Trip summary statistics
Limited DatesApril – October Only
14days
Sensory Journey along the Rhone
Paris, Lyon, Europe River Cruise, France River Cruise, Macon, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Aix en Provence, Marseille
Discover Paris’ landmarks, from Notre Dame to the Louvre, and a hidden Montmartre bakery.
Enjoy 7 nights of luxury along the Rhône, exploring rich history and cuisine at each stop.
Craft your perfect shore excursions, from cycling through Roman ruins to cooking classes.
Experience France's best views and local charm in Provence’s stunning cliff-top villages.
Operates April to November. Consult a Cruise Expert to plan the perfect voyage for you.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
ParisThe Adventure Begins
- Private Airport Transfer
- France Welcome Package
- Airport Meet & Greet - Private
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Paris
ParisSee the Signature Sights in Style
- City Tour (5 hrs) - Private
ParisTastes and Traditions
- Morning at Leisure
- One-way Transfer
- Aligre Market & Montmartre Walking Tour (with Tastings, 4 hrs) - Private
Paris to LyonA Change of Scenery
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Train - Paris - Lyon [2 hrs] - First Class
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Walking Tour of Historical Quarter (3 hrs) - Private
Lyon to Europe River Cruise to France River CruiseAll Aboard!
- Beaujolais with Wine Tasting (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Embarkation & Welcome Reception
- Private Port Transfer
- Scenic Cruises Amenities & Inclusions
Lyon to France River CruiseSights and Insights
- Lyon City Tour, Village of Perouges, or Silk Painting Workshop
Macon to France River CruiseA Healthy Dose of History
- Macon: Beaujolais Wine Tasting, Benedictine Abbey, Chateau de Cormatin or Goat Cheese Tasting
Vienne to France River CruisePedal Through the Past
- Vienne Walking or Cycling Tour
Viviers to France River CruiseHit the Streets
- Viviers & Grignan de Provence
Avignon to France River CruiseA Sight To Behold
- Avignon Walking Tour & Evening Classical Concert
ArlesAudacious Architecture
- Arles Tour & Olive Farm Tasting
Arles to Aix en ProvenceThe Journey Continues…
- Disembarkation
- Arles - Aix en Provence [1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
- Walking Tour (2 hrs)
Aix en ProvenceA Town Frozen in Time
- Hilltop Villages of Provence (8 hrs) - Private Tour
Aix en Provence to MarseilleSafe Travels!
- Aix en Provence to Marseille (45 mins) - Private Transfer
PARIS
The Adventure Begins
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
Note: Driver may not speak English.
A Welcome Package will be provided and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip.
For your added comfort, a Meet & Greet assistant will be waiting for you outside of airport customs, holding a sign with your name on it. They will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
With hundreds of options to choose from across Paris, deciding on which restaurant to try out could be challenging. To assist, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our restaurant suggestions for Paris, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
PARIS
See the Signature Sights in Style
With your private guide and driver, embark on a half-day exploration into the history of Paris, while witnessing must-see highlights of the City of Lights. Make your way to Ile de la Cite, where the medieval city was focused, and home to the cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the most famous Catholic churches in the world. In Le Marais district, a chic quarter known for its food, you can see the stunning Place des Vosges, a historic planned square formerly populated by Parisian nobility. Afterward, make your way to see the courtyards of the world-famous Louvre, the largest palace, and museum in Europe. Admire breathtaking architecture while your guide stimulates the imagination with tales and legends from the palace's past. Continue on to learn about Paris at the time of Napoleon as you see the imposing Arc de Triomphe on the renowned Champs-Elysees, the city's must-see main boulevard, then learn about the World's Fair held in 1900 as you head over towards the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero – which boasts the best view of the Tower in the entire city!
Please note: the sites listed above are just a few of the many things there are to see in Paris. Your private guide will be happy to customize the day's tour based on your interests and preferences. Eiffel tower tickets are not included.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
PARIS
Tastes and Traditions
This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or simply unwind at your hotel and recharge for what is next.
Meet your private driver for a one-way transfer within Paris city limits
Meet your private guide near Bastille and embark on a half-day walking tour through the Bastille and Montmartre areas, discovering two distinct areas of Paris known for their gourmet delights. In Bastille, you'll head to the indoor and outdoor markets of the Aligre Marche, a wonderful lively neighborhood market with excellent produce, baked goods, cheeses, and more. You'll be treated to a coffee a la francaise, then you'll be shown some of the best shops in the area to sample some cheese and bread. After exploring the market, you'll continue to Montmartre by metro or taxi (your preference, payable on the spot), to discover some amazing food shops in this hip, artsy area of town loaded with bakeries, pastry shops, spice shops, cafes, a grapevine and two mills. Conclude your tour at the bottom of Sacre Coeur, a 19th-century basilica perched on the highest hill in Paris.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
PARIS TO LYON
A Change of Scenery
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
Depart by train from Paris to Lyon. Approximate travel time is 2 hours.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
Set out on foot with a private guide for a three-hour walking tour of historic Lyon. World-renowned for its culture and cuisine, Lyon is a city rich in history and home to both Roman theaters and Renaissance architecture. Your walking tour presents Lyon through the ages and invites you to discover the city’s top monuments. Discover the imposing 19th century Basilica of Notre-Dame, occupying a dominant viewpoint overlooking the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Vieux Lyon, a hilly, riverside section of town featuring medieval streets and the 15th century Gothic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic Room
LYON TO EUROPE RIVER CRUISE TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE
All Aboard!
Set off with your private driver-guide to discover the Southern Beaujolais region, with its rich landscapes and stunning natural beauty. The yellow, ochre color of the buildings is unique to the region, and when the sun illuminates their faÇades, you'll soon see why the nickname 'Land of the Golden Stones' is so fitting. Stop at the medieval village of Oingt, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a hill and surrounded by the vineyards, Oingt has kept from its medieval past the ancient chapel of the castle, the fortified door, and a dungeon. Along the way, visit a traditional cellar for a private wine tasting before being returning to Lyon.
Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled into your stateroom, and to explore the length of your cruise vessel. This evening, join your fellow cruise mates at a Welcome Reception. Tonight you'll overnight at port in Lyon.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a port transfer.
Your Scenic river cruise is the epitome of all-inclusive luxury, offering an extraordinary journey filled with world-class inclusions and elegant amenities. From the moment you embark, enjoy fine dining with regionally inspired cuisine, paired with unlimited premium beverages, including a curated selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails. Every port of call offers immersive Scenic Freechoice excursions, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Every spacious suite boasts breathtaking river views. Enjoy the unparalleled comfort of a personal butler, ensuring every detail is tailored to your preferences. Stay connected with complimentary wifi and embrace wellness with access to a fitness center, onboard yoga and stretching classes, and rejuvenating spa treatments. For added ease, all onboard gratuities, transfers, and even tipping for onshore experiences are included in your cruise fare.
Dine in a choice of elegant restaurants and stylish lounges, sip handcrafted cocktails while watching the scenery drift by, and relax on the sun deck as picturesque landscapes unfold. Indulge in live entertainment reflective of your cruise destination, and for active explorers, complimentary e-bikes and walking excursions offer unique ways to experience each port. With Scenic, every element of your journey is seamlessly curated for a truly all-inclusive and luxurious river cruise experience.
Where you’ll be staying
Balcony Suite (C)
LYON
Sights and Insights
Sitting at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone 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.
Here, you can choose between four excursions: 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. Alternatively, 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. Or, opt for a 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. You can also choose a more active tour: with a local guide, cycle along Lyon’s many bike lanes to charming Tete 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.
Where you’ll be staying
Balcony Suite (C)
MACON
A Healthy Dose of History
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.
From here, you can 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. Or, 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.
Alternatively, transfer by coach to the historic Chateau 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. Or, 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.
Where you’ll be staying
Balcony Suite (C)
VIENNE
Pedal Through the Past
Cruising along the Rhone 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.
Today, choose between two excursions: 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. Or, opt for a 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.
Where you’ll be staying
Balcony Suite (C)
VIVIERS
Hit the Streets
This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the 5th century and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel like little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.
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. Alternatively, 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. Or, 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 Avignon.
Where you’ll be staying
Balcony Suite (C)
AVIGNON
A Sight To Behold
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 Rhone between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.
Today you can choose from an array of excursions: Join a guided walking tour of 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. Alternatively, 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 Nimes. If you enjoy wine, the fertile banks of the Rhone are peppered with Cote du Rhone vineyards, including at the village of Chateauneuf-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.
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.
Tonight, enjoy a classical concert at Pope’s Palace: You will be treated to a truly unforgettable classical concert at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon. When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive concert by a trio of musicians. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.
Where you’ll be staying
Balcony Suite (C)
ARLES
Audacious Architecture
Leaving Avignon early this morning, your Ship will depart for Arles. Julius Caesar, founded a Roman colony here around 56BC and this coastal city remains rich in Roman history. Arles is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after The Eternal City itself, with the ruins ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings strewn along the left bank. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings.
Take a short walk from your 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. Today, you could opt for a tour 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. Alternatively, participate in a on-board painting class.
The Provence region is renowned for its spectacular scenery, the production of aromatic herbs and lavender that at certain times throughout the year (typically late June to Mid-August) cover the region in beautiful shades of purple. During this excursion, visit a local organic farm that produces a variety of essential oil from lavender, thyme, rosemary and many more herbs. Learn about the health benefits of these plants, how to produce the essential oils and make your own lavender-based cream to take home with you.
ARLES TO AIX EN PROVENCE
The Journey Continues…
Bid farewell to the crew as your voyage comes to a close, and you disembark from your cruise vessel this morning.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Aix en Provence. Approximate travel time is 1 hour.
Meet your guide for a half-day walking tour of Aix en Provence. Discover the fountains, the famous Cours Mirabeau, private mansions, and the places frequented by the painter Paul Cezanne. It is while along the Cours Mirabeau, decorated by fountains and 17th and 18th centuries private hotels, that you enter the heart of Aix en Provence. Discover the architectural wealth of the city through the Four Dolphins Fountain, the Preachers Fountain, Albertas, City Hall, and Cardeurs squares, as well as Saint Sauveur Cathedral.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
AIX EN PROVENCE
A Town Frozen in Time
Meet your private driver-guide and uncover a succession of spectacular perched villages: Gordes, Roussillon, Lacoste and Menerbes. Gordes, the flagship village of the Luberon is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The views from this village are exceptional. Carved unto the edge of the plateau de Vaucluse, Gordes rises in tiers through the winding cobblestone streets to the foot of its imposing Renaissance castle and church. Roussillon is, after Gordes, the second most visited village in the Luberon. It is ranked among those entitled The Most Beautiful Villages in France. There is a spectacular 360° panorama from the orientation table at the top of the village. At the edge of the village don’t miss the ochre trails with a rainbow of colours from yellow to purple. Lacoste is a magnificent village across the valley from Bonnieux. Its castle belonged to the Marquis de Sade (18th cent.), and is now the property of the famous designer Pierre Cardin who hosts a festival each year. Menerbes, the citadel of MÉnerbes, ranked one of the most beautiful villages in France, is built on a rocky spur from the Luberon mountains that looks out over the garrigue and the Luberon’s vineyards. The little streets reveal a rich heritage. As many villages have done, MÉnerbes captivated a few famous artists like Picasso or Nicolas de StaËl. Return to Aix en Provence.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
AIX EN PROVENCE TO MARSEILLE
Safe Travels!
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Marseille. Approximate travel time is 45 minutes.
PARIS
Hotel Alfred Sommier
Located near la Madeleine, Hotel Alfred Sommier offers an authentic Parisian setting. The marble fireplaces, gilded mirrors, and refined oak flooring harmonize with contemporary design elements. The hotel features 80 guest rooms, including 22 suites, as well as a restaurant and bar set in a private garden. Located right at the center of the Paris business district, it is halfway on foot between the boutiques on rue du Faubourg Saint HonorÉ and the Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette department stores. The Garnier Opera, the Champs ElysÉes, and several theaters are also within walking distance. Feel like royalty with the luxury and French elegance from Hotel Alfred Sommier.
LYON
Intercontinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
The striking 144-room and suite Hotel Dieu is found in the heart of the Lyon peninsula, the city's historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in a former historic hospital on the Rhone, and with its stunning faÇade and soaring 18th-century dome, this monumental setting reopened its doors as a hotel in 2019. Celebrated designer Jean-Philippe Nuel successfully blends the original architectural finishes of the interior with strikingly contemporary designs. Rustic stone flooring, wooden ceilings, and plastered walls create a timeless space offering a peaceful atmosphere and bright living. The stylish rooms and suites are spread over the three floors of the building and offer breathtaking views of the Rhone, Notre-Dame de Fourviere, the historic courtyards of the hotel, and, more broadly, over the city of Lyon. The dining menu fuses modern Lyonnais cuisine and on-trend world flavors in a friendly atmosphere, whilst the cocktail bar, found in the nerve center of the hotel, Le DÔme, is not to be missed! It is the ideal place to enjoy hot drinks, creative cocktails, light dishes, or even sweet treats.
FRANCE RIVER CRUISE
Scenic Sapphire
The 74-suite Scenic Sapphire marries space and intimacy with a sense of exclusivity not typically found on European waters. Exclusively designed for cruising the serene rivers of France, guests can expect an attentive service from the minute they step aboard this illustrious river cruise liner. Spanning a total of four decks, Scenic Sapphire boasts a wealth of public entertainment, dining and wellness areas, as well as a Sun Deck with loungers. Stay active on the walking track, partake in a private cooking class and rejuvenate with a salt therapy lounge. Elsewhere, enjoy a plunge in the all-weather vitality pool or take to the lounge bar for a cocktail among friends. Whether you prefer a fine dining venue, a relaxed cafe setting, or even choose to dine in the privacy of your suite, your all-inclusive onboard meals are guaranteed to appease. Along with an array of dining options, your all-inclusive onboard experience also provides unlimited complimentary premium beverages all day, every day. Designed with peerless attention to detail, the Scenic Sapphire has been meticulously crafted to afford the most luxurious and unforgettable river cruise journey.
AIX EN PROVENCE
Le Pigonnet
Offering the ultimate luxury experience in Provence, Le Pigonnet is an elegant country house that combines 18th-century refinement with contemporary luxury and style. A short stroll from the Aix en Provence city center, an authentic and peaceful Eden is created for every guest who walks through the door. Le Pigonnet's 44 refined rooms and suites are a mix of a modern and classic French style, many of which overlook the hotel's 2-acre manicured garden where renowned Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne would often walk with his easel. During summer, enjoy lunch on the sunny restaurant’s terrace under the shade of hundred-year-old chestnut trees, and during the cooler days, unwind with a drink in the cozy Le 1924 bar offering a British club-like atmosphere.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








