Itinerary
- Day 1
Bordeaux
You'll arrive in Bordeaux and board the Scenic Diamond, settling in with other passengers before the cruise officially begins. The ship will sail through the Gironde, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers as you get oriented to your new home for the next week and a half.
Included Activities
- Board Scenic Diamond cruise ship
Landmarks Bordeaux 
- Day 2
Bordeaux to Libourne
The ship sails toward Libourne while you take in the quiet riverside views. After lunch, you'll join a tour to Saint-Émilion, a medieval village with World Heritage status. The Monolithic Church there is something special since most of it sits underground, carved directly into limestone rock. You'll sleep in Libourne tonight, a 13th-century port town that's also a major winemaking center.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Saint-Émilion
- Visit Monolithic Church in Saint-Émilion
Landmarks Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church Libourne - Day 3
Libourne
The morning is yours to explore Libourne and its surroundings. You can pick from a guided walking tour, visit vineyards for tastings, cycle through wine country, or take a painting and wine class right on deck. The ship then heads toward Fort Médoc in the afternoon, docking there overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne exploring its rich history of wool, wine, salt and wood trade
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion - journey to countryside and explore vineyards with tasting
- Biking and tasting at Château Siaurac - cycle through wine-growing region with estate tasting
- Paint and Pour - watercolour painting class on Sun Deck with local artist and local wine tasting
Landmarks Libourne Saint-Émilion Château Siaurac - Day 4
Fort Médoc
You're in Médoc today, known as the world's top red wine region with famous châteaux scattered throughout. Choose either a coach tour or e-bike route along the 'Route of Castles' with local winery tastings. If you want something different, there's a classical concert at the 13th-century Château d'Agassac as an enrichment option.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - travel through scenic region on Route des Châteaux to local winery with tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - discover Médoc countryside by e-bike visiting grand châteaux with wine tasting at prestigious estate
- Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac - live classical music performance at 13th-century château in Medoc countryside
Landmarks Château d'Agassac - Day 5
Fort Médoc to Cadillac
Relax on board this morning as the ship cruises to Cadillac. You can book optional spa treatments or attend a French cooking class in the Scenic Culinaire kitchen. You'll arrive in Cadillac after lunch, a historic town founded in 1280 that has an interesting connection to the American car industry.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment at onboard spa
- French cuisine lesson in Scenic Culinaire cooking school
Landmarks Cadillac - Day 6
Cadillac
Cadillac sits near the Sauternes wine region, famous for its sweet fortified wines. In the morning, choose a coach or bike tour through the vineyards with tastings. The afternoon offers castle tours, cycling through wine regions, or visits to historic estates linked to well-known painters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - coach tour through Sauternes to vineyard for wine tasting
- Sauternes by bike - cycle through rolling vineyards of Sauternes for tasting
- Roquetaillade Castle - guided tour of ancient castle with family residents for 700+ years
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region - cycle landscapes of Gironde in Loupiac wine region viewing Château Benauge
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec - guided tour of historic estate including apartments of famous painter
Landmarks Roquetaillade Castle Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 7
Bordeaux
Back in Bordeaux, multiple freechoice options let you pick your focus. Take a city tour, cycle past local bakeries known for canelé cakes, shop at markets with the onboard chef, or taste fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay. That evening you'll get exclusive after-hours access to the Bassins des Lumières digital art installation with champagne.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tasting of fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay delivered onboard
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - discover highlights including Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - guided bike tour sampling local treats like canelé
- Shop with a chef - join onboard chef at local food market, taste regional ingredients, cooking demonstration of French fare
- Afterhours access to Bassins des Lumières - exclusive evening access to former WWII submarine base with glass of Champagne and customized digital art show
Landmarks Bordeaux Cathedral Place de la Bourse Bassins des Lumières Arcachon Bay - Day 8
Bordeaux to Bourg
Bordeaux continues with more choices: visit the interactive Cité du Vin Museum by local tram, take a motorcycle sidecar tour through the city, or walk through charming Arcachon and its Baltard food market. Afternoon is free on board as the ship sails toward Bourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum - local tram to interactive wine discovery museum
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - cruise through Bordeaux in motorcycle sidecar or on back of motorcycle
- Visit Arcachon - walking tour of charming bayside town ending at Baltard undercover food market
Landmarks Cité du Vin Arcachon Baltard Market - Day 9
Bourg
The ship docks in Bourg, a pretty town on a rocky promontory with old alleyways and bell towers along the Dordogne. You can visit the Carriages Museum at Bourg Castle, explore Saintes with its 2,000 years of history, or take a full-day trip to Cognac for a town tour and brandy estate tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - guided visit to museum inside Bourg Castle grounds with unique horse-drawn carriage collection
- Historic Saintes - tour of charming town in Charente-Maritime with 2,000 years of history and lush gardens
- Full day excursion to Cognac - walking tour of fortified city, lunch, tour of Rémy Martin estate with cognac sampling
Landmarks Bourg Castle Saintes Cognac Rémy Martin Estate - Day 10
Blaye
You arrive in Blaye, a small hamlet with a World Heritage citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks. Pick a leisurely walk with views of the Gironde Estuary, an active citadel tour exploring Vauban's defense system, cycling along the Captain's Road, or visiting the fortified Château de la Roche Courbon with its manicured gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - stroll through charming city viewing World Heritage-listed monument overlooking Gironde Estuary
- Active walking tour of Blaye - tour citadel exploring famous architect Sébastien Vauban's defense system
- Cycling along the Captain's Road - active cycling tour along scenic route
- Visit Château de la Roche Courbon - guided visit of fortified castle transformed into historic château with manicured gardens
Landmarks Blaye Citadel Château de la Roche Courbon 
- Day 11
Bordeaux to Lyon
An included flight takes you from Bordeaux to Lyon. Once there, you'll board the Scenic Sapphire, your next luxury river cruise ship, and meet the crew who'll welcome you on board.
Landmarks Lyon - Day 12
Lyon to Mâcon
Spend a relaxed morning on board as the ship heads toward Mâcon. Settle into your suite with coffee and enjoy riverside views from the Scenic Sun Lounge. Mâcon serves as a base for exploring Burgundy's wine region. Choose from excursions to Renaissance castles, Michelin-starred cooking demonstrations, truffle farm tastings, or visits to historic Cluny Abbey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - guided visit to splendid Renaissance castle with gilded rooms, moat, water features and manicured gardens with free time to explore
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - exclusive cooking demonstration at Michelin-starred restaurant in Vonnas with culinary story and free village exploration time
- Truffle tasting - visit local truffle farm near Cortevaix, meet farmer and hound, learn truffle cultivation and harvesting, tasting of truffle butter and chocolate mousse with truffles paired with local French white wine
- Excursion to Cluny and visit Cluny Abbey - guided tour of Cluny village and magnificent 10th-century Benedictine Abbey with Romanesque and Gothic architecture
Landmarks Mâcon Château de Cormatin Georges Blanc Restaurant Cluny Abbey Cluny - Day 13
Mâcon to Vienne
You wake as the ship arrives in Vienne, a historic town on the Rhône River just south of Lyon known for Roman ruins and medieval character. Take a guided walking tour exploring the hilltop Roman Theatre and historic streets, cycle through town and across the Rhône, or enjoy private tastings of Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines. The ship leaves for Tournon later in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre - guided tour discovering Roman heritage including hillside theatre for 10,000 spectators, city gardens, ancient walls, cathedral and Renaissance streets with free exploration time
- Cycling tour of Vienne - cycle easy 19 km route through Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal exploring Roman ruins, temple of Augustus and Livia, Rhône River, nature-rich islands and Gallo-Roman museum mosaics
- St-Joseph Côte-Rôtie wine tasting - private tasting of prestigious Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines with guided visit to Chavanay vineyard
Landmarks Vienne Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus and Livia Saint-Romain-en-Gal Gallo-Roman Museum - Day 14
Tournon
Tournon comes into view early, a hillside village with terraced vineyards, a 10th-century castle, and cobblestone streets. Morning activities include castle walking tours, hiking through sloping vineyards overlooking the Rhône, or cycling along its banks. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage. Evening brings an aperitif on the castle terrace with river views, followed by French pastries on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif on terrace of Tournon Castle 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 learning history, visit castle built between 10th-16th centuries, cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River learning local wine production with regional wine tasting
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle picturesque Rhône River banks past charming villages to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Glun - Day 15
Avignon
You dock in Avignon, the ancient City of the Popes, after lunch. Medieval architecture, a youthful atmosphere, and vibrant arts define this walled city home to the World Heritage Pope's Palace, one of Europe's largest Gothic structures. Morning tours include the palace and the ancient Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct, with kayaking available. An exclusive after-hours gala dinner with classical music happens inside the Pope's Palace that evening.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Pope's Palace visit - guided walk through historic city walls and Pope's Palace, 14th-century seat of Papacy and Western Christianity (moderate fitness required for cobblestones and palace steps)
- Excursion to Pont du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from middle of first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to Nîmes
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - paddle kayak on tranquil Gardon River beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct for unique perspective
- Exclusive after-hours Gala Dinner at Pope's Palace - private evening access with glass of champagne, exclusive gala dinner in Pope's former dining room with classical music trio
Landmarks Avignon Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Gardon River 
- Day 16
Avignon
You have the full day in Avignon, the gateway to Provence with its vineyards and lavender fields. Visit beautiful Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey, shop at local markets with the chef for cooking demonstrations, explore lavender producers in Roussillon, or taste wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - visit Gordes considered most beautiful French village with stone buildings spiraling on rock, then visit picturesque Sénanque Abbey (exterior only on Sundays)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - join chef at local market shopping and tasting regional ingredients with interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire (market closed Mondays)
- Lavender Museum with visit to Roussillon village - visit local lavender producer learning cultivation and harvesting, guided tour of beautiful Roussillon village in Luberon region
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - sample celebrated wines from Côte du Rhône vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape village
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 17
Arles
Arles marks the southernmost point of your journey in Provence, close to the Mediterranean. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, it holds more Roman ruins outside Rome than almost anywhere else. Choose guided city tours visiting the ancient Roman amphitheatre, medieval village visits with art installations, olive farm tours, lavender production visits (typically late June to mid-August), or afternoon painting classes inspired by Van Gogh's time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - insightful walking tour visiting ancient Roman amphitheatre Arènes d'Arles 20,000-seat arena still in use, experience vibrant light quality that inspired artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - journey to medieval village of Les Baux with 7,000 square-metre immersive visual and musical installation highlighting notable artists
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - visit local olive farm learning olive oil production techniques, owner shares regional experience and traditional Provencal recipes
- Discovery of Lavender: from field to perfume - visit organic farm specializing in lavender, thyme, rosemary and other herbs (typically late June to mid-August), discover health benefits, learn essential oil extraction process, create own lavender perfume
- On board painting class - afternoon class learning artistic heritage of region while painting masterpiece inspired by Vincent Van Gogh
Landmarks Arles Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 18
Viviers
Viviers arrives looking like an open-air museum with medieval heritage and architecture dating back to the fifth century. The narrow zig-zagging lanes feel largely unchanged over 1,600 years. Morning walks explore monuments and the Cathedral of St. Vincent, or French Resistance history tours. Afternoon options include Ardèche Nature Park with its Palaeolithic cave replica museum, actual decorated caves with intricate rock formations, or trips to the provincial town of Grignan with its castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - guided exploration of monuments and architectural treasures including Cathedral of St. Vincent with 18th-century Gothic style and Renaissance façade, free exploration time
- French Resistance walking tour - guided tour learning stories of French Resistance heroism and daring missions during WWII Nazi Occupation
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - explore park mountains and medieval fortress ruins, visit largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in world (original too fragile for public access)
- Explore caves in Ardèche Nature Park - drive through rugged natural beauty from Ardèche Gorge to Madeleine Caves viewing intricate rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites and underground lakes (moderate fitness and sturdy shoes required)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - guided exploration of beautiful provincial town viewing castle dominating town and Collegiate Church of Holy Saviour with leisure time
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral of St. Vincent Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Madeleine Caves Grignan Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour - Day 19
Rhône River Cruise to Lyon
Spend a relaxed day on board as the ship cruises back toward Lyon, taking in the beautiful Rhône River scenery. Bask on the Sun Deck, relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge, or learn French cooking in Scenic Culinaire. The evening features an exclusive acapella choir performance in the magnificent Trinity Chapel, a 17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble interior.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Evening acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel - exclusive Scenic guest experience in 17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble interior
Optional Activities
- Bask on Sun Deck
- Relax in Salt Therapy Lounge
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks Trinity Chapel 
- Day 20
Lyon
You arrive in Lyon, recognized as France's culinary capital with over 4,000 restaurants including 20 Michelin-starred establishments. Founded by Romans in 43BC at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, it became a financial and industrial powerhouse since the mid-1500s. Choose guided city tours exploring historic traboules and secret passageways, visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, take excursions to the preserved medieval walled village of Pérouges, or try silk painting workshops exploring the city's five-century silk heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - traverse hidden traboules and secret passageways from fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière with fabulous vantage point across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with preserved vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and ancient lime tree in market square (recommended for high fitness level due to uneven surfaces and hill walking)
- Silk painting workshop - learn about Lyon's five-century silk production heritage and 19th-century silk weaving industry through silk painting workshop experience
Landmarks Lyon Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Pérouges - Day 21
Lyon
Your journey concludes this morning. You'll say goodbye to your fellow guests and the Scenic crew, carrying away memories of your food-focused journey through France's wine regions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
