordinary traveller. Exclusive to Emerald Cruises, you can enjoy an extra-special Provençal-influenced dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale.

DiscoverMORE We offer a selection of special DiscoverMORE optional excursions designed to enable you to see and do even more. Available at an additional cost, these immersive experiences present opportunities to delve deeper into each destination and acquaint yourself with each destination's natural beauty, history and culture.

Activity Manager

EmeraldACTIVE For the more active Emerald Cruises guests, we have our amazing EmeraldACTIVE programme. Venture off Emerald Liberté and participate in a guided hike through the vineyards of Tournon, enjoy a guided bike ride around Lyon, and experience canoeing in Avignon. Even join our activity managers or wellness coach for classes on board, and with our on board gym you can continue your own fitness regime.

For more details on our generous inclusions CLICK HERE

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To find out more about our included excursions and experiences CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for more information.

Avignon concert

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Provence

Explore

France Beginning in Lyon, the meandering Rhône River carves a path through the South of France through Lyon, Tournon, Avignon and Arles, as it makes its way to the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful part of France is home to an abundance of history; with medieval towns, Roman ruins and Gallic heritage all offering an insight into the charming past, and stunning scenery as dramatic mountain ranges, rustic settlements and endless lavender fields line the Rhône’s riverbanks.

Aix-en-Provence, France

Famed for its iconic lavender fields, delicious wines and countryside landscapes, Provence is surely one of the most beautiful regions in the South of France. The beauty of Provence has inspired some of the world’s most famous artists throughout the centuries, and looking at its serene surroundings, it’s clear to see why. Those who visit Provence once find themselves returning to this stunning region again and again, with so much to discover throughout. A taste of Provençal food is not to be missed, from its classic bakeries to its open-air markets offering meats and vegetables, this area is truly a feast for all the senses.

Arles

France's third-largest city, Lyon, will mark the start of your Rhône river cruise. As a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Lyon has a wealth of striking architectural landmarks and is dubbed unofficially 'world capital of gastronomy' due to its unmatched culinary scene.

Once an important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who then covered the city with iconic monuments, the past is yours to discover in Arles. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles perfectly showcase how the city has evolved from one century to the next. You can follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent Van Gogh and visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre, then meander between the countless local cafés and bars as you make your way back to Emerald Liberté.

Arles, France

Avignon Take a step back in time on your visit to Avignon. The city, surrounded by beautifully-preserved medieval walls, is packed with fascinating architecture and historic civic buildings. At the centre of Avignon’s old-world charm is Palais des Papes – regarded as a ‘must see’, this is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and is recognised as one of the continent’s great architectural achievements.

Exploring Southern France with Emerald Cruises exceeded all expectations.

First class in all aspects.

Emerald Cruises guest on board Emerald Liberté, May 2022 Avignon bridge, Provence, France

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CLICK HERE to discover France in more detail

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Our award-winning

Emerald Liberté Star-Ship

Horizon Bar & Lounge An open and contemporary meeting place.

Enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or a hot drink as you unwind in the plush seating area.

Sun Deck Enjoy the best views of the river from this spacious vantage point. Bask in the sunshine as you enjoy a drink or challenge a fellow guest to some putting.

Pool & Evening Cinema Floor to ceiling windows and a retractable roof are the perfect setting for a leisurely swim. On selected evenings, this space transforms into an evening cinema.

Wellness Area

Suites & Staterooms

Take care of mind, body and soul as you enjoy a range of spa treatments# or maintain your fitness in our well-equipped gym.

Of a standard you would expect from a world-class hotel, our Star-Ships boast some of most stylish suites and staterooms available on Europe’s rivers.

The Terrace This indoor and outdoor space is separated by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Take full advantage of the passing views as you enjoy a light breakfast or lunch.

Reflections Restaurant The centre of our on board dining experience, marvel at the beautiful views of the river, while dining on a menu designed to celebrate seasonal and regional flavours.

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For more information about Emerald Liberté CLICK HERE

Available at additional cost.

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2022 France River Cruise Offer This is your opportunity to sail along the picturesque Rhône and Saône rivers this year.

Save up to £2,600 per couple across our 2022 France river cruise collection

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Enjoy an exclusive €150 per cabin to spend on additional holiday treats whilst on board Emerald Liberté

2023 France River Cruise Offer Plan ahead and book your adventure through the winding lavender fields of Southern France in 2023 and enjoy some exceptional early booking offers.

Save up to £1,400 per couple

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Enjoy a FREE Premium Drinks Package

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Enjoy an exclusive €150 per cabin to spend on additional holiday treats whilst on board Emerald Liberté

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Save up to an extra 10% with our Super Earlybird Offer when you pay your balance in full 12 months prior to departure

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Find out more about our exclusive France river cruise offers CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to book your France river cruise

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Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Beaune Chalon-sur-Saône 7

8-Day Lyon to Arles Departing April - October 2022

Tournon

Rhône River

Viviers 7

Southern France's unrivalled beauty comprises the finest examples of French 15th century architecture, with Roman ruins and sun-soaked vineyards resting at the foot of emphatic mountain ranges. Journey to the country’s gastronomic beating heart, Lyon, before enjoying an exclusive Provençal dinner on board, hosted by renowned French chef, Fabien Morreale.

Saône River

Lyon

Number of nights

River cruise Coach transfer Map is a guide only

Avignon

FRANCE

Arles Marseille

Provençal dinner hosted by chef, Fabian Morreale

Your EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to this itinerary: 4 EmeraldPLUS activities including a

silk presentation on board.

4 EmeraldACTIVE experiences including a guided hike to

the vineyards of Tournon.

6 included excursions including visits to UNESCO World

Heritage-listed sites and a guided tour of Lyon.

Guided canoeing excursion, Avignon, France

Not forgetting our wealth of generous inclusions

Guided tour, Arles, France

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eturn flights from a choice of up to 16 UK regional airports R or travel via Eurostar & rail

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Transfers to and from Emerald Liberté

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7 nights in a suite or stateroom of your choice, all with a river view

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20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners including a Welcome and Farewell Reception and Dinner

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All gratuities on board

Prefer not to fly?

Travel by Eurostar at no additional cost

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CLICK HERE to discover more about our France river cruises

For a full list of our generous inclusions - see page 7

CLICK HERE to book your France river cruise

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Hospices de Beaune, France

St. Georges, Lyon, France

Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tour of Lyon.

Day 1 UK – Lyon Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.

On the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon can be found set across twin hills. Here, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the lush surrounds of the Emerald Liberté Star-Ship.

Meals: Dinner

A bike tour of Lyon A guided tour of Lyon An excursion to Pérouges Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2 Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the areas architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune, originally a hospital for the poor, and now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.

A cheese and olive tasting on board Visit the Hospices de Beaune Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 Tournon The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.

Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.

Day 3 Lyon France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country and the home of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets.

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A silk presentation on board

A regional wine lecture on board A guided bike tour to Glun

Viviers, France

Famous cafe painted by Van Gogh, France

Day 5 Viviers Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour of Viviers will showcase its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.

A guided tour of Viviers

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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A classical concert in Avignon Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 Arles The past is yours to discover in Arles, once an important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles.

A fishing class on the Rhône Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 Avignon Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution.

Your included walking tour of Avignon will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais-des-Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône.

This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.

This evening, enjoy a delightful EmeraldPLUS Provençal dining experience, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.

Provençal dining experience hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale A canoeing excursion in Avignon A guided tour of Avignon

Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

A guided tour of Arles with arena visit An excursion to Camargue Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 Arles – Marseille - UK

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark Emerald Liberté, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.

Meals: Breakfast

A guided hike through the vineyards A guided tour of Tournon

A guided tour of the Pont du Gard

2022 River Cruises

2023 River Cruises

Emerald Stateroom

from £1,695 pp

Emerald Stateroom

from £2,045 pp

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

from £2,395 pp

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

from £2,510 pp

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Why not explore further…

Extend your stay?

Our pre-and post-cruise city stays are perfect for those who want to explore independently and really immerse themselves further into local life. With our Sensations of Lyon & Provence river cruise, you have the option of adding a few extra days to explore Paris, the city of love, discover the quaint surrounds of Aix-en-Provence, or choose a more relaxed stay in Nice, exploring its breathtaking coastline.

Our city stays include breakfast as standard, along with a guided tour, before having plenty of time to explore independently at your own pace. In addition, our luxury hotels have been specially selected for their impeccable service and great locations.

Venture into the city and experience the culture

2-Night Paris City Stay France’s capital city, Paris, has a proud ancient history with spectacular architecture and monuments, and more recently has become the global centre of fashion and gastronomy. As an Emerald Cruises guest, you’ll have the opportunity to spend two nights in the luxury Jardin du Marais hotel - a centrally based hotel perfect for you to explore the cities world-famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the stunning Musée d’Orsay, as well as a number of World Heritage-listed sites.

If you are looking for something other than the tree-lined boulevards and bustling streets, enjoy our included coach tour of the city and a cruise along the glistening waters of France’s second-longest river, the Seine.

See page 22 for more information about our Nice city stay and Aix-en-Provence city stay

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To find out more about our Paris extension CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to book your France river cruise

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Nice, France

Aix-en-Provence, France

3-Night Nice City Stay

3-Night* Aix-en-Provence City Stay

Known for its stunning seaside views, year-round sunshine and colourful buildings, Nice is one of the most iconic spots along the French Riviera. Enjoy three nights in this vibrant coastal city – the fifth most populous in France – walking the shoreline, people watching on the Promenade des Anglais or enjoying local Niçois cuisine.

A town known for being the birthplace of Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, peaceful and relaxing Aix-en-Provence will be your home for three fantastic nights. Take to the streets and explore the leafy boulevards and public squares which are lined with 17th and 18th century mansions, separated by grand moss-covered fountains.

During your city stay, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of nearby Monte Carlo, the South of France’s famed luxury hotspot.

And you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Nice itself, wondering its winding alleys full of shops and authentic French cafés, immersing yourself in the local arts and culture on offer.

Included in your stay, a local guide will provide a wealth of knowledge as you stroll along cobblestone squares, and after a day of discovery, why not reside in one of many local cafes, enjoy an espresso, and watch the world go by.

A ‘must see’ when visiting Aix-en-Provence is the Musée Granet, a museum devoted to painting, sculpture and archaeology of France.

La Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France

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To find out more about our Nice & Aix-en-Provence extension CLICK HERE

*2-Night post cruise extension in 2023.

The Fontaine de la Rotonde, Aix-en-Provence, France

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Book your France river cruise online at emeraldcruises.co.uk, call 0808 239 5818 or contact your local travel agent

Voted Best River Cruise Line for Value for 5 years running 2015 - 2019

Terms and Conditions: All our holidays are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of going to print (22nd June 2022). Exclusive France offer of €150 per cabin on board spend is valid between the 1st and 31st July 2022 and is available on 2022 and 2023 France river cruises only, based on two people sharing and will be deducted from your final bill upon departure. Offer is combinable with current 2022 & 2023 Europe river cruise offers: savings of up to £2,600 per couple are valid for new 2022 Europe river cruise bookings only. Savings of up to £1,400 per couple are valid for new 2023 Europe river cruise bookings only. The extra 10% Super Earlybird Offer is limited in number and is available on cabin categories C, B, A, P, S, R, SA & RA when paying in full 12 months before departure. If full payment is not received 12 months prior, the Super Earlybird Offer will be removed. FREE Premium Drinks Package is valid on 2023 Europe river cruise bookings only. Free Premium Drinks Packages apply to on board drinks only and excludes Champagne, wine by the bottle and mini bar beverages. Our offers can be withdrawn at any time. Our itineraries, hotels, dates, and inclusions are subject to change. Flights may not be a direct service and a supplement may be charged.

We recommend you seek independent advice regarding visas and vaccinations. For full booking conditions visit emeraldcruises.co.uk. E&OE.