Bordeaux Affair & Idyllic Rhône

Welcome to Bordeaux, a city of wine, history and spectacular architecture. On arrival, your friendly crew will welcome you aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your seven night cruise. (B)

Enjoy a pleasant morning cruise on the Dordogne River to Libourne. While cruising, perhaps try your hand at a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, an absolute visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to 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. Alternatively, explore the estate of Château de La Rivière for a wine tasting, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy foie gras tasting at a local farm. Perhaps join your on board culinary team for a cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Discover the remarkable Blaye region today. Freechoice: Stroll through the town on a guided tour and observe the impressively preserved centre, or join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax as we cruise towards Pauillac. Enrich: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Soak in the ambience while live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning, immerse yourself in the scenic Médoc wine region and discover why it is regarded as the world’s leading red wine producer, then sample the region’s finest at one of its spectacular estates. Or, cycle throughout this beautiful region stopping along the way for a wine tasting. Freechoice: This afternoon, discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle, including a walk through the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, visit a local Château and learn its fascinating history while sampling some of the extraordinary wines produced on site. (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 taste the exquisite Grand Cru Classé wines of Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Cadillac including a visit to Château de Cadillac, a truly beautiful château that dates back to the 15th century. (B/L/D)

Discover the World Heritage-listed city of Bordeaux with its idyllic boulevards and architecture. Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market before cooking up a storm during your exclusive cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire, or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux. Alternatively, for the more energetic, cycle the historic region of Bordeaux. Back on board, enjoy a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay. (B/L/D)

Board an included flight to Marseille. Transfer to the former Roman town of Tarascon, where you’ll board your Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight you can look forward to a rousing welcome reception. (B/D)

Tarascon has a distinctly medieval character and impressive castle. Freechoice: Visit the town of Les Baux, surrounded by incredible rock formations, picturesque olive groves and vineyards, and drop into a local olive farm and enjoy a tasting of its produce. Or visit the city of Arles, home to many impressive Roman ruins including the Arena which you will visit on your tour. Here you will also see why Arles has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists with its glorious landscapes. Alternatively, stay on board for a painting class and learn about the regions artistic heritage. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Shop with a chef at the local market before cooking up a storm in Scenic Culinaire, or explore Avignon’s architectural wonder, the Popes’ Palace where you will see the impressive architecture and grand halls that were once home to several popes. 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 sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhone vineyard. This afternoon take some time to explore on your own. Enrich: After the doors close to the general public at Avignon’s prestigious Palais des Papes, you’ll be invited for an exclusive concert inside this elegant 14th century palace. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town of Viviers, nestled between hill and river, and visit the imposing Cathedral. Alternatively, drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan for a guided tour and a visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own. While cruising to Vienne this afternoon, perhaps join a class in Scenic Culinaire and allow your on board chef to sharpen your skills in French cookery. Learn how to make a delicious regional dish and of course enjoy a mouth watering taste afterwards. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a walking tour of Vienne including a visit to the Roman amphitheatre and uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. Alternatively, for the more active, take in the picturesque landscapes of this region during a guided cycling tour of Vienne and neighbouring villages where you will see an abundance of evidence of the city’s glory days as a Roman city. Back on board, perhaps take a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax and view the beautiful vistas as you cruise to Mâcon. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Travel to the ‘Golden Stone’ region of Beaujolais, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s delicious wines. Alternatively, explore charming Cluny, built around the great Benedictine Abbey, or explore Château de Cormatin where you can admire the castles gilded rooms, surrounding moat and water features, as well as the perfectly manicured gardens. (B/L/D)

Set on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is renowned as the gastronomic heart of France. Freechoice: Walk Lyon’s hidden traboules, then visit Notre Dame Basilica which offers fabulous views across the city. Or perhaps learn about Lyon’s rich heritage in silk production, that dates back almost five centuries, during a silk painting workshop. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges, or join a guided bike ride to Lyon’s Botanical Gardens and Zoo. (B/L/D)

Depart after a 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. (B)