Idyllic Rhône

Fly from the UK to Marseille.Upon arrival in Nice, transfer to the former Roman town of Arles, where you’ll board 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 Arles.

This evening you will be welcomed with a cocktail reception. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Marseille prior to 04:30 PM.

Wake this morning in the city of Arles. Founded by Julius Caesar, this coastal 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.
 

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

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 range of mountains, 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. Visit an olive farm and enjoy a tasting.

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.

After lunch, your Space-Ship will sail towards Avignon. Admire the rolling landscapes in the comfort of your Suite or perhaps relax with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. 

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.

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 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:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided walking tour: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk in 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 the 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.

Wine tasting in Chateauneuf 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 very 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.  

Enrich
Tonight’s Scenic Enrich:

Classical Concert at Pope’s Palace: After the doors close to the general public, you will gain exclusive access to the Pope’s Palace in Avignon for a private classical concert. With a glass of Champagne, you will witness virtuoso musicians performing Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi in this 14th-century palace.

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

Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

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 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, learn about the French Resistance, who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Hear 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 will be spent on board cruising towards Vienne. Perhaps you’d like to join a class in Scenic Culinaire to sharpen your skills in French cookery by learning how to make a delicious regional dish.  

Cruising 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:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

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 industries. A museum exhibits some of the magnificent mosaics and artefacts found here. Nature lovers will enjoy the detour upstream to the Ile Barlet, a river island boasting poplar groves, alluvial forest and wild orchids.

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 these 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. On your tour you will also visit Oingt in the Land of Golden Stones, so named for the limestone used to build the villages in the region.

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: Visit an organic goat cheese farm and learn about open air farming, as well as the wild herbs that goats eat that makes 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.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Lyon today, 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. 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 – eating well is a way of life here.

Freechoice:
Choose one from these Scenic Freechoice activities:

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 village has been beautifully preserved since the 14th century 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 in silk production that dates back almost five centuries 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 a workshop, 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, enjoy the extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Enjoy culinary creations inspired by this wonderful region. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. 

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. 

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Our spacious main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award-winning Chefs prepare buffet, while regional wines are hand picked by our sommelier.

• Á la carte menus
• Four-course dinner
• Open seating with tables from 2 to 8
• Wide range of cuisine from local specialties to a Seafood Gala evening
• Buffet and á la carte menus available daily
• In-room dining served by a butler

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This intimate affair is the ultimate treat for your palate.

Royal and Junior suite guests as well as Diamond Deck guests are invited, by our Executive Chef, to join Table La Rive for an evening of sumptuous dégustation.

• Exclusive for Royal and Junior suite guests on cruises of 7 nights or less, and for all Diamond deck guests on cruises of 10 nights or longer
• Six-course dégustation menu with sommelier paired wines
• Intimate dining for only 10 guests per evening

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Savour a light bite or refreshing aperitif on the Riverview Terrace, a charming open-air lounge space that’s ideal for sunlit afternoons on the river. With all-inclusive refreshments available throughout your river cruise, this is the perfect place for enjoying a little alfresco dining.

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The River Café provides you with a wonderful range of complimentary delicious light meals, snacks and refreshments that you can take anywhere at any time.

• Open from early in the morning until late afternoon
• Casual and flexible dining options to suit your schedule
• Offers full service and mouth-watering buffet style food
• A great meeting spot, open for all day grazing and socializing
• Gelato bar, light snacks, healthy options, tasty treats

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• Dine in the comfort of your suite enjoying the views
• Room service is available, and included throughout your cruise

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Available on board our Scenic Space-Ships in France, L'Amour boasts the best vantage point at the front of the ship showcasing sumptuous regional specialities from the freshest local produce.

• Authentic Italian, French or Portuguese dining
• A maximum of 32 guests an evening
• All guests will dine here at least once during their cruise
• Five-course menu with regional specialities, paired with wines from the region’s best wineries
• Floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view as you dine

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Take a ride on a Scenic E-Bike and experience the wonders of Portugal like never before. These power-assisted bicycles are perfect for seeing the sights at a pace that suits you.

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Immerse in the wonders of Europe with Scenic Tailormade, a GPS-powered discovery system, which can be downloaded from The App Store or Google Play, lets you see more of the continent both on board and on shore.

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Enjoy the freedom of customising your holiday your way with Scenic Freechoice. Choose from a wide range of truly all-inclusive experiences classified into ‘Active’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Relaxed’ grades, and find the ones to match your pace each day.

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Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.

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Explore our extensive wine list, relax with a coffee or catch-up with new-found friends at the Panorama Lounge & Bar. This is the main bar lounge on-board our Space-Ships, and it’s tastefully furnished to guarantee your comfort and enjoyment.

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Make the most of every ray of sunshine with our purpose-built Sun Deck. Complete with deck chairs and a games area, this is a place to kick back and enjoy the view as your Space-Ship travels to its next destination.

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The Wheelhouse is where our trained crew pilot and navigate your Space-Ship, negotiating France’s beloved waterways with the utmost care and precision. Feel free to stop by and find out what goes on behind the scenes.

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A warm welcome awaits at your reception area, which you’ll find in the central atrium on board our Space-Ships. Our crew are on hand 24 hours a day to help with whatever you need, while the area also doubles as the meeting point for the day’s shore excursions.

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Our Gallery spaces are dedicated to showcasing works by local artists, so you feel connected to people and place in every destination. We believe little touches like this are what make our European river cruises so special.

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From massages to facials, you can feel pampered in our on board Wellness Area. Our skilled beauty therapist can provide a range of treatments to help you to switch off and unwind on the river.

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Stay active on your travels with a visit to our designated Fitness Centre. Featuring the latest workout equipment, including both cardio and weight-training machines, this is a space where you can work up a sweat and get ready for another unforgettable day on the river.

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New to a select handful of luxury Space-Ships, our Salt Therapy Lounge takes your comfort and wellbeing to a whole new level on the rivers of Europe. A natural therapy that promotes clear skin, improved wellness and better sleep, our salt therapy sessions offer the ultimate escape during your river cruise.

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Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

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Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

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These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

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At 269ft², and at the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

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These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

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These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

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Single Balcony Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.