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Festive Sensations of Lyon & Provence: 8 days Lyon to Marseille

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-27c2f3ae6140a0fe0
Overview
Destination:
France
Start:Lyon, France
Finish:Marseille, France
Duration:8 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
November 2026 - December 2026

Discover the festive magic of Lyon & Provence

The Rhône and Saône rivers meander through the picturesque South of France, where you’ll discover picture-perfect villages, palaces and Roman ruins, and delicious Provençal cuisine.
It’s no surprise that the South of France is recognised as the birthplace of photography, its unrivalled beauty comprises the finest examples of French 15th century architecture, with medieval monuments and sun-soaked vineyards nestled at the foot of colossal mountain ranges. Journey to the country’s gastronomic beating heart, Lyon, and savour the region’s exceptional viticulture. At this magical time of year, experience festive traditions at local Christmas markets amid beautiful French cities, learn to decorate santon figurines, a beloved Provence nativity symbol and indulge in a seasonal Provençal dinner on board, exclusively hosted by renowned French chef, Fabien Morreale.
Standard inclusions
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • Guided tour of Lyon
  • Guided tour of Vienne
  • Guided tour of Tournon
  • Guided tour of Viviers
  • Christmas santon painting
  • Guided tour of Avignon with Christmas markets
  • Classical Concert in Avignon
  • Guided tour of Arles with Christmas market visit
  • A Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Lyon

Welcome to Lyon, a beautiful and historic city situated on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, amid the Southeast region of France. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board and dine with your fellow guests.

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

Day 2 - Lyon

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital steeped in impressive history and considered the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, here you’ll savour a mouthwatering array of outstanding culinary delights.     Today, a guided city tour awaits, which includes a visit* to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historical site of Lyon. You’ll also experience an authentic French festive atmosphere, with a visit to Lyon’s famous Christmas market. Resembling a genuine Christmas village, explore the dozens of  illuminated and decorated stands filled with artisan products and regional treats such as candied chestnuts and charming wooden toys.  Wander through the city and soak up the twinkling festive lights and centuries-old buildings amid Lyon’s well-preserved historic quarters.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon with Christmas market visit

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

Day 3 - Vienne

Today, we take you on an included walking tour of Vienne, an important town situated south of Lyon within the Rhône-Alpes region. This quaint riverside town boasts a long and prestigious history dating back to the Allobroges, a tribe of Gauls, and conquered by Julius Caesar, during Roman times, was a prominent regional hub. Although Vienne lost its status of importance to Lyon after the Middle Ages, today, this historic town reveals several important monuments that are legacies of both the Roman and medieval eras.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Vienne

Day 4 - Tournon

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the meandering Rhône and is a truly memorable sight, nestled under the silhouette of a 16th century castle that overlooks the village. It is also home to several iconic landmarks that include a set of ancient watchtowers. Adorned with festive decorations, Tournon appears even more enchanting. 

Today’s included guided tour will reveal Tournon’s intangible cultural heritage and rich history of viticulture dating back to the ancient Greeks, granting you every opportunity to immerse yourself in these storied surroundings.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

Day 5 - Viviers

Today, you’ll arrive in Viviers, a charming walled town along the Rhône River brimming with Middle Age history. Viviers is home to one of France’s oldest – and smallest – cathedrals, founded in the 12th century and a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Today, embark on a memorable historical journey. Your included walking tour will highlight many of this charming town’s stunning and well-preserved architectural treasures along narrow streets, resplendent with ornate windows and lavish façades.

For your EmeraldPLUS experience, join a festive workshop to decorate santon; hand-crafted clay figurines that represent iconic Provençal characters. A beloved Provence symbol, Santons are traditionally displayed in nativity scenes at Christmas time.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

EmeraldPLUS
Decorating Christmas Santon figurines

Day 6 - Avignon

Avignon boasts a rich history, from ancient Celtic beginnings and the residence of seven successive Popes in the 14th century, to playing a major role in the French Revolution. This morning, your included walking tour takes you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, and Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône, as well as explorations of cobbled alleyways and elegant streets.

You’ll also visit one of Provence's largest Christmas markets, where Provençal traditions come to life in the heart of this beautiful city. Join Avignon’s locals for festive delicacies, artisanal treasures and authentic Christmastime cheer. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, savour a Provençal-style Christmas dinner on board, exclusively prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale and later you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of our EmeraldPLUS program.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon with Christmas market

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon

Day 7 - Arles

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of this historic coastal city showcases some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how Arles 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, whose inspired art works include “Starry Night Over the Rhône.”

The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure; perhaps a stop at a quintessential café or the classic Christmas market, hosted in the city centre.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with a visit to the local Christmas markets.

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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Provençal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)

Day 8 - Arles – Marseille

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 and delightful cuisine with you.

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.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Emerald Cruises

Discover the world with Emerald Cruises. Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury. Founded in 2013, and first sailing as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year later, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail. Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship featuring a range of stylish innovations. Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations. In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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7 nights
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