River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Bordeaux

   Mon, Aug 07, 2023

   Welcome to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Bordeaux > Saint-Émilion

   Tue, Aug 08, 2023

   Enjoy a relaxing morning as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. While cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. Or you could choose to relax in the on board Salt Therapy Lounge and soak in the healing properties of the salt, or on the Sundeck with a drink in hand as you take in the stunning scenery along the Dordogne River. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. Saint-Émilion is a medieval village with world famous wineries, beautiful architecture and fascinating monuments. You’ll get the chance to take in all its beauty, and to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true highlight.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Libourne > Pauillac

   Wed, Aug 09, 2023

   Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church, or visit the eclectic city of Bergerac. Alternatively, explore the estate of Château Siaurac with a wine tasting, or join a cycling tour through the region to the estate.

   During your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire, or simply take in the riverside panoramas while cruising towards Pauillac.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Médoc

   Thu, Aug 10, 2023

   Freechoice: Travel the scenic Médoc wine route and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at a local estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a grand château and sample delicious wine produced on the estate.

   Enrich
   Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century, the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region, and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Pauillac > Cadillac

   Fri, Aug 11, 2023

   Soak in the vistas as you cruise past the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac, some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in the Bordeaux region. While on board, you may choose to hone your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Tonight, this remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for a night of entertainment.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Cadillac

   Sat, Aug 12, 2023

   Freechoice: Venture into the Sauternes region for a delicious wine tasting at the prestigious Château de Rayne Vigneau, or cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classé estate of Lafaurie Peyraguey for a tasting.

   Freechoice: This afternoon, visit Roquetaillade Castle; it’s one of the region’s most impressive historic sites, and you’ll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample the delicious regional delicacy (please note: not available all dates and will be replaced with Château Cazeneuve, please enquire for deails), or perhaps visit Château Malromé, the family home of well known artist, Toulouse Lautrec.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bordeaux

   Sun, Aug 13, 2023

   Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions, or if you’re feeling more active, you may choose to cycle the historic regions of the city.
   Back on board your Cruise Director will organise a treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.

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

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Arcachon > Bourg

   Mon, Aug 14, 2023

   Freechoice: Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local markets, or climb Dune du Pilat, Europe’s largest sand dune. Alternatively, stay in Bordeaux and take a tram to the Cité du Vin museum. After a short introduction enjoy a interactive journey around a world of wine and culture on a self-guided tour.

   Tonight enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Cognac

   Tue, Aug 15, 2023

   Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary.

   Freechoice: Discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle and visit the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy and afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin.

   This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck while cruising into the historic port of Blaye.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Blaye > Bordeaux

    Wed, Aug 16, 2023

    Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion.

    Freechoice: Stroll through the charming town during a guided walking tour, or take a more active walk through the Citadel of Blaye and learn about the defence system which was created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban. Alternatively, join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road, or explore the stunning beauty of the fairytale Château de La Roche Courbon, known as ‘The Castle of Sleeping Beauty’. Explore the castle and its beautiful gardens during a guided tour.

    Later, enjoy a cooking class in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands, bound for Bordeaux. Dine at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Bordeaux > Lyon

    Thu, Aug 17, 2023

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

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Lyon > Tournus

    Fri, Aug 18, 2023

    Relax on board as you cruise the Saône River towards Tournus. Perhaps sharpen your skills on French cookery at a lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

    Freechoice: Explore Château de Cormatin, admire the castles gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens, or join highly trained hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village locating and sampling French truffles. Alternatively, visit the restaurant of three star Michelin chef, Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration (available selected departures).

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Chalon-sur-Saône

    Sat, Aug 19, 2023

    Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. The former hospital is a prime example of traditional 15th century Burgundian architecture and now houses a fascinating museum. Alternatively, visit a local château and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region, or visit the photography museum in the town where it was first invented. The museum is home to over three million photographs and objects, which you will have the opportunity to observe with your local guide.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Tain l’Hermitage

    Sun, Aug 20, 2023

    Perhaps start your day with a stretching class on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning as you take in the picturesque riverside panoramas.

    Freechoice: Enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, or join a guided walking tour of the village of Tain l’Hermitage, including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Rhône to neighbouring villages.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Avignon

    Mon, Aug 21, 2023

    A Scenic Culinaire cooking class is on offer this morning.

    Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon, including entrance to the Popes’ Palace and famed St. Benezet Bridge also known as the Pont d’Avignon. Alternatively, join an excursion to Pont du Gard, an engineering masterpiece dating back to the middle of the first century which was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes, or paddle along the Gardon River underneath the spectacular Pont du Gard by kayak.

    Enrich
    Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes. After the doors close to the general public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16. Day 16
    Avignon

    Tue, Aug 22, 2023

    Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, or sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard. If you’re feeling more active, you may choose to visit one of the most beautiful villages of France, Roussillon for a guided tour and a visit to the Lavender museum.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Arles

    Wed, Aug 23, 2023

    Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and visit the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty medieval hilltop village of Les Baux and visit Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that now houses an impressive art installation. Alternatively, tour a charming family-run olive farm followed by a cooking class where our host will divulge local recipes, or take an active walk through La Camargue National Park. This afternoon you may wish to enjoy the medieval charm of Tarascon. It is the perfect city to cycle around so why not jump on an e-bike and cycle the riverside paths along the Rhône, or simply stay on board and take a painting class.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18. Day 18
    Viviers

    Thu, Aug 24, 2023

    Freechoice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of Viviers. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures of this beautiful town, or learn about the history of the French Resistance. Hear stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the town.

    Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park including the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a replica museum depicting the collection of engravings, paintings and drawings found in the nearby Chauvet Cave, or visit Bollene Hydroplant and dive into the world of renewable energies. Learn about the hydro power plant, wind farm and the two solar power plants located here. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
19. Day 19
    Lyon

    Fri, Aug 25, 2023

    Take in the vistas of the Rhône River as you sail towards the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon.

    Enrich
    Tonight admire the beauty of one of the city’s greatest baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrera marble. As an exclusive experience with Scenic, join your fellow guests for a breathtaking acapella
    choir performance in this wonderful setting.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
20. Day 20
    Lyon

    Sat, Aug 26, 2023

    Freechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for magnificent views across the city. Or explore Lyon on foot and view famous sights along the waterways. Alternatively, learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production during a silk painting workshop, or walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges.

    This evening enjoy one final indulgence when a local pâtissier comes on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
21. Day 21
    Lyon

    Sun, Aug 27, 2023

    Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Lyon is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories.

    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: Breakfast

Inclusions

Health and Safety Protocols for Scenic

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