- Riviera Deck Stateroom from £2,497pp
- 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
- Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
- Guided tour of Lyon
- Guided tour of Vienne
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided tour of Viviers
- Christmas santon painting
- Guided tour of Avignon with Christmas markets
- Classical Concert in Avignon
- Guided tour of Arles with Christmas market visit
- A Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
- Port taxes and charges
- All tipping and gratuities
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Festive Sensations of Lyon & Provence - Lyon > Nice
Emerald Liberte
5th Dec 26
7 Nights
1
Lyon
Welcome to Lyon, a beautiful and historic city situated on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, amid the Southeast region of France. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board and dine with your fellow guests.
2
Lyon
France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital steeped in impressive history and considered the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, here you’ll savour a mouthwatering array of outstanding culinary delights. Today, a guided city tour awaits, which includes a visit* to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historical site of Lyon. You’ll also experience an authentic French festive atmosphere, with a visit to Lyon’s famous Christmas market. Resembling a genuine Christmas village, explore the dozens of illuminated and decorated stands filled with artisan products and regional treats such as candied chestnuts and charming wooden toys. Wander through the city and soak up the twinkling festive lights and centuries-old buildings amid Lyon’s well-preserved historic quarters.
3
Vienne
Today, we take you on an included walking tour of Vienne, an important town situated south of Lyon within the Rhône-Alpes region. This quaint riverside town boasts a long and prestigious history dating back to the Allobroges, a tribe of Gauls, and conquered by Julius Caesar, during Roman times, was a prominent regional hub. Although Vienne lost its status of importance to Lyon after the Middle Ages, today, this historic town reveals several important monuments that are legacies of both the Roman and medieval eras.
4
Tournon
The picturesque village of Tournon borders the meandering Rhône and is a truly memorable sight, nestled under the silhouette of a 16th century castle that overlooks the village. It is also home to several iconic landmarks that include a set of ancient watchtowers. Adorned with festive decorations, Tournon appears even more enchanting.
Today’s included guided tour will reveal Tournon’s intangible cultural heritage and rich history of viticulture dating back to the ancient Greeks, granting you every opportunity to immerse yourself in these storied surroundings.
5
Viviers
Today, you’ll arrive in Viviers, a charming walled town along the Rhône River brimming with Middle Age history. Viviers is home to one of France’s oldest – and smallest – cathedrals, founded in the 12th century and a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Today, embark on a memorable historical journey. Your included walking tour will highlight many of this charming town’s stunning and well-preserved architectural treasures along narrow streets, resplendent with ornate windows and lavish façades.
For your EmeraldPLUS experience, join a festive workshop to decorate santon; hand-crafted clay figurines that represent iconic Provençal characters. A beloved Provence symbol, Santons are traditionally displayed in nativity scenes at Christmas time.
6
Avignon
Avignon boasts a rich history, from ancient Celtic beginnings and the residence of seven successive Popes in the 14th century, to playing a major role in the French Revolution. This morning, your included walking tour takes you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, and Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône, as well as explorations of cobbled alleyways and elegant streets.
You’ll also visit one of Provence's largest Christmas markets, where Provençal traditions come to life in the heart of this beautiful city. Join Avignon’s locals for festive delicacies, artisanal treasures and authentic Christmastime cheer. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, savour a Provençal-style Christmas dinner on board, exclusively 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.
7
Arles
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 this historic coastal city showcases some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how Arles 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, whose inspired art works include “Starry Night Over the Rhône.”
The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure; perhaps a stop at a quintessential café or the classic Christmas market, hosted in the city centre.
8
Arles – Nice
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking with you memories of the region’s striking medieval architecture, authentic Provençal festivities and exceptional gastronomic cuisine.
Why Book
Emerald Liberte
Overview
Our innovative Star-Ships feature a wealth of contemporary design features. We’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings.
Food & Drink
Indulgent regional flavours
Indulge in the rich regional flavours of Europe, from epicurean five-course dinners to light bites on deck. Each meal takes inspiration from local produce and the authentic tastes of your destination. Enjoy a celebratory welcome and farewell dinner, with friendly hospitality from the moment you step on board to when you leave. With no formal dress code, you can step straight from ship to shore and return to a smart-casual evening of beautifully prepared cuisine.
Entertainment
As you cruise through Europe, your dedicated Activity Manager curates a programme of activities and engagingm entertainment. Enjoy an afternoon of trivia, an insightful on board lecture, or a lively evening performance, with each journey as unique as the region you’re in. Local entertainers will join you on board bringing the spirit, sounds, and stories of each European destination to life for a truly immersive experience. Between events, enjoy relaxed conversation with fellow guests and the welcoming, sociable atmosphere.
Health & Fitness
If you want to feed your body and mind during your cruise, we’ve got you covered with EmeraldACTIVE. During your Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Danube, or Douro cruise, our activity managers will be on hand to help you stay active during your voyage.
Terms & Conditions
Best Available Fare – Applicable to cabin grades, D, E, F & ES - Saving of 10% based on cruise content and cabin supplement. Flights included is based on an Air Credit up to the value of £500 per person when booking a flight and cruise with us. If flights exceed this credit amount then a supplement will be charged. Flights may not be a direct service. Payment due 10 months prior to departure or at time of booking if within 10 months. Combinable with show offers, welcome home discount and loyalty offers. Offer could be withdrawn or amended at any time. Standard terms apply.
Festive Sensations of Lyon & Provence - Lyon > Nice
FROM £2,497PP
Emerald Liberte
5th Dec 26
7 Nights
From
£2,497PP
