Emerald Cruises’ eight-day Flavours of Burgundy and Provence itinerary will sail round trip from Lyon starting in July, 2020.
Daily excursions will take guests on a journey of exploration, from the culinary roots of these regions to the ingredients gathering to the final outcome. In the village of Tournus, guests will meet a local truffle farmer and learn about how this ingredient is gathered from secret locations in the forests of Europe. Burgundy truffles in particular are known for their hazelnut-like aroma and delicate flavour, which guests will experience for themselves during an included tasting.
In Lyon, a tour of the city includes a visit to the famed food hall, Les Halles de Lyon founded by celebrated French chef Paul Bocuse, where guests can discover more than sixty stalls of regional products, including cheeses, cured meats, breads, gourmet chocolates, and local specialties.
The Beaujolais province is a wine-producing region in Burgundy known for the fruity characteristics of its produce, and its wine history that dates to the 19th century. Guests learn the secrets of what makes this grape variety so special during an included tour of a wine estate and a tasting. An excursion to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, known for earthy reds produced from the large array of varietals grown there, uncovers the history of winemaking during a visit to the cellars of a local wine estate. Guests will learn about traditional winemaking techniques and then sample the fare.
The culinary theme continues on board with included cheese and wine tastings, and is capped off with a Provençal dinner in Avignon, hosted by local chef and Top Chef France finalist Fabien Morreale.
Guests concerned about staying active while sampling all these delicacies can indulge in the EmeraldACTIVE excursions offered on this sailing. Guided bike tours in Lyon and Tournus, an active hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage and an active walking tour of Avignon will help burn calories while providing a different way to explore southern France.
Guests booking any of the four 2020 departures of this itinerary by August 30, 2019 will receive free or reduced airfare depending on stateroom selection. Guest booking a suite on Horizon or Vista Deck will receive free, round trip airfare to France, while guests in Riviera Deck staterooms will receive round trip air for $395. In lieu of air, guests may opt to receive a discount on their booking, with $1,000 and $500 off per person, respectively. Additionally, guests paying for their sailing in full by August 15, 2019 will receive an additional $500 per person off itineraries of 15 days or more, and $300 per person off itineraries of 7-14 days.
