Join us on onboard our custom-built deluxe Emerald 'Star Ship' and experience the romance of Europe's waterways.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/488581
86 86 Day 1 Lyon (D) Welcome to Lyon. You will be met at the airport and transferred ^ to the ship where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception and buffet dinner on board. Day 2 Tournus (FB,L,D) Sail north through the night and morning before arriving in the historic town of Tournus in the picturesque Burgundy region of France. The town has links with the monastic past through its beautiful Abbey of St Philibert. Join your included excursion to Chateau de Cormatin which was built by the Marquises of Huxelles in the early 17th century with a wide moat, high turrets, gun–ports and a drawbridge, and stunning gardens with water features. Return to the ship for your Captain's welcome dinner. Day 3 Chalon–Sur–Saone – Beaune (FB,L,D) Chalon–Sur–Saone is best known as the birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy's wine region. Travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune, where we visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the fi nest examples of French fi fteenth– century architecture. Marvel at the multi–coloured roofs of this former hospital, now a museum, which has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. Return to the ship for lunch, then there is free time to explore Chalon on your own in the afternoon. Day 4 Macon (FB,L,D) Enjoy breakfast whilst sailing along the Saone River before arriving in Macon, another important wine region and gateway to the Beaujolais vineyards. Walk the Heritage Trail from Old Saint Vincent to the General Hospital buildings, half–timbered house and Souffl ot Chapel, maybe trying some local wines at the many tasting displays in the town. Discover More: Visit to Benedictine Abbey of Cluny (see pages 134–137) Day 5 Lyon (FB,L,D) Lyon is France's second largest city, a former Roman capital positioned at the conference of the Rhone and Saone rivers, that is steeped in history. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon's hilltop church, with stunning views over the town. Then visit the recently re–discovered Roman amphitheatre and walk through the cobbled streets of the gastronomic old town including the secret laneways. Discover More: Excursion to the medieval town of Perouges (see pages 134–137) Day 6 Vienne – Tournon (FB,L,D) After breakfast arrive in the former Roman provincial capital of Vienne, founded by Julius Caesar over 2000 years ago. Many remnants from that time can still be seen including Vienne's own truncated pyramid and the Imperial Temple of Augustus and Livia. Your included tour will be hosted by a local guide. You're Invited: This afternoon on board your ship, be treated to a cooking class and cheese tasting before arriving in Tournon in the evening. Day 7 Tournon – Viviers (FB,L,D) Join your local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th century castle and roman ruins, and is nestled in the valley near the steep slopes of le Massif Central, France's 3rd largest mountain range. The area has a long tradition in wine making, including the renowned wine growing centre of Tain l'Hermitage across the river. Enjoy free time, then return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing through the vineyards to Viviers. Discover More: Regional Wine Tasting (see pages 134–137) Day 8 Viviers (FB,L,D) Viviers is a charming town nestled on the banks of the Rhone River. Your included walking tour explores the windy streets which will take you back to the Middle Ages, including some fi ne examples of Renaissance architecture. Enjoy the Mediterranean 11 Day Delights of France Lyon, France Palais des Papes, Avignon