Spectacular South of France
Over 11 days, cruise along the Saône and Rhône through the South of France in 5-star all-inclusive luxury. Highlights include Lyon, Avignon, Viviers & Beaune.
Members from: $6,395 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $6,495 P.P Twin ShareSolo traveller from: $14,490
Type
River Cruising
Destination
United Kingdom & Europe
Supplier
Scenic
Booking Code
Over 11 days, cruise along the Saône and Rhône through the South of France in 5-star all-inclusive luxury. Highlights include Lyon, Avignon, Viviers & Beaune.
Departs
17 August 2022
20 September 2022
30 September 2022
10 October 2022
11 April 2023
5 May 2023
4 June 2023
28 July 2023
17 August 2023
30 September 2023
20 October 2023
5-Star Scenic Space-Ship with up to 149 guests
Spacious Balcony Suites with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
2 Scenic Enrich experiences including an extraordinary classical concert and dinner in the magnificent Popes Palace in Avignon and an Acapella Choir performance at the Baroque Trinity Chapel in Lyon – all Exclusive to Scenic
Scenic Culinaire – for Exclusive on board cooking lessons
Personalise your trip with 29 included Scenic Freechoice activities
Dine at your choice of up to five on board venues, from casual to fine dining
29 meals – 10 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L) and 10 dinners (D)Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day – not just at meal times
Butler service for every suite
Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
Scenic Tailormade App for river commentary and independent exploration
The freedom of our e-bikes – electronically assisted bicycles
Take the time to discover the beauty of the South of France on a luxury cruise with Scenic.
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.
Day 1 - 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 > 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.
Freechoice
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
Freechoice
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
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.
Freechoice
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
Freechoice
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
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 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
Freechoice
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
Freechoice
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.
Freechoice
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 a 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
Freechoice
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.
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
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Members from: $3,857 P.P Twin Share
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All Tour Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars. If You pay Us by credit card a surcharge may be added, please enquire for details. There is no surcharge for payments made by cash, cheque or direct transfer to Our nominated bank account. Your Tour Price includes all coach, rail and cruise travel set out in the Itinerary; the services of a Cruise Director (if applicable) and/or Tour Director; airport transfers outside Australia; meals as specified in Your Itinerary; economy class group flights and air taxes as set out in your Itinerary; accommodation; sightseeing and admissions, where stated in Your Itinerary; port charges; all gratuities and tipping on land tours; and any other specific inclusions identified in Your Itinerary. Unless expressly listed in Your Itinerary as an inclusion, Your Tour Price does not include airfares; airline taxes; shore excursions on ocean cruises; additional optional activities; accommodation upgrades; meals not specified in Your Itinerary; drinks; laundry; passport fees; visas; vaccinations; medical assistance; government taxes and charges (excluding GST); or any items or expenses of a personal nature. Unless stated as an inclusion in Your itinerary, overnight accommodation required to meet Your Tour and/or any flight connections are not included in the Tour Price and will be at Your expense.
4.6 We reserve the right not to honour any published prices that We determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic, or clerical error. If You make a Booking based on erroneous pricing, We will offer You the option of cancelling the Booking and receiving a refund of any amount paid by You or confirming the Booking by paying the difference between the erroneous price and the correct price, as determined by Us. The following Fees are payable in addition to the Tour Price:
(a) If You book 21 days or less before the Tour Departure Date, You must pay a late booking fee of $50.00 per Booking.
(b) If You change Your Booking, other than by varying the Tour Departure Date, You must pay a change fee of $50.00 per Booking. This fee is on account of administrative expenses incurred by Us in changing Your Tour and is a genuine and reasonable estimate of Our expenses.
4.8 If You cancel Your Tour for any reason prior to Your Tour Departure Date (including by changing Your Tour Departure Date or the name of a Guest).