Your amazing itinerary
Day 1 Arles Fly to Nice from a choice of regional airports including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh (other selected airports available at a supplement). On arrival, you will transfer to the Emerald Liberté, the newest ship in Emerald’s fleet, whose facilities include a Sun Deck with panoramic views, restaurant, bar and a heated swimming pool with a retractable roof that transforms at night into a cosy cinema.
EXCLUSIVE W&H EXPERIENCE A private talk and Q&A with Tim Wonnacott – “Auctions, Anecdotes & Awful Moments” – in which Tim will tell stories about his life and illustrious career in the world of antiques, and give expert tips on what to look out for on your own antiques adventure tomorrow.
Day 2 L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE
This morning you can test your bargain-hunting skills at the famous, 50-year-old flea market at L’Isle-sur-laSorgue, often known as France’s “capital of antiques”. After lunch on board the
Emerald Liberté, you will explore the magnificent historic centre of Arles – including the ruins of the town’s Roman Amphitheatre – on a guided walking tour.
EXCLUSIVE W&H EXPERIENCE Find out if you really do have an eye for antiques, as Tim Wonnacott assesses a selection of purchases made by guests at L’Isle-sur-laSorgue. The best antiques buy will be awarded a prize; the worst gets the wooden spoon.
Day 3 Avignon Today you will explore one of the great Provençal towns: Avignon, dominated by the magnificent Palais des Papes. Stroll the cobbled laneways and historic centre on a guided tour – and of course, see the famous Pont d’Avignon. Dinner on board the Emerald Liberté will be hosted by a popular local chef. Optional activity (for an additional supplement): take a trip to the famous Roman aqueduct at
Pont du Gard. Reasonable fitness required.
Day 4 tournon This morning you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Tournon, taking in its 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. The area has a long tradition of wine-making, >>
and you will have the chance to taste fine wines of the region on board the Emerald Liberté.
Day 5 Mâcon Disembark in Mâcon, a pretty town on the banks of the Saône river, known as a gateway to the Beaujolais vineyards. You will walk the town’s heritage trail, including the imposing medieval towers of the Old SaintVincent cathedral, before having the afternoon free to enjoy at your leisure. Optional activity (for an additional supplement): visit Cluny Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery built in a striking Romanesque style.
Day 6 chalon-sur-saône
Best known as the birthplace of photography, Chalon-sur-Saône is the centre of Burgundy’s wine region. Today you will travel by road to quaint Beaune to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best examples of French 15th-century architecture. After returning to the ship for lunch, you will set off this afternoon for Lyon.
eXclusIVe W&h eXPerIence A private talk from Tim Wonnacott on his personal quest for objects relating to Napoleon. Note: timing may be subject to change.
Day 7 lyon This morning you will wake up in Lyon, where the highlights include the hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which has stunning views over the city. You will also see the recently rediscovered Roman amphitheatre and walk the cobbled streets and laneways of Lyon’s old town where you’ll discover why it is known as France’s gastronomic capital. Optional activity
(for an additional supplement): a trip to the medieval town of Pérouges.
Day 8 lyon After breakfast you will disembark the Emerald Liberté and be transferred to the airport for your flight home, with a collection of fantastic memories – and perhaps even a priceless heirloom – to take home with you.