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Nice & Sensations of Southern France
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Your itinerary begins in the birthplace of photography, Charlon-sur-Saone, located in the centre of Burgundy’s wine region. Walk along Lyon’s secret laneways and learn why it’s considered the country’s gastronomic heart.
Walk to the vineyards of Tournon, enjoy an on board wine lecture, and immerse yourself in Avignon’s Celtic history, before attending a Provencal dinner, prepared by Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale, on board.
A walking tour of Arles showcases the city’s 2,000 year old amphitheatre, and a three night stay in Nice encourages you to explore the French Riviera independently, as well as glamorous Monaco.
What’s Included On Board:
- 7 nights on board in a suite or stateroom
- 3 nights city stay in Nice
- Complimentary Wine, Beer and soft drinks to accompany Lunch & Dinner
- All on board meals
- Indoor pool, that transforms into a cinema at night
- Spacious accommodation
- Coffee station
- Bottled water re stocked daily in your suite
- Included shore excursions
- Visits to UNESCO World Heritage listed sites
- Emerald Plus and Emerald Active, extra special excursions
- First class service from an English speaking crew
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Complimentary WIFI
- On board bicycles
- All on board gratuities
- Return economy flights from a choice of UK airports
- All internal airport transfers to and from your ship
Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday.
If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.
On the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon can be found set across twin hills. Here, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the lush surrounds of your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.
Day 2 - Chalon-sur-Saône & Beaune
Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history.
Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the areas architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune, originally a hospital for the poor, and now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.
EmeraldPLUS: A cheese and olive tasting on board EmeraldEXCURSION: Visit the Hospices de Beaune
Day 3 - Lyon
France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country and the home of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour of Lyon.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour of Lyon
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lyon
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Pérouges
Day 4 - Tournon
The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.
Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Alternatively, embark on an
EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.
EmeraldPLUS: A regional wine lecture on board
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour to Glun
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike through the vineyards
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Tournon
Day 5 - Viviers
Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour of Viviers will showcase some of its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Viviers
DiscoverMORE: A guided tour of Grignan (extra expense)
Day 6 - Avignon
Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution. Your included walking tour of Avignon will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône.
This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. This evening, return to your Star-Ship for a delightful Provençal dining experience, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
EmeraldPLUS: A Provençal dining experience on board EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion in Avignon EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Avignon DiscoverMORE: A guided tour to Pont du Gard (extra expense) DiscoverMORE: A classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)
Day 7 - Arles
The past is yours to discover in Arles, once an important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments.
Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles, showcasing how the city has evolved over the centuries.
Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps stopping at a local café or returning to your Star-Ship to relax on board.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Arles with arena visit DiscoverMORE: Tour to Les Baux-de-Provence (extra expense)
Day 8 - Arles & Nice
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the ship for your transfer to Nice, where you will be taken to your centrally located hotel. Included is a three-night stay in the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur.
Day 9 - Nice
Today, the stunning seaside surrounds of the French Riviera are yours to explore with your local guide, before spending the afternoon exploring at leisure.
You will be taken to Monte Carlo for an insightful tour. Famously portrayed in films that include Never Say Never Again and To Catch a Thief, Monte Carlo offers much in the way of its charming past.
Witness the impressive Prince’s Palace of Monaco, originally a Genoese fortress with a dramatic past and the home of beloved actress Grace Kelly.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Day 10 - Nice
Nice has long held a reputation for its glamour, where sun-kissed beaches and lavish surrounds create a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other.
Today, explore Nice at leisure.
Your Emerald Waterways representative will be available to help you to plan your day in this vibrant city.
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Saint Paul de Vence (extra expense)
Day 11- Nice to UK
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare to be transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of Roman amphitheatres and the lush surrounds of the French Riviera with you.
Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday.
Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport.
If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.
Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports.
If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available. Welcome to Nice, a fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur.
You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, where a three-night stay is yours to enjoy.
Day 2 - Nice
Today, the stunning seaside surrounds of the French Riviera are yours to explore with your local guide, before spending the afternoon exploring at leisure.
You will be taken to Monte Carlo for an insightful tour. Famously portrayed in films that include Never Say Never Again and To Catch a Thief, Monte Carlo offers much in the way of its charming past.
Witness the impressive Prince’s Palace of Monaco, originally a Genoese fortress with a dramatic past and the home of beloved actress Grace Kelly.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Day 3 - Nice
Nice has long held a reputation for its glamour, where sun-kissed beaches and lavish surrounds create a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other.
Today, explore Nice at leisure. Your Emerald Waterways representative will be available to help you to plan your day in this vibrant city.
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Saint Paul de Vence (extra expense)
Day 4 - Nice - Arles
You will be met in Nice and transferred to your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship in Arles, where a warm welcome awaits from your captain and crew.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Day 5 - Arles
Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles and Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where spectators would have once gathered by the masses to watch superb chariot races.
Enjoy learning about the time that Vincent van Gogh spent in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including the “Starry Night Over the Rhône”, before exploring Arles at leisure.
EmeraldPLUS: A Provençal dinner hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Arles with arena visit
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Les Baux-de-Provence (extra expense)
Day 6 - Avignon
Avignon has a long and storied history, as this fortified town was once the residence of Popes who fled from Rome, hoping to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire.
Embark on a guided walking tour of Avignon to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decades. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.
EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion in Avignon EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Avignon DiscoverMORE: A guided tour to Pont du Gard (extra expense) DiscoverMORE: A classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)
Day 7- Viviers
A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region.
Pastel coloured buildings that have been gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the old town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Viviers
DiscoverMORE: A guided tour of Grignan (extra expense)
Day 8 - Tournon
As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône and into Tournon, a 16th-century castle sits overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers can be seen adorning the surrounding rural landscape.
Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon to learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an
EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards. EmeraldPLUS: A regional wine lecture on board EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour to Glun
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike through the vineyards EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Tournon
Day 9 - Lyon
As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, a lot of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But, it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. Join your local guide for a walking tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour around Lyon, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour of Lyon EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lyon
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Pérouges (extra expense)
Day 10 - Charlon-sur-Saone & Beaune
The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune.
Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.
EmeraldPLUS: A cheese and olive tasting on board EmeraldEXCURSION: Visit the Hospices de Beaune
Day 11 - Lyon - UK
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed surrounds with you.
Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday.
Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport.
If you’d prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.
Built specifically for the Sensations of Southern France river cruise, Emerald Liberté is one of three Emerald Waterways ships launched in 2017. Mirroring the effortless sophistication and beauty of the French countryside she navigates, Emerald Liberté offers authentic experiences of the rivers Rhône and Saône. Travelling from Lyon to Avignon or vice versa, the Emerald Liberté explores culturally-rich and enigmatic cities before dissecting the wine regions and charming Mediterranean settlements of France.
The Emerald Liberté benefits from 70 generously-proportioned suites and staterooms with a capacity of 138 guests apiece, 43 crew contains a selection of excellent amenities and features. The Sun Deck of the ship also boasts a retractable glass roof which provides seasonal protection for the pool, cinema and Riverview Lounge below. Whether you wish to undertake a few lengths before breakfast in the heated pool or enjoy a Hollywood classic in the cinema, the choice is yours. Book one of the Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- Spacious staterooms and suites
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Indoor Heated Pool with retractable roof
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Evening cinema
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Complimentary speciality tea and coffee
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Sun Deck with seating area and walking track
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Putting Green
- Complimentary Bicycles
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Fully equipped fitness centre
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Wellness Area
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Hairdresser *
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Dedicated cruise director
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Al Fresco Dining & BBQ area
- Lift
- Games Area
Accommodation & Amenities
70 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 162-310 ft². Most accommodations have a open air balcony. Try one of the 2 One-Bedroom Owner’s Suites at 315 sq ft² with their very own bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. An outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allows you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements such as in suite such as a larger sitting area with two chairs. All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
Looking for inspiration? Why not read our blog: “France’s Magnificent Rivers – A Guide to River Cruises in France”
One Bedroom Owner’s Suites
315 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck
- Outdoor private balcony with open-air system and sliding glass door
- Separate bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and separate lounge area
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
- Complimentary in-suite Mini-Bar with wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Nespresso machine
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and use of an iPad
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with pillow menu
- Safe and Telephone
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
- Four items of laundry a day
- Invite to dinner at the Captain’s Table
Cat. S – Grand Balcony Suites
207 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck
- Outdoor private balcony with open-air system and sliding glass doors
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite mini-bar available at own expense, complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Nespresso machine
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with pillow menu
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
- Two items of laundry a day
Cat. A, B & C Panorama Balcony Suites
170 ft² – Horizon & Vista (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling window with open-air balcony system
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
- Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Mini-fridge
Cat. D & E Staterooms
170 ft² – Riviera (Lower) Deck
- Picture window which does not open
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
- Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Mini-fridge
Cat. ES Single Staterooms
105 ft² – Riviera (Lower) Deck
- Picture window which does not open
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
- Single Bed
- Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Mini-fridge
For our latest prices & availability please call 0800 471 4754
Why Choose This Cruise?
Emerald Waterways are a new entrant to the river cruise market and sit as Scenic’s premium river cruise sister company. Ships are brand new and very contemporary in style and the river cruising is very relaxed. A very welcome inclusion to the premium, luxury market. A holiday to enjoy.
