Itinerary
- Day 1
Bordeaux
You'll board the Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux and get settled into your cabin. The city itself is worth your attention here - it's a restored port that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring over 300 historic monuments from different periods. The transformation from an industrial center to the cultural hub it is today makes for interesting wandering around the streets.
Landmarks Bordeaux City Centre - Day 2
Bordeaux to Libourne
This morning you'll cruise into Libourne, a 13th century port town. After settling in, the afternoon takes you to Saint-Émilion, a medieval village known for its wineries and historic architecture. Fun fact: the macaron was actually born here. You'll spend the night docked in Libourne, so there's time to explore the evening scene if you want.
Included Activities
- Visit to Saint-Émilion medieval village
Landmarks Saint-Émilion Libourne Port - Day 3
Libourne
You have options in Libourne today. Walk through the historic harbor town, taste wines at a Saint-Émilion château, check out a sturgeon farm to learn about caviar production, or visit a restored 19th century mill with a bread-making workshop. In the afternoon, you'll relax on board as the ship sails toward Blaye.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne
- Wine tasting at Saint-Émilion château
- Excursion to sturgeon farm with tasting
- Tour of artisanal water mill with bread-making workshop
Landmarks Libourne Saint-Émilion Wine Region - Day 4
Blaye
Arriving in Blaye, you'll see the citadel - a World Heritage site built to defend Bordeaux from attacks. Choose between a walking tour of the city or an active route exploring the defensive systems designed by military engineer Vauban. Later this evening, there's a concert at the 13th-century Château d'Agassac in the Médoc countryside.
Included Activities
- Evening concert at Château d'Agassac
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye
- Active walking tour of Blaye Citadel
Landmarks Blaye Citadel Château d'Agassac - Day 5
Fort Médoc to Bourg
You'll wake in Fort Médoc, right in the heart of wine country. Pick a wine tasting by coach or an e-bike tour through the countryside at a local estate. After lunch on board, the ship heads to Bourg, a village on a rocky hilltop. Explore the Carriages Museum, cycle along the Captain's Road for views, or taste local Côtes de Bourg wines. You'll overnight back in Bordeaux.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Lunch on board
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach
- Médoc wine tasting by e-bike
- Bourg with Carriages Museum
- Guided cycling along the Captain's Road
- Visit to local estate for Côtes de Bourg wine tasting
Landmarks Fort Médoc Médoc Wine Region Bourg Bourg Castle - Day 6
Bordeaux to Cadillac
Early departure from Bordeaux along the Garonne River to Cadillac, a 13th-century fortified city built around a château. Pick a coach tour of Sauternes with wine tasting, cycle through the rolling vineyards on an e-bike, or walk through Cadillac's medieval streets and marketplace then tour the château.
Optional Activities
- Sauternes wine tasting by coach
- Sauternes wine tasting by e-bike
- Walking tour of Cadillac with château visit
Landmarks Cadillac Sauternes Wine Region Cadillac Château - Day 7
Bordeaux
Your final morning in Bordeaux lets you choose what to do. Take a guided tour hitting the Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, cycle around tasting canelé cakes and local treats, or shop at a market with the chef before learning French cooking on board. The afternoon is yours to wander the waterfront, check out the Golden Triangle for shopping, or visit the wine museum.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux
- Shop with a chef experience at local market with on-board cooking class
Optional Activities
- Visit La Cité du Vin interactive wine museum
Landmarks Bordeaux Cathedral Place de la Bourse La Cité du Vin Golden Triangle District - Day 8
Madrid
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Madrid airport with the memories from your river cruise and city exploration. Your journey wraps up here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Madrid
A guided tour this morning takes you through Madrid's 17th century Austrian Quarter, past the Sabatini Gardens, and to the Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. You'll see the bullfighting ring, get a view of the Royal Palace, and visit Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple from the second century BC. Dinner with other guests at a local restaurant happens this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Madrid including Austrian Quarter, Sabatini Gardens, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, bullfighting ring, Royal Palace panorama, and Templo de Debod
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks Sabatini Gardens Cibeles Fountain Neptuno Fountain Royal Palace of Madrid Templo de Debod Las Ventas Bullring - Day 10
Madrid
You have flexibility today in Madrid. Visit the Prado Museum to see art from the 12th to 20th century, or take a walking food tour at Mercado de San Miguel trying jamón ibérico and croquetas. The afternoon is free for shopping in fashionable areas, sitting in gardens, or just exploring on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Prado Museum visit with guide
- Tastes of Madrid walking food tour including Mercado de San Miguel
Landmarks Prado Museum Mercado de San Miguel - Day 11
Madrid
After breakfast, head to Madrid airport for your departure. You'll take with you all the memories from your time on the river cruise. The transfer gets you there with enough time before your flight, so you can wrap up this part of your journey and head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
