8-Day Sensations of LYON & PROVENCE

France's gastronomic heartbeat, enjoy delights both culinary and cultural.

Witness the unrivalled beauty of French 15th-century architecture, Roman ruins, and sun-soaked vineyards at the foot of colossal mountain massifs. Journey to Chalon-sur-Saône, the picture-perfect birthplace of photography and Lyon, the country’s gastronomic beating heart, before enjoying an authentic Provençal dinner hosted on board by French chef Fabien Morreale.

Departing:

July - October 2023

March - October 2024

Our wealth of generous inclusions

■ Transfers to and from Emerald Liberté

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

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

■ Complimentary wine, beer & soft-drinks to accompany lunch and dinner on board

■ All gratuities on board and onshore

■ Complimentary Wi-Fi

■ ESPA luxury toiletries

Your EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to this itinerary:

3 EmeraldPLUS activities including a Provençal-influenced dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale.

4 EmeraldACTIVE experiences including a guided hike to the vineyards of Tournon.

6 included excursions including visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites.

4 DiscoverMORE excursions, available at an addition cost – see pages 22-23.

Cruise Facts

n Distance covered (approx): 230km on the Rhône n UNESCO sites: 3 n Countries visited: 1 n Ports: 5 n Locks: 15 n Bridges: 13

Number of nights 7

Beaune

Chalon-sur-Saône

7

Saône River

Lyon

Tournon

Avignon Arles

FRANCE Rhône River Viviers Nice

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca

Day 1 Lyon

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 comfort of your Emerald Liberté Star-Ship.

Meals: 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 area’s 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.

Cheese and olive tasting on board

Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

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

Bike tour of Lyon

Guided tour of Lyon

Excursion to Pérouges

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.

Regional wine lecture on board

Guided bike tour to Glun

Guided hike through the vineyards

Guided tour of Tournon

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Guided tour of Viviers

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

Canoeing excursion in Avignon

Guided tour of Avignon

Guided tour of the Pont du Gard

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.

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.

Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

Excursion to Les Baux de Provence

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 Arles – Nice

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

To book, call 855 444 0161, contact your professional travel advisor or visit emeraldcruises.ca