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Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Chef Michael Bonacini on Emerald Liberté

From Nice, France to Lyon, France
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Sat, Apr 05, 2025
Operator
Departure
Apr 05, 2025
Arrival
Apr 12, 2025

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON EMERALD CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Emerald - Guaranteed!

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Mention Promo Code: PT3209
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Single Supplements From Just 45%

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Promotion Details
Traveling solo on a river cruise has become one of the easiest ways to enjoy a relaxing voyage entirely in your own way. With single supplements from just 45% on selected sailings. From the moment you step foot on board, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you please. Whether you want to tour each stunning destination in depth, or simply unwind in the contemporary surrounds of your award-winning Star-Ship, you'll revel in the delights of cruising solo. (Not all dates may apply, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings)
Must Book By Tue, Apr 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Reduced Single Supplement offer is available for new bookings only made after Go Live date for the sailing in question. Pay in full required 12 months from departure; if within 12 months, full payment is due 72 hours from booking. Savings are based on the cruise + upgrade element only, excludes air fares, port charges, taxes, any pre- or post land touring, hotel stays and other additional items. These offers are combinable with trade vouchers and future travel credits only; not combinable with any other offers. Not combinable with groups.

Offer is available globally on selected dates and cabin categories. All Top Suites are excluded from the Offer. Offer is inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises 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 call your Professional Travel Advisor.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Nice - Arles
    Sat, Apr 05, 2025

    Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests.

    Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 12:00 PM.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Arles
    Sun, Apr 06, 2025

    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 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races. 
    Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure. 

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Arles with arena visit 

    EmeraldPLUS
    A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale

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    Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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    Visit to L’Occitane Factory (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Avignon
    Mon, Apr 07, 2025

    Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s 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. 
    Embark on a guided walking tour to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decad es. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon. 

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Avignon

    EmeraldPLUS
    Classical concert in Avignon

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Canoeing excursion in Avignon

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    Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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    Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense)

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    Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Viviers
    Tue, Apr 08, 2025

    A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your 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 yours to explore today during a guided walking tour. 

    Join your culinary hosts, Chef Michael Bonacini and his son, Oscar Bonacini for a cocktail reception on board in the afternoon. 

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Viviers

    DiscoverMORE
    Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Tournon
    Wed, Apr 09, 2025

    As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape. 
    Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

    In the afternoon, join celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini and his son, Oscar in the lounge for an interactive Q&A session.

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Tournon

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike through the vineyards


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Lyon
    Thu, Apr 10, 2025

    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. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. 

    Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

    Exclusive Chefs Bonacini Experience: Join Chef Michael Bonacini and Oscar on a visit to Lyon’s culinary paradise at Les Halles Paul Bocuse – an indoor food market where you’ll tour and taste the city’s best-known delicacies.

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Lyon

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour of Lyon

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    Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

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    Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune
    Fri, Apr 11, 2025

    The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you 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. 

    Exclusive Chefs Bonacini Experience: Celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini and his son Oscar will prepare a special French inspired dinner. 

    Included Excursion
    Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

    EmeraldPLUS
    Cheese and olive tasting on board


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Lyon 
    Sat, Apr 12, 2025

    After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed vineyards with you. 

    Please book your flight to depart out of Lyon after 10:00 AM.

    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.


    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

France

Rivers Visited

Rhone, Saone

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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.

Emerald Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.7
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 58 reviews about Emerald Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

Generally this was a very pleasant Emerald cruise. Just seemed a little off to what we've experienced on previous cruises with the same company.

Unfortunately because of the high water level in Rhine we got off the ship from Wazburg and continued the trip by land. Not as comfortable and convenient as when we were on the ship but the staff of Emerald gave the best accommodation they could get.

Great cruise. Congenial group. The weather cooperated. Food excellent. Service efficient and polite.

We had a great cruise with no issues whatsoever.

We had an outstanding trip down the Danube on Emerald Waterways. The food was amazing, the service was absolutely top-notch, the places we stopped (Passau, Linz and Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest) were all wonderful in their own way. The options provided by Emerald (active vs. included, and the add-on activities) were just right. Our Cruise Director and the Activity Manager were very knowledgeable and attentive throughout our trip. As alway, Affordable Tours helped us book, and provided great follow-up care when we needed it. 

Emerald was awesome. It offered us cultural experience that was unusual and authentic. We felt like we got to know the countries we visited. We are looking to book with Emerald again in Europe. Local and tour Director was the best

first emerald waterway tour was excellent ! excellent and unique excursions included plus good optional tours offered loved the Vespa ride, ox cart and rickshaw ride Hoi Ann and Halong bay are highlights emerald staff very welcoming to us

The staff and crew of the ship was fantastic. Christmas Markets are not to be missed.

Although this is my first river cruise, so I cannot compare with other companies, I was very happy with Emerald with a few exceptions. They advertise that it is all inclusive and do offer several free tour options at each port, but that also sell Discovery options that are more money. We did 4 of those which increased the cost for 2 by $600. If you like to workout, forget the gym, which had one rowing machine, an exercise bike and some dumbbells with enough room for 3 people at most. The staff were all great, the food was very good and the itinerary was excellent. They have a small swimming pool and late night activities. Good diversity with most people from US, Canada, Australia and new Zealand.

Was great, food was good, cabin small but nice, excursions were good.

This trip was wonderful, with only 160 passengers we were treated royally. Everyone on board the ship worked with only one thing in mind to please the customers.

Derek was very thorough and easy to work with. Our trip was what we expected.

We were fortunate the trip went as planned. A lock was damaged and the ship we were scheduled for was unavailable. Emerald provided a different ship and we completed our full itinerary. Great job Emerald. The trip wonderful. Great staff, tours and food. Our Affordable agent Allyson fulfilled all our needs efficiently providing excellent customer care.

Great river cruise, the operator Emerald Waterways did not disappoint. On board service was exceptional and the tours were very good. Only thought would be that having a little more free time during site visits would have made the excursions good to great.

Our third river cruise but found the baths on this particular ship to be very small. The crew, though, was excellent, especially the director!

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Emerald. 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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