10 Night Cruise sailing from Lyon roundtrip aboard Scenic Sapphire.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Day 1 - Lyon
Welcome to the spectacular city of Lyon. Upon arrival, embark 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.

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.

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 the estate of Château Meursault 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 knowledgeable local guide.

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.

Day 5 - Avignon
A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning.

Freechoice
Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to Popes’ Palace and the 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 Nimes.

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.

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.

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, 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, or take an active walk through La Camargue National Park. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this sanctuary for flora and fauna is the largest wetlands in France and is home to almost 400 species of birds.

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.

Day 8 - Viviers
Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, a town with an important heritage and a rich past. Admire the many significant monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent, with its 18th Century gothic style and its Renaissance façade, admire the cathedrals beauty as you are treated to an organ recital.

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 hydropower plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can kayak through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or 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.

Day 9 - Lyon
Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon. Why not visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary repertoire.

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.

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, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges.

This evening enjoy one final indulgence on board Scenic Sapphire when a local patissier comes on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.

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.