Spectacular South of France with Paris & Italy's Epicurean Heart

The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, romantic couples walking hand in hand along the banks of the Seine and chic locals walking the run way that is the Champs-Élysées are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris. Over the next three days you have the opportunity to discover this magnificent city whilst staying at one of our luxurious city central hotels.

Freechoice: Marvel at some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe and learn about the city that is one of the most visited in the world, during a panoramic city tour. Alternatively, explore the Bohemian district of Montmartre where you will visit the vineyard of Montmartre that produces several varieties of wine, you will also have the opportunity to taste some of them. This afternoon is your chance to immerse yourself into the Parisian way of life with a free afternoon of exploration. (B)

After breakfast, travel by high speed train to Lyon where you will be transferred to your Scenic Space Ship. Your friendly crew will welcome you on board, excited to share an unforgettable cruise along the waterways of the Rhône and Saône rivers. (B/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers. Admire the many monuments and architectural treasures of this beautiful town before you are treated to an organ recital, 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 a visit to the Château, before enjoying some time at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Today take an included flight from Lyon to Rome. Tonight join your Tour director for a welcome drink at you hotel. (B)

It should come as no surprise that the Roman culture influenced the food. Today your local guide will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the city, highlighting some of the cities most popular culinary aspects as well as some of Rome’s most iconic sights, all while sampling some of the flavours of this truly wondrous city. Tonight you will tantalise your taste buds further with a delicious welcome dinner. (B/D)

This morning we bid farewell to Rome and journey south to Sorrento. Perched overlooking the Bay of Naples, today is your chance to explore this laid back town. Stop along the way to taste some of the region’s most famous and delicious produce such as a helping of thick and creamy Gelato and the tangy yet sweet Limoncello. Enjoy a two night stay. Enrich: The only thing better than home-cooked Italian food is Italian hospitality, and you’ll enjoy healthy servings of both. Meet a friendly local family and experience a feast of the senses at a home-hosted dinner. (B/D)

Freechoice: Join a Pizza making class and learn how to make the perfect crust and create your favourite combination of topping before baking it in a wood fired oven. Alternatively, join a local expert and learn the techniques of making fresh Mozzarella. (B/L)

Your first stop today is the medieval village of Assisi, the charming hill top town famous as the home of Saint Francis of Assisi. Then, it’s only a short drive to Perugia to view the Fontana Maggoire and the monuments around the Roman Forum. Tonight, you are in for a special treat with an overnight stay, your resort is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Umbrian countryside. (B)

Today we dive deep into the heart of Emilia Romagna, regarded as Italy’s greatest food producing region with Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar and Tortellini just a few of the culinary specialities of the area. Your local guide will escort you through the region. Stay two nights in Bologna. (B)

Journey to nearby Modena where your highlights include a visit to a local producer of Parmigiano Reggiano. Witness production techniques, learn about the aging process and what effects it has on the end product. Afterwards we visit the celebrated Balsamic Vinegar maker Acetaia Giusti, this acclaimed producer dates back to 1605. (B/D)

This morning we travel to Florence, where we will visit the famous Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Then we journey to the medieval village of San Donato where you will learn how to make the perfect Pasta in a rustic farm house. Set in the most picturesque location, this is the perfect setting for our dinner this evening. Our final stop today is your resort. (B/D)

This morning your local guide will show us the highlights of Siena during a guided tour. (B/D)

Today we take our final flourish through the Chianti region. Stop along the way for a wine tasting before returning to the historic capital, Rome. (B)

After breakfast say Arrivederci to Italy and transfer to Rome airport for your onwards or homebound flight. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)