Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence

Starting in Nice, spend 3 nights in the capital of the Côte d'Azur before starting your river cruise to Paris from Arles. Stop at Avignon, Tournon & Macon.

13 Days
Nice to Paris
From (AUD)
$ 6,595
Dates & Pricing

2024 Nice > Paris

Discover the magic of France by river

The Rhône and Saône rivers meander through the picturesque south of France, where you’ll discover picture-perfect villages, palaces and Roman ruins, and delicious Provençal cuisine.
Tour Map
Tour Code:
EPFN
Duration:
13 days
Departure City:
Nice
Return City:
Paris

13 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Nice

    Welcome to Nice, a fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur. You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, where a three-night stay is yours to enjoy.

  2. Day 2 - Nice

    Today, you will be taken to Monte Carlo to learn about the jet set lifestyle that can be found in Monaco, an area that has famously been portrayed in a handful of successful movies and the home to one of the most recognisable Grand Prix tracks in the world.

    Included Excursion

    A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  3. Day 3 - Nice

    Today is yours to spend enjoying tour seaside surrounds at leisure, and your hospitality representative will be available to help you plan your day.

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    Visit to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  4. Day 4 - Nice - Arles

    After breakfast, you will get transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Arles, where a warm welcome awaits from your captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a dinner on board.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - 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.

    EmeraldPLUS

    A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

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    Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 - 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.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Canoeing excursion in Avignon

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Avignon

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    Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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    Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - 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.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Viviers

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 - 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.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Regional wine tasting on board

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour to Glun

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided hike through the vineyards

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Tournon

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9 - 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.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour of Lyon

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Lyon

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    Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10 - 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.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Cheese and olive tasting on board

    Included Excursion

    Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11 - Lyon – Paris

    After breakfast, bid farewell to your contemporary Star-Ship in Lyon and relax as you transfer to Paris by train, where a distinctive Parisian atmosphere will be waiting to welcome you. Your itinerary includes a two-night stay in a well-appointed hotel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  12. Day 12 - Paris

    Today, the wide and opulently adorned Parisian streets will be yours to stroll down with your local guide, as you visit highlights that include the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. Continue on to explore the Seine River during a charming cruise, before finishing at the Eiffel Tower. 

    Included Excursion

    A guided tour of Paris and a Seine river cruise. (Please Note: For any tours between 4 July and 7 September the included excursion - A guided tour of Paris and a Seine River Cruise will be replaced with the Secrets of the Montmartre Area tour due to the Paris Olympics)

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  13. Day 13 - Paris

    After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of gastronomic delights and the iconic Eiffel Tower with you.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
  • Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
  • Guided tour of Avignon
  • Guided tour of Viviers
  • Guided tour of Tournon
  • Guided tour of Lyon
  • Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

EmeraldPLUS
  • Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
  • Regional wine tasting on board
  • Cheese and olive tasting on board

EmeraldACTIVE
  • Canoeing excursion in Avignon
  • Hike in Viviers
  • Guided bike tour to Glun
  • Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
  • Guided bike tour of Lyon

DINING HIGHLIGHTS
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

EXTENSION INCLUSIONS
  • 3 nights at a hotel in Nice
  • A guided tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
  • 2 nights at a hotel in Paris
  • A guided tour of Paris and a Seine river cruise
  • Airport transfers
  • 5 Breakfasts (B)

Pricing & Availability