Itinerary also in reverse

Day 1 - UK - Marseille - Arles

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your local airport. If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for you to board your luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Arles

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles and Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where spectators would have once gathered by the masses to watch superb chariot races. Enjoy learning about the time that Vincent van Gogh spent in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including the “Starry Night Over the Rhône”, before exploring Arles at leisure. EmeraldPLUS: A Provençal dinner hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Arles with arena visit DiscoverMORE: Tour to Les Baux-de-Provence (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Avignon

Avignon has a long and storied history, as this fortified town was once the residence of Popes who fled from Rome, hoping to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. Embark on a guided walking tour of Avignon 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 decades. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge. EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion in Avignon EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Avignon DiscoverMORE: A guided tour to Pont du Gard (extra expense) DiscoverMORE: A classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Viviers

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings that have been 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. EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Viviers DiscoverMORE: A guided tour of Grignan (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Tournon

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône and into Tournon, a 16th-century castle sits overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers can be seen adorning the surrounding rural landscape. Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon to 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. Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will touch on the French countryside and the lives of the people who live there. EmeraldPLUS: A regional wine lecture on board EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour to Glun EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike through the vineyards EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Tournon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Lyon

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, a lot 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 Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour around Lyon, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour of Lyon EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lyon DiscoverMORE: Visit to Pérouges (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune

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. EmeraldPLUS: A cheese and olive tasting on board EmeraldEXCURSION: Visit the Hospices de Beaune

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Lyon - UK

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 surrounds with you. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport. If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.

Meals Included: Breakfast