7 Night Sensations of Lyon and Provence Cruise from Lyon

Welcome to Lyon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship where you will be welcomed by your captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner onboard.

Chalon-Sur-Saone is best known as the birthplace of photography and the center of Burgundy's wine region. Travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune, where we visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth-century architecture. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this former hospital, now a museum, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy.

Lyon is France's third-largest city, a former Roman capital positioned at the conference of the Rhone and Saone rivers, which is steeped in history. Today be part of the guided tour of Lyon, which starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Lyon's hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then, pass by the recently rediscovered Roman amphitheatre and walk through the cobbled streets of the gastronomic old town including the secret laneways. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour of Lyon.; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour; DiscoverMORE: Tour to Perouges (extra expense)

Join your local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, and is nestled in the valley near the steep slopes of the Massif Central, France's 3rd-largest mountain range. The area has a long tradition in wine making, including the renowned wine growing centre of Tain-l'Hermitage across the river.; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk through vineyards; EmeraldPLUS: Regional wine lecture onboard; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Glun

Arrive in Viviers, a town which still has a lot of flare. Viviers is also the home of one of France's oldest cathedrals. Join an included city tour exploring all the architectural heritage of this quaint town.; EmeraldPLUS: Cheese and olive tasting onboard; DiscoverMORE: Tour to Grignan (extra expense)

Avignon has a rich history from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the popes and later central to the French Revolution. Although a fortified town, it is the Papal Palace which stands more secure on a hill in the centre of town; its walls are 17-18 feet thick. Your guided walk with a local guide takes you through this historic centre with its cobbled laneways and shops, overlooking the famous Pont d'Avignon. The rest of the day is at leisure.; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active hike in Avignon; EmeraldACTIVE: Yoga lesson onboard; EmeraldPLUS: Provencale dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale; DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Pont du Gard (extra expense)

Sail into Arles where you will join your local guide for a walking tour showcasing the highlights of the city, in particular, the 2,000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre still in use today, which was originally built to hold 20,000 spectators in the style of the Colosseum in Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax onboard and explore Arles further.; DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Les Baux-de-Provence (extra expense)

After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship in Arles and transfer to Nice airport for your onward or homebound flight.