Our tip
Buy a Nice Riviera Pass from the tourist office which gets you free access to many museums and historical places both in and around Nice, not to mention a ride on the open-topped bus!
From Nice to Lyon
Idyllic Rhône with French Riviera
From Nice to Lyon
Idyllic Rhône with French Riviera
Voyage Itinerary
29 September to 2 October
Setting sail from Nice
Nice enjoys a marvellous setting on one of the most glorious stretches of the Côte d'Azur, the sweeping Bay of Angels, so it's no wonder that tourists have been flocking here since the 19th century. A stroll along the waterfront Promenade des Anglais, flanked by palm trees on one side and the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean on the other, is the quintessential Niçois experience, and one we'll never tire of. Do try and make some time to explore the old town as well though; it's a maze of wonderfully winding streets, some of which may be barely wide enough to squeeze through after that hearty seafood lunch!
2 October
France: Tarascon
Tarascon is one of Provence’s lesser known towns, situated on the Rhône between Avignon and Arles. Points of interest include the 15th century castle and the pretty Moulin de Daudet, a windmill that belonged to the author Alphonse Daudet. Tarascon is also an important centre for Provençal textiles.
3 October
France: Arles
The charming little town of Arles sits at the head of the Rhône delta, on the northern fringe of the sprawling marshlands of the Camargue. It’s a town with a long history, as evidenced by an impressive array of Roman ruins, and it's a great place to sample the essence of Provençal culture.
3 October to 4 October
France: Avignon
The former papal stronghold of Avignon cuts a dramatic figure, perched above the Rhône and ensconced behind towering walls. The Palais des Papes was home to a succession of 14th century pontiffs, and still looms large over Avignon’s atmospheric old town.
5 October
France: Viviers
The little town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, is a delightful place to explore on foot, with its narrow, cobbled medieval streets and elegant cathedral. A lot of history is packed into a small space, including Roman remains and the Renaissance era Maison des Chevaliers.
6 October
France: Chavaney
7 October
France: Lyon
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most appealing cities. Its reputation for gastronomic excellence is well deserved, with hundred of wonderful restaurants, and the UNESCO listed historic centre boasts a marvellous ensemble of Renaissance-era buildings.
8 October
France: Mâcon
The little town of Mâcon lies on the west bank of the Saône, at the southern edge of Burgundy, and it’s a great base for sampling the region’s famous wines. A popular excursion is a trip to nearby Beaune, home to the magnificent medieval Hospices de Beaune and its prestigious wine estate.
9 October
Arriving in Lyon
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most appealing cities. Its reputation for gastronomic excellence is well deserved, with hundred of wonderful restaurants, and the UNESCO listed historic centre boasts a marvellous ensemble of Renaissance-era buildings.
Don't miss
Eating out in Lyon is the best – starve yourself for days in advance in order to be able to make the most of this foodiest of cities.
The ship
Scenic Sapphire
- Capacity:
- 149 Guests
- Crew:
- 57 Staff
- Style:
- Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere.
Scenic's pair of 149-guest ships - Sapphire and Diamond - were given a full makeover in 2017, bringing a new level of luxury to the rivers of France.
What we love
Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond offer stylish, spacious accommodation and a luxurious all-inclusive experience. The innovative onboard cooking school, Scenic Cullinaire, is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavours of southern France.
inclusions
- All meals
- Premium beverages throughout the day
- A choice of excursions
- WiFi
- Use of electronic bicycles
- Gratuities
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Nice
A Mundy favourite is the famous Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, something of a museum in its own right.
See more of southern France
Travel out of Nice into Provence and visit the lovely villages such as Eze and St Paul de Vence.
Where to stay in Lyon
We love the Cour des Loges in the heart of old Lyon.
What to do around Lyon
This is a great base to set forth for wine tasting in Beaujolais.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
