Scenic Spectacular South Of France
Over 11 days, cruise along the Saône and Rhône through the Spectacular South of France in 5-star all-inclusive luxury. Highlights include Lyon, Avignon, Viviers & Beaune.
Over ten awe-inspiring nights, the tastes, sights and smells of Southern France unravel as you cruise the magical Saône and Rhône Rivers. Taste the gourmet offerings in Lyon, the food capital of France, and immerse yourself in the acclaimed Burgundy wine region, sampling many of its products. Marvel at iconic sights such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, visit Arles and see the sights Vincent Van Gogh so famously painted during his time here. The possibilities are endless and the temptations of succumbing to the South of France become even more alluring.
Scenic Spectacular South Of France Itinerary
Day 1: Lyon
Fly to Lyon from one of up to 16 UK regional airports. If you’d prefer not to fly, why not take advantage of our No-Fly option at no extra cost? Travel Standard Premier Class from St. Pancras International to Paris, and onwards to Lyon. Welcome to the spectacular city of Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your friendly crew await to welcome you
on board.
Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps relax in the on board Salt Therapy Lounge and soak in the healing properties of the salt, or simply take a beverage on to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Lyon to Tournus
Relax on board as you cruise the Saône River towards Tournus. Perhaps sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire.
Free Choice: Explore Château de Cormatin, admire the castles gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens, or join highly trained hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village locating and sampling French truffles. Alternatively, visit the restaurant of three star Michelin chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chalon-sur-Saône
Free Choice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. The former hospital is a prime example of traditional 15th century Burgundian architecture and now houses a fascinating museum. Alternatively, visit a local château and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region, or visit the photography museum in the town where it was first invented. The museum is home to over three million photographs and objects, which you will have the opportunity to observe with your local guide.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Tain l’Hermitage
Perhaps start your day with a stretching class on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning as you take in the picturesque riverside panoramas.
Free Choice: Enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, or join a guided walking tour of the village of Tain l’Hermitage, including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Rhône to neighbouring villages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Avignon
A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning.
Free Choice: Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to the Popes’ Palace and famed St. Benezet Bridge also known as the Pont d’Avignon. Alternatively, join an excursion to Pont du Gard, an engineering masterpiece dating back to the middle of the first century which was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes, or paddle along the Gardon River underneath the spectacular Pont du Gard by kayak.
Enrich: Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes. After the doors close to the general public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Avignon
Free Choice: 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 Sénanque Abbey, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. If you’re feeling more active, you may choose to visit one of the most beautiful villages of France, Roussillon for a guided tour and a visit to the Lavender museum.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Tarascon
Free Choice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty medieval hilltop village of Les Baux and visit Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that now houses an impressive art installation. Alternatively, tour a charming family-run olive farm followed by a cooking class where our host will divulge local recipes, or take an active walk through La Camargue National Park. This afternoon you may wish to enjoy the medieval charm of Tarascon. It is the perfect city to cycle around so why not jump on an e-bike and cycle the riverside paths along the Rhône, or simply stay on board and take a painting class.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Viviers
Free Choice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of Viviers. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures of this beautiful town, or learn about the history of the French Resistance. Hear stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the town.
Free Choice: Explore the Ardèche National Park including the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a replica museum depicting the collection of engravings, paintings and drawings found in the nearby Chauvet Cave, or visit Bollene Hydroplant and dive into the world of renewable energies. Learn about the hydro power plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Lyon
Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon.
Enrich: Tonight admire the beauty of one of the city’s greatest baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As an exclusive experience with Scenic, join your fellow guests for a breathtaking acapella
choir performance in this wonderful setting.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lyon
Free Choice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for magnificent views across the city. Or explore Lyon on foot and view famous sights along the waterways. Alternatively, learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production during a silk painting workshop, or walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges.
This evening enjoy one final indulgence when a local pâtissier comes on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Lyon
Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Lyon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. Transfer to Lyon airport for your return journey home. Travel to one of up to 16 UK regional airports or by first class rail from Lyon to Paris Gare de Lyon, before Standard Premier Class aboard the Eurostar to St. Pancras International.
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
To check the latest fares and availability on this gorgeous itinerary, please call us on 0800 810 8481
The Scenic Difference
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- Be amazed by the magnificent surrounds at an exclusive classical concert accompanied by dinner at the grandiose Popes’ Palace in Avignon
- Join French cooking demonstrations in our exclusive on board cooking school, Scenic Culinaire
- Enjoy an exclusive acapella choir performance at the ornately decorated Trinity chapel in Lyon
- Explore the rugged beauty of the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum