Welcome to the city of Bordeaux, at the heart of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. It’s famous for its’ 18th century architecture that inspired the design of Paris, for which it has since been recognised with World Heritage status. The landscape is also dotted with beautiful castles.

Step on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond to cruise the waters of the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne. Meet your fellow guests and toast to the start of an exceptional journey. The ship will remain docked in Bordeaux City overnight, giving you time to join the locals for a glass of wine by the water.

Admire the tranquil riverside scenery as you cruise towards Libourne this morning. After lunch, join a tour to nearby Saint-Émilion. This World Heritage-listed village has thousands of years of history and beautifully preserved medieval buildings. Explore the unique Monolithic Church, which is mostly underground and carved directly into the limestone.

This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked overnight in Libourne, a beautiful 13th century port and winemaking capital of northern Gironde. Take a moonlit stroll along the river or visit one of the city’s many cosy pubs and wine bars.

Wake early this morning to enjoy the tranquil landscapes. Today, spend some time exploring Libourne and its surrounds.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today choose from the following Scenic Freechoice options.

Walking tour of Libourne: Take a guided tour of Libourne, delving into its rich history linked to the trade of wool, wine, salt and wood. As you explore the charming streets, your guide will reveal stories of the town’s vibrant past. Admire the enchanting 16th century maison de maître, or townhouse, and the striking Gothic church, distinguished by its soaring stone spire that reaches 71 metres into the sky.

Wines and vineyards of Saint-Émilion: Journey through the bucolic countryside of Saint -Émilion to one of its famous vineyards. Explore the property before tasting some of the Châteaus exceptional wines, which are primarily red blends dominated by merlot and cabernet franc grapes.

Secrets of the Dordogne - Château de Vayres legends: Château de Vayres is a remarkable historic monument that showcases a fascinating blend of medieval, Renaissance and 17th century architecture. Admire an impressive collection of tapestries and period furnishings, all brought to life through a guided tour giving insight into the châteaus rich history and its role in regional power struggles.

Cycling from Libourne: Cycle from the port of Libourne through the rolling hills, vineyard-covered slopes and medieval châteaux of Fronsac. En route stop for a refreshment with sweeping view over Libourne.

Paint and pour: Welcome a talented local artist on board Scenic Diamond and join them for an inspiring art class on the Sun Deck, where creativity meets breathtaking panoramic views. Learn the delicate techniques of watercolor painting, from mastering brush strokes to blending colours, while sipping on local wines.

Set sail this afternoon for Pauillac, where you’ll dock overnight.

Set on the Gironde estuary at the heart of the Médoc wine route, Pauillac is surrounded by some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. The town itself is quiet with elegant architecture that speaks to its powerful past in the winemaking industry.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today choose from the following Scenic Freechoice options.

Médoc wine tasting by coach: With more than 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations, Médoc is home to the iconic ‘Route des Chateaux’, or ‘Route of Castles’. On this coach tour you will travel through this picturesque region to a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines.

Médoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike today on this active tour that takes you past many grand aristocratic châteaux in the world’s leading red wine producing region. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates.

Scenic Enrich
Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château D'Agassac dates to the 13th century and is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region. Enjoy a glass on arrival and soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Relax on board as you cruise towards Cadillac. You could enjoy a massage^ treatment or learn more about French cuisine in the Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration.

Cadillac was founded in 1280 and retains many of its grand historic buildings. In 1701 French explorer Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac took his name from the town and established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would become modern day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honour.

Scenic Diamond will be docked in Cadillac overnight, so you can appreciate its quiet village charm after the other tourists have left for the day.

Cadillac is close to the Sauternes wine region, which is known for its sweet, fortified styles. Today, choose between a variety of experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its peaceful countryside to its historic castles. With a full day here, you have the option to choose multiple excursions.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Sauternes by coach: Drive through the picturesque Sauternes region. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the intricate winemaking process, from the careful harvesting of botrytised grapes to the skilled techniques used in fermentation and aging. Enjoy a guided tour of a local wine estate followed by a tasting.

Sauternes by bike: If you are feeling active, choose to cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to visit a local wine estate for a guided tour and tasting. The trail is mostly flat and you’ll cycle for around two hours, including rest stops.

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon, explore further with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Roquetaillade Castle: Château de Roquetaillade is a magnificent medieval fortress with a history stretching back to the 8th century when Charlemagne reputedly built the first wooden fort on the site. Tour the ancient castle, which has been inhabited by the same family for more than 700 years. Biking in the Loupiac wine region: Join a local guide as you cycle the lush landscapes of the Gironde in the wine region of Loupiac, from where you can admire the breathtaking Château Benauge. You’ll ride through gently rolling backroad to Sainte-Croix-du-Mont for an impressive view of the region

Château Toulouse-Lautrec: Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore the rich history of the château and delve into the life of its most famous resident, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You’ll have the rare opportunity to wander through the rooms, including the artist’s private apartments, which still showcase some of his remarkable artworks.

You’ll return to Bordeaux City today to discover more of its culinary and cultural delights. Foodies will relish the opportunity to visit a local market with a Scenic chef before an interactive demonstration on board in Scenic Culinaire. There are also options for military buffs and active travellers.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more about Bordeaux with one of these excursions:

Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city by coach and on foot whilst learning interesting facts about the city’s history, culture and way of life. Admire the magnificent Gothic cathedral, Place de la Bourse and Cailhau Gate, before some free time to explore on your own.

Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Pedal through historic Bordeaux on a guided cycling tour. Cross beautiful bridges, admire sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, and ride through beautiful public gardens. Sample delicious treats such as canelé, a custard cake.

Shop with a chef and Scenic Culinaire: Join one of Scenic’s on board chef at a local food market to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer before returning to Scenic Diamond for a cooking demonstration in Scenic Culinaire to learn the art of French fare. This activity is not available on Mondays, as markets in France are closed.

Bordeaux in the shadow of WWII: Step back in time and uncover Bordeaux’s dramatic World War II history on this immersive walking tour. On an unforgettable journey through the city’s most turbulent chapter, you’ll uncover new stories of resistance, sacrifice, and survival beneath the polished surface of Bordeaux’s charm.

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.

Scenic Enrich
Bassins des Lumières: After the doors have closed to the public, you will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne to Bassins des Lumières, Bordeaux’s former WWII submarine base, now an impressive digital art installation. Be treated to an exclusive show, customised and curated just for Scenic guests.

Continue your exploration of Bordeaux today with a variety of intriguing options. The moniker 'Sleeping Beauty' or La Belle Endormie was given to Bordeaux when industry was moved to the outskirts and the city was all but abandoned. In the late 20th century, the city was revived and restored to its former glory. The city centre was pedestrianised, limestone was revealed under blackened facades, and Bordeaux was listed as a World Heritage site with more than 300 structures declared historical monuments.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose how you want to explore today with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Cité du Vin museum: Take a local tram to the Cité du Vin museum where you’ll enjoy an engaging and interactive journey of wine discovery. With nearly 20 themed exhibits, you’ll gain new perspectives on the global journey of wine across different times and cultures.

Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar: Join your host as you ride through Bordeaux in the side car and/or on the back of a motorcycle. Beginning in the historic Chatrons district, you’ll see the stylish Rue Notre Dame, explore the riverside quays along the Garonne and cross over to the right bank to visit vibrant Saint-Pierre.

Visit Arcachon: Join your local guide for a walking tour of the charming bayside town of Arcachon, renowned for its charming seaside atmosphere and unique architectural style. Your tour ends near the Baltard Market, where you’ll have free time to savour local delicacies and seafood fresh from the Atlantic.

Eleanor of Aquitaine - Story of the Queen who ruled France and England: Step into the world of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the most powerful and influential woman of the Middle Ages. No other woman before or since has held the crowns of both England and France. This immersive journey through Bordeaux’s historic heart makes Eleanor’s extraordinary legacy come alive.

Later, enjoy time at leisure on board as you cruise towards Bourg.

Your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. It began life as a defensive château in the 12th century and has expanded over the centuries. Today, it’s a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the banks of the Dordogne.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Bourg with Carriages Museum: Your guided walk will lead you through the village’s charming streets to the bustling main square. Explore the historic Citadel, a symbol of the village’s strategic importance through the centuries, and then step inside its grounds to visit the fascinating Horse Carriage Museum.

Historic Saintes: Take a tour of Saintes, a charming town that’s steeped in 2,000 years of history. Admire the Arch of Germanicus, a testament to its Roman past, and the World Heritage-listed Saint-Eutrope Basilica. This immersive walking tour offers a blend of Roman history, medieval architecture and local charm on this tour exclusively available for Scenic guests.

Full day excursion to Cognac: The fortified city of Cognac is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest brandy. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, an included lunch, and tour the estate of famed Rémy Martin before sampling some of the Cognacs.

This morning you will arrive in Blaye, set at a strategic position on the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect Bordeaux city from enemy attacks.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Walking tour of Blaye: Join a local guide to stroll through the charming town of Blaye, proudly recognised as a World Heritage site. Walk through the town’s most iconic feature, the impressive 17th-century Vauban Citadel, and through picturesque streets that reveal its historical significance, cultural traditions, and architectural treasures.

Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating Citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban.

Cycling along the Captain’s Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain’s Road, named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Pass charming riverside villages, the ruins of ancient villas, splendid manor houses and limestone quarries.

Visit Château de La Roche Courbon: Originally a fortress, Château La Roche Courbon has been transformed over centuries and is now an elegantly restored Renaissance château. Family owned and still inhabited, this beautiful property and its superb gardens will allow you to leap back in time.

Board an included flight from Bordeaux to Lyon where you will be welcomed on board by the friendly crew of the Scenic Sapphire.

Cruising upstream on the Saône this morning, enjoy the vistas from your Scenic Space-Ship as you arrive in Macon, gateway to exploring the south Burgundy region. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Beaujolais wine region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy sampling some of the region’s best drops.

Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Learn the story of the village of Vonnas, a gourmet destination home to Michelin-star chef George Blanc. Visit one of his famed restaurants for an interactive cooking demonstration featuring classic French dishes.

Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey: Step back in time to the medieval town of Cluny, which is famous for its Benedictine Abbey, once the largest Christian buildings in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history and soak up its charm during some free time.

Berzé-le-Châtel Castle - 13 Towers & Medieval Heritage: Discover Château de Berzé-le-Châtel, a magnificent medieval fortress in the heart of Burgundy, renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history. Explore its remarkably preserved keep, thirteen towers, ramparts and fortified walls encircling picturesque gardens.

Tonight, sit down to an exclusive dinner on board prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon. This intimate dining experience in Crystal Dining allows you to experience authentic flavours in exquisite regional dishes that showcase the best of French gastronomy.

Cruise overnight to Chalon-sur-Saône.

This morning, wake up in Chalon-sur-Saône, a charming Burgundy town of waterfront promenades, historic facades and gently stirring café terraces along the banks.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Beaune & Its Hospice - A Heritage Journey: Travel through vineyard-lined Burgundy hills to the beautiful town of Beaune, capital of Burgundy wines, where cobbled streets, charming cellars and lively squares showcase its rich heritage. Your visit culminates at the iconic Hôtel-Dieu, the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century medieval hospital famed for its flamboyant Gothic architecture, colourful tiled roofs and atmospheric halls that reveal the town’s enduring legacy of wine, philanthropy and art.

Capital of Burgundy Wines - Tour & Tasting: Discover Beaune, the charming historic heart of Burgundy’s wine country, as you stroll its medieval streets and soak in the town’s rich heritage. Visit a renowned wine cellar, a fascinating underground space steeped in tradition, where your experience concludes with a guided tasting of elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, an unforgettable treat for wine lovers.

This afternoon enjoy the picturesque landscapes as we cruise along the Saône River to Tournus. 

Wake in the historic town of Tournus for a day of exploration with your choice of Scenic Freechoice to suit your pace and taste. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Transfer by coach to the historic Château de Cormatin, built in 1606. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle’s gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour.

Truffle tasting: Meet a local truffle farmer and his hound to learn the tricks and techniques of truffle farming. Afterwards, enjoy tasting of truffle butter plus chocolate mousse with truffles.

Tour of Tournus: Stroll through the picturesque, narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings on a captivating journey through Tournus’ rich historical and cultural heritage. Highlights include the remarkable Hôtel-Dieu, a beautifully restored hospital from the 18th century, and the stunning Saint-Philibert Abbey, dating back to the 12th century.

From oak tree to barrel: perhaps stay on board and enjoy a cooperage demonstration. A skilled artisan will show you the secret of this ancient art and learn how it still plays a crucial role in wine and spirit making.

Later we return to Lyon where the city illuminates against the night sky 

Greet the day in Lyon. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before venturing out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance as you traverse its hidden traboules and secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon.

Excursion to Pérouges: Visit this medieval walled village, located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. It has been beautifully preserved, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.

Silk painting workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century, silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk painting.

Scenic Enrich
Choral concert at Chapelle de la Trinite: Tonight, admire the beauty of one of the city’s grand Baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrara marble. Exclusive to Scenic guests, you will be immersed in a breath-taking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting.  

Arrive in the picturesque town of Tournon this afternoon. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Walking tour of Tournon: Explore the town on foot. Learn its fascinating history and visit the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, that still dominates this town. Enjoy free time afterwards. You may like to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l'Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona.

Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get close to nature as you hike through the sloping vineyards that overlook the Rhône River above Tournon. Learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region.

Biking along the Rhône: Cycle the picturesque banks of the Rhône River past charming villages and spectacular scenery to the nearby village of Glun.

Back on board this evening, indulge in an exquisite dessert buffet, where the artistry of a local pastry chef brings classic French cakes to life. Savour a variety of beautifully displayed desserts, each slice a masterpiece that pairs perfectly with fine coffee or a glass of dessert wine. 

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people, today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.

Scenic Freechoice:
The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Viviers: Join a local guide to explore Viviers on foot. Admire its many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent – first built in the 11th century, it is now resplendent in 18th century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.

Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum: Explore the mountains and medieval fortress ruins of this sprawling park. Then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave.

Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure.

This afternoon, we cruise towards Avignon.  

Wake in the ancient city of Avignon. Known as the ‘City of the Popes’, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Encompassed by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Scenic Freechoice:
Select your choice from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of Avignon including a visit to the Popes Palace: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk through Avignon, visiting the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace has numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.

Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and sample the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).

Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey: Visit the village of Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful in France. Its stone buildings spiral around the rock on which it is perched, with the church and castle at the apex. Later, visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey.

This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, walk up Le Rocher des Doms. Set 30 metres above the river, it offers excellent views over the city as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds. 

Scenic Enrich
Classical concert at the Palais des Papes: When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in the Grand Tinel room where the Pope used to dine. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls. 

Your Space-Ship remains in Avignon overnight.  

Explore more of the charming city of Avignon today with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences that feel uniquely French. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.

Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.

Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: One of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Roussillon and its Ochre Trail are among the main attractions on Luberon's ochre circuit. Take a guided tour through this charming village before a visit to a local lavender producer where you will learn how Lavender is grown, harvested and utilised in this region of the South of France.

Cruise to Arles this afternoon.  

Wake up in Arles in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The remnants of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river’s left bank. It was also the home of Vincent van Gogh in 1888 and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Arles: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour. Departing from the ship, you’ll visit the heart of Arles to see the ancient Roman amphitheatre, Arènes d'Arles, a 20,000-seat arena that was built in 90 AD, that’s still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists.

Visit Les Baux with Carrières des Lumières: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux. Visit a former quarry that is now the site of Carrières des Lumières, an enormous 7,000 square-metre site that hosts an immersive visual and musical installation highlighting the works of notable artists.

Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill: Visit a local farm where you will learn the techniques of olive oil production. Later, the owner will share their experience of life in this region as well as traditional Provençal recipes.

Following Vincent – Van Gogh’s Arles: Step into the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh on a walking tour. Trace the artist’s journey through the streets and historic sites that inspired some of his most famous works during his 15 months in this charming Provençal town, experiencing the colours and atmosphere that shaped his genius.

Relax on board this afternoon or further explore Arles on own. You could take a seat on the Sun Deck and watch the picturesque landscapes as you enjoy a glass of local wine.

Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew and transfer to Marseille airport, taking memories that will last a lifetime.

Scenic transfers are only available for flights departing out of Marseille after 11:00 AM.

Scenic transfers are only available for flights departing out of Nice after 1:00 PM. Please contact us if you wish to secure this option.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions. 

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.