Boston, MA (July 2019) – The Burgundy and Provence regions of France are considered culinary and wine meccas for travelers worldwide. While river cruises typically offer glimpses of the gastronomic riches here, Emerald Waterways will offer a more in-depth culinary journey in 2020, dedicated to putting guests in the vineyards and farms that make this area so special. The new, eight-day Flavours of Burgundy and Provence itinerary will sail round trip from Lyon—the gastronomic capital of France—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 charming village of Tournus, guests will meet a local truffle farmer and learn about this iconically French ingredient and how this luxury 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 gourmet 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 high-end regional products, including cheeses, cured meats, breads, gourmet chocolates and local specialties.
The wines in this region are perhaps even more celebrated than the cuisine. The Beaujolais province is an important wine-producing region in Burgundy known for the luscious and fruity characteristics of its produce, and its wine history dates to the 19th century. Guests learn the secrets of what makes this ancient grape variety so special during an included tour of a wine estate and a tasting. An excursion to the renowned 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 lavish 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 renowned 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.
Emerald Waterways’ river cruises offer contemporary, deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities. On touring days, hotel accommodations, internal flights, and transfers are also included.
Part of Scenic Group, Emerald Waterways’ eight branded Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and on the Mekong, as well as the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the MS Swallow and MS Lastavica yachts in Croatia; and the MS Hamees on the Nile.
Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; on Emerald Waterways’ website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; or by calling the consumer/travel agent reservations line at 844-428-8389. Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.