European river cruise

Scenic - Spectacular South of France with Paris

16 Day Spectacular South of France with Paris

Spectacular South of France with Paris

Days: 16

From: Paris to Nice

Countries Visited: France

Code: pfrc

Code_ERC: pfrc-1

( Brochure Price: $ 11,295 pp )

Our Price: $10,730 pp

Itinerary


1. Welcome to Paris
A world of wonder awaits you. Celebrate the start of your journey at one of the city’s luxury hotels for a three night stay.

2. Paris
Freechoice View all the major sights of Paris – the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the famous Champs Elysées. Alternatively, lose yourself in the world’s largest museum, the Louvre, or take a walking tour with a Parisian. Meals included: Breakfast

3. Paris
Enjoy a free day to explore. Freechoice Dining Tonight dine at the world-famous Lido while enjoying a cabaret show, or at the 58 Tour Eiffel in the Eiffel Tower itself, before taking a short sightseeing cruise on the Seine River. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

4. Chalon-sur-Saône
Traverse the Île de France countryside on the TGV train to Dijon, known for its famous mustard exports. Enjoy an orientation tour and time at leisure before transferring to Chalon-sur-Saône where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

5. Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus
Freechoice Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Tournus > Mâcon
Freechoice Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Mâcon
You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy. Freechoice Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Lyon H
Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France Freechoice Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare. You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess. Enrich Experience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Tournon
Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette. Sundowners Overlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Tournon > Viviers
Freechoice Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines. Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral. Freechoice Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon
Freechoice Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Avignon
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 l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon. Enrich Be treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14. La Camargue
Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park. Freechoice Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

15. Tarascon
The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm. Freechoice Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty hilltop village of Les Baux before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

16. Tarascon > Marseille
All good things end eventually and after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Marseille or Nice Airport. Please book your flights to depart between 11am and 4pm if flying out of Marseille and after 1pm if flying out of Nice. Meals included: Breakfast

Cruise Enquiry

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Cruise Highlights

Places of sheer magic. To say that Paris is a magical place is to underestimate the wealth of wonder waiting to be discovered there.. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the legendary Louvre, there is just so much to see, do, taste and explore. Of course, Paris is also the gateway to the rest of France, and the magic doesn’t end at the city boundaries. From Chalon-sur-Saône to Tarascon, the South of France is a place of rare enchantment. You’ll get to sample one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines, and enter a world of grandeur and wonder. Delve into the many local histories along the way and appreciate the world’s most refined wine culture.