Enchanting Rhone
SOUTHERN FRANCE & PROVENCE RIVER CRUISE 2025
OVERVIEW
River X bring you you a-once-in-a-lifetime travel experience as we sail the majestic Rhone through Provence, France. Experience exceptional comfort, unexcelled quality, and the highest levels of service in a classic and graceful atmosphere. Discover an unforgettable river cruise on Europe’s most storied waterway—from the comfort of your floating 5- star hotel.
River X and the 5-star Emerald Liberte stand for the highest levels of hospitality and service and are devoted to satisfying your every wish and every need. Our reputation and years of travel experience guarantees you will feel pampered in every way and enjoy each and every moment, both on the river and on land.
THE JOURNEY
The Rhône is a beautiful river, wending its way from the Swiss Alps maritime through Provence, with port calls in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Arles and Avignon, once home to the Papacy, tours of the Beaujolais wine region, visits to quaint villages like Tournon, Vienne, and Lyon, France’s culinary heart. Romantic settings, quaint villages, stunning scenery, French flavors and rolling vineyards are yours to discover on your river cruise from Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saône, then onto Avignon and Arles.
Picture yourself watching the river flow from the window of your cabin or one of the decks as it takes you to new places and reveals storybook landscapes as you relax in total comfort. The sublime ambiance and personal service aboard your riverboat creates an oasis of relaxation that is simply unexcelled. Each one of the bright, airy cabins has unrestricted views of the scenery through panoramic, glass windows with French balcony (sliding glass windows / doors) that spans the cabin’s width. Experience European travel like you never have before with the sheer ease of river transport!
Our all-inclusive program includes delicious Haute cuisine, entertainment, and Adventure with River X’s signature curated daily adventures from Lyon to Arles that combine the culture, adventure, and history of each locale.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sat, 29 March: Lyon
Welcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a member of our friendly greetings team and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Starship. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 04:30 PM.
Day 2 Sun, 30 March: Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune
Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the area’s 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, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.
Included Excursion
- Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
- Cheese and olive tasting reception
Day 3 Mon, 31 March: 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. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you’ll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights. Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to 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, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.
Included Excursion AM (choice)
- Guided walking tour of Lyon
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
- PM: Guided shopping tour – the hidden shopping gems of Lyon
Day 4 Tue, 01 April: 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 a hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe. Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.
Included Excursion
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided bike tour to Glun or Vinyards hike
Day 5 Wed, 02 April: Viviers
Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.
Included Excursion
- Guided tour of Viviers
Day 6 Thu, 03 April: Avignon
Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution. Your included walking tour 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 evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon.
Included Excursion (choice)
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- PM: Guided shopping tour – the hidden shopping gems of Lyon
- Evening classical musical concert in Avignon
Day 7 Fri, 04 April: Arles
The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-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 its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating 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, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France’s Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
Included Excursion
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
Day 8 Sat, 05 Apr Arles – Marseille (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 AM.
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 for further information. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
THE EMERALD EXPERIENCE
| from $4750 pp | 8 |
| days |
March 29 to April 5, 2025
THE SHIP & CRUISE RATES
ITINERARY
- Day 1 Sa – Embarkation Lyon
- Day 2 Su – Chalon-Sur-Saône – Beaune
- Day 3 Mo – Lyon
- Day 4 Tu – Tournon
- Day 5 We – Viviers
- Day 6 Th – Avignon
- Day 7 Fr – Arles
- Day 8 Sa – Arles – Marseille: Disembark
* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature.
THE SHIP
Experience the sleek beauty of the Emerald Liberte as we glide through the south of France. As soon as you set foot on the ship, its coziness and hospitable atmosphere will overtake you and you can relax. Make yourself comfortable in the lounge and drink in your surroundings. The restaurant, surrounded by tall glass walls, offers an unobstructed view of the river and its banks. Watch bucolic landscapes pass as you enjoy fine food and good company. The cabins on the Liberte offer guests a private retreat, with balcony views that take in the river and surrounding landscape. This new deluxe ship boast all balcony suites and a heated swimming pool complete with retractable roof – creating a brilliant onboard oasis for you to relax, whatever the weather. CME River Conferences doesn’t just meet your expectations; we aim to create spectacular surprises that exceed what you would expect from an everyday CME Conference.
Embarkation & Disembarkation:
Embarkation (March 29 Lyon): Clients will be able to check-in and board in Lyon, France beginning at 16:00. Guests who arrive earlier may leave their luggage at reception beginning at 13:00 but will not be able to check-in or receive their cabin until 16:00. Lyon Airport is approximately 30 minutes travel to the pier. Scheduled airport transfers will be made available in the late morning and early afternoon.
Disembarkation (Arles): Clients will be required to disembark by 9:30a. Transfers from boat to Marseille airport will be available. Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from the pier.
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