Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise ~ May 21 - June 02, 2026
Trip Leader: Pam Kaercher
(click photo to see trip photo album)
Our group started our adventures in Lyon, France’s third largest city where we paid a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere. We then boarded the MS Emerald Liberté where we would spend the next 7 nights.
We visited the Beaujolais wine region which is known for its vibrant, fruity wines with Gamay grape variety. A wine tasting was a big hit with our group!
Our next stop was the picturesque village of Tournon which borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village which included a set of ancient watchtowers.
Then on to Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals.
Next up was Avignon which has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. We visited the UNESCO World Heritage Palais des Papes. We were treated to a Provencal dining experience prepared by France’s Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale and on to a classical concert in a church.
We then visited the beautiful town of Arles with a visit to a 2,000-year-old Amphitheater where gladiators fought, we then followed in the footsteps Vincent van Gogh.
We said good bye to our home of the last 7 nights Emerald Liberte and headed south to Nice.
In Nice we were surrounded by the stunning seaside of the French Riviera which was followed by a city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo. We were lucky enough to stand on the start line of the Grand Prix which was taking place the following week. We stood on the grounds of the impressive Prince’s Palace of Monaco and gazed at the unbelievable yachts in the harbor.
We ended our time together with a wonderful dinner at La Maison de Marie in Nice. All travelers enjoyed themselves and are home safe and sound.
Pam Kaercher - Trip Leader