French Riviera to the Rhône River

Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches and elegant allure that attracts the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Discover the opulence of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Gardens. Get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous in Cannes. Watch artisans create fragrant perfumes. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life.

Romance, spectacular historic landmarks & Roman influence, celebrate France’s past & present on this sensory journey through renowned vineyards & world-class restaurants along the Saône & Rhône rivers.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2600 flight credit per person
• 7 night Spotlight on the French Riviera guided tour with Collette, Nice return
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, 12 meals, must-see inclusions, wine tasting plus more
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Nice with breakfast
• 7 night Sensations of Lyon & Provence river cruise onboard Emerald Liberte, Nice to Lyon
• Includes 20 meals, select beverages, guided tours, tipping & gratuities, port charges plus more
• Select transfers throughout

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 10-24 October 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 / Nice (French Riviera), France - Tour Begins

Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.

Day 2 / Nice: The Flower Market & the Local Foodie

Step into the shoes of a local and navigate the Tram this morning. Get familiar with the routes and use it to your advantage during some free time. With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city’s famed and colorful flower market. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll return to your hotel and stroll along the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. You may even stay downtown and visit one of Nice’s world-class art galleries, such as the Chagall or the Matisse Museums. Maybe you’ll find your favorite café for the week and soak in the local life.

Day 3 / Monaco: Alluring & Royal

Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the Principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco – the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then it’s your choice! Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train tour* taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino -OR- visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau.

Day 4 / Hilltop Grasse & Perfume Workshop

Today, learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming Provençal hill town before returning to Nice for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion that takes you to the most Italian, French village of Menton. After working up an appetite, savor a peaceful dinner in the medieval Village of Eze.

Day 5 / Glamorous Cannes - Saint-Honorat Island & Wine Tasting

Journey to Cannes and rub elbows with Europe’s elite. Walk in the footsteps of celebrities when you see the Film Festival Palace and the iconic red carpet featured during the Cannes Film Festival. During free time, explore the cobbled lanes of the Le Suquet neighborhood or the lively Forville farmer’s market. Then, sail** across the Bay of Cannes to the tiny island of Saint-Honorat, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey. Pause for a taste of the locally produced wine before returning to Nice in the late afternoon. Back in Nice this evening, savor a wine-paired tasting menu highlighting the delights of the South of France.

Day 6 / Once Upon a Villa

Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you’ll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. Back in Nice, enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Perhaps you’ll set off in search of the whimsical architecture of St. Nicholas’ cathedral.

Day 7 / St. Paul de Vence: An Artist’s Haven

This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

Day 8 / Nice - Tour Ends

Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nice - Arles

Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests.

Day 2 - Arles

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.

Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure.

Day 3 - Avignon

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.

Embark on a guided walking tour 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 leisurely explore, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.

Day 4 - 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 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.

Day 5 - Tournon

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and 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.

Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will introduce you to the French countryside and provide priceless insight into the lives of the people who live there.

Day 6 - Lyon

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many 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 the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

Day 7 - Chalon-sur-Saône – 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.

Day 8 - Lyon

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 vineyards with you.

Prices listed are per person in Australian Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest outside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 19 September 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. 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.