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Tastes of Southern France on Scenic Sapphire 2023

Lyon, France Round-trip
Length: 11 Days - Departs: Tue, Oct 10, 2023

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River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Lyon
    Tue, Oct 10, 2023

    Welcome to Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your crew await to welcome you on board.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Lyon > Tournus
    Wed, Oct 11, 2023

    Freechoice: Meet a local truffle farmer and their specially trained dog to learn the tricks and techniques of truffle farming, before enjoying a tasting of their delicious produce, or visit an organic goat cheese farm and learn about open air farming whilst enjoying a tasting. Alternatively, learn about the traditional craftsmanship of barrel making with a local cooper.

    Tonight, your welcome dinner will be created using regionally sourced truffles.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Mâcon
    Thu, Oct 12, 2023

    Freechoice: Visit the famous wine-growing region of Beaujolais and meet a local vintner to sample some of his best vintages, or visit the restaurant of the acclaimed chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. Alternatively, Shop with a Chef on a guided visit to a local food market, before visiting Scenic Culinaire.

    In the evening, we’ll welcome Chef Didier Goiffon and his team on board to cook a delicious regional meal celebrating Bresse Chicken.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Chalon-sur-Saône
    Fri, Oct 13, 2023

    Freechoice: Explore the town of Beaune in the Burgundy region and visit a local mustard producer to learn the history of this flavourful condiment. Alternatively, take a tour of Beaune, including les Hospices de Beaune, a former hospital dating back to the Middle-Ages, or tour a prestigious Château and taste its premium wines.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Tain L’Hermitage
    Sat, Oct 14, 2023

    Freechoice: Surrounded by sloping vineyards, walk through this quaint town and sample local Côtes du Rhône wines, or perhaps take a guided walking tour of Tournon, with the opportunity to see the grand château up close. Alternatively, join an e-bike excursion along the banks of the Rhône.

    Enrich
    Once the doors have closed to the public, you’re invited to an exclusive interactive workshop at the Valrhona Cité du Chocolate museum.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Avignon
    Sun, Oct 15, 2023

    Freechoice: Embark on a walking tour of Avignon, including the Palais des Papes, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. Alternatively, explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arena.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Avignon
    Mon, Oct 16, 2023

    Freechoice: Visit the hilltop village of Gordes, home to the stunning Sénanque Abbey, or Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire. Alternatively, take an excursion to Pont du Gard, or visit a local olive farm where you will meet the owners for a cooking class featuring local Provençal recipes. Alternatively, you may chose to visit the medieval village of Les Baux for a guided tour of the castle ruins.

    Enrich
    Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes, where the Grand Tinel Room will be the setting for an exclusive classical concert.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Viviers
    Tue, Oct 17, 2023

    Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, a small town with a big history.

    Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or witness the natural beauty of the Ardèche National Park by Kayak. Alternatively, discover the beautiful Provençal town of Grignan and its incredible château, or visit a nearby Truffle nursery. 


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9
    Lyon
    Wed, Oct 18, 2023

    Take in the vistas of the Rhône as you sail towards Lyon. This evening you are in for a treat as a local Pâtissier comes on board to share his delicious creations with you.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10
    Lyon
    Thu, Oct 19, 2023

    Freechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways and visit Notre Dame Basilica, or enjoy a walking and tasting tour along the Rhône and Saône rivers. Alternatively, visit the village of Pérouges, or stay on board for a culinary photography class.

    Delicious and hearty Lyonnaise food is famous the world over and today you will understand why as you enjoy lunch at a traditional Bouchon restaurant.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day 11
    Lyon
    Fri, Oct 20, 2023

    Depart Lyon today after a wonderful farewell breakfast.

    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.


    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

France

Rivers Visited

Rhone, Saone

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Inclusions

Health and Safety Protocols for Scenic

Pre-departure
Guests are required to comply with any government requirements to enter countries on their itinerary at the time of travel. It will remain the responsibility of the guests to ensure they meet all necessary requirements including any necessary proof of vaccination, and/or negative COVID-19 test results, or any COVID-19 Travel Insurance policies should this apply at the time. For further information please visit the GOV.UK website and refer to the Government Health Advice.

We recommend that our guests travel with a supply of their own face masks and hand sanitizer, to be available in their hand luggage for connecting travel arrangements, which may include flights, hotels, and transfer arrangements.

Onboard

Every Crew Member will be fully vaccinated prior to joining all our river Space-Ships and they must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test, following 7 days of self-isolation in their home country prior to travel to the vessel.

On arrival, all Crew Members are further isolated for a period of 5 days, following a Rapid Antigen Test. All Crew Members will receive extensive instruction and training in COVID-Security, prior to travel and also prior to starting work on board. Crew Members are empowered to ensure all team members work safely within the strict protocols and a COVID secure way. 

All crew members will follow local government and health advisories, and masks will only be required to be worn if it is mandated or deemed necessary by local authorities or for the health and wellbeing of our guests on board.

We have enhanced our already intensive, frequent, and high standard of cleaning protocols in public areas and suites to ensure all surfaces and spaces are kept clean. Additional care and attention will be paid to high contact zones, such as communal restrooms and dining facilities. Any touchscreens such as iPads will be thoroughly disinfected after each use and hand sanitisation stations will be placed throughout the ship.

We will follow local government and health advisories which Scenic must adhere to.  Your dedicated on board staff will keep you updated on requirements.

Our ships are fitted with an on board medical facility.  The facility is staffed by one doctor and one nurse.  Our medical staff have undergone specific training and awareness in infection control, monitoring and treatment.  The medical facility is fitted with equipment to perform PCR testing.

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Scenic Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
4.7
Repeat with Operator
4.3
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 69 reviews about Scenic Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

First Scenic River Cruise enjoyed and possibly try Danube River Experience.

Scenic River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was exceptional. Even though we had to change ships from low river waters, the Cruise Director and staff made the all inclusive trip a winner! Great food, beverages, and service. We would recommend!

From start to finish, everything was excellent. I never once had to open my wallet, and the food, drink, and excursion choices were wide and varied. The room was so nice, and the bed was one of the best beds I have ever slept in. If you want to be pampered, I highly recommend Scenic.

Scenic Cruises gave me a top-notch experience. They set the standard for the term 'all inclusive.' They went above and beyond (unlike a certain cruise line that i used in 2025) to assure that all passengers had a great experience. Also, I called the operator directly twice while traveling due to flight issues and was immediately connected with representatives who, in both cases, we're very helpful.

Scenic truly provided a lovely, well organized, well planned river cruise. We enjoyed every minute.

Everything about this trip with Scenic was made easy from the moment we got off the plane. All transfers were taken care of and simple. Once onboard the quality of service was exceptional and the food was amazing.

Scenic provided an exceptional trip via staff, meals, and experiences. Our tour guide was extraordinary and handled even the slight setback of low water with ease and grace. I would recommend them to anyone interested in river travel.

People didn't really dress for dinner. Men in jeans were allowed in the dining room at night for dinner. That did not happen at another Scenic Cruise we were on. Very disappointed about this. We belong to a private Country Club and men will be turned away at the entrance for this dressing in jeans. Scenic is lowering their standards by doing this. We won't travel Scenic again because of the lower dress codes. Not a top of the line company if this is allowed.

Scenic delivered an Above & Beyond Experience that we will cherish forever. The ENTIRE ship personnel was the epitome of what customer service should be!

Scenic River Cruise was fantastic. Service and food were both absolutely wonderful. Exceeded our expectations and will travel again with Scenic.

The ship was luxurious. The staff were professional and attentive. We would definitely travel with Scenic again.

Scenic River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was a wonderful experience. The ship's staff and amenities afforded us a very comfortable experience. The food sometimes challenged us to try new and regional dishes, which we really enjoyed. But alternate choices were always available, as well. The other passengers were friendly and we made many new acquaintances on our trip. Best part...? All inclusive! We may have made a small tip here and there, but nothing was expected during excursions, tours, dining, bar or hospitality services. Great entertainment on various occasions.

Scenic were exceptional.They have to be the best operators of river cruises.Every aspect of the trip with them was of a very high standard.The cabins (suites) were large and very comfortable (we had the lowest level,so I can imagine what the higher levels would have been like!). All the meals served were excellent with plenty of variety and imagination.Every member of staff we encountered was helpful and smiley.The excursions were excellent with high level guiding .Overall a very good experience.and I would highly recommend them.

The tour description matched the tour exactly.

Wonderful Trip at the right price

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Scenic. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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