EMERALD CRUISES — RHÔNE & SAONE RIVERS

Sensations of France

Lyon to Nice with Provence on the Rhône

"One of our personal favorites — the Rhône winds you from Lyon, France's culinary capital, through the sun-drenched vineyards and villages of Provence aboard the intimate Emerald Liberté." — Tracey

Save $1,200 - $1,700 per person

Book by Deember 30, 2026

12
Days
136
Maximum Guests
6
Nighttime
Stays
24
Included Meals
Route Overview
French Riviera to Burgundy – Sail the legendary Rhône through Provence
Six nighttime city stays – French Riviera, Lyon, Burgundy & Avignon
Emerald Liberté – Only 136 Guests
Few destinations on earth rival the south of France — where Roman ruins meet sun-soaked vineyards and 15th-century architecture rises against the foot of dramatic mountain ranges. It is no surprise this land is celebrated as the birthplace of photography. Spend three nights on the dazzling French Riviera, including an unforgettable visit to Monte Carlo — the legendary playground of the rich and famous. Then sail the Rhône and Saône Rivers, discovering the captivating ports of Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, and Chalon-sur-Saône, immersed in the rich history and extraordinary beauty of southern France.

DAY BY DAY

Your complete itinerary — 12 days · French Riviera, Provence & Burgundy · 6 overnight city stays · 23 included meals

Click the ▾ arrow on any day to see full details, shore excursions, and included meals

1Day

Depart Home

Home airport · Fly to Nice

▾
Your French adventure begins today as you fly to Nice. The glamour of the Riviera, the beauty of Provence, and the great rivers of southern France await.
2Day

Nice, France

French Riviera · 1st of 3 nights in Nice

▾
Hotel Massena or similarFirst of 3 nights in Nice
Welcome to Nice — the crown jewel of the Côte d'Azur. With its sun-drenched promenade, pastel-colored buildings, and dazzling blue Mediterranean waters, this is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Check into your hotel and let the magic of the French Riviera wash over you.
3Day

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monaco · Day trip · 2nd night in Nice

▾
Breakfast includedGuided Monaco tour included
Just along the coast lies one of the world's most legendary addresses — Monaco. A comfortable coach ride delivers you to Monte Carlo, home of the famous Grand Prix circuit, the iconic casino, and a setting of breathtaking beauty that has captivated the world's imagination for generations. After a fascinating guided tour, free time allows you to soak up the glamour at your own pace before returning to Nice for your second night on the Riviera.

Meals: B
4Day

Nice, France

French Riviera · Free day · 3rd & final night in Nice

▾
Breakfast included
Your final day on the Riviera is entirely yours. Stroll the famous Promenade des Anglais, browse the bustling Cours Saleya flower market, linger over a café crème in the charming old town, or simply relax and savor the warm Mediterranean sunshine. A hospitality representative is available to help you make the most of the day. Your third and final night in Nice — a wonderfully relaxed finale to three magical days on the Côte d'Azur.

Meals: B
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional add-onSaint Paul de Vence — a stunning medieval hilltop village beloved by artists (additional expense)
5Day

Nice to Arles · Embarkation

France · Board Emerald Liberté · Overnight in Arles

▾
Breakfast · DinnerCoach transfer includedShip embarkation
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to the Riviera and travel by comfortable motorcoach to Arles, where your Captain and crew welcome you aboard the Emerald Liberté — your elegant floating home for the next seven nights. Settle into your beautiful stateroom and enjoy dinner onboard as the vessel rests in Arles.

Meals: B, D
6Day

Arles, Provence

France · Late overnight stay in Arles

▾
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided city tour includedTop Chef Provençal dinner
Arles is Provence at its most captivating — a UNESCO World Heritage town of medieval streets, sun-washed stone, and extraordinary Roman heritage. A local guide brings it all vividly to life, including the colorful houses that once inspired Vincent Van Gogh and a visit to the remarkable 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater still in use today. This evening, a very special dinner hosted by Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale brings the authentic flavors of Provence to your table in unforgettable style. A late night stay in Arles gives this magnificent city the time it truly deserves.

Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included experienceProvençal dining experience onboard hosted by Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale
Optional add-onVisit to L'Occitane Factory (additional expense)
Optional add-onExcursion to Les Baux de Provence (additional expense)
7Day

Avignon

France · Overnight in Avignon

▾
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided city tour includedClassical concert included
Avignon is one of France's most magnificent cities — a place of soaring ramparts, grand churches, and 700 years of history around every corner. Your guided walk takes you to the famous 'Pont d'Avignon' spanning the Rhône and into the shadow of the awe-inspiring Palace of the Popes, one of the largest Gothic palaces ever built. This evening, a classical concert in this extraordinary setting makes for a truly memorable night.

Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active optionCanoeing excursion (included)
Included experienceClassical concert in Avignon
Optional add-onExcursion to Pont du Gard (additional expense)
Optional add-onVisit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape with wine tasting (additional expense)
8Day

Viviers

France · Overnight in Viviers

▾
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided walking tour included
Step ashore in Viviers, a wonderfully preserved medieval town where time seems to have stood still for centuries. An included walking tour winds through its atmospheric streets, revealing remarkable architectural treasures and the stories of a town that has barely changed since the Middle Ages.

Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional add-onVisit to Chauvet Pont d'Arc — home to stunning prehistoric cave art (additional expense)
9Day

Tournon-sur-Rhône

France · Tain l'Hermitage wine country

▾
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided town walk includedEmeraldACTIVE hiking option
As the ship rounds a gentle bend in the Rhône, the picture-perfect valley of Tournon comes into view — steep hillside vineyards, an ancient castle, and the sweeping backdrop of le Massif Central, France's third largest mountain range. A guided walk through the town reveals 16th-century castle ramparts, ancient watchtowers, and Roman ruins, while just across the river, the world-renowned wine slopes of Tain l'Hermitage make for a stunning panorama.

Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active optionGuided hike through the vineyards (included — replaces walking tour)
10Day

Lyon

France · Overnight in Lyon · Culinary capital of France

▾
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided city tour includedEmeraldACTIVE bike tour option
Lyon is one of France's great cities — a former Roman capital, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of France. Your guided tour sweeps up to the magnificent hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, with sweeping views across the city where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, before descending into the beautifully preserved city center for a walking tour of its architectural wonders.

Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active optionGuided bike tour (included — replaces city tour)
Optional add-onTour to Pérouges — a perfectly preserved medieval walled village (additional expense)
11Day

Chalon-sur-Saône · Beaune

France · Burgundy · 2nd overnight in Lyon

▾
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerBeaune & Hospices de Beaune tour includedCheese & olive tasting onboard
The birthplace of photography and the heart of Burgundy's celebrated wine country — Chalon-sur-Saône is a fitting final port. A coach takes you to the beautiful village of Beaune to visit the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century masterpiece of French architecture whose dazzling multi-colored tiled rooftops have made it one of the great symbols of Burgundy. Onboard this evening, a cheese and olive tasting offers a perfect Burgundian farewell. The ship sails back to Lyon overnight — your second and final night in this magnificent city.

Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included experienceCheese and olive tasting onboard
12Day

Lyon to Home

France · Fly home after 12:00 pm

▾
Breakfast included
After a leisurely final breakfast, bid 'au revoir' to France and make your way to Lyon airport for your flight home. Please plan departing flights after 12:00 pm. Ask Rick and Tracey about extended stays in Lyon — the culinary capital of France rewards an extra day or two.

Meals: B

Itinerary is subject to change and may operate in reverse order.

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly

Special Group Pricing From:
$5,447
Per person · Before discounts
  • Inclusive luxury journey with a wealth of amenities
  • All prices before savings shown above
Contact Rick & Tracey to book
2027 DEPARTURES
Apr 23 May 21 Sep 10
2028 DEPARTURES
Jun 6 Jul 14 Aug 11 Sep 8
Sensations of Lyon & Provence Map
Click to enlarge
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔ Spacious outside staterooms
✔ Exceptional dining with a regional flair
✔ Award-winning luxury cabins
✔ Three nights in Nice, France
✔ Wines, beers & soft drinks
✔ Shore excursions with active options
✔ Indoor pool & Gym
✔ Bicycles onboard for use ashore
✔ Personal listening device
✔ Gratuities, port charges & Wi-Fi ($400 value)
WHY BOOK WITH RICK & TRACEY?
✔ Personal service from first call to final travel documents
✔ Expert advice on the right cruise, ship and cabin for you
✔ Rick & Tracey have personally cruised 10+ river voyages across Europe, the Amazon and beyond
✔ Rivers sailed include the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône, Saône, Moselle, Nile and Amazon
✔ Rick & Tracey have visited all seven continents — at least twice
✔ Access to exclusive offers and added value not available to the public
✔ We're available before, during and after your trip — always a real person
Rick and Tracey at a French château
Rick & Tracey
Your Travel Experts
✔ Special exclusive group pricing · No fees, no markups!

SPECIAL GROUP PRICING & CABINS

All-inclusive pricing · Exclusive group savings · Singles available

Contact Rick & Tracey for single rates

EXCLUSIVE GROUP SAVINGS
Take $1,200 per person off 2027 prices below
Take $1,700 per person off 2028 prices below
Book by December 30, 2026

Cat D / E

IDEAL FOR SOLO TRAVELERS

Picture Window Stateroom

Riviera Deck

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 23$5,447
May 21 · Sept 10$6,347

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

June 6 · Sept 8$6,560
July 14 · Aug 11$6,100

Prices shown before savings

Cabin features

Large panoramic picture window
Approx. 160 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat B / C

Panorama Balcony Suite

Vista Deck · Middle Deck

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 23$6,340
May 21 · Sept 10$7,240

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

June 6 · Sept 8$7,820
July 14 · Aug 11$7,360

Prices shown before savings

Cabin features

Floor-to-ceiling panorama balcony window
Approx. 170 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat A

MOST POPULAR

Panorama Balcony Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Prime Views

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 23$6,602
May 21 · Sept 10$7,502

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

June 6 · Sept 8$8,030
July 14 · Aug 11$7,570

Prices shown before savings

Cabin features

Floor-to-ceiling panorama balcony window
Approx. 170 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat S

Grand Balcony Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Extra Spacious

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 23$8,387
May 21 · Sept 10$9,287

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

June 6 · Sept 8$8,450
July 14 · Aug 11$7,990

Prices shown before savings

Cabin features

Full-width panorama balcony window
Approx. 210 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV · lounge area
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat SA

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Ship's Largest Suite

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 23$9,070
May 21 · Sept 10$9,970

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

June 6 · Sept 8$9,640
July 14 · Aug 11$9,180

Prices shown before savings

Cabin features

Full-width panorama balcony window
Approx. 300 sq ft · separate living room
Private bedroom · king bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)
Panorama Balcony Suite · Emerald Star-Ship

Panorama Balcony Suite   Click to enlarge ↗

Grand Balcony Suite · Emerald Star-Ship

Grand Balcony Suite   Click to enlarge ↗

2028 departures: Lyon to Nice July 14, August 11 and September 8 · Nice to Lyon June 6. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Offer subject to change until deposited. Itinerary is subject to change and may operate in reverse order. We reserve the right to correct errors. Single supplement available — contact Rick & Tracey for details.

Ship & Deck Plan

Emerald Liberté

Boutique river cruising on the Rhône & Saône · Maximum 112 guests · Built for France's storied river valleys

Only 112 Guests Open Sun Deck Panorama Lounge & Bar Wellness Spa & Gym Active Excursions Available Alfresco Terrace Dining
Emerald Liberté Deck Plan
Emerald Liberté · Deck Plan  Click to enlarge ↗

What's on board

Dining & Drinks

Reflections Restaurant · inspired regional French cuisine
Alfresco terrace dining with Rhône valley views
Panorama Lounge & Bar · cocktails & river views
All meals, wines & soft drinks included with lunch and dinner

Wellness & Leisure

Wellness spa & fitness centre
Open Sun Deck for scenic valley cruising
Library & lounge area
Included excursions & local cultural events

Activities & Service

Active touring options such as biking & hiking
Personal listening devices while touring
Onboard cultural talks & lectures
All gratuities & port charges included (a $400 pp value)
Delectable Cuisine and Beverages
Delectable Cuisine & Beverages · Click to enlarge ↗
Open Sun Deck
Open Sun Deck · Rhône Views · Click to enlarge ↗
Panorama Lounge & Bar
Panorama Lounge & Bar · Click to enlarge ↗

Videos

See Lyon & Provence come alive

Watch the destinations, the ship, and the experience — then decide for yourself

Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Emerald Star-Ship Experience

Emerald Star-Ship Experience

River Cruise Life on Board

River Cruise Life on Board

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

Prefer to talk? Call us at 224-285-7476

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly