Idyllic Rhône

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Day programme:

Wake up and arrange for your Personal butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy breakfast at Crystal Dining before you venture out for the day to explore Lyon. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life. Freechoice: This morning’s choice of Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the 4th Century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.Excursion to Perouges: Visit the medieval walled village of Perouges, perched atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. This enchanting 14th-century village has been beautifully preserved and is one of the most picturesque in the region, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.Silk Painting Workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century, silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk production.Guided cycling tour to Tête d’or Park: With a local guide, cycle along Lyon's many bike lanes to charming Tête d’or Park. At 105 hectares, it is one of France’s largest urban parks and features a sprawling lake with Souvenir Island at its centre, a botanical garden, rose garden and greenhouse, and a zoo.This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail along the Saône River, towards the town of Macon.

Day programme:

You’ll wake this morning in the town of Macon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Macon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, producing exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and sparkling. Freechoice: Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:Beaujolais region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy the privilege of sampling some of the region’s best drops.Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey: Step back in time to the medieval town of Cluny, which is famous for its Benedictine Abbey, which was once the largest Christian building in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history and soak up its charm during free time.Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Transfer by coach to the historic Château de Cormatin built in 1606. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour.Goat Farm Visit with tasting: Visiting an organic goat cheese farm and learning about open air farming, as well as the wild herbs that the goats eat that makes the milk much more tasteful. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the delectable cheese produced on site accompanied with a glass of locally produced wine

Day programme:

Cruising downstream, along the Rhône River, your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is blanketed with Roman history, including a terraced theatre, first century temple, ancient baths, and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held.Freechoice: Discover your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre: Take a walking tour in Vienne to uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. You will visit one of the best-preserved Roman theatres, which was built against the steep slopes of a hill and housed more than 10,000 spectators.Cycling tour of Vienne: On this cycling tour through Vienne and neighbouring Saint-Romain-en-Gal, you will see abundant evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman provincial centre. A marvellously preserved Roman temple stands proud in the town centre, a monument to Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. On the opposite bank of the river are the ruins of a once-thriving district complete with bath houses, villas and workshops.  Nature lovers will enjoy the detour upstream to the Ile Barlet, a river island boasting poplar groves, alluvial forest and wild orchids.

Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town’s Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers’ tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.

Day programme:

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the 5th century and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel like little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world. Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:Walking tour of Viviers: Enjoy a walking tour with your local guide to explore Viviers, a town with an important heritage and rich past. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent, which was first built in the 11th century and is now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style and a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.French Resistance Walking Tour: During a walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town.Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration to the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure in this beautiful region of France.This afternoon is spent on board sailing towards Avignon, known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Relax with a regional wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar and enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the banks of the Rhône or take time out in the wellness centre with a relaxing massage.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d’Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d’Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Day programme:

Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture, but also has a youthful energy to it with a buzzing arts scene. The former 14th century papal capital is circled by city walls, home to the magnificent World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea. Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:Guided walking tour: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk-through Avignon, to the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace comprises numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Gourmands can join Scenic’s on board chef on a visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship, head to Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).Wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms some 30 metres above the Rhône, which provides excellent views over the city and river, as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.  EnrichThis evening’s Scenic Enrich:Private classical concert at the Pope’s Palace: You will be treated to a truly unforgettable classical concert at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon. When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive concert by a trio of musicians. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d’Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Day programme:

Leaving Avignon early this morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for Arles.  Julius Caesar, founded a Roman colony here around 56BC and this coastal city remains rich in Roman history. Arles is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after The Eternal City itself, with the ruins ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings strewn along the left bank. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings.Freechoice: Todays’ Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Arles: Take a short walk from your Scenic Space-Ship to the heart of Arles. Arles is the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Las Arenas, an amphitheatre that seats 20,000 and is still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light on your tour of Arles, a city that has inspired many artists.Les Baux & Olive Farm visit: Drive to the town of Les Baux, located in Les Alpilles mountain range, passing through olive groves and vineyards. The medieval city is dominated by the ruins of the fortified 11th century castle, where the powerful Le Baux family ruled for 600 years until the 15th century. The cobblestoned old town is very attractive and is home to many shops, cafes and restaurants. Afterwards visit a family run olive farm to learn about their production techniques and enjoy a tasting of their fine products.On board painting class: Vincent Van Gogh once said, 'The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France'. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while joining an on board painting class.Lavender Fields to Cream: A Provence Herbal Workshop: The Provence region is renowned for its stunning landscapes and the production of aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. On this excursion, you'll visit a local organic farm specializing in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other Provençal herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender-based cream to take home.

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Day programme:

Depart after a farewell breakfast. Tarascon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. From here, you will be transferred to Marseille Airport for your onwards or homebound flight. Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 AM.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today’s Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain’s daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks’ handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d’Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.