10 Night Spectacular South of France Cruise from Lyon

Ship: Scenic Sapphire

Cruise Line: Scenic Cruises

Sailed: Sunday, May 12, 2024 from Lyon, France

Ended: Wednesday, May 22, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, May 12, 2024 departure of the Scenic Sapphire. If Scenic Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - May 12, 2024

Lyon, France

Welcome to spectacular Lyon, France's third-largest city and one of its most culturally vibrant with a blend of fascinating history and a sophisticated dining and shopping scene. Upon arrival, transfer to Scenic Sapphire, where your friendly crew await to welcome you onboard. Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon. Be sure to download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing.

Day 2 - Monday - May 13, 2024

Lyon, France

Chalon-sur-Saone, France

Perhaps wake up to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises along the Saone River. You will be sailing towards Chalon-sur-Saone. An idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region, Chalon-sur-Saone is a charming town with half-timbered houses and a magnificent Gothic cathedral just south of Beaune, often referred to as the epicentre for oenophiles.

Day 3 - Tuesday - May 14, 2024

Chalon-sur-Saone, France

Tournus, France

Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart Chalon-sur-Saone early this morning and sail to Tournus, a riverside town founded by the Romans, its dominating abbey a splendid example of Romanesque architecture. Tonight, your onboard chef has specially sourced local truffles and will cook an extraordinary welcome dinner showcasing the regions truffles.

Day 4 - Wednesday - May 15, 2024

Tournon-sur-Rhone, France

This morning will be spent onboard as you sail towards Tournon, a hillside village with terraced vineyards, an enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. Perhaps start your day with a stretching class on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning as you take in the picturesque riverside panoramas. This afternoon, enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace of Tournon Castle. This ancient castle holds prime position overlooking the Rhone river and the surrounding terraced vineyards.

Day 5 - Thursday - May 16, 2024

Avignon, France

This morning, you'll have time to relax onboard as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises towards the city of Avignon in Provence. Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture but 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 UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Papal 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 Rhone between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 6 - Friday - May 17, 2024

Avignon, France

Avignon is known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills, and historic villages. Today, you will have the chance to explore more of this captivating part of southern France.

Day 7 - Saturday - May 18, 2024

Avignon, France

Arles, France

Leaving Avignon early this morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for Arles. Founded by Julius Caesar, this city is rich in Roman history and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after the Eternal City itself. It was also home to Vincent van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for a multitude of his paintings and drawings. This afternoon is free to explore Arles at your own pace or return to your Scenic Space-Ship and indulge in an onboard painting class. Vincent van Gogh once said that 'The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France' and this is just one example of the high regard this region is held by artists the world over. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own.

Day 8 - Sunday - May 19, 2024

Viviers, France

This morning, you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture.

Day 9 - Monday - May 20, 2024

Rhone, France

Lyon, France

Enjoy watching a rolling tapestry of the Rhone River as you sail towards Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, where you will arrive this evening. Soak up the uninterrupted vistas from your luxury suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge. Perhaps you'd like to spend time in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout or if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness center for a relaxing massage. Savor regional cuisine in Crystal Dining or sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

Day 10 - Tuesday - May 21, 2024

Lyon, France

Wake up this morning in Lyon. This fascinating city rivals Paris in the culinary stakes, was home to prestigious chef Paul Bocuse and the Lumiere brothers who invented the cinematograph, has a long history of silk production, and comprises ancient Roman ruins and fascinating subterranean passageways that date to the 4th century. The afternoon is free to wander the cobbled streets of Lyon. Perhaps you'd like to spend time sampling local dishes in a bouchon, 'local eating house', or head to the Le Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an undercover gourmet market that will tickle your tastebuds. This evening, a local patissier will come onboard with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.

Day 11 - Wednesday - May 22, 2024

Lyon, France

Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Lyon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.; Please note: Scenic Culinaire capacity is limited. Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.