Day 1
Welcome to the city of Bordeaux, at the heart of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Bordeaux is one of the most desirable places in France to live and visit, with its waterfront rich in architecture and bustling with locals and visitors promenading, sipping coffee or wine from the surrounding renowned vineyards. The landscape is also dotted with beautiful castles.

Step aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond to sail the waters of the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne. Meet your fellow guests and toast to the start of an exceptional journey.

Day 2
Admire the tranquil riverside scenery as you sail towards Libourne this morning. After lunch, join a tour to nearby Saint-Émilion. This World Heritage-listed village has thousands of years of history and beautifully-preserved medieval buildings. Explore the unique Monolithic Church, which is mostly underground and carved directly into the limestone.

This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked overnight in Libourne, a beautiful 13th century port and winemaking capital of northern Gironde.

Day 3
This morning, spend some time exploring Libourne and its surrounds.

Scenic Freechoice: Today choose from the following Scenic Freechoice options.Walking tour of Libourne: Take a guided tour of Libourne, with its rich history linked to the trade of wool, wine, salt and wood.Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion: Journey to the countryside of Saint Emilion and explore its vineyards before a tasting.Biking and tasting at Château Siaurac: Cycle through this acclaimed wine-growing region to the impressive estate of Château Siaurac and enjoy a tasting.Paint and Pour: Join a local artist for a class on the Sun Deck of Scenic Diamond. Learn watercolour techniques and create your own masterpiece while sipping local wines.

Set sail this afternoon for Pauillac, where you’ll dock overnight.

Day 4
The Médoc region is considered the world’s leading red wine producer and is home to many legendary châteaux. Today, you’ll have the chance to explore this remarkable wine region.

Scenic Freechoice: Today choose from the following Scenic Freechoice options.Médoc wine tasting by coach: With more than 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations, Médoc is home to the epic ‘Route des Chateaux’, or ‘Route of Castles’. On this coach tour you will travel through this scenic region to a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines.Médoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike today and see many grand aristocratic châteaux in the world’s leading red wine producing region. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates.

Scenic Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Medoc countryside, Château D'Agassac dates to the 13th century and is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region. Soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Day 5
Relax on board this morning as you sail to Cadillac. You could enjoy a treatment at the spa^ or learn more about French cuisine in the Scenic Culinaire cooking school. You will arrive into Cadillac after lunch.

This picturesque town was founded in 1280 and retains many of its grand historic buildings. In 1701 French explorer Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac took his name from the town and established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would become modern day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honour.

Day 6
Cadillac is close to the Sauternes wine region, which is known for its sweet, fortified styles. Today, choose between a variety of experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its bucolic countryside to its historic castles.

Scenic Freechoice: Morning Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.Sauternes by coach: Take a coach through Sauternes to a vineyard for a tasting of the chateau’s fine wines.Sauternes by bike: Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes for a tasting.

Scenic Freechoice: Afternoon Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.Roquetaillade Castle: Tour the ancient castle with the family whose ancestors have resided here for more than 700 years.Biking in the Loupiac wine region: Cycle the landscapes of the Gironde in the wine region of Loupiac and admire the breathtaking Château Benauge.Château Toulouse-Lautrec: During a guided tour you will discover the historic rooms of this estate including the apartments of the famous painter.

Day 7
Discover Bordeaux’s multitude of culinary delights and scenic treasures today with a variety of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from.

Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city, such as the magnificent Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse.Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Pedal through historic Bordeaux on a guided cycling tour. Sample delicious treats such as canelé, a custard cake.Shop with a chef: Join Scenic’s on board chef at a local food market to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer before returning to Scenic Diamond for a cooking demonstration to learn the art of French fare. (Please note: The market is closed on Mondays and will not be available on these days.)Back on board, your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.

Scenic After hours access to Bassins des Lumières: After the doors have closed to the public, you will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne to Bassins des Lumières, Bordeaux’s former WWII submarine base, now an impressive digital art installation. Be treated to an exclusive show, customised and curated just for Scenic guests.

Day 8
Continue your exploration of Bordeaux today with a variety of compelling options.

Scenic Freechoice: Cité du Vin Museum: Take a local tram to the Cité du Vin Museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery.Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar: Join your host as you cruise through Bordeaux in the side car and/or on the back of a motorcycle.Visit Arcachon: Join your local guide for a walking tour of the charming bayside town of Arcachon, finishing your visit at Baltard market, an undercover food hall where stallholders tout local delicacies.

This afternoon you’ll enjoy time at leisure on board as you sail towards Bourg.

Day 9
Your ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. Built as a defensive château, it’s a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the Dordogne.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.Bourg with Carriages Museum: Situated inside the grounds of Bourg Castle, visit the Carriages Museum with a local guide and discover the unique collection of horse-drawn carriages on display.Historic Saintes Take a tour of Saintes, a charming town in the Charente-Maritime department of southwestern France that’s steeped in 2,000 years of history and lush gardens.Full day excursion to Cognac: The fortified city of Cognac is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest brandy. Enjoy a walking tour of the town. After lunch, tour the estate of famed Rémy Martin before sampling some of the cognacs.

Day 10
This morning you will arrive in Blaye. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect Bordeaux city from enemy attacks.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.Walking tour of Blaye: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye with a local guide, viewing a World Heritage-listed monument that overlooks the Gironde Estuary.Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban.Cycling along the Captain’s Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain’s Road.Visit Château de la Roche Courbon: Guests will discover this fortified castle transformed into a historic château with sprawling manicured gardens during a guided visit.

Day 11
Board an included flight from Bordeaux to Lyon where you will be welcomed on board by the friendly crew of the Scenic Sapphire.

Day 12
Spend a leisurely morning on board as you cruise towards Macon. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite admiring views from your Scenic Sun Lounge as the riverside scenery glides by.

An idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region, Mâcon is renowned for its charming old town, quaint riverside streets, and its celebrated white wines.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences:Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Travel through picturesque countryside for a guided visit to the splendid Renaissance castle of Cormatin. Explore its gilded rooms, moat, water features, and beautifully manicured gardens. Stroll through original 17th-century interiors with gold-leaf decoration, then enjoy free time in the gardens.Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Journey to the picturesque village of Vonnas for an exclusive cooking demonstration at Michelin starred restaurant Georges Blanc. Walk through charming streets to the celebrated restaurant, where you'll discover the story of Maison Blanc and witness the preparation of classic regional dishes, including Volaille de Bresse à la crème and crêpes vonnassiennes. After the demonstration, enjoy free time exploring the village before returning to the ship. (Available on select dates. When not available, option will be replaced with a cooking demo at a Michelin star restaurant).Truffle tasting: Experience the secrets of truffle farming on a visit to a local farm, nestled in the countryside near Cortevaix. Meet the passionate farmer and his hound, discover how truffles are grown and harvested, and then savour a tasting of truffle butter and decadent chocolate mousse with truffles—paired with a glass of fine local French white wine. The visit also offers time to stroll through the rolling fields and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Burgundy. (Available on select dates. When not available option will be replaced with Monastère de Brou).Excursion to Cluny and visit Cluny Abbey: Step back in time on a guided tour of Cluny, home to the magnificent 10th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander through the village and explore its grand church remains, impressive monastic buildings, and the vast 18th-century cloister overlooking the historic chapter house. Marvel at the incredible Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and visit the granary where sculpted masterpieces from the original abbey church are preserved. The experience paints a vivid picture of Cluny's cultural and spiritual influence throughout medieval Europe.

Day 13
Wake up to gentle morning light as your ship glides into Vienne, a historic town nestled on the Rhône River just south of Lyon. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins and medieval charm, Vienne invites you to step ashore and discover centuries of rich heritage.

Scenic Freechoice: Make your selection from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre: Take a guided walking tour of Vienne and discover its rich Roman heritage, including the remarkable hillside theatre built for 10,000 spectators. Wander through the city’s gardens, ancient walls, cathedral, and historic Renaissance streets before enjoying free time to explore at your own pace.Cycling tour of Vienne: Cycle through Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal on an easy 19 km route, exploring the city’s Roman ruins and the famous temple of Augustus and Livia. Cross the Rhône River, visit nature-rich river islands, and spot mosaics at the Gallo-Roman museum before returning to town.St-Joseph Côte-Rôtie wine tasting: Enjoy a private tasting of prestigious Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines during a guided visit to a Chavanay vineyard. Discover the artistry, passion, and heritage that define this exceptional terroir.

Your ship will depart for Tournon later this afternoon.

Day 14
Arrive in the pretty town of Tournon early this morning. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets.

Scenic Freechoice: Spend this morning at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:Walking tour of Tournon: Explore the town on foot. Learn its fascinating history and visit the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, that still dominates this town. Enjoy free time afterwards – you may like to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l'Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona.Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get close to nature as you hike through the sloping vineyards that overlook the Rhône River above Tournon. Learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region.Biking along the Rhône: Cycle the picturesque banks of the Rhône River past charming villages and spectacular scenery to the nearby village of Glun.

This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the town on your own. Later, meet your fellow guests for an aperitif on the terrace of Tournon Castle and admire the sweeping views over the Rhône River and surrounding terraced vineyards, before returning to Scenic Sapphire for a dessert buffet of indulgent French pastries from a local pâtissier.

Day 15
Dock in the ancient city of Avignon after lunch. Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Circled by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Scenic Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:Walking tour of Avignon including a visit to the Popes Palace: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk through Avignon, visiting the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace has numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.Kayaking at Pont du Gard: Be surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gardon River. Paddle a kayak beneath the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, giving you a unique perspective on its grandeur.

Scenic When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive gala dinner accompanied by classical concert from a trio of musicians, in the very room the Pope used to dine. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.

Day 16
Spend a full day in Avignon, soaking up more of its charms. It is known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Today you will have the chance to explore more of this captivating part of southern France.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice options:Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey: Visit the village of Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful in France. Its stone buildings spiral around the rock on which it is perched, with the church and castle at the apex. Later, visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. (Please note: Sénanque Abbey is not open to visitors on Sundays. On these days, the tour will include only an exterior visit.)Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school, learning regional recipes. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: Luberon is famous for its picturesque villages, lavender fields and ochre cliffs. Visit a local lavender producer to learn how it is grown, harvested and utilised in this region. Then take a guided tour of the beautiful village of Roussillon.Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.

Day 17
The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The ruins of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river’s left bank. It was also the home of Vincent Van Gogh in 1888 and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Arles: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour. Departing from the ship, you’ll visit the heart of Arles to see the ancient Roman amphitheatre, Arènes d'Arles, a 20,000-seat arena that’s still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists. (Please note: The Roman Amphitheatre is closed on Mondays and cannot be visited on this day).Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux. Visit a former quarry that is now the site of Carrières de Lumières, an enormous 7,000 square-metre site that hosts an immersive visual and musical installation highlighting the works of notable artists.Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill: Visit a local olive farm where you will learn the techniques of olive oil production. Later, the owner will share their experience of life in this region as well as traditional Provencal recipes.Discovery of Lavender: from field to perfume: Provence region is renowned for aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. Visit a local organic farm specialising in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender perfume to take home.

This afternoon is free to explore Arles at your own pace or return to your Scenic Space-Ship and join an on board painting class. Vincent Van Gogh once said “the whole future of art is to be found in the South of France”. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own.

Day 18
This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.

Scenic Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:Walking tour of Viviers: Join a local guide to explore Viviers on foot. Admire its many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent – first built in the 11th century, it is now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.French Resistance walking Tour: On a walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town.WWII in Viviers: Trace the layers of Viviers’ past, a peaceful riverside town shaped by moments of extraordinary drama. Walk through its storied streets to uncover how this quiet corner of the Rhône became a pivotal stage in the Battle of Montélimar, a 1944 clash that helped liberate southern France and is still studied at West Point today. Among the cobbled lanes and Renaissance façades, echoes of that struggle linger in the landscape and the memories of its people, telling a moving story of courage, endurance, and renewal along the Rhône.

Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore with one of the following Scenic Freechoice:Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum: Explore the mountains and medieval fortress ruins of this sprawling park. Then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave.Explore the caves in the Ardèche Nature Park: Drive through the rugged natural beauty of Ardèche Nature Park, from the Ardèche Gorge to the Madeleine Caves, where you can admire the intricate rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, and underground lakes. (The Madeline caves are located underground and comprise of numerous steps, a moderate degree of fitness and sturdy shoes are required for this tour).Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure.

Day 19
Enjoy a relaxed day on board as you cruise back towards Lyon, admiring the beautiful vistas of the Rhone River. Bask on the Sun Deck, soothe your muscles in the Salt Therapy Lounge or sharpen your skills with a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

Scenic Tonight, admire the beauty of one of the city’s grandest Baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrara marble. Exclusive to Scenic guests, you will be immersed in a breath-taking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting.

Day 20
Greet the day in Lyon. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before venturing out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance as you traverse its hidden traboules and secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.Excursion to Perouges: Visit this medieval walled village, located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. It has been beautifully preserved, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.Silk painting workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century, silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk painting.

Day 21
Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you delicious memories of this food-filled journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Enjoy the ultimate France river cruise experience on board a luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Scenic recently upgraded Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond to meet the same unrivaled standards set by our newest ships on the European waterways.

The upgrades include luxury suites boasting large private balconies fitted with Scenic Sun-Lounges, 32 inch Samsung HD TVs linked to Mac mini computers and complimentary internet access enhanced by an upgraded Wi-Fi system.

The two new spectacular dining areas, River Café and Table la Rive, are welcome additions, and all public areas feature new artwork, carpet, soft furnishings and designer furniture. Even the bar in the new Panorama Lounge of each ship has been upgraded and is made from sophisticated Port Laurent marble.

Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond feature the finest of interiors and amenities including a vitality pool, fitness centre and spa complete with an innovative Salt Therapy Lounge. Our Royal Owner's Suite boasts a luxurious 47 square metres and will surpass all expectations.

Another highlight of these ships is Scenic Culinaire, a bespoke cooking area where guests are able to participate in a series of cooking demonstrations.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet:
Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites:
We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler:
We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages:
From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.