Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon and transfer to the Scenic Sapphire to get settled into your suite. Spend the afternoon walking around the ship and relaxing on the Sun Deck, taking in views of the city from the water.
Optional Activities
- Explore Scenic Sapphire ship and amenities
Landmarks Lyon - Day 2
Mâcon
This morning you'll cruise toward Mâcon while taking in the riverside scenery from your suite. Once there, you've got several options to choose from. You could see the Renaissance Château de Cormatin and walk through its gilded rooms and gardens, or head to the Michelin-starred Georges Blanc restaurant for an exclusive cooking demonstration. If you're interested in food, there's a local truffle farm where you can taste truffle products. For history lovers, the 10th-century Cluny Abbey offers a guided tour of this historic site in the charming Burgundy wine region.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin with guided visit including gilded rooms, moat, water features, and manicured gardens
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration at Michelin starred restaurant in Vonnas with preparation of classic regional dishes
- Truffle tasting at local farm near Cortevaix including truffle butter and chocolate mousse with local French white wine
- Guided tour of Cluny Abbey - 10th-century Benedictine monastery with Romanesque and Gothic architecture
Landmarks Château de Cormatin Cluny Abbey 
- Day 3
Vienne
Your ship pulls into Vienne, a historic town on the Rhône River south of Lyon. You can take a guided walk to see the Roman theatre that once held 10,000 spectators, or try an easy 19 km cycling route that passes Roman ruins and the temple of Augustus and Livia. Wine enthusiasts might prefer a private tasting of Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines at a Chavanay vineyard. Later this afternoon, the ship heads to Tournon.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre - guided exploration of Roman heritage including hillside theatre with 10,000-seat capacity
- Cycling tour of Vienne - easy 19 km route through Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal exploring Roman ruins and temple of Augustus and Livia
- St-Joseph Côte-Rôtie wine tasting - private tasting of Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines at Chavanay vineyard
Landmarks Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus and Livia Saint-Romain-en-Gal 
- Day 4
Tournon
You'll arrive early in Tournon, a hillside town known for its terraced vineyards and 10th-century castle. Morning activities include a walking tour of the castle and historic town, or you could hike through the sloping vineyards above the Rhône with a wine tasting included. Cycling along the riverbanks to nearby Glun is another option. The afternoon is yours to explore town freely. Later, you'll meet other guests for an aperitif on the castle terrace with sweeping views, then head back to the ship for a dessert buffet of French pastries.
Included Activities
- Aperitif on the 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 history and castle built between 10th-16th centuries with optional visit to Tain l'Hermitage
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - nature hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River with wine tasting
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle scenic banks of Rhône River past charming villages to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage - Day 5
Avignon
After lunch, you'll dock in Avignon, the historic City of the Popes. This medieval walled city has plenty to see, including the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d'Avignon bridge. Choose a guided walking tour of the city and Pope's Palace (which requires moderate fitness), visit the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, or go kayaking beneath the aqueduct on the Gardon River. There's also an exclusive private gala dinner with classical concert at the Pope's Palace after hours if you want something special.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including visit to the Popes Palace - guided exploration of historic city walls and Pope's Palace, former seat of Western Christianity in 14th century
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from first century designed to carry water to Nîmes
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - paddle kayak beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct on tranquil Gardon River
- Exclusive gala dinner with classical concert at Palais des Papes - after-hours private access to Pope's Palace for dinner in his dining room with trio of musicians
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard 
- Day 6
Avignon
You'll spend the full day exploring Avignon and the Provence region. Visit the hilltop village of Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, or shop at the local market with your Scenic chef followed by a cooking demonstration at the ship's cooking school. You could also visit a lavender producer and see the ochre-cliff village of Roussillon, or sample celebrated wines at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - visit Gordes and picturesque Sénanque Abbey (exterior visit on Sundays)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - visit local market with Scenic chef to shop and taste regional ingredients, return to ship for interactive cooking demonstration
- Lavender Museum with visit to Roussillon - visit local lavender producer to learn cultivation and harvesting, guided tour of Roussillon village
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - sample region's celebrated Côte du Rhône wines
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 7
Arles
You'll start your day in Arles, where Roman history and Provençal culture blend together. For the morning, you have options depending on what interests you most. Take a guided walking tour through the Roman amphitheatre and see how the structures have held up over centuries, or head to the medieval village of Les Baux where there's an immersive light show that plays across the ancient stone buildings. If you prefer something different, you can visit a working olive mill to learn traditional recipes and taste local products, or spend time at a lavender farm where you'll have the chance to create your own perfume. After lunch, the afternoon is flexible. Wander through Arles' narrow streets and squares on your own, or join a painting class onboard where you'll work inspired by Van Gogh's time in this region. The city has that particular light and color that drew him here, so it makes sense to try capturing it yourself.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity selection (guided tour of Arles with local guide visiting Arènes d'Arles Roman amphitheatre, visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières immersive installation, ancestry of the kitchen with olive mill tour and traditional Provencal recipes, or discovery of lavender from field to perfume)
- On-board painting class
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Arles
Landmarks Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières - Day 8
Viviers
You're arriving in Viviers, an open-air museum thanks to its medieval heritage and largely unchanged narrow zig-zagging lanes from over 1,600 years ago. This morning, you can choose a guided walking tour of the 11th-century Cathedral of St. Vincent or learn about French Resistance stories from WWII. The afternoon brings options to explore Ardèche Nature Park with the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum (a replica of the world's largest decorated Palaeolithic cave), discover caves and underground formations, or visit the provincial town of Grignan with its castle.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - explore monuments and architectural treasures including Cathedral of St. Vincent with free time
- French Resistance walking tour of Viviers - hear stories of heroism and local WWII Resistance missions
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins with world's largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica
- 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 beautiful provincial town with castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Madeleine Caves Grignan - Day 9
Rhône River Cruise
You relax on board as the ship cruises back toward Lyon. Enjoy the Rhône River vistas from the Sun Deck, use the Salt Therapy Lounge, or join a French cookery lesson. Tonight features an exclusive acapella choir performance at Trinity Chapel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise along Rhône River back towards Lyon
- Acapella choir performance at Trinity Chapel (Scenic Enrich)
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
- Salt Therapy Lounge
- Sun Deck relaxation
Landmarks Trinity Chapel - Day 10
Lyon
You'll wake up in Lyon, France's culinary capital, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Founded by Romans in 43 BC, this city has more than 4,000 restaurants including 20 Michelin-starred establishments. Take a guided tour discovering hidden traboules (secret passageways from the fourth century) and the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvierre, visit the medieval walled village of Pérouges, or try a silk painting workshop exploring Lyon's five-century silk production heritage.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - discover historic traboules and secret passageways dating to fourth century with visit to Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvierre
- Excursion to Pérouges - medieval walled village with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled lanes and centuries-old lime tree in market square
- Silk painting workshop - learn about Lyon's five-century silk production heritage and silk painting process
Landmarks Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvierre Pérouges - Day 11
Lyon to Bordeaux
Board your included flight from Lyon to Bordeaux and transfer to the Scenic Diamond for your 10-night cruise along the Garonne River and surrounding wine regions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Lyon to Bordeaux
- Day 12
Libourne
You sail toward Libourne admiring riverside scenery. After lunch take a tour to nearby Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage village with medieval buildings and the unique underground Monolithic Church. You'll overnight docked in Libourne, a 13th century port and winemaking capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour to Saint-Émilion including Monolithic Church
Landmarks Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church - Day 13
Libourne
Explore Libourne and surroundings this morning. Choose from a guided walking tour of the historic port town, cycling through Saint-Émilion vineyards with tasting, biking to Château Siaurac with wine tasting, or a paint and pour class on deck with local wines. The ship sets sail this afternoon for Fort Médoc.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion with vineyard tour and tasting
- Biking and tasting at Château Siaurac
- Paint and Pour class on Sun Deck with watercolour techniques and local wines
Landmarks Château Siaurac - Day 14
Fort Médoc
You explore the Médoc wine region, considered a leading red wine producer with legendary châteaux. Pick from a coach or e-bike tour through Route des Châteaux vineyards to a local winery for tasting. An optional exclusive classical concert at 13th-century Château d'Agassac is available.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach through Route des Châteaux
- Médoc wine tasting by e-bike to prestigious estates
- Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac (Scenic Enrich)
Landmarks Château d'Agassac - Day 15
Cadillac
Relax on board this morning sailing to Cadillac. Get spa treatments or join French cuisine lessons in Scenic Culinaire. You arrive after lunch in this picturesque town founded in 1280 with grand historic buildings, named after the French explorer who founded Detroit.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Cadillac
Optional Activities
- Spa treatments
- French cuisine lesson in Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks Cadillac - Day 16
Cadillac
You explore the Sauternes wine region known for sweet fortified wines. Morning you can choose between a coach or bike tour through vineyards to a château for tasting. Afternoon you can tour ancient Roquetaillade Castle, cycle through Loupiac wine region to Château Benauge, or take a guided tour of Château Toulouse-Lautrec.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sauternes wine tasting by coach
- Sauternes wine tasting by bike
- Roquetaillade Castle tour with family ancestors 700+ years
- Biking in Loupiac wine region to Château Benauge
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec guided tour including apartments of famous painter
Landmarks Roquetaillade Castle Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 17
Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux's culinary delights and scenic treasures. Choose from a guided city tour seeing the Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, cycling tour sampling treats like canelé, shopping with a chef at a local market then cooking demonstration, or fresh oyster tasting on board. An optional exclusive afterhours access to Bassins des Lumières digital art installation is available.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Fresh oyster tasting from Arcachon Bay on board
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - cathedral and Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux with treats
- Shop with chef and cooking demonstration
- Afterhours access to Bassins des Lumières with Champagne and customized digital art show (Scenic Enrich)
Landmarks Bassins des Lumières - Day 18
Bordeaux
Continue exploring Bordeaux. Choose from the Cité du Vin Museum interactive wine discovery by local tram, cruising through Bordeaux by motorcycle and sidecar, or a guided walking tour of charming bayside town Arcachon finishing at Baltard market. You have afternoon free time on board as the ship sails toward Bourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum visit by local tram
- Bordeaux tour by motorcycle and sidecar
- Arcachon walking tour with Baltard market visit
Landmarks Cité du Vin Arcachon Baltard Market - Day 19
Bourg
You dock in picturesque Bourg, a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on a rocky promontory on the Dordogne. Choose from visiting the Carriages Museum inside Bourg Castle, touring charming historic Saintes, or a full day excursion to Cognac with walking tour, Rémy Martin estate tour and brandy sampling.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bourg Carriages Museum with local guide
- Historic Saintes tour
- Full day Cognac excursion - walking tour, Rémy Martin estate tour, cognac sampling
Landmarks Bourg Castle Saintes Cognac - Day 20
Blaye
You arrive in Blaye, home to a World Heritage-listed citadel built to protect Bordeaux. Choose from strolling through the charming city with a local guide, an active walking tour of the citadel learning Vauban's defence system, active cycling along Captain's Road, or a guided visit to fortified Château de la Roche Courbon with manicured gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye and World Heritage citadel
- Active walking tour of Blaye citadel with defence system explanation
- Cycling along Captain's Road
- Château de la Roche Courbon guided visit
Landmarks Blaye Citadel Château de la Roche Courbon - Day 21
Bordeaux to Paris
Board your included flight from Bordeaux to Paris and transfer to the luxurious Scenic Gem for your 10-night cruise along the Seine River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Bordeaux to Paris
- Day 22
Les Andelys
The ship cruises gently along the Seine to Les Andelys, a waterside village with well-preserved Norman-era houses. You can take a Medieval-themed hike to Richard the Lionheart's castle Château Gaillard, do a town tour with castle visit, visit a local cider farm, or tour the 16th-century Renaissance Château Gaillon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with Richard the Lionheart Medieval-themed tour
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard visit
- Cider farm visit
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon tour
Landmarks Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 23
Rouen
You arrive in Rouen, Normandy's capital with 2,000 years of history from Vikings to WWII. This is where Richard the Lionheart was crowned and Joan of Arc died. Choose a guided city tour of cathedral, spires and medieval quarters, tour with a dressed guide as Viking Rollo, or join a photography discovery class. An evening includes a WWI lecture on the life of a Tommy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- WWI Lecture - Day in the life of a Tommy with interactive elements and equipment/weapons trial
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - cathedral, marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Joan of Arc history
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking in period costume
- Photography discovery class with local photographer
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral - Day 24
Rouen
Spend the full day in Rouen exploring regional history and cuisine. Choose from tasting Normandy delicacies like soft cheeses, cider and calvados, a full day Somme Battlefields excursion with Australian and Franco-Australian museums, or Somme Battlefields with Thiepval memorial. All visits include Newfoundland Memorial Park and shell holes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - local producers tasting cheeses, cider, calvados
- Somme Battlefields excursion with Newfoundland Memorial Park, Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater
- Somme Battlefields with Thiepval - includes Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks Newfoundland Memorial Park Australian National Memorial - Sir John Monash Centre Lochnagar Crater Thiepval Memorial to the Missing Caterpillar Valley Cemetery - Day 25
Honfleur
You cruise to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the English Channel's edge and birthplace of Impressionism. Walk from the ship through the bustling harbour with half-timbered houses, restaurants and galleries. Take a guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine and Garden of Personalities. An evening lecture covers Operation Fortitude and the D-Day campaign.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities
- Evening lecture on Operation Fortitude and D-Day campaign daily life
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Honfleur
Landmarks Honfleur Inner Harbour Church of Sainte-Catherine 
- Day 26
Honfleur
Spend the full day in Honfleur with multiple WWII history options. Choose from a Normandy Beaches tour focused on US history at Utah and Omaha beaches, UK history at Bayeux and British Normandy sites, Canadian history at Juno Beach and Abbaye d'Ardenne, or an alternative Bayeux tour for different historical era interest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Normandy Beaches - US history focused (Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach Memorial)
- Normandy Beaches - UK history focused (Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge, Ranville War Cemetery)
- Normandy Beaches - Canadian history focused (Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge)
- Bayeux tour - Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
Landmarks Utah Beach Omaha Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Landing Museum 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 27
Caudebec-en-Caux
You cruise inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a Medieval town on a Seine curve with handsome riverfront homes. Choose from e-biking to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum, visiting Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace with liqueur tasting, learning French Resistance stories, or exploring abbeys on Normandy Abbey Road along the Seine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - e-bike flat eight-kilometre route
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - 19th-century architectural masterpiece with liqueur tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance walking tour
- Normandy Abbey Road exploration with local guide
Landmarks Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 28
Vernon
You arrive in Vernon, a border town between Normandy and France with rich heritage. Choose from visiting Claude Monet's House and Garden in Giverny with Japanese-inspired water garden, self-guided cycling tour to Giverny, or an on board painting class. An evening Scenic Enrich features a classical concert at 16th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon with French composer music (Scenic Enrich)
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden tour in Giverny with free time
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - approximately five kilometres each way
- On board painting class
Landmarks Monet's House and Garden Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 29
Conflans-Saint-Honorine
You wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town at Seine and Oise confluence just outside Paris. Visit the ancient church built by monks in the 9th century. Choose from Van Gogh's final masterpiece locations in Auvers-sur-Oise including his rented room, Château de Chantilly, inland water transport museum, or Château de Malmaison with Napoleon and Josephine's residence featuring neoclassical architecture. You cruise back to Paris this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Auvers-sur-Oise visit - Van Gogh landmarks and attic room
- Château de Chantilly guided tour - note closed Tuesdays, replaced with Versailles
- Musée de la Batellerie - inland water transport museum
- Château de Malmaison - Napoleon and Josephine's neoclassical residence with museum
Landmarks Auvers-sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church Château de Chantilly Château de Malmaison Musée de la Batellerie - Day 30
Paris
Spend the day exploring iconic Paris. Choose from a guided Marais district walking tour with a local Parisian, highlights city tour seeing the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, Opera Garnier tour, or coach tour to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte which inspired Versailles. The afternoon is free to explore - visit the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysée, Montmartre and Moulin Rouge, or relax on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais district guided walking tour with local Parisian
- Highlights of Paris city tour - Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opera Garnier tour with ornately decorated rooms
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte day tour - founding French formal garden
Landmarks 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 Departure
Your journey concludes this morning. You disembark after breakfast with wonderful memories of this unique part of France. Transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer to Paris airport or train station
