12 Nights South of France: Charlon-sur-Saone to Marseille

Type of Vessel

Every Scenic European river cruise begins aboard one of our boutique vessels or custom-built Space-Ships, so named for their spacious guest cabins, dining, and entertaining areas. Each of these Scenic Space-Ships includes numerous dining and sightseeing areas, as well as a lounge and bar area that offers panoramic views. Additionally, guests can soak up the rays at the Sun Deck swimming pool or retreat to the wellness center, which is equipped with a fitness area, beauty salon, and massage rooms. These ships are noteworthy for their luxury suites, which are outfitted with sun lounges, 32-inch high-definition TVs, and complimentary wireless internet access.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Chalon-sur-Saone, France: Welcome to Chalon-sur-Sa´ne where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Arrival transfers included from Lyon airport.

Day 2 | Chalon-sur-Saone, France and Tournus, France: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Chateau Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region.

Day 3 | Macon, France: Experience Chateau 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 Macon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Macon and meet the ship there.

Day 4 | Macon, France: You're sure to love Macon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy. 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.

Day 5 | Lyon, France: 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. 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 Parouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare. 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.

Day 6 | Touron, France: 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. Overlooking the Rhune, 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.

Day 7 | Vivers, France: 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 Ra'ne to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region's delicious varietals among the vines.

Day 8 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France Explore the 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.

Day 9 | Avignon, France: Sample the celebrated wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape at a C'tes du Rh'ne 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.

Day 10 | Avignon, France: 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 Uz's and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon. 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.

Day 11 | La Camargue, France: 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 Provenal soap-making workshop.

Day 12 | Tarascon, France: 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-Ramy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year.

Day 13 | Marseille, France: All good things end eventually and after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Marseille or Nice Airport.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized butler service.

Food and Dining

River Cafe provides a wonderful range of delicious light meals, snacks and refreshments that guests can enjoy any time. Open early in the morning for early risers looking for breakfast, until late afternoon, the River Cafe has something for every craving.
Crystal Dining offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Relax in the comfortable open seating for two to eight guests and enjoy a wide range of cuisines from local specialties to a seafood gala evening. A la carte menus are available daily.
Panorama Lounge and Bar is where guests can relax, catch up with new friends and enjoy the evening's entertainment. The bar's always open and there's tea and coffee making facilities; along with a selection of board and card games plus a comprehensive library.
Sun Deck is where guests can happily spend hours lost in a book, enjoy the Teppanyaki BBQ or simply soak up the views. With plenty of comfortable seating and a walking track for those active guests, there is an option for everyone.

Onboard Activities/Events

On board you'll have full access to a wellness area, complete with massage services and a hair salon, a gym, special on board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, e-bikes, cooking classes, tastings, and culinary demonstrations.

Shore Excursions

There are a vast range of activities and sightseeing experiences for you to choose from, so you only see what you want to see, and do what you want to do, at a tempo that suits you. From history to culture, food to nature, there's something for everyone.

Staterooms or Cabins

Downy pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets, fleecy bathrobes and complimentary shoeshine enhance the ambiance.
The balcony suites are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe's rivers and offer modern and elegant furnishings; HDTV, individual climate control and pillow menu. There's also a safe for your valuables, a nightly turndown service and of course a complimentary mini-bar and Wi-Fi.
Balcony Suites are located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks and feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Royal Suites are the largest featured on the ships and allow you to enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. Each Suite has a separate lounge area and a luxurious bathroom offering a separate bath and shower.