10+
Guest limits
8 / 7
Days / Nights
20
MEALS
Join us on a memorable journey to the legendary Rhône Valley, blending the ease and comfort of a river cruise with the curated experiences of a custom wine and food trip. From the gastronomic capital city of Lyon to the enchanting Provençal town of Avignon, discover the diverse terroirs and culinary delights of the South of France. Attend expert-led tasting workshops featuring Côtes du Rhône wines, explore medieval villages and UNESCO-listed castles and monuments, and enjoy panoramic views of sun-soaked vineyards and idyllic countryside as you cruise along the historic banks of the Rhône River.
Visit
the gastronomic capital city of Lyon and the ancient city of Avignon, home to several popes in the 14th century
Explore
medieval villages and UNESCO-listed castles and monuments
Taste
artisan foods and local wines from the acclaimed Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône regions
Day 1
ARRIVE LYON
Land in the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport where a driver will be waiting in the Arrivals area to transport you to the ship. This afternoon, we’ll board our river ship with time to settle in before a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Day 2
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE - BEAUNE
Visit the historic walled village of Beaune in the Côte d’Or region, known for its soil and vineyards that have produced some of the most prestigious red wines in the world. Walk through the lively town, taking in the diverse architecture, and tour the medieval Hospices de Beaune, founded in 1443 as a hospital for the poor and now one of the most iconic landmarks in Burgundy.
Day 3
LYON
Today, a guided tour awaits you, including a visit to the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.
Day 4
TOURNON
Located on the banks of the Rhône, the charming village of Tournon is best known for its ancient castle and its historic fortifications, including a set of medieval watchtowers.
Enjoy a guided tour of the village or embark on a hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe.
Day 5
VIVIERS
Continuing down the Rhône, our next stop is the medieval walled town of Viviers. Once a Roman settlement and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals, the town is an architectural open-air museum. Step back in time and wander the narrow lanes and tree-lined streets during a guided walking tour that showcases the history as well as the Romanesque and Renaissance architectural influences of this pedestrian-friendly town.
Day 6
AVIGNON
Our port today is in the ancient city of Avignon, filled with magnificent art and architecture and home to seven popes in the 14th century. This evening, return to our ship for a delightful Provençal dining experience, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
Day 7
ARLES
Arrive in the town of Arles this morning. Once an important Phoenician trading port, Arles was a thriving city during the height of the Roman empire. Our tour of the city will showcase some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments scattered around the city including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre.
Day 8
Arles - Marseille
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Marseille Provence Airport for flights home. Au revoir!
Day 8
After disembarking the ship in Arles, we’ll take a private transfer east into the picturesque Luberon hills of Provence. Check into our luxury accommodations, located in the heart of the Regional National Park of Luberon, which provide an ideal base for exploring the surrounding hilltop villages and family-run wineries. Have time to relax and get settled before enjoying a wine-paired dinner at the property.
Day 9
After a leisurely breakfast and relaxing morning, we’ll visit the property’s Aureto vineyard and cellars. Learn about their winemaking technique and aging methods, taste their exceptional wines, and savor a light lunch of charcuterie and cheese. The afternoon is free to enjoy the offerings of the property, which include a state-of-the-art spa, a cycling center that rents bikes and organizes guides, hiking trails, and more.
Day 10
Today we visit the fortified hilltop village of Gordes, listed as one of the “most beautiful villages of France.” Join a local guide for a walking tour of the architectural and historical highlights of the village and enjoy a lunch of local flavors followed by some free time to stroll along the charming cobbled lanes. Later, we’ll visit a wine estate in a neighboring town for a guided tour and tasting of their wines before returning to the property for a free evening.
Day 11
After breakfast, our Provençal journey comes to an end with a transfer to the Marseille Airport to catch flights home. Aurevoir!
ACCOMMODATIONS
EMERALD LIBERTÉ
Specially commissioned to sail the Rhône and Saône, the Emerald Liberté has a capacity of 132 guests, with suites, staterooms, and public spaces set across four beautifully appointed decks.
Meals are served in the light and airy Reflections Restaurant, which boasts expansive windows that showcase the passing scenery and offers locally-sourced, authentic fine dining paired with wines selected by onboard sommeliers.
Other amenities include a Sun Deck, Horizon Bar & Lounge, putting green, heated pool with a retractable glass roof that can be transformed into a cinema in the evening, a small well-equipped gym, wellness area with spa facilities, complimentary WiFi, and a fleet of bikes that are available to guests. Staterooms feature individual climate control, complimentary water, flat screen TV, personal safe, and en suite bathrooms with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobe, and slippers.
COQUILLADE PROVENCE RESORT AND SPA
Located in a picturesque setting surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields, and three mountain ranges, the award-winning Coquillade Provence Resort and Spa provides a luxury base for soaking in this idyllic corner of Provence. A cypress tree-lined driveway provides an impressive welcome to the property, which features a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Other amenities include 3 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a rejuvenating spa and wellness center, a well-equipped gym, a yoga studio, a cycling center, and an array of available activities. Rooms are decorated in charming Provençal style and offer either a balcony or terrace, coffee machine, minibar, complimentary WiFi, and a bathroom equipped with a bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hairdryer.
Details
DATES
INCLUSIONS
- Seven nights / eight days accommodations aboard river ship, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and ship staff
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Access to all ship amenities
- Personalized service onboard from ship staff
- Access to bicycles for independent exploration on certain days
- All activities as listed in the itinerary
- Upgraded drinks package
- Port fees
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
- Additional excursions offered by the cruise company for an additional fee
Reservation process
DEPOSITS
Travel Insurance
Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/
Travel Terms & Conditions
CATEGORIES & RATES
EXTENSION RATES*
Classic: $2,995
Single Occupancy: $4,295
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Notes: Price includes everything listed as included.