Swiss Mountains with Sensations of Lyon and Provence: 12 days Geneva to Marseille

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll fly into Geneva to then be transferred through the scenic Swiss countryside, arriving into Lausanne a city that perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by terraced vineyards, Lausanne invites you to explore its charming old town, vibrant arts scene, and the legacy of the Olympic movement. Meet your tour director and fellow travellers on the start of a wonderful 4-night journey.

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.

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Gruyere & Maison Cailler (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, you'll bid a fond farewell to Lausanne and transfer onwards to France and Lyon, ready to embark your Emerald Cruises luxury Star-Ship and your next marvellous adventure.

DiscoverMORE
Lyon by Night (extra expense)

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you'll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights.

Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to 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, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon

DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

Today we enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until we reach the lovely town of Macon. Here we will discover the Beaujolais wine region, renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines with Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of the Gamay grape makes Beaujolais wine region one of the several regions on the planet to focus on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99% of the total wine production of the region.

Included Excursion
Beaujolais wine tasting

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 the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

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

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution.

Your included walking tour 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 evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly 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

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

EmeraldPLUS
Classical concert in Avignon

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 the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city 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. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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

DiscoverMORE
Provencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)

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.

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.

Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 AM.