Scenic South of France River Cruise Fly Free Offer

Scenic 2019 South of France River Cruise with Paris & Monte Carlo

19 Days Paris to Nice from AU$14,260 pp

Lyon, Avignon, Nice, the Côte d’Azur and shimmering Monte Carlo – there’s certainly no shortage of culture or temptation on this itinerary.

Cruise the spectacular rivers of the South of France in 5-star luxury; soak up the sun in Monte Carlo and feel the sand of the French Riviera between your toes on a lavish 19 day journey from Paris to Nice.

You’ll begin in the pleasure capital of the world, Paris. From there you’ll be spirited across a landscape of legendary wine regions and towns that seem to have been trapped in time. Look forward to indulging in a host of simple pleasures and a few luxurious ones, too.

Explore the magic of France that has captivated hearts for centuries on board a state of the art Scenic Space-Ship. One of the most innovative and exciting elements on board Scenic Sapphire is our exclusive Scenic Culinaire cooking experience. Participate in an on board cooking class, featuring the finest ingredients and immerse yourself even further into the delights of French gastronomy. Featuring a variety of dining options, enjoy late night menus, in-suite room service, complimentary beverages and mini-bar throughout the duration of your cruise.

Jardin-du-Luxembourg-Paris-France-Gardens

Day 1 - Welcome to Paris
A world of wonder awaits you. Celebrate the start of your journey at one of the city’s luxury hotels for a three night stay.

Day 2 - Paris
Freechoice
View all the major sights of Paris – the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the famous Champs Elysées. Alternatively, lose yourself in the world’s largest museum, the Louvre, or take a walking tour with a Parisian.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Paris

Enjoy a free day to explore.

Freechoice Dining
Tonight dine at the world-famous Lido while enjoying a cabaret show, or at the 58 Tour Eiffel in the Eiffel Tower itself, before taking a short sightseeing cruise on the Seine River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Chalon-sur-Saône

Highlights: Welcome reception

Traverse the Île de France countryside on the TGV train to Dijon, known for its famous mustard exports. Enjoy an orientation tour and time at leisure before transferring to Chalon-sur-Saône where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus

Highlights: Burgundy region

Freechoice
Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Tournus > Mâcon

Highlights: Riverside cycling

Freechoice

Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Mâcon

Highlights: Beaujolais wine region

You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy.

Freechoice

Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Lyon

Highlights: Enrich Scenic Rouge cabaret

Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France

Freechoice

Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare.

You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess.

Enrich

Experience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Tournon

Highlights: Sundowners at Tournon Castle

Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette.

Sundowners

Overlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Tournon > Viviers

Highlights: Chocolates and wine

Freechoice

Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines.

Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Highlights: Ardèche National Park

Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral.

Freechoice

Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon

Highlights: Côtes du Rhône

Freechoice

Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Avignon

Highlights: Enrich dinner at Popes’ Palace

Freechoice

Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region including Gordes and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon.

Enrich

Be treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - La Camargue

Highlights: La Camargue National Park

Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park.

Freechoice

Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop.

This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 - Tarascon

Highlights: Villages of Provence

The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm.

Freechoice

Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty hilltop village of Les Baux before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 - Tarascon > Monte Carlo

Travel to your hotel before an orientation tour of Monte Carlo.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17 - Monte Carlo > Nice > Monte Carlo

Explore Monte Carlo and visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Later, visit the charming city of Nice before enjoying exquisite French cuisine in an unforgettable setting tonight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 - Monte Carlo

Make the most of your free day in this beautiful Mediterranean city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19 - Monte Carlo > Nice

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Nice airport.

Meals included: Breakfast