Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Wonders: 12 days Nice to Geneva

Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests.

Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 12:00 PM.

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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Visit to L’Occitane Factory (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 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)

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

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

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)

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

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 to and from Montreaux and 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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.