Idyllic Rhone

Day 1 | Lyon

Welcome to spectacular Lyon, France’s third largest city and its gastronomic capital, promising a blend of fascinating history and a sophisticated dining and shopping scene. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board.  

Spend this afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon. You will remain docked in Lyon overnight, so you may like to head out and get a taste of the gastronomic delights.

Inclusions: Dinner

Day 2 | Lyon

Watch the sunrise in your suite in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before you venture out for the day.  

Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life.
Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice:

• Guided tour of Lyon
• Excursion to Pérouges
• Silk Painting Workshop
• Guided cycling tour to Tête d’or Park

This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will glide along the Saône River, towards the town of Macon.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 | Mâcon

You’ll wake this morning in the town of Mâcon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Mâcon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, which produces exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and sparkling.

Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Beaujolais wine region
• Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey
• Excursion to Château de Cormatin
• Goat cheese farm visitInclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 | Vienne

Cruising downstream, along the Rhône River, your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne early this morning. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is brimming with Roman history, including a terraced theatre, first century temple, ancient baths and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held. 

Discover your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre
• Cycling tour of Vienne

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 | Viviers > Avignon

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich Medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world. 

The choice is yours with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Viviers
• French Resistance Walking Tour
• Excursion to Grignan de Provence

This afternoon is spent relaxing on board as you cruise towards Avignon, known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Enjoy a regional wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar as you take in the ever-changing scenery along the banks of the Rhône or spend some time recharging in the wellness centre.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 | Avignon

Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding Medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Circled by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Walking tour of Avignon including visits to Popes Palace
• Excursion to Pont Du Gard
• Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire
• Wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape

This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms. Set 30 metres above the river, it offers excellent views over the city as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.

Enrich
When the doors are closed to the general public, step inside Palais des Papes, one of the most visited sites in France which you will have to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive classical concert from a trio of musicians. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 | Arles

Depart before dawn and arrive in Arles for breakfast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The ruins of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river’s left bank. It was also the home of Vincent Van Gogh in 1888 and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings, including his infamous work ‘The Yellow House’. 

Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:

• Guided tour of Arles
• Les Baux & olive farm visit
• On board painting class
• Lavender fields to cream - a Provence herbal workshop

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 | Tarascon > Nice

Tarascon is the end of your cruise. Depart after a farewell breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. From here, you will be transferred to Nice airport for your onward travels or flight home. 

Inclusions: Breakfast

* This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.