Beautiful Bordeaux & Romantic Rhine & Moselle

Welcome to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your cruise through France’s southwestern pocket. (D)

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. While cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class, or relax in the on board Salt Therapy Lounge and soak in the healing properties of the salt, or simply relax on the Sundeck with a drink in hand and take in the stunning scenery as you glide 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 as well as explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true highlight. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy a foie gras tasting at a charming local farm. Alternatively, explore the estate of Château de La Rivière 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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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, or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to the village of Loupiac. (B/L/D)

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 special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay. Tonight enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River. (B/L/D)

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. Or visit the Bassins de Lumières, a former submarine base now devoted to an immersive art exhibition. This afternoon, why not join a masterclass in French cooking in Scenic Culinaire. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux Airport for your flight to Zurich where you will embark your Scenic Spaceship. (B/D)

Freechoice: Visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum in the heart of the Black Forest. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting in the Kaiserstuhl region, or if you’re feeling more active, take a guided bike ride from Breisach to Freiburg stopping along the way for a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, where you’ll discover the unique historic quarter and its impressive cathedral. Or, choose to see the picturesque city from a different perspective on board a canal cruise. Admire the stunning district known as Le Petite France and take in the sites such as the European Parliament and the Imperial quarter. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. Enrich: Enjoy a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a rare chance to collect memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Freechoice: Experience the thrill of the Hockenheim Formula 1 race track with a museum visit and an insider tour of the circuit, or join a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit its Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Alternatively, join an orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by some leisure time. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Alternatively, join an excursion to Mainz and see the impressive sandstone cathedral, the tremendous Old Town and visit the Gutenberg Museum. Later, enjoy unrivalled views across the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. (B/L/D)

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping directly off the ship and into a fairy tale. Freechoice: Explore Cochem during a guided tour and visit the iconic Reichsburg Castle, or if you’re feeling more active, join a bicycle tour and explore the beautiful region. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Journey to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a guided tour, or take a guided walk through Trier, a city with an important Roman past. Alternatively, take in beautiful Bernkastel, with its perfectly preserved half timbered houses located on the picturesque Moselle river. (B/L/D)

Today sail along the curvaceous path of the Moselle River past quaint half timbered villages, vine covered slopes and hilltop castles that are perched proudly on their lookout over the river. Appreciate the allure of the Moselle Valley from the opulence of your Scenic Space-Ship as you delight in this full day cruise. (B/L/D)

One of the oldest and prettiest towns along the Rhine, Koblenz is sure to impress. Freechoice: On arrival to Koblenz take advantage of a guided tour of this historic city, lapped by the waters of two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour of this fascinating city. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the charming town of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour and taste the local Altbier, a dark beer traditional to this region, or join a guided cycling tour along the river, passing by Düsseldorf’s bustling modern harbour precinct. Alternatively, visit the Zollverein industrial site, once the largest and most productive coal mine in Europe, today a World Heritage-listed Site. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Maastricht, or visit Aachen and learn the tale of the city that borders three countries, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial. Dedicated to the American soldiers who perished in this region during World War II. You will also get to visit the Eben Emael Fortress, which was built to protect the city from the German invasion during the second world war. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore the Arnhem Airborne Museum and learn about the Battle of Arnhem. The Airborne Experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of the British parachutists who made their way across dangerous terrain to Arnhem in September 1944. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and discover historic houses, farms and windmills. The museum portrays the impression of daily life for the average Dutchman over the past few centuries. Or, if you’re feeling more energetic, take an active bicycle tour throughout the city. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Be seduced by beautiful World Heritage-listed Bruges, or learn about the famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour of Antwerp, followed by leisure time, or take the opportunity to visit the towns of Ypres & Passchendaele to learn about the World War I battle of Passchendaele. Visit the memorials dedicated to the 325,000 Allied troops who perished during this terrible battle. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Choose a guided tour through the quaint streets of Veere, or cycle through the town with a local guide and admire the surrounding dykes. Alternatively, marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works, including a visit through the Storm Surge Barrier. (B/L/D)

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Amsterdam airport for your onward or homebound flight. It may be 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 note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)