Discover the magic of France by River
Emerald River Cruises include most onboard expenses such as meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
A variety of shore excursions, like guided tours and cultural experiences, are also included, although some premium options are available for an additional cost.
Prices starting from $7,030 CAD per person for a river view stateroom!
*Airfare additional. Prices based on double occupancy
Lyon
Nice
Welcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a member of our friendly greetings team and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 04:30 PM.
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
Tastes of Lyon
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon
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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
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Lyon by Night (extra expense)
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
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 with wine tasting
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
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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 this morning 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 with market visit
EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
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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
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. If you wish to explore further the region of Arles you can join us for an olive farm visit and learn more about its importance in South of France.
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 Olive farm visit
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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
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Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
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In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
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Provencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the ship for your transfer to Nice, where you will be taken to your centrally located hotel. Included is a three-night stay in the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur.
Today, the stunning seaside surrounds of the French Riviera are yours to explore with your local guide, before spending the afternoon exploring at leisure.
You will be taken to Monte Carlo for an insightful tour. Famously portrayed in films that include Never Say Never Again and To Catch a Thief, Monte Carlo offers much in the way of its charming past.
Witness the impressive Prince’s Palace of Monaco, originally a Genoese fortress with a dramatic past and the home of beloved actress Grace Kelly.
Included Excursion
A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Nice has long held a reputation for its glamour, where sun-kissed beaches and lavish surrounds create a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other. Today, explore Nice at leisure. Your tour director will be available to help you to plan your day in this vibrant city.
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Visit to Saint Paul de Vence (extra expense)
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare to be transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of Roman amphitheatres and the lush surrounds of the French Riviera with you.
