Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll arrive in Paris and have the freedom to explore at your own pace. The Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and Champs-Élysées are all waiting for you whenever you want to check them out. Start getting a feel for the city on your first day here.
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Seine River Champs-Élysées - Day 2
Paris
After breakfast, you can choose from guided coach tours through Paris, passing by Palais Garnier and the Louvre, or head to Montmartre with its cobblestone streets and artist heritage. It's your call depending on what interests you more this morning and afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast included
Optional Activities
- Guided coach tour of Paris - scenic districts, Seine River, Palais Garnier, Louvre, Les Invalides
- Secrets of Montmartre - walking tour of cobblestone streets, greenspace, vineyard
Landmarks/POIs Palais Garnier Louvre Les Invalides Montmartre Vineyard of Montmartre - Day 3
Paris to Seine River
Spend your morning exploring Paris at leisure before heading to the ship. You'll board the Scenic Gem for your Seine River cruise, where the crew welcomes you and gets everything ready for the journey ahead.
Included Activities
- Transfer to river cruise ship
Optional Activities
- Explore Paris at leisure before transfer
- Day 4
Seine River to Les Andelys
Cruise to Les Andelys, a Norman village with nearly 900 years of history. You can take guided hikes to Château Gaillard, explore the town, visit cider farms, or tour Renaissance châteaux. The limestone cliffs and medieval architecture line the riverbanks throughout the day.
Included Activities
- Cruise on Seine to Les Andelys
- Arrival after lunch
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with Medieval-themed walking tour
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard visit
- Cider farm visit - see production and taste Normandy cider
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon tour - 16th-century château
Landmarks/POIs Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 5
Les Andelys to Rouen
The ship reaches Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history. Pick from guided city tours of medieval streets, a Viking-themed walking tour, or a photography class. Back on the ship, there's an evening lecture covering WWI and the Western Front.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Rouen
- Expert lecture - WWI 'Day in the life of a Tommy' with interactive immersion experience
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Joan of Arc site
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - Viking history focus with free time
- Photography discovery - learn digital portrait art with local photographer
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Cathedral - Day 6
Rouen
You have a full day exploring Rouen. Taste local Normandy cheeses, cider, and calvados, or travel to the Somme Battlefields to see WWI memorials and museums. It's a meaningful choice between culinary exploration and military history.
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - visit local producers for soft cheese, cider and calvados tasting
- Excursion to Somme Battlefields with Newfoundland Memorial Park - Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater
- Excursion to Somme Battlefields with Thiepval - Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial, Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks/POIs Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) Franco-Australian Museum Lochnagar Crater Newfoundland Memorial Park Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Thiepval Memorial - Day 7
Rouen to Honfleur
Cruise west to Honfleur on the English Channel, a colorful port city where Impressionism was born. There's a guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour and Church of Sainte-Catherine, then time to explore freely. Tonight brings a lecture about Operation Fortitude and D-Day.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Honfleur
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities
- Expert lecture - Operation Fortitude and D-Day campaign
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Honfleur independently
Landmarks/POIs Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 8
Honfleur
Spend the full day exploring Honfleur's WWII heritage. You can visit D-Day beaches focusing on US, UK, or Canadian history with memorials and cemeteries, or take a guided tour of Bayeux to see its cathedral and medieval architecture.
Optional Activities
- Normandy Beaches excursion (US history focus) - Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach Memorial, lunch at local restaurant
- Normandy Beaches excursion (UK history focus) - Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery, lunch at local restaurant
- Normandy Beaches excursion (Canadian history focus) - Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, lunch at local restaurant
- Bayeux tour - Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, free time to explore
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Memorial Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre Omaha Beach Memorial Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Landing Museum at Arromanches 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 9
Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
Cruise inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a medieval riverfront town with historic buildings. You might bike to Villequier for a Victor Hugo museum visit, travel to Fécamp for Bénédictine Palace tour, do a French Resistance walking tour, or explore Abbey Road.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Caudebec-en-Caux
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - e-bike tour along Seine, eight-kilometre round trip
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to historic seaside town, guided tour of 19th-century palace, tasting of Bénédictine liquor
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour with local stories of WWII heroism and Nazi occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - guided walking tour exploring abbeys along Seine banks
Landmarks/POIs Notre Dame Caudebec-e-Caux Victor Hugo Museum Bénédictine Palace - Day 10
Caudebec-en-Caux to La Roche-Guyon
You arrive at Vernon and Giverny, where Claude Monet lived. Tour Monet's House and Gardens with its water lilies and Japanese landscapes, or take a self-guided e-bike ride. There's an on-board painting class inspired by the gardens, and later an exclusive classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon.
Included Activities
- Cruise toward La Roche-Guyon
- Scenic Enrich - Château de La Roche-Guyon visit with drink and classical concert featuring French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden tour - visit Giverny and Monet's home with water garden, free time to explore
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - approximately five kilometres each way, option to visit Monet's House or explore town
- On-board painting class - inspired by Monet's gardens
Landmarks/POIs Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 11
La Roche-Guyon to Conflans-Saint-Honorine
Wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine at the confluence of the Seine and Oise rivers. You can visit Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh painted, tour Château de Chantilly or Versailles, explore the water transport museum, or see Château de Malmaison. The ship cruises back to Paris this afternoon.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Conflans-Saint-Honorine
- Cruise from Conflans back to Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - Van Gogh's final painting village, Van Gogh's room visit (rented attic), free time to explore
- Château de Chantilly tour - guided castle tour with fine collections and gardens, free time (Note: closed Tuesdays, replaced with Versailles)
- Musée de la Batellerie - inland water transport museum in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
- Château de Malmaison - Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais residence, neoclassical architecture, museum with Napoleonic era artifacts
Landmarks/POIs Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Auvers-Sur-Oise) Van Gogh's Room Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 12
Paris
Back in Paris for a day of exploration. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, or the trendy Marais district. Tour Opéra Garnier or Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The afternoon is yours to climb the Eiffel Tower, visit Montmartre and Moulin Rouge, or relax on the ship.
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of diverse, artistic Marais district
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour visiting Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysee, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opera Garnier tour - ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, glistening chandeliers, built by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach tour to château one hour from Paris, founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Opera Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 13
Paris to Lyon
You'll fly from Paris to Lyon and board the Scenic Sapphire for a river cruise through southern France along the Rhône and Saône rivers. The included flight gets you to this new starting point for the next phase of your journey.
Included Activities
- Flight from Paris to Lyon
- Transfer to Scenic Sapphire cruise ship
- Day 14
Mâcon
You'll cruise toward Mâcon with river views from your suite, arriving in this charming Burgundy town known for white wines. Pick what interests you most: guided château visits, a Michelin-starred cooking demonstration, truffle tastings, or checking out the historic Cluny Abbey. The afternoon is free to walk through the old town and get a feel for the place.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - guided visit to Renaissance castle with gilded rooms, moat, water features, and gardens
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - exclusive cooking class at Michelin-starred restaurant in Vonnas village
- Truffle tasting - visit to local farm with truffle harvesting experience and tasting of truffle butter and chocolate mousse paired with local white wine
- Excursion to Cluny and visit Cluny Abbey - guided tour of 10th-century Benedictine Abbey with Romanesque and Gothic architecture
Landmarks/POIs Château de Cormatin Georges Blanc Cluny Abbey - Day 15
Vienne
Start your morning in Vienne, a historic town south of Lyon filled with Roman ruins and medieval character. You can do a guided walking tour past the ancient theatre, take a scenic cycling route through Roman sites, or have a private wine tasting at a local vineyard. Your ship leaves for Tournon this afternoon, so plan your activities accordingly.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre - guided tour of Roman heritage including hillside theatre built for 10,000 spectators, city gardens, ancient walls, cathedral, and Renaissance streets
- Cycling tour of Vienne - easy 19 km route through Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal exploring Roman ruins, temple of Augustus and Livia, and Gallo-Roman museum
- St-Joseph Côte-Rôtie wine tasting - private tasting of Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines at Chavanay vineyard
Landmarks/POIs Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus and Livia Gallo-Roman Museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal - Day 16
Tournon
You'll arrive early in Tournon, a hillside village with terraced vineyards and a 10th-century castle overlooking everything. Choose between guided walks, vineyard hikes, or riverside cycling in the morning. Free time this afternoon lets you explore the town on your own. Later, gather for an aperitif at the castle with sweeping views, then head back to the ship for a French pastry dessert buffet.
- Meals
- Dessert (French pastry buffet from local pâtissier)
Included Activities
- Aperitif at Tournon Castle terrace with views over Rhône River and terraced vineyards
- Dessert buffet of French pastries from local pâtissier
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - explore town on foot visiting 10th-16th century castle with free time to visit neighbouring Tain l'Hermitage and Valrhona chocolatiers
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River with wine tasting
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle picturesque Rhône River banks past charming villages to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks/POIs Tournon Castle Suspension Bridge (France's oldest) Tain l'Hermitage - Day 17
Avignon
After lunch, you'll dock in Avignon, the historic City of the Popes with medieval walls and the grand Palais des Papes. Pick from guided city walks, visits to the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, or kayaking. This evening brings an exclusive gala dinner with classical music inside the Palais des Papes, so plan your day activities around that timing.
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - exclusive gala dinner with classical trio concert inside Palais des Papes after general public closes (evening)
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Popes Palace - guided walk through city walls and 14th-century papal palace
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from first century
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - paddle kayak beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct on Gardon River
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard - Day 18
Avignon
Spend the full day exploring Avignon and the gateway to Provence with its vineyards, lavender fields, and historic villages. You've got several options: see picturesque Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, shop at the local market with a chef and take a cooking class, explore lavender producers and ochre cliffs, or sample wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Each choice gives you a different take on Provence.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - visit Gordes (one of France's most beautiful villages) and Sénanque Abbey
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - visit local market with Scenic chef to taste regional ingredients, then interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school
- Lavender Museum with visit to village of Roussillon - visit local lavender producer and guided tour of beautiful village of Roussillon
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - sample region's celebrated Côte du Rhône wines
Landmarks/POIs Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 19
Arles
You arrive in Arles this morning, a city packed with Roman history and art. The day splits into options depending on what interests you. Head to the ancient amphitheatre with a local guide if you want the history route, or take a trip out to Les Baux, a medieval village with an immersive light installation that's pretty impressive. If you prefer something different, there's a local farm where you can learn how olive oil gets made, or go see lavender fields and make your own perfume. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to either wander around Arles on your own or join a painting class onboard inspired by Van Gogh, who spent time here and left his mark on the city's artistic identity.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Arles including Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles)
- Visit Les Baux medieval village with Carrières de Lumières immersive visual and musical installation
- Olive mill visit with learning about olive oil production and traditional Provençal recipes
- Lavender farm visit with essential oil extraction demonstration and creation of custom lavender perfume
Optional Activities
- Onboard painting class inspired by Van Gogh and the artistic heritage of Provence
- Self-guided exploration of Arles
Landmarks/POIs Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières - Day 20
Viviers
You'll dock in Viviers, a medieval town founded in the fifth century with narrow lanes and 1,600 years of history. The morning offers guided walks through monuments and the Cathedral of St. Vincent, or French Resistance history walks if that interests you more. Afternoon activities include exploring Ardèche Nature Park with cave museums, hiking through cave formations, or heading to the provincial town of Grignan.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - guided exploration of monuments and architectural treasures including Cathedral of St. Vincent with free time to explore
- French Resistance walking tour - learn stories of French Resistance during Nazi Occupation of France in World War II
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins with immersive replica of largest decorated Palaeolithic cave in world
- Explore the caves in Ardèche Nature Park - drive through Ardèche Gorge to Madeleine Caves with intricate rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, and underground lakes
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - guided exploration of provincial town seeing castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour with leisure time
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of St. Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Madeleine Caves Grignan Castle - Day 21
Viviers to Lyon
Enjoy a relaxed day cruising back to Lyon along the Rhône River. You can relax on the Sun Deck, use the Salt Therapy Lounge, or take a French cooking lesson. Tonight features an exclusive acapella choir performance in the ornate 17th-century Trinity Chapel with Carrara marble.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Lyon
- Scenic Enrich - Trinity Chapel acapella choir performance in 17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble interior
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson at Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks/POIs Trinity Chapel - Day 22
Lyon
Start your day in Lyon, France's culinary capital where Romans founded the city at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. With over 4,000 restaurants including 20 Michelin-starred places, eating well is central to the experience here. Choose between guided tours of historic traboules and the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, visiting the preserved medieval village of Pérouges, or learning silk painting at a heritage workshop.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - traverse hidden traboules and secret passageways dating back to fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviève with panoramic views across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with vine-covered stone buildings and cobbled laneways
- Silk painting workshop - learn history and process of silk painting, heritage dating back to Louis XI and 19th-century silk industry prominence
Landmarks/POIs Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviève Pérouges - Day 23
Lyon to Bordeaux
Travel from Lyon to Bordeaux and board the Scenic Sapphire for a cruise through the waterways of the Bordeaux wine region. You're transitioning to a new section of France known for its exceptional wines and historic ports.
Included Activities
- Transfer from Lyon to Bordeaux
- Cruise ship embarkation
- Day 24
Bordeaux to Libourne
Spend a leisurely morning on board as you cruise into Libourne, a 13th-century port. In the afternoon, explore Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage village with famous wineries, beautiful architecture, and historic monuments. The ship stays overnight at Libourne where the Dordogne and Isle rivers meet.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Libourne
- Arrival at Saint-Émilion
Optional Activities
- Explore Saint-Émilion - World Heritage medieval village with wineries, architecture, monuments, birthplace of macarons
Landmarks/POIs Saint-Émilion - Day 25
Libourne
Explore Libourne and the surrounding wine-growing region. Walk through the fortified harbour town's wool, wine, and salt trading history, taste wine at a Saint-Émilion château, visit a sturgeon farm for caviar production, or tour a 19th-century water mill with bread-making. Relax on board this afternoon sailing toward Blaye.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Blaye
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne - guided tour of fortified harbour town with trade history
- Wines and vineyards of Saint-Emilion - journey to countryside, wine tasting at renowned château, explore property
- Excursion to sturgeon farm - learn about caviar production with tasting
- Artisanal flour mill - tour 19th-century restored water mill on Isle River, bread-making workshop
Landmarks/POIs Libourne - Day 26
Blaye
Arrive in Blaye, home to a World Heritage citadel built to protect Bordeaux. Choose a leisurely walking tour through the charming city overlooking the Gironde Estuary or an active tour exploring the fortress and Vauban's defense system. Tonight, visit the 13th-century Château d'Agassac for wine tasting and a string quartet concert.
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - evening at Château d'Agassac with wine tasting and classical string quartet concert
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - stroll through charming city with local guide, World Heritage monument overlooking Gironde Estuary
- Active walking tour of Blaye - explore citadel with local guide, learn about Vauban's famous defense system
Landmarks/POIs Citadel of Blaye Château d'Agassac - Day 27
Blaye to Fort Médoc to Bourg
Wake at Fort Médoc in the prestigious Médoc wine region, famous for cabernet sauvignon. Travel by coach or e-bike through vineyards for wine tasting at a local winery. Cruise to Bourg on a rocky promontory. Visit a carriages museum, cycle along the scenic Captain's Road with ocean views, or taste wine at a local estate.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Bourg
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - travel through region to local winery for tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - discover countryside by e-bike, sample prestigious estates
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - visit museum inside Bourg Castle grounds with local guide
- Guided cycling along the Captain's Road - active cycling tour along winding coastal road with views, old captains homesteads, fishermen huts, vineyards
- Visit a local estate - panoramic views of Gironde, Côtes de Bourg wine tasting at local winery
Landmarks/POIs Bourg Castle - Day 28
Bordeaux to Cadillac
Depart early and cruise the Garonne River to Cadillac, a 13th-century fortified city centered around a magnificent château. Explore the Sauternes wine region by coach or e-bike with tastings, or walk through Cadillac's medieval township with narrow streets, marketplace, and château visit.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Cadillac
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - explore Sauternes region, wine tasting at château
- Sauternes by bike - cycle through rolling vineyards on e-bike, sample local wines, learn about grape harvesting and production
- Walking tour of Cadillac - discover medieval township with narrow streets, marketplace, château visit
Landmarks/POIs Cadillac Château - Day 29
Cadillac to Bordeaux
Wake in Bordeaux, an important trading port since the Middle Ages. Join a guided tour of the Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, pedal through historic streets on a cycling tour sampling cannelé pastries, or shop at markets with the Scenic chef for a cooking lesson. Spend the afternoon wandering the waterfront or visiting the La Cité du Vin wine museum.
Included Activities
- Cruise back to Bordeaux
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - discover city highlights, magnificent Gothic cathedral, Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - pedal through historic Bordeaux, sample traditional canelé custard cakes
- Shop with a chef - source fresh local produce at food market, return to Scenic Culinaire for French cooking lesson
Landmarks/POIs Bordeaux Cathedral Place de la Bourse Golden Triangle La Cité du Vin - Day 30
Bordeaux to Porto
Take an included flight from Bordeaux to Porto for the final leg of your journey through Portugal. You'll transition from France's wine regions to Portugal's rich river and wine culture.
Included Activities
- Flight from Bordeaux to Porto
- Day 31
Porto
Wake in Porto, a 2,000-year-old city with youthful energy, historic buildings decorated with colorful tiles, and restaurants featuring local delicacies. Take a guided tour exploring the culture and iconic Palácio da Bolsa, or travel to Vila Nova de Gaia for a cable car ride over the Dom Luis bridge. This afternoon, create your own tile painting masterpiece in a workshop.
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop - learn about Portugal's decorative tile history and create your own
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto - discover rich culture and history, visit Palácio da Bolsa
- Active tour of Porto including cable car - travel to Vila Nova de Gaia, take cable car ride over Dom Luis bridge crossing Douro River, walk to Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, Rua das Flores
Landmarks/POIs Palácio da Bolsa Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores - Day 32
Porto to Entre-os-Rios to Regua
Your first stop is Entre-os-Rios where you explore the verdant Douro Valley. Hike along the Paiva River, visit the Quinta da Aveleda sparkling wine estate, or explore Guimarães, the 'cradle of Portugal' with a 15th-century palace. Relax on board this afternoon cruising to Régua and visit the Douro Museum.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Régua
- Visit to Douro Museum
Optional Activities
- Paiva Walkways - active hike along Paiva River
- Quinta da Aveleda - explore fairytale sparkling wine producer on impressive estate
- Excursion to Guimarães - visit World Heritage city, explore 15th-century palace with historic tapestries, furniture, weapons
Landmarks/POIs Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Douro Museum - Day 33
Régua
Spend a full day exploring the Douro Valley wine region with morning and afternoon options. Explore the Varosa Valley with charming villages, visit a Quinta learning olive oil production from an 11-generation family farm, then lunch on board. Afternoon activities include exploring Lamego in terraced vineyards, Mateus Palace, or a Port wine blending workshop at Quinta de Pacheca.
Optional Activities
- Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha, only with Scenic - explore valley, visit restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, walk fortified bridge of Ucanha (Portugal's first toll bridge)
- Quinta visit with olive tasting - visit family-run Quinta operated for 11 generations, learn olive oil production
- Excursion to Lamego - coach to town nestled in terraced Port wine vineyards, tour culminates at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Mateus Palace - coach transfer to palace, one of Portugal's best Baroque civil architecture examples
- Port Wine Blending Class - visit Quinta de Pacheca, hands-on workshop on Port blending process
Landmarks/POIs Varosa Valley Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca Ucanha Bridge Lamego Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 34
Régua to Vega de Terrón
Take things slowly today cruising through the Vinhateiro wine-growing region, the world's first demarcated wine region from 1756. Terraced vineyards line the Douro Valley dotted with farmhouses and villages. The entire area is World Heritage listed. You arrive in Vega de Terrón this evening.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Vinhateiro wine region to Vega de Terrón
Landmarks/POIs Vinhateiro Wine Region - Day 35
Vega de Terrón
Wake in Vega de Terrón on the Portugal-Spain border where the Douro and Águeda rivers meet. This unspoiled small town with quiet streets is a gateway to Salamanca. Choose a full day in Salamanca with its two cathedrals from the 12th and 16th centuries, market visits, and lunch time, or visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta where handcrafted silk is still processed by hand.
Optional Activities
- Salamanca Full Day Excursion - guided tour of two cathedrals (12th and 16th centuries), visit market for local delicacies, free time to explore and enjoy lunch
- Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum - visit village with unique handcrafted silk processing, guided tour of silk museum, return to ship for lunch
Landmarks/POIs Salamanca Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 36
Vega de Terrón to Pocinho
Wake in Pocinho, established as the Douro Railway terminus in 1887. Transfer to the Côa Valley Museum showcasing Paleolithic rock art with artifacts and digital technology plus a prehistoric workshop, or visit Casa Painova estate learning about sweet almond production with tastings. Relax on board this afternoon cruising toward Pinhão.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Pinhão
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum - coach transfer to museum (opened 2010), largest museum in Portugal, contemporary building, Paleolithic rock art introduction, prehistoric workshop
- Village life in the Côa Valley - visit Casa Painova estate, demonstration of sweet almond production, learn harvesting and use in desserts, tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products
Landmarks/POIs Côa Valley Museum Casa Painova - Day 37
Pinhão
Wake in Pinhão on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River surrounded by terraced vineyards producing exceptional Port wine. Transfer to the charming village of Provesende on a plateau with spectacular views. Wander the village, visit the church, discover handicrafts, and taste bola at the historic manor. Afternoon options include kayaking, hiking vineyard terraces, or Port wine tasting and vineyard tour.
Included Activities
- Transfer to Provesende
- Visit church, old bakery, traditional handicraft and historic manor Morgadio da Calçada with bola tasting
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River - paddle past impressive landscapes via kayak on Pinhão River tributary
- Quinta vineyard hike - guided hike through breathtaking vineyards of Quinta da Roada in Douro Valley
- Quinta tasting - visit Quinta da Roada estate, tasting of region's Port wine, guided walking tour learning vineyard secrets
Landmarks/POIs Provesende Morgadio da Calçada Quinta da Roada - Day 38
Pinhão to Porto
Enjoy leisure time as you continue sailing along the Douro River. Your ship arrives back in Porto this afternoon where you'll experience an exclusive classical concert tonight at the ornate São Francisco Church with intricate gold-carved wood interior.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Porto
- Scenic Enrich - classical music performance in São Francisco Church (13th-century Gothic church with ornately carved gilded wooden altar)
Landmarks/POIs São Francisco Church - Day 39
Porto
Wake in Porto with options to explore on your terms. Join a guided walking tour of Aveiro with a moliceiros flat-bottomed boat cruise, play 6 holes at Quinta do Fojo Golf Club, or visit Cockburn's Port cellar for a guided tour and tasting. The afternoon is free to explore Porto leisurely. Return for a farewell dinner and an illumination cruise passing six bridges spanning the Douro.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner on board
- Illumination cruise through Porto
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Aveiro with cruise - guided walking tour of canal city, moliceiros flat-bottomed boat cruise unique to city
- Round of golf - play 6 holes at Quinta do Fojo Golf Club
- Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia - visit Cockburn's Port cellar, guided visit and tasting
Landmarks/POIs Aveiro Quinta do Fojo Golf Club Cockburn's Port Cellar - Day 40
Porto to Amarante
Disembark and travel by coach to Amarante, a charming town on the Tâmega river in northern Portugal. Discover the Baroque architecture and narrow historic streets. Stop at a local bakery for pastries before returning to Porto. Check into your hotel and have a free afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Amarante
- Guided exploration of Amarante
- Pastry stop at local bakery
- Coach transfer back to Porto
- Hotel check-in
Optional Activities
- Free afternoon to explore Porto
Landmarks/POIs Amarante - Day 41
Porto
After breakfast, travel by coach to a fishing village on Porto's edge to understand why fishing is integral to Portuguese culture. Explore this important industry and enjoy local specialties at a village eatery. Return to Porto for free time exploring independently. Tonight, dine in a port cellar with wine tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Dinner (Dinner in port cellar with wine tasting)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Coach transfer to fishing village
- Explore local fishing industry
- Meal at village eatery
- Coach transfer back to Porto
- Dinner in port cellar with wine tasting
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Porto
- Day 42
Porto to Home
After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your journey home. You're carrying unforgettable memories from 42 days exploring France's river valleys, Bordeaux wine country, and Portugal's stunning Douro regions and coastal cities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Airport transfer
