Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive in Porto and board your luxury river cruise ship. After getting settled into your suite, there's a cocktail reception to kick off the journey with other guests.
Included Activities
- Cocktail reception on board
Landmarks/POIs Douro River - Day 2
Porto
This morning you can choose from guided tours around Porto, then head to a tile painting workshop in the afternoon. You'll create your own Portuguese tile design to take as a souvenir.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto including Palácio da Bolsa
- Active tour of Porto including cable car ride to Dom Luis bridge, walk across bridge, visit Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and Rua das Flores
Landmarks/POIs Palácio da Bolsa Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores - Day 3
Entre-os-Rios to Régua
Pick your morning activities exploring the scenic Douro Valley, then cruise towards Régua. By afternoon you'll visit the Douro Museum to learn about the region's wine and river heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Douro Museum
Optional Activities
- Paiva Walkways - active hike along the Paiva River
- Quinta da Aveleda - explore sparkling wine producer estate
- Excursion to Guimarães - visit World Heritage-listed city, 15th century palace, tapestries, furniture, and weapons collection
Landmarks/POIs Douro Valley Paiva River Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Douro Museum - Day 4
Régua
Start with morning activities around the region, then grab lunch on board. For the afternoon, you can select from excursions to historic sites, estates, or join a port wine blending class to understand winemaking.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Lunch on board
Optional Activities
- Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha - explore Varosa Valley, charming village of Tarouca, Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, and fortified bridge of Ucanha (Portugal's first toll bridge)
- Quinta visit with olive tasting - learn about olive oil production at 11-generation family Quinta
- Excursion to Lamego - coach to Lamego nestled in terraced vineyards, tour culminating at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Mateus Palace - coach transfer to Baroque civil architecture example
- Port Wine Blending Class - hands-on workshop at Quinta de Pacheca
Landmarks/POIs Varosa Valley Tarouca Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca Ucanha Bridge Lamego Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 5
Régua to Vega de Terrón
Spend the day relaxing on the ship as you cruise through the Vinhateiro wine region. You'll see terraced vineyards covering the hillsides, traditional farmhouses, and small villages dotting the Douro Valley landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Vinhateiro Wine Region Douro River - Day 6
Vega de Terrón
Wake at the Portugal-Spain border and explore the charming local town. You can either take a full day excursion to Salamanca or opt for a shorter visit to a village with a silk museum nearby.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Salamanca Full Day Excursion - guided tour of two cathedrals (12th and 16th century), visit market to taste local delicacies, free time to explore and enjoy lunch at leisure
- Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum - visit village where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand, guided tour of silk museum, return to ship for lunch
Landmarks/POIs Vega de Terrón Douro River Águeda River Salamanca Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 7
Pocinho
From Pocinho, choose your morning activities for exploring more of the Douro Valley. Then in the afternoon you'll cruise onwards towards Pinhão where the ship will dock for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum - coach transfer to museum opened in 2010 (one of Portugal's largest), contemporary building design, paleolithic rock art sites introduction, original artefacts, digital technology, pre-historic workshop
- Village life in the Côa Valley - visit Casa Painova estate for sweet almond production demonstration, learn harvesting and use in desserts and pastries, tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products
Landmarks/POIs Pocinho Côa Valley Museum Casa Painova - Day 8
Pinhão
The morning takes you to Provesende village where you can walk through the church, visit the old bakery, see local handicrafts, and tour the historic manor house. After lunch, pick afternoon activities along the Pinhão River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Provesende village including church, old bakery, traditional handicraft viewing, historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada with bola tasting
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River - explore beautiful region past impressive landscapes
- Quinta vineyard hike - guided hike through Quinta da Roada vineyards in the Douro Valley
- Quinta tasting - visit Quinta da Roada estate for tasting of region's famous export, guided walking tour to learn vineyard secrets
Landmarks/POIs Pinhão Provesende Pinhão River Quinta da Roada - Day 9
Pinhão to Porto
Cruise back to Porto with free time to relax on board during the day. This evening you'll attend an exclusive classical concert at São Francisco Church, one of Portugal's most iconic buildings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical concert at São Francisco Church
Landmarks/POIs São Francisco Church - Day 10
Porto
Choose from activities like a canal cruise in Aveiro, golf at a local course, or port wine tasting. The afternoon is free to explore Porto at your own pace. Later there's a farewell dinner followed by an illumination cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner on board
- Illumination cruise through Porto passing six bridges that span the Douro
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Aveiro with cruise - guided walking tour of canal city, cruise waterways in brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boats unique to the city
- Round of golf - play 6 holes at Quinta do Fojo Golf club, one of Porto's popular courses
- Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia - travel to Vila Nova de Gaia, visit Cockburn's Port cellar, guided visit and tasting
Landmarks/POIs Aveiro Quinta do Fojo Golf Club Vila Nova de Gaia Cockburn's Port Cellar - Day 11
Porto to Bordeaux
You'll board an included flight from Porto to Bordeaux, then transfer to the Scenic Azure river cruise ship. Settle in and get ready for the French portion of your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12
Bordeaux to Libourne
The ship cruises towards Libourne this morning. After lunch, take a tour to Saint-Émilion village to see the Monolithic Church carved directly into the limestone, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour to Saint-Émilion including visit to Monolithic Church
Landmarks/POIs Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church - Day 13
Libourne to Fort Médoc
Explore Libourne this morning with your choice of available activities. Then in the afternoon the ship sails to Fort Médoc, known for its wine region and historic significance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne - guided tour with rich history linked to trade of wool, wine, salt and wood
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion - journey to countryside, explore vineyards, tasting
- Biking and tasting at Château Siaurac - cycle through wine-growing region to estate, tasting
- Paint and Pour - local artist class on Sun Deck of Scenic Diamond, learn watercolour techniques, create masterpiece while sipping local wines
Landmarks/POIs Libourne Château Siaurac - Day 14
Fort Médoc
Head out to the Médoc wine region, the world's leading red wine producer. You can take a coach tour or bike tour to a local winery for tastings. Cap off the day with a classical concert at Château d'Agassac.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - travel through scenic region with more than 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations, visit local winery, wine tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - discover Médoc countryside by e-bike, see grand aristocratic châteaux, sample region's finest at prestigious estate
Landmarks/POIs Médoc Region Château d'Agassac - Day 15
Fort Médoc to Cadillac
The morning is relaxed on board with optional spa treatments or cooking classes if you're interested. The ship arrives in Cadillac, a charming town with roots going back to 1280.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment on board
- Scenic Culinaire cooking school - learn French cuisine
Landmarks/POIs Cadillac - Day 16
Cadillac
Spend the day in the Sauternes wine region and surrounding countryside. Pick from wine tastings, cycling tours, and château visits for both morning and afternoon to see what interests you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - coach through Sauternes to vineyard, tasting of chateau's fine wines
- Sauternes by bike - cycle through rolling vineyards of Sauternes, tasting
- Roquetaillade Castle - tour ancient castle, family whose ancestors have resided for more than 700 years
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region - cycle landscapes of the Gironde in Loupiac wine region, admire Château Benauge
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec - guided tour discover historic rooms including apartments of famous painter
Landmarks/POIs Sauternes Roquetaillade Castle Loupiac Wine Region Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 17
Cadillac to Bordeaux
Explore Bordeaux with your choice of guided tours, cycling, shopping with a chef, or oyster tasting experiences. In the evening you'll get exclusive access to Bassins des Lumières, a digital art installation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tasting of fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay
- Afterhours access to Bassins des Lumières - welcome with Champagne to former WWII submarine base, now digital art installation with exclusive customised show
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - local guide tour of city highlights including Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - guided cycle through historic Bordeaux, sample canel\u00e9 custard cake
- Shop with a chef - join on board chef at local food market, shop and taste best ingredients, return to ship for cooking demonstration of French fare
Landmarks/POIs Bordeaux Bordeaux Cathedral Place de la Bourse Bassins des Lumières Arcachon Bay - Day 18
Bordeaux to Bourg
Continue exploring Bordeaux with museum visits, motorbike tours, or Arcachon bayside excursions available. The afternoon is free to relax on board as the ship sails towards Bourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum - take local tram, interactive journey of wine discovery
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - cruise through Bordeaux in sidecar and/or on back of motorcycle
- Visit Arcachon - walking tour of charming bayside town, finish at Baltard market, undercover food hall with local delicacies
Landmarks/POIs Cité du Vin Museum Arcachon Baltard Market - Day 19
Bourg
Check out Bourg with choices like museum visits, historic town tours, or a full day excursion to Cognac where you can tour brandy production and taste different varieties.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - situated inside Bourg Castle grounds, visit Carriages Museum with local guide, unique collection of horse-drawn carriages
- Historic Saintes - tour charming town in Charente-Maritime department, 2,000 years of history, lush gardens
- Full day excursion to Cognac - fortified city renowned for world's finest brandy, walking tour, after lunch tour Rémy Martin estate, sample cognacs
Landmarks/POIs Bourg Bourg Castle Carriages Museum Saintes Cognac Rémy Martin Estate - Day 20
Blaye
In Blaye you can explore its World Heritage-listed citadel. Choose between walking tours, active hiking, cycling, or visits to local châteaux depending on how you want to spend your time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - stroll through charming city with local guide, view World Heritage-listed monument overlooking Gironde Estuary
- Active walking tour of Blaye - tour fascinating citadel on active walking tour with local guide, understand defence system created by architect Sébastien Vauban
- Cycling along the Captain's Road - active cycling tour
- Visit Château de la Roche Courbon - discover fortified castle transformed into historic château with sprawling manicured gardens during guided visit
Landmarks/POIs Blaye Blaye Citadel Château de la Roche Courbon - Day 21
Blaye to Paris
Board an included flight from Bordeaux to Paris and transfer to a Seine river cruise ship. You'll settle in and prepare for this final leg of your river journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 22
Paris to Les Andelys
The ship cruises gently along the Seine to Les Andelys, a charming Norman village. The afternoon offers excursions to historic châteaux or other local attractions in the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour, uncover historical secrets of Les Andelys, venture up to Lionheart's castle, wander among remnants
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - explore picturesque Norman town on River Seine banks with local guide, reach château that overlooks city
- Cider farm visit - Normandy's cider production embodies artisanal craftsmanship and rural charm, visit local farm, see process in action, taste distinctive effervescent drink
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - explore extraordinary 16th-century château, one of earliest Renaissance-style châteaux in France, admire remnants of lavish interior, learn importance to French history
Landmarks/POIs Les Andelys Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 23
Les Andelys to Rouen
Explore Rouen, a 2,000-year-old capital city with Viking history and significant WWII sites. Choose morning guided tours through the historic streets, then listen to an expert lecture on WWI this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- WWI Lecture - Day in the life of a Tommy - interactive evening, understand life of soldier on Western Front, learn why known as 'Great War', 1914 Christmas armistice football match to trench warfare horrors with machine guns, tanks, mining and flamethrower, experience through Allied soldier 'Tommy' eyes, try on equipment and weapons, taste rations
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - see why Victor Hugo described Rouen as 'city of a hundred spires', guided tour of cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, learn about Joan of Arc and 1431 death site, free time afterwards
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker, guide around city to learn of Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital, focus on Medieval past, free time afterwards
- Photography discovery - join local photographer, learn secrets of art form, use Rouen as landscape for digital portrait like modern impressionist artist
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Rouen Cathedral - Day 24
Rouen
You have another full day in Rouen to dig deeper into what interests you. Options include exploring local food traditions, learning about regional military history, or visiting WWI battlefields nearby.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - abundant region famed for high quality dairy industry and fruit orchards, visit local producers, taste delicious soft cheeses, cider and calvados
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - full day to WWI Battle of the Somme site claiming 150,000+ soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth, visit Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, Newfoundland Memorial Park (largest area on Western Front where shell holes and trenches still visible)
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - full day following same itinerary as above, visit Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, after lunch Caterpillar Valley Cemetery (5,500+ Commonwealth graves), Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks/POIs Somme Battlefields Sir John Monash Centre Franco-Australian Museum Newfoundland Memorial Park Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Thiepval Memorial to the Missing Lochnagar Crater - Day 25
Rouen to Honfleur
The ship cruises west to Honfleur, known as the birthplace of Impressionism. Walk through the Inner Harbour and charming streets on a guided tour. Tonight there's a lecture covering Operation Fortitude and D-Day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur including Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities
Landmarks/POIs Honfleur Honfleur Inner Harbour Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 26
Honfleur
Spend the full day exploring Honfleur's important role in WWII with D-Day beach visits, war memorials, cemeteries, or historical town tours to understand this region's history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - start at Utah Beach memorial (20,000+ US troops landed June 6 1944), visit Sainte-Mère-Église (30 US Paratroopers landed), after lunch at local restaurant visit Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Omaha Beach Memorial (often called 'Bloody Omaha' with 2,400 casualties)
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - Bayeux (first liberated town, French capital summer 1944), Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy (chronological D-Day events), state-of-the-art Landing Museum at Arromanches (artificial harbour for reinforcements), after lunch at local restaurant visit British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Abbey d'Ardenne (11th century founded, now Canadian POW memorial from D-Day), Juno Beach Centre (memorial to 20,000 Canadian troops landing day), after lunch at local restaurant visit Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery (335 Canadian men killed in D-Day and early campaign), Pegasus Bridge & Museum (important battle site)
- Bayeux tour - guided tour of Bayeux, Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th centuries, masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture), free time afterwards to explore town
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Omaha Beach Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Arromanches Landing Museum British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge & Museum Ranville War Cemetery Abbey d'Ardenne Juno Beach Centre Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 27
Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
Cruise inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a charming Medieval riverside town. Choose from biking to local villages, visiting palaces, or learning about the French Resistance during your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - active biking tour to charming village of Villequier, e-bike along River Seine banks, flat eight-kilometre each way route, visit museum dedicated to Victor Hugo (famous French poet, playwright and novelist), return to ship
- Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to Fecamp (historic seaside town surrounded by tallest cliffs in Normandy), guided tour of Bénédictine Palace (19th-century architectural masterpiece), famous for producing Bénédictine liquor (said to contain 27 plants and spices), enjoy tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learn stories of French Resistance who fought Nazi Occupation of France during WWII, hear local stories of heroism and daring missions as explore historic city
- Normandy Abbey Road - explore fascinating history of spiritual health and wealth important in Normandy since Middle Ages, local guide on Abbey Road where many grand abbeys sit on River Seine banks
Landmarks/POIs Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux - Day 28
Caudebec-en-Caux to La Roche-Guyon
Visit Vernon and Giverny to see Monet's House and Garden or cycle to the artistic town. Back on ship there's a painting class in the afternoon, followed by a classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Evening classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon - walk from ship to 16th-century château built into chalk hillside, walk through manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, admire decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries, enjoy drink and splendid classical concert focusing on French composer music
- Optional painting class on board
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - journey to Giverny to tour town and visit home of Impressionism founder, tour gardens comprising Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies (inspired his famous works), free time afterwards to explore at leisure
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - take self-guided biking tour from ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way), on arrival may wish to visit Monet's House and Garden or wander charming town, return to ship
Landmarks/POIs Vernon Giverny Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 29
La Roche-Guyon to Paris
You'll wake in Medieval Conflans-Saint-Honorine where the rivers meet. Pick from art and history excursions in charming villages or visit châteaux. The afternoon brings a cruise back to Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - travel to village where Vincent Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces, see landmarks immortalised in his works (famous Notre Dame de l'Assomption church), tour includes entry to Van Gogh's room (attic he rented during final months, sat empty since 1890), free time afterwards to wander village
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour of castle (magnificent tribute to France's cultural heritage built by Henri d'Orléans, son of last King of France), see fine collections he amassed, explore gardens, free time. Note: Chantilly Castle closed on Tuesdays (replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden visit instead)
- Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum) - active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to visit Inland Water Transport Museum, Conflans called barge capital of the world, water played important role in residents' lives
- Château de Malmaison - historic estate, former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and first wife Josephine de Beauharnais, renowned for elegant neoclassical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, château reflects Josephine's refined taste and passion for botany, now museum with furniture, artwork, and personal items from Napoleonic era
Landmarks/POIs Conflans-Saint-Honorine Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Van Gogh's Room Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 30
Paris
Spend a full day exploring iconic Paris with choices like district tours, opera house visits, or château excursions. The afternoon is free so you can wander and experience the city at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of Marais district with Parisian guide, melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, eclectic arts scene, high-end fashion, one of most diverse districts in Paris
- Highlights of Paris city tour - local guide coach tour of city's most famous sites (Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square), view 1163-built Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (recently reopened after devastating 2019 fire)
- Opera Garnier - located in theatrical heart of Paris, spectacular opera house resplendent with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, glistening chandeliers, tour this opera house, learn about magnificent building commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach to château located one hour's drive from Paris, credited as founding French formal garden inspiring Versailles, property laid out in typical symmetrical fashion with stunning gardens creating theatrical setting
Landmarks/POIs Paris Marais District Eiffel Tower Champs Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Notre Dame Cathedral Opera Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 31
Paris
Your journey concludes this morning. After breakfast you'll disembark and transfer to Paris airport or train station to continue onward with your travels.
- Meals
- Breakfast
