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Culinary river cruise
8 Days
From £2,345
In association with Emerald Cruises
Check availability
Call now and book 01615162277 Quote ref: HEARST JAMES MARTIN
Check availability
Call now and book 01615162277
Quote ref: HEARST JAMES MARTIN
Email us
Join two experts on this eight-day river cruise to discover France’s premier gastronomic region: TV chef James Martin and renowned wine columnist, Susy Atkins

World-famous for its rich Burgundy wines, fine cheeses and rosé from Provence, south-eastern France is the ultimate foodie destination.

On this eight-day holiday, beginning in Arles, you'll sail on the Rhône to Lyon, stopping at Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhône and Chalon-surSaône. You'll feast on the region's best bites, visit vineyards and enjoy a Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale, a finalist in the French TV show Top Chef.

Along the way, TV chef James Martin will give a cooking demonstration, prepare a gala dinner for you, with wine pairings by Susy Atkins, and share his culinary secrets in a special Q&A session.

France is 'the food destination that has it all', according to chef and TV presenter James Martin, and Lyon 'one of the world's great gastronomic cities'. So join us to revel in the flavours next autumn.

James writes:

"I spent some of my early years in France and they were magical times. In a way, I owe it all to France. It was those early trips that set the course of my career - from the unforgettable taste of my first croissant to seeing a steak cooked 'blue', not burnt to a cinder. I am thrilled to be going back next year, and I hope you can join me as we cruise towards Lyon, one of the world's great gastronomic cities."

Flexible booking policy
Emerald Cruises' Deposit Protection Plan and Flexible Booking Policy allows guests to change travel dates or itinerary up to 60 days before departure at no cost.

To read more about this trip:
PDF
Download the brochure here

Reasons to book

Q&A with James Martin

James Martin will give an informal, exclusive talk about his career as a leading TV chef, followed by a private Q&A session

Cooking demonstration

James will create some of his favourite recipes during a live demonstration and cook an unforgettable gala dinner.

Star-Ship facilities

Your stay on Emerald Liberté includes all meals in the Reflections Restaurant, plus an on-board pool, cinema, bar and putting green

Foodie Lyon

Explore the centre of Burgundy’s wine region and walk along Lyon’s secret lanes, learning why it's the gastronomic heart of France

Excursions galore

Hike in Avignon, go on cycling trips, tour Roman monuments and enjoy much, much more in beautiful French towns along the Rhone***

Susy Atkins' wine pairings

You'll visit the vineyards of Tournon, and enjoy on-board wine pairings and a wine lecture from wine expert Susy Atkins
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Tour brochure
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Download a PDF tour brochure

Your expert guides

James Martin
Television presenter and chef
James Martin is one of the nation's favourite chefs

Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, British favourite Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.

Susy Atkins
Wine expert, journalist & author
Susy Atkins is one of the UK’s most popular, passionate and highly respected wine experts.

An award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author, Susy Atkins has travelled the world writing, tasting and educating about wine for more than 25 years. Susy's credits include being a wine expert and presenter on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen, the resident wine expert on Channel 4's Richard & Judy, a regular contributor to Radio 4 and the author of 11 popular books, including Wine Wisdom, How to Choose Wine and How to Make Your Own Drinks.

Price includes

  • Return flights, taxes and transfers, and all tips and gratuities.
  • Join an exclusive cooking demonstration and tasting with James.
  • Enjoy a special gala dinner cooked by James, with wine pairings by Susy.
  • Take a wine masterclass with Susy.
  • Enjoy excursions, including canoeing, vineyard hikes and a visit to Arles Amphitheatre.
  • Go on tours of the beautiful and historic Arles, Avignon, Viviers and Tournon-sur-Rhône.
  • Spend seven nights in a deluxe stateroom or suite.
  • Feast on local delicious produce, with all meals included, plus wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Save £500pp* (flexible booking policy and deposit protection).

Availability

From
Sat, Sat, Oct 22, 2022
To
Sat, Sat, Oct 29, 2022
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£2,345*

* Price based on two people sharing the lowest-grade available Emerald Stateroom. Price includes relevant discount of £500pp. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. **Deposit payable on booking. This trip is ATOL-(11681) and ABTA-protected (Y6692). Cancellation terms available at emeraldcruises.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. ***DiscoverMore excursions at additional cost. Timings of James and Susy's events are subject to change and there may be slight alterations to the itinerary due to operational restrictions. This trip is operated by Emerald Cruises and may be made available to other selected media partners. Always check the FCDO travel advice, as it includes the very latest information on safety, security, travel warnings and health. For more information, visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Call now to book 01615162277
Quote ref: HEARST JAMES MARTIN
Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Marseille to Arles
    Marseille, France

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to the lush surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Arles
    Arles, France

    Sail into Arles where you will join your local guide for a walking tour showcasing the highlights of the city in particular the 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre still in use today, which was originally built to hold 20,000 spectators in the style of the Colosseum in Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on board and explore Arles further.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Avignon
    Avignon, France
    Avignon Bridge at sunset

    Today you will dock in one of the great cities of Provence: Avignon. With Celtic beginnings, time as the Papal residence, and a history rich in both culture and conflict, this is one of the most enthralling cities in the region. Your guided walk will take you through the historic centre - including a glimpse of the medieval Pont d'Avignon. Enjoy a Provençale dinner expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Viviers
    Viviers, France

    Arrive in Viviers, home to one of the oldest cathedrals in France and numerous listed monuments. Take a tour exploring the architectural heritage of the town and enjoy a wine masterclass and tasting with Telegraph writer and wine expert, Susy Atkins.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Tournon
    Tournon-sur-Rhône , France
    Tournon

    Join a local guide for a walking tour of Tournon, which is dominated by the 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. The area has a long tradition in winemaking, including the renowned wine growing centre of Tain l'Hermitage across the river. In the afternoon, you will attend an in-depth cooking demonstration with James Martin, and listen to his hints and tips as he and his sous-chef prepare some of his favourite dishes. The menu for this evening's gala dinner has been specially created for you by James himself with wine pairings by Susy Atkins.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    Lyon
    Lyon, France

    Today you will join a local expert for a guided tour of the third largest city in France. Alternatively, you can explore the city by bike. Later, James Martin will join you for an exclusive book signing and then you will hear all about his career during an informal talk and a private Q&A session.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day
    7
    Chalon-sur-Saône
    Chalon-sur-Saône, France
    Landscape in Beaujolais region

    Today you stop at Chalon-sur-Saône, known as the centre of Burgundy's wine region. You will travel overland to Beaune to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the finest examples of 15th-century French architecture. It was once a hospital for the poor and is now home to one of Burgundy's most popular wine auctions. Back on the ship you'll enjoy a cheese and olive tasting.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Return from Lyon
    Lyon, France

    After breakfast on the ship, disembark for your journey home.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

Emerald Liberté

4
Cruise ship

One of the most impressive river cruise ships of the Emerald Cruises fleet

Making her maiden voyage in 2017, Emerald Liberté provides a luxurious and relaxing passage through the southern stretches of France.

Proving the journey is every bit as important as the destination, Emerald Liberté is blessed with an incredible selection of amenities and features. Designed to ensure every moment spent navigating the rivers of Europe and Asia with Emerald Cruises is incredibly comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable; the ship's features and flourishes have been selected to perfectly complement the journey.

From luxury restaurants and bar areas to health-giving spa and fitness facilities; our award-winning Star-Ships are designed to complement the journeys and lifestyles of our guests. Determined to ensure our guests never feel restricted during their time with Emerald Cruises, all staterooms, suites and public areas of the ship have been designed to maximise comfort.

Facilities
The Sun Deck aboard Emerald Liberte always proves to be hugely popular during the summer months, with the delicate river breeze perfectly complementing the stunning panoramas provided by the world's most beautiful waterways.

This open-air top deck consists of a dining area adjacent to leisure and relaxation features; perfect whether you fancy a gourmet meal with new friends, or soak up the sun from the pool.

And it's not just the public area of the Emerald Cruises' Star-Ships which have been lovingly devised to maximise comfort and enjoyment, our ships are blessed with the most stylish cabins. Ensuring restful nights and comfortable days, they are endowed with all the facilities and features you'd expect from an upmarket boutique hotel.

Brought to you by

Emerald Cruises
This tour is operated solely by Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises offers classic river cruises on board spacious, modern ships - its award-winning, state-of-the-art fleet is the newest in Europe.

To view Emerald Cruises’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following:

Availability

From
Sat, Sat, Oct 22, 2022
To
Sat, Sat, Oct 29, 2022
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£2,345*

* Price based on two people sharing the lowest-grade available Emerald Stateroom. Price includes relevant discount of £500pp. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. **Deposit payable on booking. This trip is ATOL-(11681) and ABTA-protected (Y6692). Cancellation terms available at emeraldcruises.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. ***DiscoverMore excursions at additional cost. Timings of James and Susy's events are subject to change and there may be slight alterations to the itinerary due to operational restrictions. This trip is operated by Emerald Cruises and may be made available to other selected media partners. Always check the FCDO travel advice, as it includes the very latest information on safety, security, travel warnings and health. For more information, visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Call now to book 01615162277
Quote ref: HEARST JAMES MARTIN
Email us