Spectacular South of France

Welcome to France and the ancient city of Lyon. France’s third largest city and its gastronomic capital, Lyon promises a blend of fascinating history and a sophisticated dining and shopping scene. Transfer to Scenic Sapphire, where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board. Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship, relaxing in your luxurious suite or taking a beverage to the Sun Deck to admire the magnificent views across the city. Scenic Sapphire remains docked overnight, so you can venture ashore to explore some of Lyon’s legendary culinary delights. Please note: flights must arrive into Lyon prior to 7:00 PM. Meals: Dinner.

Your Scenic Space-Ship arrives in Vienne today, a city boasting 2,000 years of history and brimming with Roman heritage – including a terraced theatre, first-century temple, ancient baths and the Vienne Pyramid, site of the Roman circus where chariot races were held. Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theatre – uncover the history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar, visiting one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built against steep slopes and capable of holding more than 10,000 spectators. Cycling tour of Vienne – discover the city’s glory days on two wheels, passing a marvellously preserved Roman temple, a monument to Emperor Augustus, and the ruins of ancient bath houses, villas and workshops, with a detour to the lush Ile Barlet River Island. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is an historic village in the southern Rhone Valley, famous for its full-bodied red wines made primarily from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes. The name means new castle of the pope – it was a papal summer residence in the 14th century and today is a celebrated wine region with over 300 wineries. Scenic Freechoice: Wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape – sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines on the fertile banks of the Rhone, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Chocolate workshop – a delicious tour of Chocolaterie Castelain featuring a live chocolate-making demonstration, tasting of signature artisanal chocolates infused with local Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine, paired with regional wines and delicacies. Bike tour along the Rhone – follow the gentle paths of the ViaRhona along beautiful Rhone riverbanks to the impressive Passerelle de l’Oiselay, a striking pedestrian and cycle bridge offering panoramic views over the river. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage with the largest number of Roman ruins outside Rome itself – ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings strewn along the river’s left bank. Arles was also the home of Vincent van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his most celebrated works. Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Arles – visit the ancient Roman amphitheatre, Arenes d’Arles, a 20,000-seat arena built in 90 AD and still in use today. Visit Les Baux with Carrieres des Lumieres – journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux and visit the former quarry now hosting an enormous 7,000 square-metre immersive visual and musical installation. Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill – visit a local farm to learn the techniques of olive oil production and discover traditional Provencal recipes. Discovery of lavender – from field to perfume – visit a local organic farm specialising in essential oils from lavender, thyme and rosemary, and create your own natural lavender mist. Following Vincent – Van Gogh’s Arles – trace the artist’s journey through the sunlit streets and historic sites that inspired his most famous works during his 15 months in this Provencal town. Relax on the Sun Deck this afternoon as you cruise to Avignon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wake in the ancient city of Avignon, the City of the Popes. Rich in history and astounding medieval architecture, Avignon is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge. Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Avignon including the Popes Palace – a guided walk through the historic city walls and the magnificent Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Excursion to Pont du Gard – visit the ancient Roman aqueduct dating to the middle of the first century, an engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to the city of Nimes. Shop with a chef and Scenic Culinaire – join the ship’s chef at the local market before returning for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire. Please note: Avignon Market is closed on Mondays. Excursion to Luberon villages and Senanque Abbey – visit the village of Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful in France, then the picturesque Senanque Abbey. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Avignon independently, including the views from Le Rocher des Doms, 30 metres above the river. Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at the Palais des Papes – after the doors have closed to the public, be welcomed into the grandiose palace for an exclusive gala dinner accompanied by a classical concert from a trio of musicians in the very room where the Pope once dined. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture. Founded in the fifth century, the town’s narrow zig-zagging lanes feel unchanged from the past 1,600 years – at its peak in the Middle Ages it was home to 30,000 people, today less than 4,000 live here in quiet seclusion. Morning Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Viviers – explore the town’s monuments and architectural treasures including the Cathedral of St Vincent, first built in the 11th century. French Resistance walking tour – hear stories of heroism and daring missions from the French Resistance during the Nazi Occupation. WWII in Viviers – uncover the dramatic history of the Rhone Valley as a pivotal stage in the Battle of Montelimar in August 1944, still studied at West Point today. Afternoon Scenic Freechoice: Ardeche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum – explore the mountains and medieval fortress ruins of this sprawling park, then be immersed in the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. Cotes du Rhone Villages tasting – discover the rich flavours of Cotes du Rhone villages wines on a guided tasting tour. Excursion to Grignan de Provence – explore the beautiful provincial town of Grignan, including the mighty castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Arrive in the picturesque town of Tournon this afternoon. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Tournon – explore the town on foot and visit the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, with free time to cross France’s oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l’Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatier Valrhona. Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon – hike through the sloping vineyards overlooking the Rhone River, learning about local wine production and tasting the region’s drops. Biking along the Rhone – cycle the picturesque riverbanks past charming villages and spectacular scenery to the nearby village of Glun. This evening on board, an exquisite dessert buffet showcases classic French patisserie by a local pastry chef, paired with fine coffee or dessert wine. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Return to Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Founded by the Romans in 43BC, Lyon became a financial and industrial powerhouse from the mid-1500s and is today recognised as France’s culinary capital, home to more than 4,000 restaurants including 20 holding Michelin stars. Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Lyon – traverse Lyon’s hidden traboules and secret passageways dating to the fourth century, then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviere for fabulous views across the city. Excursion to Perouges – visit this medieval walled village atop a hill overlooking the Ain River, beautifully preserved with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: due to uneven surfaces and significant uphill walking, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness. Silk painting workshop – learn the history and process of silk painting in a city with almost five centuries of silk production heritage. Scenic Enrich: Choral concert at Chapelle de la Trinite – admire the beauty of one of Lyon’s grandest Baroque buildings, its interior decadently covered in Carrara marble, for an exclusive acapella choir performance. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Dock in Macon, your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Macon sits right on the river with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays, close to one of France’s most famous wine regions, producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay and sparkling wines. Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey – step back in time to the medieval town famous for its Benedictine Abbey, once the largest Christian building in the world. Excursion to Chateau de Cormatin – a historic chateau built in 1606, lovingly restored to its original glory with gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens. Truffle tasting – meet a local truffle farmer and his hound, learn the techniques of truffle farming and enjoy tastings of truffle butter and chocolate mousse with truffles. Tour of Tournus – stroll through picturesque narrow streets on a journey through rich historical and cultural heritage, including the remarkable Hotel-Dieu and the stunning Saint-Philibert Abbey. This afternoon, enjoy a cooperage demonstration as a skilled artisan reveals the secrets of this ancient craft and its crucial role in wine and spirit making. Tonight, an exclusive dinner aboard Scenic Sapphire is prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon, showcasing the very best of French gastronomy. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Stay in Macon this morning to discover more of the region’s gourmet delights and dramatic architecture. Scenic Freechoice: Beaujolais wine region – drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region, meet a local vintner and enjoy sampling some of the region’s best drops. Georges Blanc cooking demonstration – visit one of Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc’s famed restaurants in the gourmet village of Vonnas for an interactive cooking demonstration featuring classic French dishes. Monastere Royal de Brou and Bourg-en-Bresse – a guided tour of this stunning 16th-century masterpiece commissioned by Margaret of Austria, combining flamboyant Gothic architecture with refined Renaissance artistry and serving today as a museum of Flemish and Netherlandish art. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Your journey concludes this morning in Lyon. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you delicious memories of this extraordinary gourmet journey through the South of France. Meals: Breakfast.