Embark on a captivating journey through some of France's most illustrious wine-producing regions with an eight-day cruise along the Rhône River, aboard the luxurious Scenic Sapphire. This wine-centric voyage offers a fusion of breathtaking landscapes, exquisite dining experiences, and the chance to explore historic villages, making it a prime adventure for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Aboard the Scenic Sapphire
Sailing from Lyon to Arles, the Scenic Sapphire offers a personalized and intimate experience for its 147 passengers across 74 sophisticated suites. Onboard amenities include complimentary e-bikes for adventurous shore excursions, a gym for fitness enthusiasts, and a unique Salt Therapy Lounge, providing a tranquil retreat with its climate-controlled settings and therapeutic salt brick walls.
Culinary Delights on the Rhône
Indulge in an array of dining pleasures aboard the Scenic Sapphire. The main Crystal Dining restaurant tantalizes guests with nightly French classics, while the River Café provides lighter, all-day dining options. For a more exclusive taste, L’Amour presents an intimate five-course experience highlighting regional specialties. Guests in Royal or Junior suites can savor a six-course degustation at Table La Rive, each dish a chef's signature creation, meticulously paired with special wines. A standout dish is the octopus carpaccio, beautifully complemented by an Austrian Grüner Veltliner.
Exploring Storied Wines and Villages
The journey includes a visit to the Château de Pravins in Beaujolais, famed for its biodynamic wine production practices rooted in the 13th century. Engage in a comprehensive tour of its vineyards and cellars and enjoy the unique flavors that contrast the common perceptions of Beaujolais Nouveau.
Passengers can partake in organized excursions to picturesque medieval villages along the Rhône. Pérouges, a 12th-century hilltop village, captivates with its charming cobbled streets and Renaissance architecture, offering local gastronomic specialties like the galette de Pérouges paired with Cerdon, the local sparkling rosé.
In the awe-inspiring city of Avignon, visitors immerse in the rich history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore the Maison Bouachon for a tutored wine tasting and traverse the village, ending with a visit to the evocative ruins of the 14th-century castle, a landmark of viniculture history.
Culinary Adventure in Arles
The cruise concludes in the historic city of Arles, located in proximity to the Rhône River Delta and the renowned Camargue. This final stop embodies the culmination of a tantalizing voyage through Southern France’s culinary and wine landscapes.
Experience the wonder of this wine and food-themed adventure on the Rhône River. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and culinary aficionados alike, it presents a unique journey through France’s iconic regions.
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