Idyllic Rhône with London

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 Nice prior to 12:00 PM.

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

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 your Scenic river cruise, board your included flight to London. Once you arrive in the vibrant, sprawling capital of the UK you’ll transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay. Once you’ve unpacked, enjoy a free afternoon to explore your surroundings at your leisure.

About 8 miles downstream—which means seaward, to the east—from central London, Greenwich is a small borough that looms large across the world. Once the seat of British naval power, it is not only home to the Old Royal Observatory, which measures time for our entire planet, but also the Greenwich Meridian, which divides the world into two—you can stand astride it with one foot in either hemisphere. Bear in mind that the journey to Greenwich is an event in itself. In a rush, you can take the driverless DLR train—but many opt for arriving by boat along the Thames. This way, you glide past famous sights on the London skyline (there’s a guaranteed spine chill on passing the Tower) and ever-changing docklands, and there’s usually a chirpy Cock-er-ney navigator enlivening the journey with his fun commentary. A visit to Greenwich feels like a trip to a rather elegant seaside town—albeit one with more than its fair share of historic sites. The grandiose Old Royal Naval Hospital, designed by Christopher Wren, was originally a home for veteran sailors. Today it’s a popular visitor attraction, with a more glamorous second life as one of the most widely used movie locations in Britain. Greenwich was originally home to one of England's finest Tudor palaces, and the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I. Inigo Jones built what is considered the first "classical" building in England in 1616—the Queen's House, which now houses a collection of fine art. Britain was the world’s preeminent naval power for over 500 years, and the excellent National Maritime Museum> details that history in an engaging way. Its prize exhibits include the coat worn by Admiral Lord Nelson (1758–1805) in his final battle—bullet hole and all. The 19th-century tea clipper Cutty Sark was nearly destroyed by fire in 2007, but reopened in 2012 after a painstaking restoration. Now it’s more pristine than ever, complete with an impressive new visitor center. Greenwich Park, London's oldest royal park, is still home to fallow red deer, just as it has been since they were first introduced here for hunting by Henry VIII. The Ranger's House now houses a private art collection, next door to a beautifully manicured rose garden. Above it all is the Royal Observatory, where you can be in two hemispheres at once by standing along the Greenwich Meridian Line, before seeing a high-tech planetarium show. Toward north Greenwich, the hopelessly ambitious Millennium Dome has been successfully reborn as the O2 and now hosts major concerts and stand-up comedy gigs. More adventurous visitors can also go Up the O2 on a climbing expedition across the massive domed surface. Meanwhile, those who prefer excursions of a gentler kind may prefer to journey a couple of miles south of the borough, farther out into London’s southern suburbs, to the shamefully underappreciated Eltham Palace. Once a favorite of Henry VIII, parts of the mansion were transformed into an art deco masterpiece during the 1930s.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you join a half-day tour of London with an expert local guide. Along the way, the city’s historic landmarks unfold before your eyes: Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Tower of London, home of the famous Crown Jewels. Built as a fortress by William the Conqueror in 1070, the Tower has served as a palace and a prison, and is a fascinating window into London’s storied past. The tour concludes at Buckingham Palace, London’s iconic royal residence. 

Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to discover London before dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow Scenic guests.

After breakfast, choose between these Scenic Freechoice excursions to delve deeper into London. 

Freechoice:
Kensington Palace: Prepare to be immersed in the world of royalty. Today, journey to Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. On a four-hour guided tour, you’ll walk in the footsteps of royalty in the magnificent King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, all while uncovering forgotten stories of those who’ve worked at the royal palaces over the centuries.

High tea experience: A signature high tea experience in London is a luxurious affair that celebrates tradition with elegance. This cherished ritual features an array of fine teas paired with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam and an assortment of exquisite pastries and cakes. Served in a refined setting, it transforms a simple afternoon into a delightful indulgence of sophistication and grace.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to your airport for the journey home, carrying with you memories that will last a lifetime.  

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the itinerary may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

*Hotels are indicative and subject to changes

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