2022 Lyon > Rome

Italy is a mouth-watering masterpiece

Discover the tastes, smells and sights of Italy during this epicurean delight.

Food plays such an important part of life in Italy, in fact Federico Fellini once said ‘ life is a combination of magic and pasta’. Celebrate Italian food and flair as you indulge in a variety of Italian specialities from the complex sweet and sour balance of Balsamic Vinegar, to the freshest locally produced Mozzarella and the acclaimed wines of the Chianti region. Combine this with a 10 night Tastes of Southern France cruise for a true culinary feast.

Tour Code:: IRLC
Duration:: 21 days
Departure City:: Lyon
Return City:: Rome

Selected Itinerary

21 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Lyon

Welcome to Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to the Scenic Sapphire where your crew await to welcome you on board.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Lyon > Tournus

Freechoice

Meet a local truffle farmer and their specially trained dog to learn the tricks and techniques of truffle farming, before enjoying a tasting of their delicious produce, or visit an organic goat cheese farm and learn about open air farming whilst enjoying a tasting. Alternatively, learn about the traditional craftsmanship of barrel making with a local cooper.

Tonight, your welcome dinner will be created using regionally sourced truffles.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Mâcon

Freechoice

Visit the famous wine-growing region of Beaujolais and meet a local vintner to sample some of his best vintages, or visit the restaurant of the acclaimed chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. Alternatively, Shop with a Chef on a guided visit to a local food market, before visiting Scenic Culinaire.

In the evening, we’ll welcome Chef Didier Goiffon and his team on board to cook a delicious regional meal celebrating Bresse Chicken.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Chalon-sur-Saône

Freechoice

Explore the small town of Beaune in the Burgundy region and visit a local mustard producer to learn the history of this flavourful condiment. Alternatively, take a tour of Beaune, including les Hospices de Beaune, a former hospital dating back to the Middle-Ages, or tour a prestigious wine estate, before tasting its premium wines.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Tain L’Hermitage

Freechoice

Surrounded by sloping vineyards, walk through this quaint town and sample local Côtes du Rhône wines, or perhaps take a guided walking tour of Tournon, with the opportunity to see the village’s grand château up close. Alternatively, join an e-bike excursion along the banks of the Rhône.

Enrich

Once the doors have closed to the public, you’re invited to an exclusive interactive workshop at the Valrhona Cité du Chocolate museum.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Avignon

Freechoice

Embark on a walking tour of Avignon, including the Palais des Papes, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. Alternatively, explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arena.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Avignon

Freechoice

Visit the hilltop village of Gordes, home to the stunning Sénanque Abbey, or Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire. Alternatively, take an excursion to Pont du Gard, or drive through olive groves and vineyards for a walking tour of the town of Les Baux, stopping to taste the produce of a local olive farm.

Enrich

Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes, where the Grand Tinel Room will be the setting for an exclusive classical concert.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Viviers

Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, where you will be treated to an organ recital.

Freechoice

Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or witness the natural beauty of the Ardèche National Park by kayak. Alternatively, discover the beautiful Provencal town of Grignan and its incredible château, or visit a nearby Truffle nursery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Lyon

Freechoice

Take in the vistas of the Rhône as you sail towards Lyon. This evening you are in for a treat as a local Pâtissier comes on board to share his delicious creations with you.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Lyon

Freechoice

Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways and visit Notre Dame Basilica, or enjoy a walking and tasting tour along the Rhône and Saône rivers. Alternatively, visit the village of Pérouges, or stay on board for a culinary photography class and learn the tricks and techniques of taking incredible pictures of food.

Delicious and hearty Lyonnaise food is famous the world over and today you will understand why as you enjoy lunch at a traditional Bouchon restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Lyon > Rome

Welcome to Rome. Tonight meet your fellow foodies and Tour Director for a welcome drink. Enjoy a two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Rome

It should come as no surprise that the Roman culture influenced the food. Today your local guide will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the city, highlighting some of the cities most popular culinary aspects as well as some of Rome’s most iconic sights, all while sampling some of the flavours of this truly wondrous city. Tonight you will tantalise your taste buds further with a delicious welcome dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Rome > Sorrento

This morning we bid farewell to Rome and journey south to Sorrento. Perched overlooking the Bay of Naples, today is your chance to explore this laid back town. Stop along the way to taste some of the region’s most famous and delicious produce such as a helping of thick and creamy Gelato and the tangy yet sweet Limoncello. Enjoy a two night stay.

Enrich

The only thing better than home-cooked Italian food is Italian hospitality, and you’ll enjoy healthy servings of both. Meet a friendly local family and experience a feast of the senses at a home-hosted dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Sorrento

Freechoice

Join a Pizza making class and learn how to make the perfect crust and create your favourite combination of topping before baking it in a wood fired oven. Alternatively, join a local expert and learn the techniques of making fresh Mozzarella.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 - Sorrento > Perugia

Your first stop today is the medieval village of Assisi, the charming hill top town famous as the home of Saint Francis of Assisi. Then, it’s only a short drive to Perugia to view the Fontana Maggoire and the monuments around the Roman Forum. Tonight, you are in for a special treat with an overnight stay, your resort is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Umbrian countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 16 - Perugia > Bologna

Today we dive deep into the heart of Emilia Romagna, regarded as Italy’s greatest food producing region with Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar and Tortellini just a few of the culinary specialities of the area. Your local guide will escort you through the region. Stay two nights in Bologna.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17 - Bologna

Journey to nearby Modena where your highlights include a visit to a local producer of Parmigiano Reggiano. Witness production techniques, learn about the aging process and what effects it has on the end product. Afterwards we visit the celebrated Balsamic Vinegar maker Acetaia Giusti, this acclaimed producer dates back to 1605.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18 - Bologna > Florence > Tuscany

This morning we travel to Florence, where we will visit the famous Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Then we journey to the medieval village of San Donato where you will learn how to make the perfect Pasta in a rustic farm house. Set in the most picturesque location, this is the perfect setting for our dinner this evening. Our final stop today is your resort.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 19 - Tuscany

This morning your local guide will show us the highlights of Siena during a guided tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 20 - Tuscany > Rome

Today we take our final flourish through the Chianti region. Stop along the way for a wine tasting before returning to the historic capital, Rome.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 21 - Rome

After breakfast say Arrivederci to Italy and transfer to Rome airport for your onwards or homebound flight.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

Truly all-inclusive luxury

The comfort of small group sizes on your land journey with a maximum of just 24 guests
5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 149 guests
Spacious Balcony Suites with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
3 Scenic Enrich experiences with an enchanting private classical concert at the Popes Palace in Avignon, after hours access to Cité du Chocolate for an interactive workshop and a home hosted dinner in Sorrento – Exclusive to Scenic
Scenic Culinaire throughout your cruise
Personalise your trip with 29 included Scenic Freechoice activities
Dine at your choice of up to five on board venues, from casual to fine dining
45 meals – 20 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L) and 15 dinners (D)
Complimentary premium on board beverages all day, every day – not just at meal times
Butler service for every suite throughout your cruise
Complimentary full mini-bar throughout your cruise
Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
Scenic Tailormade App for river commentary and independent exploration
The freedom of our e-bikes – electronically assisted bicycles
Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
Return airport transfers
All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore