Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon by flight before 7:00 PM and transfer to your ship, the Scenic Sapphire. After getting settled into your suite, spend the afternoon relaxing on the Sun Deck or checking out your cabin while taking in views of the city from the water.
- Day 2
Chalon-sur-Saône
This morning the ship heads north into Burgundy wine country, docking in Chalon-sur-Saône with its half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral. You'll pick one of three options: a guided visit to a wine estate in Burgundy, a tour of the medieval walled town of Beaune with its famous hospital, or a WWII history tour focused on the French Resistance.
Optional Activities
- Burgundy wine discovery - Visit a local wine estate in the heart of Burgundy, join winemakers in the vineyard, learn about fermentation and wine production methods, and enjoy a guided wine tasting
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices - Travel through vineyards for a guided tour of Beaune, visit the Gothic-style medieval hospital now housing a museum, with free time to explore
- WWII in Chalon-sur-Saône - Learn about the French Resistance, the Demarcation Line, and the town's crucial role during World War II
Landmarks Chalon-sur-Saône Beaune Les Hospices de Beaune - Day 3
Tournus
Early departure brings you to Tournus, a Roman-founded riverside town with a grand Romanesque abbey and home to two Michelin-starred restaurants. Morning options include visiting the Renaissance Château de Cormatin, attending a cooking demonstration at a famous Michelin-starred restaurant, or checking out a local truffle farm. Later you'll see a cooperage demonstration on barrel making before cruising to Tournon.
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - Learn about the ancient craft of barrel making and its role in wine production
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - Admire Renaissance architecture with gilded rooms, moat and over 10 hectares of manicured gardens, built in 1605 and restored in the 1980s
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - Travel to Vonnas for a cooking demonstration at the world's longest-standing Michelin-starred restaurant, explore the gourmet village and museum
- Truffle Tasting - Visit a local truffle farm to meet the farmer and truffle-hunting dogs, learn about growing and harvesting, and enjoy a tasting
Landmarks Tournus Abbey Château de Cormatin Georges Blanc Restaurant 
- Day 4
Tournon
You wake in Tournon, surrounded by terraced vineyards with a 10th-century castle and cobblestone streets. Morning choices include a wine tasting of Côtes du Rhône wines, hiking through vineyards, a walking tour that takes in the castle and France's oldest suspension bridge, or cycling the Via Rhona route. The afternoon is free to walk around town, and this evening there's a dessert buffet from a local pastry chef on board.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dessert buffet on board featuring local pâtissier creations including delicate pastries, silky creams, and vibrant confections)
Included Activities
- Dessert buffet on board from local pâtissier
Optional Activities
- Côtes du Rhône Tasting - Guided tasting of renowned Côtes du Rhône wines with a local wine expert
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - First-hand look at famous vines on a hike through sloping vineyards, learn about local wine production and taste regional wines
- Walking tour of Tournon - Explore the ancient town, visit the castle (built 10th-16th centuries), cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage to visit chocolatier Valrhona
- Biking along the Rhône - Cycle a section of the Via Rhona bike route between Tournon and Gun, see charming villages, orchards, and historic bridges
Landmarks Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Chocolatier - Day 5
Avignon
You'll have a quiet morning on the ship with optional massages available. After lunch, you dock in Avignon, the City of the Popes. Choose from a guided walking tour of the city and Pope's Palace, a visit to the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, or kayaking beneath it. The evening features an exclusive Scenic Enrich event.
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour - Learn Avignon's rich history, wander ancient cobblestone streets to reach the Pope's Palace. Moderate fitness required
- Excursion to Pont du Gard - Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct built around 2,000 years ago, learn about this engineering marvel at the museum
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - Paddle a kayak on the Gardon River beneath the World Heritage-listed aqueduct and marvel at its stonework
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont du Gard - Day 6
Avignon
A full day in Avignon to explore on your own pace. Watch the sunrise from your balcony, then choose from four options: wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a drive through the Luberon Valley visiting Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, shopping at Avignon Market followed by a cooking demonstration, or visiting the Lavender Museum with its fields and ochre landscapes of Roussillon.
Optional Activities
- Wines of the Popes - Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Discover and taste the renowned wines of this exclusive appellation, famous for its iconic grenache
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - Drive to Gordes, visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. Note: Not open Sundays, exterior visit only on these days
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - Shop at Avignon Market for fresh produce and local ingredients, then join an interactive cooking demonstration. Note: Market closed Mondays
- Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon - Visit the Lavender Museum and adjoining field, guided tour of Roussillon village and the striking Ochre Trail
Landmarks Châteauneuf-du-Pape Gordes Sénanque Abbey Avignon Market Lavender Museum Roussillon - Day 7
Arles
Early morning cruise through Provence gets you to Arles, just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean. This Roman city has more ruins outside Rome than anywhere else and inspired many Van Gogh paintings. You'll select from three activities: exploring vineyards and tasting Provence rosé wine, a guided walking tour of Roman ruins and artistic heritage, or visiting the Carrières de Lumières digital art space followed by the medieval village of Les Baux.
Optional Activities
- Provence in Pink - Rosé wine tasting - Discover sun-drenched vineyards producing Provence's signature rosé, learn about terroir and grape varieties
- Guided tour of Arles - Walking tour from the ship to visit Roman ruins and experience the vibrant light that inspired many artists, with local guide providing historical and cultural insights
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - Marvel at the immersive digital art space in a former 7,000-square-metre quarry, then explore the stunning medieval village of Les Baux
Landmarks Arles Roman Ruins Carrières de Lumières Les Baux 
- Day 8
Viviers
After cruising north overnight, you arrive in Viviers, a fifth-century city that feels like an open-air museum with narrow lanes. Morning options include a walking tour of the Cathedral of St Vincent and architecture, a French Resistance walking tour, a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting, or visiting Ardèche Nature Park with its Palaeolithic cave replica museum or the provincial town of Grignan.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - Admire architectural treasures including the Cathedral of St Vincent with its mix of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles, with free time to explore
- French Resistance Walking Tour - Learn about French Resistance heroism and WWII missions while exploring the historic town on foot
- Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting - Guided tasting excursion of Rhône Valley wines, experience diverse terroir and traditional winemaking
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - Explore natural beauty and historic sites, visit the Palaeolithic cave replica museum (largest in the world)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - Visit the beautiful provincial town with its mighty castle and the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, with free time to explore
Landmarks Cathedral of St Vincent, Viviers Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, Grignan 
- Day 9
On the Rhône River
You spend the day aboard the Scenic Sapphire as it cruises back toward Lyon. Take in Rhône River views, taste local wines at lunch, or join a French cooking lesson. This evening, you'll attend an exclusive acapella choir performance inside the grand Trinity Chapel with its Carrera marble interior.
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel with marble interior
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
- Wine tasting over lunch
Landmarks Trinity Chapel - Day 10
Lyon
Your final day in Lyon, France's culinary capital at the confluence of two rivers and home to over 4,000 restaurants including 20 Michelin-starred establishments. Choose from a guided coach tour of Roman ruins and secret traboule passageways plus Notre Dame Basilica views, visiting the medieval walled village of Pérouges, or a silk painting workshop learning about Lyon's textile heritage.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - Coach tour past Roman ruins and traboules (secret 4th-century passageways), visit Notre Dame Basilica for city views
- Excursion to Pérouges - Visit medieval walled village on a hilltop overlooking the Ain River, walking tour through stone buildings and cobbled lanes. Note: Recommended for guests with high fitness level due to uneven surfaces and uphill/downhill walking
- Silk painting workshop - Learn about Lyon's rich silk heritage since the 15th century and create your own masterpiece
Landmarks Notre Dame Basilica, Lyon Pérouges - Day 11
Lyon to Porto
You'll board an included flight from Lyon to Porto, then transfer to the Scenic Azure for a 7-night Douro River cruise through Portugal.
Included Activities
- Flight from Lyon to Porto
- Day 12
Douro Valley - Pinhão
The ship meanders through the Douro Valley toward Pinhão, passing steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and grand estates. This afternoon you dock in Pinhão, a small village surrounded by vineyards producing exceptional Port wine. The charming riverside train station is decorated with hand-painted azulejos tiles depicting grape harvests, and you can try painting your own azulejos at a workshop.
Optional Activities
- Azulejos (hand-painted tiles) painting workshop
Landmarks Pinhão Train Station - Day 13
Provesende
This morning you visit Provesende, a charming village on a plateau with spectacular regional views. Walk through the village, stop at the church, discover the old bakery, watch traditional handicrafts being made, and visit the historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada where you'll try a tasting of bola, a local specialty.
- Meals
- Tasting (Tasting of delicious bola at historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada)
Included Activities
- Visit to village of Provesende
- Tasting of bola at historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada
Landmarks Provesende Morgadio da Calçada - Day 14
Salamanca or Freixo de Espada à Cinta
You've got options today with Scenic Freechoice. Pick between two different experiences. One route takes you to Salamanca, known as the golden city, where you can see two cathedrals, walk through the local market to try regional food, and have free time to wander around and grab lunch wherever you like. The other choice is the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, where you'll learn about how silk gets processed by hand at the museum, then head out to a Quinta estate to taste local products. Either way, you'll be back at the ship for lunch.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on the ship)
Included Activities
- Visit Salamanca's two cathedrals
- Sample local delicacies at a market in Salamanca
- Guided tour of Freixo de Espada à Cinta silk museum
- Visit and tasting at a local Quinta estate in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Salamanca and lunch at your leisure
- Walk down the zigzagged staircase at Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
Landmarks Salamanca Cathedral (New Cathedral) Salamanca Cathedral (Old Cathedral) Freixo de Espada à Cinta Silk Museum - Day 15
Pocinho to Régua
You're waking up in Pocinho, which was the main terminus for the Douro Railway back in 1887. This morning you can choose your own activity. Check out the Côa Valley Museum and see the Paleolithic rock art site (the largest open-air collection of its kind) plus a prehistoric workshop, or spend time in Freixo Numão exploring village life and visit Casa Painova to watch how traditional sugared almonds are made, with local tastings included. Later this afternoon, the ship heads toward Régua, a major riverside town and your base for the Port wine region with its distinctive terraced vineyards.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on the ship)
Included Activities
- Transfer by coach to Côa Valley Museum
- Pre-historic workshop at Côa Valley Museum
- Visit to small village of Freixo Numão
- Visit to Casa Painova estate with demonstration on sugared almond production
- Tasting of almonds and local products at Casa Painova
- Afternoon cruise towards Régua
Landmarks Côa Valley Museum Freixo Numão Casa Painova Estate - Day 16
Régua to Porto
Your day starts in Régua and you can request coffee delivered to your suite if you want to take it slow this morning. Then pick from three options: a coach trip to Lamego, a Baroque town with a famous sanctuary and tiled staircase overlooking vineyards, kayaking on the Pinhão River if you prefer something more active, or visiting Mateus Palace, one of Portugal's best examples of Baroque architecture. By this afternoon you'll head back to Porto and get ready for an evening classical concert at São Francisco Church, a 13th century building known for its ornate gilded interior.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Lamego
- Visit to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego
- Tasting of local produce at a Bodega in Lamego
- Coach transfer to Mateus Palace
- Visit to Mateus Palace
- Afternoon cruise back to Porto
- Classical concert in São Francisco Church (Scenic Enrich event)
- Short walk from ship to São Francisco Church
Optional Activities
- Walk down the zigzagged staircase at Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies (alternatively travel down via coach)
- Kayaking along the Pinh ão River
- Free time to explore Lamego
Landmarks Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Lamego Mateus Palace São Francisco Church Pinh ão River - Day 17
Porto
In Porto, choose from three excursions: a guided tour of the city's culture and history including the iconic Palácio da Bolsa with free time at the historic Bolhão Markets, a visit to Guimarães with its Ducal Palace and World Heritage-listed city for exploration, or a coach transfer to Quinta da Aveleda, a 150-year-old wine producer offering tours, tastings, and gardens.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto - Discover culture and history including iconic Palácio da Bolsa, free time to explore historic Bolhão Markets
- Excursion to Guimarães - Visit seat of first King of Portugal, explore the Ducal Palace and World Heritage-listed city with free exploration time
- Quinta da Aveleda - Coach transfer to 150-year-old wine producer for tour and tasting, featuring enchanting gardens
Landmarks Palácio da Bolsa Bolhão Market Guimarães Ducal Palace Quinta da Aveleda - Day 18
Porto
Your cruise ends this morning in Porto. You'll disembark and head home with memories of your journey through Portugal and France.
