13 Day South of France

Welcome to Chalon-sur-Saône where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Arrival transfers included from Lyon airport. Please book your flight to arrive between 10am and 3pm in Lyon. Meals included: Dinner

Freechoice Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy. Freechoice Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France Freechoice Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare. You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess. Enrich Experience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette. Sundowners Overlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines. Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral. Freechoice Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon. Enrich Be treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park. Freechoice Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm. Freechoice Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

All good things end eventually and after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Marseille or Nice Airport. Please book your flights to depart between 11am and 4pm if flying out of Marseille and after 1pm if flying out of Nice. Meals included: Breakfast