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9 Night Idyllic Rhone with Highlights of Paris and Land Tour

From Paris to Nice

Scenic Sapphire

Scenic Cruises
5 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14314925
  • Departs: Thu, Sep 23, 2027
  • Returns: Sat, Oct 2, 2027
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    Riverview
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    Suite $8,177
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Request A Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - Sep 23, 2027
    Day
    1
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky meandering along the banks of the Seine as you see local life passing by and chic cafes lining the Champs-Elysees are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris. Today is yours to explore at your own pace and revel in this great city. Later, check into your luxury hotel. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Friday - Sep 24, 2027
    Day
    2
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    After breakfast, explore Paris with your choice of Scenic Freechoice excursions. Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Paris: Journey via motorcoach through the City of Light. You'll see some of the city's most mesmerizing districts and monuments. Drive along the banks of the beautiful Seine River and pass Palais Garnier, the 19th-century opera house, the Louvre, one of the world's largest art museums, and the impressive Les Invalides complex. Secrets of Montmartre: Step back in time as you trapse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries and once you see the beauty of this district you will understand why. See some of the quirky characteristics of the district including the greenspace in the middle of the city, the vineyard of Montmartre that produces some 27 varieties of wine. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Sep 25, 2027
    Day
    3
    Paris, France
    • Paris, France
    • High-Speed Train Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 3 - Saturday - Sep 25, 2027
    Day
    3
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Lyon, France
    After breakfast, transfer via high-speed train to Lyon where your friendly crew will welcome you onboard the Scenic Sapphire ready for your cruise along the Rhone and Saone rivers.
    Sunday - Sep 26, 2027
    Day
    4
    • Macon, France
    You'll wake this morning in the town of Macon, which will be your base for exploring southern Burgundy. Macon sits right on the edge of the river, with stunning pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches, and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, which produces exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and sparkling Wines. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities: Beaujolais wine 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, once the largest Christian buildings in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history and soak up its charm during some free time. Excursion to Chateau de Cormatin: Transfer by motorcoach to the historic Chateau 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. ...
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    Monday - Sep 27, 2027
    Day
    5
    Lyon, France
    • Lyon, France
    Return to Lyon today. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite so you can enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before you venture out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43 BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognized 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. Scenic Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this morning's range of Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon's historic significance as you traverse its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviere, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon. Excursion to Perouges: Visit this medieval walled village, located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. It has been beautifully preserved, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways, and a market square centered 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. During this workshop, you'll learn about the history and process of silk painting. Guided cycling tour to Tete d'Or Park: With a local guide, cycle along one of Lyon's many bike lanes to charming Tete 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 center, a botanical garden, rose garden and greenhouse, and a zoo. Another late departure gives you more opportunities to explore Lyon's restaurant scene. ...
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    Tuesday - Sep 28, 2027
    Day
    6
    • Vienne, France
    Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne today. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is brimming with Roman history, including a terraced theater, first-century temple, ancient baths, and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held. Scenic Freechoice: Discover your way with this morning's Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theater: Uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. You will visit one of the best-preserved Roman theaters, which was built against the steep slopes of a hill and could hold more than 10,000 spectators. Cycling tour of Vienne: Discover the city's glory days on two wheels. Cycle past a marvelously preserved Roman temple, a monument to Emperor Augustus, and see the ruins of a once-thriving district complete with bath houses, villas, and workshops. Nature lovers will enjoy the detour to the lush Ile Barlet river island. ...
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    Wednesday - Sep 29, 2027
    Day
    7
    Viviers, France
    • Viviers, France
    • Avignon, France
    This morning, you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though 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. Scenic Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Viviers: Join a local guide to explore Viviers on foot. Admire its many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent - first built in the 11th century, it is now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure. French Resistance walking tour: On 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 of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Savior before enjoying some time at leisure. This afternoon is spent relaxing onboard as you cruise towards Avignon, the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills, and historic villages. Enjoy a regional wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar as you take in the ever-changing scenery along the banks of the Rhone or spend some time recharging in the wellness center. ...
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    Thursday - Sep 30, 2027
    Day
    8
    Avignon, France
    • Avignon, France
    Known as the 'City of the Popes', Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Circled by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Popes' 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. Scenic Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning's Scenic Freechoices: Walking tour of Avignon including visits to Popes' Palace: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk through Avignon, visiting the historic city walls and the Popes' Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace has 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 Nimes. Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and sample the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday.) Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhone are peppered with Cote du Rhone vineyards, including at the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region's most celebrated wines that were once known as the 'Wine of Popes'. 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. Set 30 meters above the river, it offers excellent views over the city as well as a picturesque English-style garden with shady trees, fountains, and ponds. Scenic Enrich Classical concert at the Palais des Papes: When the doors are closed to the general public, step inside Palais des Papes, one of the most visited sites in France which you will have to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive classical concert from a trio of musicians and accompanied dinner in the very banquet hall popes once dined. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace's walls. ...
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    Friday - Oct 1, 2027
    Day
    9
    Arles, France
    • Arles, France
    Depart before dawn and arrive in Arles for breakfast. Founded around 56 BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The remnants of ancient monuments, theatres, baths, and administrative buildings are strewn along the river's left bank. It was also the home of Vincent van Gogh in 1888, and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings, including his infamous work 'The Yellow House'. Explore the city with one of today's Scenic Freechoices: Guided tour of Arles: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour. Departing from the ship, you'll visit the heart of Arles to see impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, a 20,000-seat arena dating back to 90 AD that's still in use today. Experience the vibrant colors and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists. Les Baux & olive farm visit: The Alpilles region is famed for its olives, known locally as green gold. Visit an olive farm to see how olive oil is made and enjoy a tasting of their fine products. Then take a tour of the medieval city of Les Baux, with its charming old town filled with cobblestone streets and dominated by an 11th-century castle. Following Vincent - Van Gogh's Arles: Step into the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh on a walking tour. Trace the artist's journey through the resplendent streets and historic sites that inspired some of his most famous works during his 15 months in this charming Provencal town, experiencing the colors and atmosphere that shaped his genius. Discovery of lavender - from field to perfume: Provence region is renowned for 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. Visit a local organic farm specializing in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own natural and fragrant lavender mist, made with organic essential oil. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 2, 2027
    Day
    10
    • Tarascon, France
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 10 - Saturday - Oct 2, 2027
    Day
    10
    • Bus Travel
    • Nice, France
    Tarascon is the end of your cruise. Depart after a farewell breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. From here, you will be transferred to Nice Airport for your onward travels or flight home. Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 1 PM.; Note: This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. ...
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