Emerald: the Swiss Alps and the soul of Provence
There is a special way to discover Europe, following the slow rhythm of the great rivers and allowing oneself to be guided by the landscapes, scents, and history that unfold day by day.
The Swiss Mountains, Sensations of Lyon and Provence with Nice itinerary by Emerald Cruises is a journey that combines the grandeur of the Swiss Alps with the timeless charm of southern France, traversing regions that have inspired artists, chefs, travelers, and dreamers throughout the ages.
Chillon Castle
Swiss Mountains, Sensations of Lyon and Provence with Nice
The experience begins in Switzerland, with an arrival in Geneva and a scenic transfer to Lausanne, which will serve as the base for three days of exploration and discovery. The road winds through gentle hills, terraced vineyards, and glimpses of Lake Geneva, preparing the eye for the beauty that will accompany the entire journey. Lausanne welcomes guests with its elegant Francophone atmosphere, overlooking the lake and framed by the Alps. Here, history, culture, and modernity coexist harmoniously. In the first days, guests begin to familiarize themselves with the pace of the trip and the group, accompanied by the Tour Director who will guide them through this exclusive experience.
During the guided tour of Lausanne, included in the itinerary, guests explore the historic center with its cobbled streets, lively squares, and the imposing 12th-century Gothic cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. The lake takes center stage with a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva, offering a privileged perspective of the landscape. The experience is further enriched by an EmeraldPLUS moment, taking guests to discover the famous Château de Chillon, a medieval fortress full of charm and legends, set directly on the shores of the lake.
The journey continues through some of the most spectacular alpine landscapes in Europe. From Montreux, a charming panoramic train takes guests to Gstaad, a renowned alpine resort nestled between towering peaks and lush meadows. From here, a cable car ride to Glacier 3000 offers a truly unforgettable experience. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, the world opens up to a breathtaking glacial landscape, where guests can walk on the famous Peak Walk by Tissot, a suspension bridge between two peaks, and enjoy views extending across the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. This excursion, included in the program, is one of the most thrilling moments of the entire itinerary.
Lyon_Scenic
1. Lyon, France
A day in Lausanne is left to the pleasure of individual exploration. Some choose to stroll along the lake, others lose themselves among the boutiques and cafés of the medieval center, while some decide to delve deeper into the city’s connection with sports by visiting the Olympic Museum. For those wishing to venture further, an optional DiscoverMORE experience is available, taking guests to Gruyères, with its fairytale village, and to Maison Cailler, the temple of Swiss chocolate.
Leaving Switzerland behind, the journey enters the heart of France with an arrival in Lyon, where guests board their elegant Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Here, the river cruise along the Saône and Rhône begins, offering a relaxed and refined way to discover the country. Lyon, once the ancient Roman capital and now considered the gastronomic heart of France, is explored with a guided tour included, leading up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The narrow streets of the historic center tell centuries of history, while those seeking a more active approach can opt for a guided bike tour, offered as an EmeraldACTIVE experience. For a deeper immersion in French history, a DiscoverMORE excursion is available to the medieval village of Pérouges.
The cruise continues gently towards Mâcon, the gateway to the Beaujolais region. Here, guests enjoy an included wine tasting, discovering the unique characteristics of this area, renowned for its fresh and fruity reds made almost exclusively from the Gamay grape variety. It’s a moment of authentic connection with French winemaking tradition. In Tournon, a picturesque village overlooking the Rhône and dominated by a 16th-century castle, an included guided tour reveals the history and soul of the place. Those wishing to experience the region more dynamically can choose the EmeraldACTIVE excursion, a walk through the surrounding vineyards, immersed in a landscape that tells centuries of work and passion.
Viviers welcomes travelers with its medieval charm and millennia-old cathedral. The included guided tour uncovers monuments, ornate facades, and atmospheric alleyways. On board, an EmeraldPLUS moment enriches the experience with a lecture dedicated to the art and culture of southern France. For those interested, a DiscoverMORE excursion takes guests to the extraordinary Chauvet Pont d’Arc cave, with its prehistoric cave paintings.
Macon
Tournon
Vivieres
Avignon
Avignon represents one of the highlights of the journey. The City of the Popes is discovered through an included guided walk that takes in the Palais des Papes and the famous bridge over the Rhône. Here, the experience becomes even more intense with a series of exclusive EmeraldPLUS moments. On board, guests enjoy a Provençal dinner created by chef Fabien Morreale, finalist of Top Chef France, while in the evening, they are invited to a refined classical music concert in the magical setting of Avignon. For those seeking adventure, an EmeraldACTIVE canoe excursion is also available, while DiscoverMORE options include visiting the Pont du Gard or a trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.
The journey draws to a close in Arles, the quintessential Roman city and a beloved place of Vincent van Gogh. The included guided tour takes visitors through UNESCO World Heritage monuments and inside the Roman amphitheater, a testament to two thousand years of history. Free time allows for a leisurely experience of the city, perhaps sitting at a café, before returning to the ship.
This itinerary by Emerald Cruises is not just a series of iconic locations but a story that unfolds day by day, following the course of the rivers and the slow rhythm of travel. From the alpine peaks of Switzerland to the sunny atmospheres of Provence, each stop adds a new piece to an experience that combines nature, culture, gastronomy, and exclusive moments designed to leave a lasting impression.
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