Discover the magic of France by river
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.
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
Today is yours to spend enjoying tour seaside surrounds at leisure, and your tour director will be available to help you plan your day.
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Visit to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra expense)
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.
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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In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
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Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
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 this morning 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 as part of our EmeraldPLUS program.
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)
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
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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)
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 with wine tasting
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards
Today we take you on a walking tour of Vienne, an important town in the Rhone-Alpes region, in the Isere department south of Lyon. The town has a long and prestigious history dating back to the Allobroges, a tribe of Gauls, and by Roman times Vienne was an important regional city. Although it started to lose importance to Lyon after the middle ages the town has several important monuments from both the roman and medieval eras.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Vienne
EmeraldPLUS
Cheese and olive tasting on board
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
Tastes 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)
This morning after breakfast, you'll disembark your luxury Star-Ship in Lyon. You'll then be transferred to Switzerland and the charming lakeside city of Lausanne, for the start of your memorable 4-night stay.
Today, explore the historic old centre of Lausanne with your Tour Director. During a guided walking tour, you'll stroll along the picturesque waterfront and then embark on a captivating boat cruise on Lake Geneva, taking in the breathtaking mountain and lake scenery. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the iconic Chateau Chillon, a striking medieval castle steeped in history and legends, that rests on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lausanne
EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Chateau Chillon & Lake Geneva cruise
Embark on a scenic journey from Montreux to Gstaad, nestled amidst the soaring Swiss Alps. Board the charming train and admire the magnificent panoramic views as you ascend to this world-famous alpine village. From Gstaad, take a thrilling cable-car ride to Glacier 3000, a glacial paradise offering spectacular vistas, exciting activities that include the Peak Walk by Tissot, and the chance to encounter Alpine animals at the Glacier Garden.
Included Excursion
Train from Montreaux to Gstaad & visit to Glacier 3000
Today, you're free to explore Lausanne and the wealth of French-Swiss wonders at your own pace. You may wish to wander the medieval city centre and along its quaint streets and alleys, lined with delightful cafés and boutiques. Be sure to stop and admire the city’s 12th century cathedral, regarded as Switzerland’s most impressive piece of early Gothic architecture. Or perhaps pay a visit to the Olympic Museum and lakeside Olympic Park.
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Visit to Gruyere & Maison Cailler (extra expense)
This morning, you'll bid a fond farewell to Lausanne, leaving with treasure memories of this beautiful Swiss city, its historic Old Town and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
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.
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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.