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Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Emerald Liberte

5th Dec 26

7 Nights

From

£1,959PP

Itinerary
Ship

Lyon, France

Fly from selected UK airport to Lyon, France 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.

Lyon, France

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.

Vienne, France

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.

Tournon, France

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.

Vivers, France

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.

Avignon, France

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.

Arles, France

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.

Arles > Marseille, France

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.

Why Book

Return Flights & Overseas Transfers
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
All tipping and gratuities
20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner

Highlights Include:

CD lecture Art & Culture in the South of France
Guided tour of Lyon
Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
Guided tour of Viviers
Guided tour of Avignon
Beaujolais wine tasting
Guided bike tour of Lyon
Classical Concert in Avignon
Guided tour of Tournon
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

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.

Emerald Liberte - Reflections Restaurant

Food & Drink

Nothing beats sipping on your favourite drink at the Terrace as you watch the stunning scenery pass you by. Setting the benchmark in on board dining, the Reflections Restaurant is an elegant space to enjoy exquisite culinary experiences, imbued with continental flavours.

Explore the unique flavours of the regions you sail through

We believe that food should reflect local flavours, which is why our menus take inspiration from the regions we sail in. Our chefs source local ingredients, creating meals that capture authentic cuisine no matter where your journey takes you.

Entertainment

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

Emerald Liberte - Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Emerald Liberte - Games Area and Golf Putting Green

Emerald Liberte - Fitness and Wellness area

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.

Kids & Teens

Please note: There are no children's facilities onboard the Emerald Liberte.

Terms & Conditions

*Deposit required at time of booking. Reduced deposit available on new 2026 Europe river cruise bookings made 28th July – 31st October 2025 and is valid when booking with Best Available Fare only. Best Available Fare must be paid in full 10 months prior to departure, or at the time of booking if less than 10 months prior to departure. ~Savings are dependent on itinerary and departure date booked an apply to the cruise element only. ^Flights are included up to a credit amount of £500 per person. If credit is exceeded, a supplement will be charged. Full T&Cs apply.