13 Days
24 Meals
Leader
CT Rating
Brimming with Culture, History, and Natural Beauty
Experience the beauty of France on a stunning river cruise starting in Nice and continuing along the Rhône and Saône rivers to Lyon. After three nights in Nice, you'll embark on a journey through historic sites, charming villages, and sun-soaked vineyards. The trip concludes with a night in Lyon, where you can savor its renowned cuisine. This itinerary promises a captivating blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty, perfect for river cruisers and explorers alike.
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Tour Highlights
- 7-night cruise in an outside cabin on Emerald Liberté
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Nice as indicated or similar
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Lyon as indicated or similar
- Day trip to sunny Monaco
- Explore Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region
- Enjoy a guided tour of Tournon and learn of its history and culture
- Walking tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere
Inclusive Features
- Return economy group airfare from Canada to France
- Transfers between airports, hotel and the ship
- All meals during the cruise plus quality European wines with lunch and dinner
- Welcome cocktail, welcome dinner and Captain’s gala dinner
- Shore excursions included in each port of call
- Knowledgeable local guides
- All gratuities (including guides and ship staff) and taxes for included services (including departure and port taxes)
- Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value when booking air-inclusive
- Services of your journey leader and/or cruise director
Itinerary
Tour members from across Canada fly to Nice, France.
This morning we arrive in sunny Nice and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy this Mediterranean paradise.
Today we travel to Monte Carlo, home to one of the most recognisable Grand Prix tracks in the world, and a temporary home to celebrities enjoying the jet set lifestyle. Enjoy a city tour before returning to Nice.
Today is at leisure to enjoy our seaside surroundings. Take the opportunity to walk along the beach, shop on the boardwalk, cool off with a gelato, or perhaps join an optional excursion to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra cost $97pp).
After breakfast this morning we say farewell to Nice and transfer to Arles where our ship awaits. Relax on board and explore our ship with the balance of the day at leisure. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
Embark Emerald Liberte (7 nights)
Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races. Learn about the time Van Gogh spent in the city taking inspiration from the surroundings to create many of his most iconic pieces, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhone’. Enjoy some time at leisure or join an optional excursion to visit the L’Occitane Factory or visit Les Baux de Provence (both at extra cost $107pp).
Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution. Our included walking tour will include the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage Palais des Papes. This evening enjoy a unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon.
A snapshot of quintessential France awaits our arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel-coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the Old Town is ours to explore today during the guided walking tour.
Wonder at the views along the Rhone River as we cruise into Tournon. A 16th-century castle overlooks the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorn the surrounding rural landscape. Once on shore, enjoy a guided tour of Tournon and learn of its history and culture.
As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. Join our local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Those willing can join an optional excursion to the medieval walled town of Perouges (additional cost $82pp).
The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is ours to discover today as we travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.
Time to bid farewell to our ship as we disembark and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the wonders of this city.
Radisson Blue Lyon (1 night)
Our journey draws to a close as we transfer to the airport and catch our flight(s) bound for Canada and home.
Have any questions? Contact Roselle at rking [at] craigtravel.com or call 1-800-387-8890
Emerald Cruises
A mainstay in Emerald Cruises fleet since 2017, Emerald Liberté mirrors the charm of the French countryside as it sails the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Every aspect of Emerald Liberté is designed around you, from the contemporary accommodation and social spaces to the crew’s attentive level of service. Perfectly sized for navigating the continent’s winding waterways, it accommodates 138 guests and offers bars and lounges, a beauty salon, a movie theatre, shops, a fitness centre, jogging track, and swimming pool - all easily accessible via onboard elevators.
All suites and staterooms boast superb amenities, including a flat screen TV with infotainment system, individual air conditioning system, a safe, a fridge, hairdryer, hotel-style beds and an ensuite bathroom, plus complimentary Wi-Fi and bottle water daily.
Optional excursions from Emerald Cruise’s DiscoverMORE, EmeraldACTIVE, and EmeraldPLUS series of excursions are available in most ports at additional cost.
Stateroom Upgrades Available
Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double / Twin
Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double / Twin
Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double / Twin
Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double / Twin
Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double / Twin
Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double / Twin
Cruise & Air Cost in CAD Per Person
Deposit is $700 per person. Final payment is due May 28, 2025.
Cruise/Tour only price is based on joining at the hotel in Nice and leaving at the hotel in Lyon. Rates are per person based on sharing a Cat E Riverview Twin on Riviera Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details. Pricing may be affected by current promotions; please inquire.
Stateroom categories are subject to availability at time of booking - book early for best choice. See deck plan for more information on available staterooms. Singles are extremely limited and on request. Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange rates effective July 2024 and are subject to change. Cruise price is based on sharing a twin-bedded stateroom with private bathroom. Cruise to be escorted with a minimum of 20 travellers.
Cancellation penalties for this cruise start at the time of booking, with a non-refundable amount of $500pp.
Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the terms and conditions for more details.
