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Spectacular South of France on Scenic Sapphire

Lyon, France Round-trip
Length: 11 Days - Departs: Sat, Sep 30, 2023

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON SCENIC CRUISES
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Stories For Life, Save up to $2000 + Pay in Full Bonus

Mention Promo Code: PT3212
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Stories For Life, Save up to $2000 + Pay in Full Bonus

Stories For Life, Save up to $2000 + Pay in Full Bonus

Promotion Details
Great stories come from unforgettable moments. Now is the perfect time to turn your Europe river cruise dreams into reality. Save up to $2000 per couple on select 2023 & 2024 Europe river cruise departures. Plus, when you pay in full within 30 days of booking, select one additional benefit from a menu of options: free or reduced airfare, or free land extension^ or up to $2,000 per couple additional instant savings. Plus As always, receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. (Not all dates qualify, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings).
Must Book By Fri, Jun 30, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between April 1 - June 30, 2023 on 2023 & 2024 Scenic river departures. A non-refundable initial deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with full payment required 90 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified.

River cruises: Save up to $1,000pp for a maximum value of $2,000 per couple in a suite on 2023 or 2024 river departures. Savings varies based on itinerary and departure. When paid in full, select one bonus option. Bonus options are available when paid in full 30 days within booking, or at time of booking if within final payment timeframe; whichever is soonest. Departures outside of 13 months: Pay in full at 12 months prior to departure. Bonus options: Free or Reduced Airfare: Free roundtrip economy air available on select 8+ day departures when paid in full within 30 days of booking. 2-for-1 roundtrip economy air available for remainder of departures. Roundtrip economy air max ticket value is $1,400 per ticket including taxes and fees; July & August 2023 max ticket airfare is $2,000 per ticket including taxes and fees. If airfare is greater than the defined max value amount inclusive of taxes and fees, guest is responsible for the difference. Departure length is based on cruise days only, excluding land extensions. Exclusions apply. Air offers are only valid 61 or more days prior to departure. All flights will be booked on Scenic’s choice of airline and routing, and are subject to availability. Free Land Extension: Free land extensions available on select 8+ day departures when paid in full within 30 days of booking. Land tours eligible on this offer include Prague, Transylvania, Ljublijana & Zagreb, Bruges, Madrid, Paris, and Lisbon. Please see specific departure for eligible products. Additional Savings: Additional savings up to $1,000pp available when paid in full within 30 days of booking on select 8+ day departures. Offers are combinable with Save and Sail events, group offers, travel advisor exclusives, show vouchers, trade incentive programs, loyalty bonus offers and future travel credits. Not combinable with any other offers. Air offer, free land extensions and Air credits are not combinable with each other.

All offers are inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Pay in full bonus options are not combinable with each other. Scenic reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please visit Scenicusa.com or contact your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions visit Scenicusa.com.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Lyon
    Sat, Sep 30, 2023

    Welcome to the spectacular city of Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board. Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps relax in the on board Salt Therapy Lounge and soak in the healing properties of the salt, or simply take a beverage on to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Lyon > Tournus
    Sun, Oct 01, 2023

    Relax on board as you cruise the Saône River towards Tournus. Perhaps sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

    Freechoice: Explore Château de Cormatin, admire the castles gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens, or join highly trained hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village locating and sampling French truffles. Alternatively, visit the restaurant of three star Michelin chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration (available selected departures).


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Chalon-sur-Saône
    Mon, Oct 02, 2023

    Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. The former hospital is a prime example of traditional 15th century Burgundian architecture and now houses a fascinating museum. Alternatively, visit a local château and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region, or visit the photography museum in the town where it was first invented. The museum is home to over three million photographs and objects, which you will have the opportunity to observe with your local guide.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Tain l’Hermitage
    Tue, Oct 03, 2023

    Perhaps start your day with a stretching class on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning as you take in the picturesque riverside panoramas.

    Freechoice: Enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, or join a guided walking tour of the village of Tain l’Hermitage, including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Rhône to neighbouring villages.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Avignon
    Wed, Oct 04, 2023

    A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning.

    Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to the Popes’ Palace and famed St. Benezet Bridge also known as the Pont d’Avignon. Alternatively, join an excursion to Pont du Gard, an engineering masterpiece dating back to the middle of the first century which was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes, or paddle along the Gardon River underneath the spectacular Pont du Gard by kayak.

    Enrich
    Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes. After the doors close to the general public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Avignon
    Thu, Oct 05, 2023

    Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. If you’re feeling more active, you may choose to visit one of the most beautiful villages of France, Roussillon for a guided tour and a visit to the Lavender museum.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Arles
    Fri, Oct 06, 2023

    Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty medieval hilltop village of Les Baux and visit Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that now houses an impressive art installation. Alternatively, tour a charming family-run olive farm followed by a cooking class where our host will divulge local recipes, or take an active walk through La Camargue National Park. This afternoon you may wish to enjoy the medieval charm of Tarascon. It is the perfect city to cycle around so why not jump on an e-bike and cycle the riverside paths along the Rhône, or simply stay on board and take a painting class.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Viviers
    Sat, Oct 07, 2023

    Freechoice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of Viviers. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures of this beautiful town, or learn about the history of the French Resistance. Hear stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the town.

    Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park including the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a replica museum depicting the collection of engravings, paintings and drawings found in the nearby Chauvet Cave, or visit Bollene Hydroplant and dive into the world of renewable energies. Learn about the hydro power plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9
    Lyon
    Sun, Oct 08, 2023

    Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon.

    Enrich
    Tonight admire the beauty of one of the city’s greatest baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As an exclusive experience with Scenic, join your fellow guests for a breathtaking acapella
    choir performance in this wonderful setting.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10
    Lyon
    Mon, Oct 09, 2023

    Freechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for magnificent views across the city. Or explore Lyon on foot and view famous sights along the waterways. Alternatively, learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production during a silk painting workshop, or walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges.

    This evening enjoy one final indulgence when a local pâtissier comes on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day 11
    Lyon
    Tue, Oct 10, 2023

    Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Lyon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories.

    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

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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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