Idyllic Rhône with Scenic

Start your holiday in relaxed style with included UK airport lounge access before your flight to Lyon. If you'd prefer not to fly, speak to our specialists about our no-fly option, travelling on the Eurostar in Standard Premier Class from St. Pancras International to Paris, and onwards to Lyon. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed on board your Scenic river ship. If you’re unfamiliar with Scenic’s small-ship cruises, they position themselves as “beyond” 5-star luxury. That means an all-included spread of fine-dining meals, exceptional service and curated excursions. Their European river offerings are even billed – rather futuristically – as “Space-Ships” for their surprisingly expansive interiors.

Stay: Scenic river ship

Set on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city of Lyon is known as the gastronomic heart of France. Take the chance to explore its esteemed culinary scene under your own steam, or join a walking tour to explore the city in more detail. Alternatively, a guided bike ride will see you to Lyon's acclaimed Botanical Gardens and Zoo or, for something a little different, enjoy a silk painting workshop for the chance to learn about the region's rich history of silk production, which dates back some five centuries. Lastly, you might choose to explore the cobblestone paths medieval Pérouges. This afternoon, relax onboard, with on deck, at the wellness centre or with a cookery class, as you sail towards Mâcon.

Stay: Scenic river ship

Today's choice of excursions sees you pick between the world-renowned wine region of Beaujolais, for a tasting of those acclaimed reds, or the charming town of Cluny, built around a great Benedictine Abbey. There's also the chance to visit Château de Cormatin, where you'll have the chance to admire the castle's magnificent gilded rooms, grand moat, spectacular water features and perfectly manicured gardens.

Stay: Scenic river ship

Take a walking tour in Vienne including a visit to the Roman amphitheatre and uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. Or, for the more active, take in the picturesque landscapes of this region on a guided cycling tour of Vienne and neighbouring villages where you will see an abundance of evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman city.

Stay: Scenic river ship

After breakfast this morning, head out on a walking tour of the ancient town of Viviers, picturesquely located between river and rolling hills – its imposing cathedral is a highlight. Otherwise, there's the chance to visit the pretty provincial town of Grignan for a tour and Château visit, before spending some time exploring at your own pace. The last of today's touring options is a trip to a truffle nursery where you'll learn how truffles are produced as well as their many uses. End your day with a lesson in French cuisine, hosted at Scenic Culinaire.

Stay: Scenic river ship

A morning of culinary delights awaits in Avignon. Enjoy a unique chance to shop with a chef at the local market, then head back to the ship to cook up a storm at Scenic Culinaire. If that doesn't fit the bill, you might choose to explore Avignon’s architectural wonder – the Pope’s Palace. Alternatively, there's an excursion to Pont du Gard, the city's famous Roman aqueduct, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard.

Stay: Scenic river ship

For your last full day in France, you'll have a further superb range of tours to choose from. Perhaps you'll visit Les Baux, with its impressive rock formations, pretty olive groves and rolling vineyards, then drop into a local olive farm for a tasting. Or, visit the city of Arles on a guided tour, taking in its grand Roman ruins including the magnificent Arles Arena. Here you'll also see why Arles has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists with its glorious landscapes. Alternatively, relax onboard with a painting class and the chance to learn about the region’s artistic heritage.

Stay: Scenic river ship

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or to the station for a first class rail trip to Paris before travelling by Eurostar to St. Pancras International in London.