Day 1
You can either fly to Geneva where you will be met and taken over the French border to the MS Swiss Pearl moored in Lyon’s picturesque historic centre (transfer takes 1 3/4 hours), or you can travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras International, changing trains at the purpose-built Lille station, onto the TGV (France’s famous high speed train) to Lyon (journey time approximately 5 1/4 hrs including time to change trains, timings based on 2011 timetable). The dedicated crew will welcome you on board, ensuring you settle into your comfortable and well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship – your first-class floating hotel.

Day 2
After our first splendid breakfast, we have a leisurely start enjoying a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most interesting cities. The Rhône valley has been the route of choice for invading armies and peaceful traders since ancient times and nestling at the head of the valley at the confluence of two great rivers, the area cried out to be fortified. Founded by the Gaul’s, Julius Caesar made it his capital and the Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain was born here - Lyon was on the map! There are a host of their remains to see but the city came to prominence from the Middle Ages onwards, making a fortune from silk manufacture. Wealth poured in, funding the multitude of renaissance buildings, rich churches and one of Europe’s most splendid town squares, the Place Bellecour, which today adds greatly to the city’s character. Old Lyon is crammed with atmospheric antique shops and intriguing ‘traboules’ – narrow passages passing through actual houses which enabled silk merchants to reach the river more easily and today are just delightful to amble through. Lyon is also generally acknowledged as France’s (and if you ask a local, that inevitably means the world’s), gastronomic capital! In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and you literally trip over the ubiquitous and amazing food shops and restaurants, of which there are more per capita, than anywhere else in the world.
As you enjoy your first lunch, the Swiss Pearl quietly slips its moorings, cruising upstream, catching our first glimpses of the vine-clad slopes of the hazy green Beaujolais hills, as we approach one of the world’s most famous wine producing regions. On our left we see the picturesque villages – Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas, Chénas and many more, whilst on the right, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of snowy Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest mountain. As the afternoon drifts into evening, the white wines of Mâcon now hold sway as we cruise past the town that gives them its name and what could be better than a cool crisp glass on the sundeck before retiring to the restaurant for this evening’s culinary delights, prepared by the Swiss Pearl’s outstanding chef.

Day 3
Rising this morning, we are berthed in Chalon, the home of Niépce, the inventor of photography, and gateway to Burgundy. On this morning’s tour we see the picturesque yet surprisingly tiny villages that read like a top-restaurant’s wine list - Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more, the source of some of world’s most sublime wines.
Nearby is medieval Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital, which is wonderful to just wander around and in its centre is the instantly recognisable Hotel Dieu with its multi-coloured tiled roof. A stunning building, built as a hospital in the 15th century, a prestigious annual wine auction takes place here, the considerable proceeds of which support the hospital to this day. Of course you cannot visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wine, so next we visit one of the most traditional of winemakers at nearby Nuits-Saint- Georges for a tour and tasting, before returning to the ship for lunch.

Day 4
One of river cruising’s great pleasures is the fascination of waking in a completely different location! Overnight, the Swiss Pearl has cruised almost imperceptibly south with breakfast in the ancient Roman stronghold of Vienne, established under Julius Caesar. Superbly located in a narrow section of the Rhône Valley where it turns sharply around a steep bluff, Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains and a walk around will bring its story to life. During another superb lunch, we enter perhaps the most picturesque section of the Rhône Valley as the river squeezes and twists through narrow defiles like Condrieu, St Rambert d’Albon and St Vallier, lined with wooded river cliffs, rising high to both sides.
Traditionally these stretches were the most dangerous due to fierce currents and varying water levels and this afternoon is ideally spent on the sun-deck taking in the exceptional views as we navigate a series of locks which never cease to fascinate. Later we moor in the pretty provincial town of Tournon with its tree-lined avenues and across the river, the vine-covered hillsides produce Hermitage, yet another of the world’s most revered wines - a fitting view as we enjoy another exquisite dinner.

Day 5
This morning the Swiss Pearl cruises effortlessly downstream. Over to the left you catch glimpses of the Alps and as we approach Valence, the landscape gradually becomes less green with more ochres and magentas, whilst the houses have the sloping terracotta roofs resplendent of the Mediterranean and the heady aroma of the sweet air has the unmistakable scent of pine and cypress. You can only be in the midi, or as we call it - the South of France. Catch up on some reading or just laze in the sun whilst the temperature rises.
After lunch we explore one of France’s most outstanding natural wonders, the Ardèche gorges, the scale of which is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power. As the road twists and turns, steep cliffs make a thousand feet sheer drop to the torrential river below, eloquently snaking its way through stupendous natural formations cumulating in a natural rock arch carved by the wild waters of history. With caves, grottoes and natural sculptures, there are amazing views at every turn before returning to the gentler sides of the Rhône Valley and the Swiss Pearl in charming Viviers, a medieval town clustered around its Romanesque cathedral. The ship casts off through the famous giant lock at Bollène, as you relax over dinner.

Day 6
This morning you wake under the azure-blue skies of deepest Provence, amidst the rich warm stone of historic Arles. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Sea-going ships could reach here and the city became the capital of Gaul, Spain and Britain. Our guided tour will help you to appreciate the finer points of Arles’ magnificent Roman remains, including the splendour of the great amphitheatre, the best preserved such building in the world and the source of most of our knowledge of Roman ‘entertainment’; the decorum of the theatre built by Augustus; the extraordinary atmosphere of the ancient necropolis - and the Forum, once the city’s heart, where Constantine was installed as Emperor. That disturbed but great genius of an artist Van Gogh lived here for two years during his most prolific period and, inspired by the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside produced 300 works including the Sower, Café de Nuit, the Red Vines and of course, Sunflowers. After lunch we visit the amazing Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000 year old structure which the Romans considered to be the most important testimony to their greatness and indeed it was the highest bridge they ever built. The statistics are staggering: 900 feet long and 160 feet high. Some of the stones are 6 feet thick and no mortar was used in construction. Just to put this in perspective this is a greater span than the river Thames in London. The situation is lovely too, with pine and cypress covered hills adding to the harmonious setting. Rejoining the ship, we cruise along the Rhône during dinner passing the 13th century castle at Tarascon seemingly standing guard on the river banks.

Day 7
As the morning light catches the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic medieval skyline, it’s a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century, with the exile of the Pope’s court here from Rome, bringing with it a century of prosperity. But to truly embrace the feel of historic Avignon you must imagine the rich furnishings, the sumptuous décor, the alleys and corridors teeming with Cardinals, Princes and Ambassadors plus countless pilgrims in the streets below eagerly anticipating benediction. The Pontiff commissioned a host of grandiose building projects and today, the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost intact 15th century walls and has more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count. Most important is the stunning Pope’s Palace whose interior is a masterpiece of medieval architecture sumptuously decorated with outstanding frescoes and tapestries, whilst the private apartments are a must too.
After lunch, you are free to explore as you wish, perhaps the Petit Palais, casting a critical eye over the amazing 1,000 renaissance paintings including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio, or taking a stroll on the iconic ‘Pont d’Avignon’ the melody about which makes us all recall our first French lessons. It’s our final afternoon so you may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet shady street café in a timeless Provençal square and reflect on the delights of the past few days. Perhaps though, return to the sumptuous surroundings of the Swiss Pearl – go on the sun deck and just contemplate the wondrous places you have seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea!
This evening the Captain’s dinner takes place, serving specialities of the regions you have visited during your voyage of discovery through this fascinating country.

Day 8
After breakfast this morning you must reluctantly leave the Swiss Pearl and her dedicated crew as you transfer to the nearby airports of Marseille or Montpellier for your flight home or to Avignon train station for your high speed rail journey home, with time to look back on great memories from a quite superb trip.

Swiss Pearl

Like the Swiss Corona, the luxurious Swiss Pearl is Swiss owned and managed and is one of the finest vessels gracing Europe’s rivers. Maintained and managed to the most exacting standards as befits its flag, the highly trained crew do their utmost to ensure that your river cruise experience is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Originally launched in 1993 the interior was completely re-built in 2006 specifically for the luxury sector, featuring the very latest equipment, the Swiss Pearl is much loved by her regular passengers for the warm friendly atmosphere, excellent design and exquisite public areas, superbly appointed cabins, high-class fittings and outstanding cuisine. With less than 4 guests to every crew member – a very high ratio for a river cruise vessel – care and personal attention is assured. Plus with a maximum passenger complement of just 120, the standard size ship never feels crowded.
Luxury, spaciousness and ambience are very much in evidence as you board through the beautifully panelled entrance lobby. The high quality brass and wrought iron fittings sparkle and reflect in the warm-coloured, highly polished marble floors – this is classic cruising of a very high standard. You find yourself in the tasteful reception and a small boutique will happily attend to your everyday requirements. This is the hub of the vessel and a staircase leads down to the Emerald Deck which, like the entire ship, is air-conditioned. Forward is the elegant, carpeted lounge with extensive panoramic windows so you can fully appreciate the wonders of the magnificent passing scenery. The ship’s designers have managed to create a really lovely, genteel atmosphere of understated elegance and taste, using leather armchairs, different sized settees and deep pile carpets in superbly harmonious colours. With a real ‘professional’ behind the fully stocked bar, this is the perfect spot to while away the evenings with the gentle melodies of the resident pianist in the background, while you enjoy a glass of well-made local wine - indeed you are quite possibly passing the actual vineyard where the grapes were grown. For those seeking a haven to bury their heads in a good book, the library is ideal.
The ship’s restaurant has a pleasantly intimate feel: with elegant wood panelling, tasteful lighting and top quality service, this is every inch the classy dining experience to match that of first-class establishments onshore. To promote a relaxed dining experience, as on all our river cruises, you can sit with whoever and wherever you wish, with tables ranging in size from two to six so you can be as private or sociable as you wish. Unusually on river cruise vessels there is an indoor pool and a “wellness” suite with sauna and solarium. The outer Sun Deck is a great place to read, relax or watch the rugged valley sides, rolling vineyards and typical hilltop villages quietly slip by, with drink in hand from the adjacent al-fresco bar or just take a dip in the whirlpool when the temperature rises. Also on the Sun-Deck and dependent on weather, the chef may prepare a barbeque for lunch or dinner.

Cabins

Each cabin has large panoramic windows and as you would expect of a four-star superior vessel, is extremely well appointed, being 14 square metres (140 square feet) in area and all are outward facing. Most importantly they feature hotel style beds not bunks or berths. This is standard on all our ships and we cannot emphasise how much our regular clients regard this as being of the utmost importance. After all, when you go on holiday, you do not expect lower standards than you have at home! This, combined with high quality bed-linen, ensures a comfortable night’s sleep. A safe, hairdryer and flat-screen satellite TV is standard throughout as are luxury bathrobes. The well equipped bathroom is extremely practical with marble wash basins, full shower doors - not curtains, plus high quality bathroom cosmetics. There is a seating area and of course, everything is air-conditioned.

The ship’s Swiss owners pride themselves on having one of the world’s finest fleet of river cruisers and the Swiss Pearl is no exception to the four-star superior experience.
Deck Plans
The MS Swiss Pearl Deck Plan
Dining

The exceptional cuisine on board the Swiss Pearl really is a 5-star experience with a highly professional and dedicated team of experienced chefs, surpassing your expectations on both vessels. For early risers, tea and coffee are served before a sumptuous international buffet breakfast with all the hot and cold dishes you’d expect from a five-star breakfast including an omelette station with bread and pastries freshly baked on board daily. Complimentary morning and afternoon tea/coffee are served on deck or in the lounge. Lunch consists of a truly superb buffet, so you can eat as little or as much as you want from the extensive selection. Dinner consists of four courses: entrée, soup, main course and dessert, followed by tea and coffee. The chefs will do their best to cater for anyone with special dietary requirements, prior notice is needed however, so please indicate at time of booking. Thanks to both our ships’ outstanding ‘state of the art` purpose-built design, the restaurants’ wonderful large panoramic windows ensure you still enjoy the scenic delights during lunch or dinner so you won’t miss a thing! Highlight of the day is your delicious dinner with local and international dishes prepared to excellent standards served in wonderful surroundings. With free-seating and no large tables, passengers often remark on the experience as being more like an on-shore, high quality restaurant than a cruise ship with its regimentation. This is exactly the atmosphere we are trying to achieve.

In addition to this, you’ll be formally welcomed aboard at the ‘Welcome Dinner’ whilst towards the end of your cruise the Captain proudly hosts his splendid ‘Gala Dinner’ featuring specialities of the countries and regions through which you have travelled. Both vessels pride themselves on their wine lists, which of course have the international classics, but an extensive choice of local wines too, extremely well-made, sourced with care - not necessarily well known varieties, but exceptionally palatable - in short real `finds`. You can enjoy many by the glass (a far cry from often disappointing ‘house’ wines), enabling you to try new varieties and thus enhancing your dining experience.