Day 1 – Paris Let a truly Parisian atmosphere clock you today as you are welcomed to the postcard-worthy French capital . You will be met at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your centrally-located hotel, nestled amidst open boulevards and some of the city’s iconic highlights. Day 2 – Paris (B) Today, a knowledgeable local guide will introduce you to the best that Paris has to offer, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. Later, board a charming river cruise on the Seine and enjoy sailing to the Eiffel Tower. Included excursion: Guided tour of Paris and a Seine river cruise DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Paris (extra expense) Day 3 – Paris – Lyon (B, D) After breakfast, you will be transferred from Paris to Lyon by rail. When you arrive, you will be welcomed on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship by your captain and crew. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests. Day 4 – Chalon-sur-Saône - Beaune Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions. Included excursion: Visit to the Hospices de Beaune EmeraldPLUS: Cheese and olive tasting on board Day 5 – Lyon (B, L, D) 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 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: Guided tour of Lyon EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour of Lyon DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense) Day 6 – Tournon (B, L, D) The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the the village and a number of the 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, Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside. Included excursion: Guided tour of Tournon EmeraldPLUS: Regional wine tasting on board EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Glun EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through the vineyards Day 7 – Viviers (B, L, D) 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 facades. Included excursion: Guided tour of Viviers Day 8 – Avignon (B, L, D) 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 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. In the afternoon, the beauty of Avignon is yours to leisurely explore. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provencal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France’s Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. Included excursion: Guided tour of Avignon EmeraldPLUS: Provencal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale EmeraldACTIVE: Canoeing excursion in Avignon DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense) DiscoverMORE: Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense) Day 9 – Arles (B, L, D) 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. Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. 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 arena visit DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense) Day 10 – Arles – Nice (B) 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. Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 1:00pm. 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. - Pricing based on 22 August 26 departure. Please contact your Phil Hoffmann Travel consultant for additional departure dates.
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