Gems of the Seine & Flavours of Bordeaux

Welcome to Bordeaux. On arrival, your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond. (D)

Soak in the vistas as you cruise along the Garonne river into Cadillac. Freechoice: This afternoon, learn about Lillet, the refreshing French aperitif, during a visit to a renowned local producer. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample this delicious regional delicacy, or visit Roquetaillade Castle. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne, or travel by coach through the Pomerol region, famed for its red wines, and visit one of its acclaimed estates 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 discover the history of the renowned delicacy foie gras, during a farm visit in Bergerac. 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. (B/L/D)

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, or learn about the traditional craftsmanship of barrel making with a local cooper. Back on board this afternoon, we’ve organised a Cheese of France experience. Taste the country’s celebrated cheeses, matched with bread and wine. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire. 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: During exclusive after hours access be welcomed with a glass of champagne as you visit Les Bassins de Lumières, Bordeaux’s former submarine base which has been transformed into an impressive digital art installation. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Board your included flight from Bordeaux to Paris where you will embark on the luxurious Scenic Gem for your 10 night cruise along the magnificent Seine River. (B/D)

Freechoice: Join a hike with a difference and visit King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit a local farm to sample cider, the region’s specialty. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc, and admire the city’s half-timbered houses and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Or learn about the Viking Warlord Rollo ‘the Walker’, who will host a guided walking tour through the medieval laneways of Rouen. This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and this afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields and learn about what life was like for a soldier during WWI with a fascinating lecture. After dinner, a local pâtissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. You may choose to visit the Australian National Memorial, containing the Sir John Monash Centre as well as the Caterpillar Valley Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand citizens who perished during the Battle of the Somme. Or, you may choose to visit the Lochnagar Crater, the Newfoundland memorial park and the Thiepval memorial. Alternatively, stay in Rouen and explore the collection of impressionist paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel. Freechoice: Explore Honfleur on a guided walking tour, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water, or visit charming Norman villages and discover their traditional Cheeses and Calvados. The small town of Pont l’Eveque is renowned for producing a cheese of the same name, and you will get to sample this and more during your guided tour. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings that took place in June 1944. Here you have three equally fascinating options to choose from. Explore the involvement of the British forces as you visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Landing Museum in Arromanches, finishing at the British Normandy memorial, or learn about the US contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial before a visit to the Normandy American cemetery and visitor centre or view the battle through the eyes of Canadian forces as you visit Juno Beach Centre, a museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort as well as the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery and Pegasus Bridge & Museum. Alternatively, learn about history of a different era and visit Bayeux including its famous Tapestry, a hand embroidered masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Afterwards visit the beautiful seaside town of Étretat, sitting proudly between dramatic rock faces. Or travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting a traditional Normandy farm nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum to learn more about the famous French writer. (B/L/D)

In a location rich in visual treasures, it’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired many of history’s most famous artists. Freechoice: Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. Many of the artists most famous art works were inspired by this impressive location, or get your heart pumping on a self-guided cycle through Vernon to Giverny where you have the opportunity to visit Monet’s garden. After exploring these spectacular gardens you may feel inspired to join a painting class on board this afternoon Enrich: Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. The Château dates back to medieval times and you’ll be sure to have fond memories of this experience for many years to come. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively, visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time. (B/L/D)

Today it’s your choice to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city, or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits. Freechoice: Walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know, or admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. Alternatively, see the highlights of Paris during a city tour and marvel at the many iconic sights of the city, or you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. (B/L/D)

Your trip concludes after breakfast as you disembark and transfer to Paris airport. 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. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)