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Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice: 11 days Nice to Lyon

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-ba968aaf8cb619e26
Overview
Destination:
France
Start:Nice, France
Finish:Lyon, France
Duration:11 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
April 2025 - September 2025

Discover the magic of France by river

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.
Romance, spectacular historic landmarks & Roman influence, celebrate France’s past & present on this sensory journey through renowned vineyards & world-class restaurants along the Saône & Rhône rivers
Standard inclusions
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
  • Guided tour of Avignon
  • Guided tour of Viviers
  • Guided tour of Tournon
  • Guided tour of Lyon
  • Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
  • Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
  • Classical Concert in Avignon
  • Cheese and olive tasting on board
  • Canoeing excursion in Avignon
  • Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
  • Guided bike tour of Lyon
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • 3 nights at a hotel in Nice
  • A guided tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
  • Transfer from the airport and to the ship
  • 3 Breakfasts (B)
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Nice

Welcome to Nice, a fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur. You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, where a three-night stay is yours to enjoy.

Day 2 - Nice

Today, you will be taken to Monte Carlo to learn about the jet set lifestyle that can be found in Monaco, an area that has famously been portrayed in a handful of successful movies and the home to one of the most recognisable Grand Prix tracks in the world. 

Included Excursion
A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo

Day 3 - Nice

Today is yours to spend enjoying tour seaside surrounds at leisure, and your hospitality representative will be available to help you plan your day. 

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Visit to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra expense)

Day 4 - Nice - Arles

After breakfast, you will get transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Arles, where a warm welcome awaits from your captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a dinner on board. 

Day 5 - Arles

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races. 
Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit 

EmeraldPLUS
A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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Provencal Cosmetics workshop (extra expense)

Day 6 - Avignon

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution. 
Embark on a guided walking tour to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decad es. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense)

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

Day 7 - Viviers

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the Old Town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

Day 8 - Tournon

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape. 
Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

Day 9 - Lyon

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. 

Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

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Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)

Day 10 - Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune

The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country. 

Included Excursion
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

EmeraldPLUS
Cheese and olive tasting on board

Day 11 - Lyon

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed vineyards with you. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Lyon after 10:00 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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$6,262*
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10 nights
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