Visiting France is a must for every culinary traveller. And for the true gourmand, there is no better way to experience the country’s famous gastronomy than on a curated, once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of France with a celebrity chef as your host. On Emerald Cruise’s exclusive Sensations of Lyon & Provence river cruise special departure sailing April 5, 2025, you’ll be personally hosted by much-lauded Canadian celebrity chef, Michael Bonacini, and his son and fellow chef, Oscar Bonacini. You’ll embark on a captivating sailing journey through southern France, where the best of Provençal food, culture and wine takes centre stage.
For 8 days, you’ll cruise the stunning Rhône and Saône riverways aboard the purpose-built Star-Ship, the Emerald Liberté. With up to only 132 guests on board and a luxury hotel-like ambience, Emerald Liberté offers an intimate experience with exceptional personalized service. From its airy three-tiered atrium to its stylish cabins and heated pools, Emerald Star-Ships are in a class of their own.
Right from the beginning of your journey, you’ll be immersed in the sophistication of the French culinary lifestyle with chefs Michael and Oscar as your guides. Having launched over 25 restaurants as the co-owner of O & B Hospitality, including legendary fine dining restaurants Canoe and Auberge de Pommier, renowned chef Michael is a key figure in Canada’s restaurant and hospitality scene. He’s also a former judge of MasterChef Canada, where he helped propel young chefs to stardom. Oscar is currently part of the close knit team at refined seafood eatery Restaurant 20 Victoria, which earned a Michelin Star and the Michelin Guide Toronto’s Service Award in 2023. Meet Michael and Oscar at a private cocktail reception, and learn more about the Canadian chefs at a Q & A session.
As the ship winds its way through Lyon, in France’s picture-perfect Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, you’ll experience first-hand why this second-largest city in France is world-renowned for its gastronomy and Provençal cuisine. An excursion to indoor food market Les Halles Paul Bocuse will introduce you to some of the finest local delights, including cheeses, chocolate and, of course, wines from Rhône, Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. The relaxed pace of the 8-day river journey will allow you to appreciate even more the beauty of the rolling hills of Provence, medieval bridges and historic towns along the way. You’ll also explore the iconic wine regions of Burgundy and the Rhône Valley.
As you continue to sail through some of the most picturesque locales in the world, you’ll be invited to an intimate dinner at the beautiful Reflections Restaurant, where your hosts Michael and Oscar will present their collaborative French-inspired menu. After the meal – and after every dinner – enjoy your favourite digestif at the Horizon Bar and Lounge. With Emerald Cruises, you’ll experience flavourful France in an unforgettable way.
Join this once-in-a-lifetime cruise from only $6,340 per person, including roundtrip international airfare.
Learn more at www.emeraldcruises.ca/bonacini. Book early before the cruise sells out. Contact your travel advisor or call Emerald Cruises at 1.833.222.3288.
