

Welcome to Bordeaux. On arrival, your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond.
Soak in the vistas as you cruise along the Garonne river into Cadillac.
Freechoice: This afternoon, learn about Lillet, the refreshing French aperitif, during an on board tasting. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample this delicious regional delicacy (please note: not available all dates and will be replaced with Château Cazeneuve, please enquire for details), or visit Roquetaillade Castle.
Freechoice: Venture into the Sauternes region for a delicious wine tasting at the prestigious Château Rayne Vigneau. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to taste the exquisite Grand Cru Classé wines of Château Lafaurie Peyraguey.
Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner created using regionally sourced truffles.
As you cruise to Libourne, your Cruise Director will host an enjoyable game of blind wine tasting, featuring wines produced in the region.
Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion. Explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church, before visiting the estate of Château de La Rivière for a cocktail and tasting experience. Sample regional delicacies such as soft creamy cheeses served with crunchy bread and fresh local charcuterie.
Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne, or travel by coach through the Pomerol region, famed for its red wines, and visit the acclaimed estate of Château Siaurac for a wine tasting. Alternatively, take one of our on board e-bikes out for a cycle through the region, including a wine tasting, or explore Bergerac on a guided tour.
Enrich
Set in the spectacular surrounds of 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 tonight it is the venue for your unforgettable exclusive classical concert.
Freechoice: Travel the scenic Médoc wine route by coach and sample the region’s finest at a local estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a grand château and sample delicious wine produced on site.
Back on board this afternoon, we’ve organised a Cheese of France experience. Taste the country’s celebrated cheeses, matched with bread and wine.
Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire (Please note: Most markets in France do not open on a Monday. If your visit falls on a Monday your on board chef will explain local produce in Scenic Culinaire and provide an extended Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration.), or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, see the sights by e-bike. Alternatively, stay on board for a food photography class and learn the tricks and techniques of taking incredible pictures of food.
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.
Freechoice: Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local Baltard market, or stay in Bordeaux and take a tram to the Cité du Vin museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery. Alternatively, you can visit a local producer at Moon Harbour Whisky.
Later, indulge in a tasting of fresh oysters with champagne, before your highlight dinner of seafood, sourced from the waters of Arcachon Bay.
Freechoice: Spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its fine brandy and enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin. Alternatively, visit the Carriages Museum inside Bourg Castle where you will wander the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks.
Freechoice: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye, or take a more active walk through the Citadel. 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.
Bid farewell as you disembark and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward journey.
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.
Pre-departure
Guests are required to comply with any government requirements to enter countries on their itinerary at the time of travel. It will remain the responsibility of the guests to ensure they meet all necessary requirements including any necessary proof of vaccination, and/or negative COVID-19 test results, or any COVID-19 Travel Insurance policies should this apply at the time. For further information please visit the GOV.UK website and refer to the Government Health Advice.
We recommend that our guests travel with a supply of their own face masks and hand sanitizer, to be available in their hand luggage for connecting travel arrangements, which may include flights, hotels, and transfer arrangements.
Onboard
Every Crew Member will be fully vaccinated prior to joining all our river Space-Ships and they must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test, following 7 days of self-isolation in their home country prior to travel to the vessel.
On arrival, all Crew Members are further isolated for a period of 5 days, following a Rapid Antigen Test. All Crew Members will receive extensive instruction and training in COVID-Security, prior to travel and also prior to starting work on board. Crew Members are empowered to ensure all team members work safely within the strict protocols and a COVID secure way.
All crew members will follow local government and health advisories, and masks will only be required to be worn if it is mandated or deemed necessary by local authorities or for the health and wellbeing of our guests on board.
We have enhanced our already intensive, frequent, and high standard of cleaning protocols in public areas and suites to ensure all surfaces and spaces are kept clean. Additional care and attention will be paid to high contact zones, such as communal restrooms and dining facilities. Any touchscreens such as iPads will be thoroughly disinfected after each use and hand sanitisation stations will be placed throughout the ship.
We will follow local government and health advisories which Scenic must adhere to. Your dedicated on board staff will keep you updated on requirements.
Our ships are fitted with an on board medical facility. The facility is staffed by one doctor and one nurse. Our medical staff have undergone specific training and awareness in infection control, monitoring and treatment. The medical facility is fitted with equipment to perform PCR testing.
From start to finish, everything was excellent. I never once had to open my wallet, and the food, drink, and excursion choices were wide and varied. The room was so nice, and the bed was one of the best beds I have ever slept in. If you want to be pampered, I highly recommend Scenic.
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First Scenic River Cruise enjoyed and possibly try Danube River Experience.