Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Lyon
You'll land in Lyon and transfer to the Scenic Sapphire. Once you're settled into your suite, there's time to wander the ship, relax on the Sun Deck, and take in the views of this ancient city from the water.
Landmarks/POIs Lyon - Day 2
Chalon-sur-Saône
The ship cruises toward Chalon-sur-Saône in Burgundy wine country. Half-timbered houses and a Gothic cathedral define this charming town. You can join a guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices, do a Burgundy wine tasting at a local estate, or take a WWII walking tour along the old Demarcation Line.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices de Beaune
- Burgundy wine tasting at a local estate
- WWII walking tour of Chalon-sur-Saône - Life on the Franco-German demarcation line
Landmarks/POIs Chalon-sur-Saône Beaune Les Hospices de Beaune - Day 3
Tournus
Start early to see the river scenery as you head to Tournus, a Roman-founded town with a splendid Romanesque abbey. In the morning, choose between a guided tour of Château de Cormatin, truffle tasting with a local farmer, or a cooking demonstration by three-star Michelin chef Georges Blanc. Everyone joins an afternoon cooperage demonstration on barrel-making traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - ancient craft of barrel making
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin with guided tour
- Truffle tasting with local truffle farmer
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration and village museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Tournus Château de Cormatin Vonnas 
- Day 4
Tournon
Arrive in Tournon, a hillside village known for terraced vineyards, a 10th-century castle, and cobblestone streets. Morning activities include a walking tour of town and castle with time to cross France's oldest suspension bridge, a hiking tour through vineyards, or cycling along the Rhône River. Later explore freely, then join other guests for an aperitif at Tournon Castle overlooking the Rhône.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif at Tournon Castle terrace
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon with castle visit
- Hiking through terraced vineyards with wine tasting
- Biking along the Rhône to the village of Glun
Landmarks/POIs Tournon Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage France's oldest suspension bridge - Day 5
Avignon
After lunch you'll dock in Avignon, the historic City of the Popes. The Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon bridge define this World Heritage-listed city. Choose a guided walking tour with the Pope's Palace, an excursion to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, or kayaking beneath it. An optional after-hours gala dinner at the Palais des Papes includes a classical concert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Palais des Papes
- Excursion to Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct with guided tour
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard on the Gardon River
- Exclusive gala dinner at Palais des Papes with classical concert (Scenic Enrich)
Landmarks/POIs Avignon Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard - Day 6
Avignon
You have a full day exploring Avignon and Provence. Options include visiting Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, shopping at a local market with the ship's chef plus a cooking demonstration, checking out a lavender museum and the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, or wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Charming villages, lavender fields, and rolling hills fill the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey
- Shop with a chef and Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration
- Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Landmarks/POIs Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 7
Arles
Arrive in Arles, Provence's southernmost stop near the Mediterranean. Founded by Julius Caesar in 56BC, the city has rich Roman heritage and inspired Vincent Van Gogh's artworks. Pick a guided walking tour to see the Roman amphitheatre, visit the medieval village of Les Baux with its Carrières de Lumières art installation, explore an olive mill, or try a lavender cream workshop (seasonal). Optional painting class on board this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Afternoon free time to explore Arles or attend on-board painting class
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles) visit
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières immersive visual and musical installation
- Ancestry of the Kitchen - olive mill visit with local owner
- Lavender fields to cream - Provence Herbal Workshop (late June to mid-August)
Landmarks/POIs Arles Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 8
Viviers
You'll arrive in Viviers, an open-air museum with medieval heritage from the fifth century. Wander narrow zig-zagging lanes and explore ancient architecture. In the morning, choose a walking tour featuring the Cathedral of St. Vincent or a French Resistance walking tour. The afternoon offers Ardèche Nature Park and Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum, Ardèche Gorge and Madeleine Caves, or the provincial town of Grignan with its castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers with Cathedral of St. Vincent visit
- French Resistance walking tour of Viviers
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum
- Ardèche National Park and Madeleine Cave exploration
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence with castle and Collegiate Church visit
Landmarks/POIs Viviers Cathedral of St. Vincent Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Madeleine Caves Grignan - Day 9
Cruising to Lyon
Spend a relaxed day cruising back toward Lyon along the Rhône River. Relax on the Sun Deck, use the Salt Therapy Lounge, or take a French cookery lesson at Scenic Culinaire. This evening features an exclusive Scenic Enrich acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel, a 17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exclusive acapella choir performance at Trinity Chapel (Scenic Enrich)
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson at Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks/POIs Trinity Chapel - Day 10
Lyon
You'll wake in Lyon, founded by Romans in 43BC where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Today it's France's culinary capital with countless restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments. Options include a guided tour of hidden traboules and secret passageways dating to the fourth century with the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, visiting the medieval walled village of Pérouges, or a silk painting workshop celebrating the city's five-century silk heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon with traboules and Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviêre
- Excursion to Pérouges medieval walled village
- Silk painting workshop
Landmarks/POIs Lyon Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviêre Pérouges - Day 11
Lyon to Bordeaux
Board an included flight from Lyon to Bordeaux, then transfer to the Scenic Diamond for your 10-night cruise along the Seine River.
Included Activities
- Flight from Lyon to Bordeaux
Landmarks/POIs Bordeaux 
- Day 12
Libourne and Saint-Émilion
Sail through tranquil riverside scenery toward Libourne this morning. After lunch, join a tour to Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage-listed village with thousands of years of history and preserved medieval buildings. You'll explore the unique Monolithic Church, mostly underground and carved into limestone. The ship docks overnight in Libourne, a beautiful 13th-century port and winemaking capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour to Saint-Émilion with Monolithic Church visit
Landmarks/POIs Libourne Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church - Day 13
Libourne to Fort Médoc
Spend the morning in Libourne and its surroundings. Choose a walking tour covering wool, wine, salt and wood trading history, explore Saint-Émilion vineyards with tasting, bike and taste at Château Siaurac, or do a paint and pour watercolour class on deck with local wines. Set sail this afternoon to Fort Médoc where you'll dock overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion with tasting
- Biking and tasting at Château Siaurac
- Paint and Pour watercolour class with local wine
Landmarks/POIs Libourne Saint-Émilion Château Siaurac - Day 14
Médoc Wine Region
Explore the Médoc region, considered the world's leading red wine producer and home to legendary châteaux. The region spans 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations along the Route des Châteaux. Take a coach tour or e-bike ride through the countryside to a local winery for tastings. An optional classical concert at 13th-century Château d'Agassac features live musicians (Scenic Enrich).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle
- Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac (Scenic Enrich)
Landmarks/POIs Médoc Region Château d'Agassac - Day 15
Cadillac
Relax on board this morning as you sail to Cadillac. Enjoy spa treatments or learn about French cuisine at Scenic Culinaire. You'll arrive after lunch in this picturesque town founded in 1280 with grand historic buildings. The town inspired French explorer Antoine de la Mothe and became the namesake for the Cadillac automobile brand.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment
- French cuisine lesson at Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks/POIs Cadillac - Day 16
Cadillac
Explore Cadillac and the surrounding Sauternes wine region known for sweet fortified wines. In the morning, take a coach or bike tour through rolling vineyards to a vineyard tasting. The afternoon options include touring Roquetaillade Castle (family-owned for 700+ years), cycling through the Loupiac wine region to see Château Benauge, or a guided tour of Château Toulouse-Lautrec with historic rooms and the apartments of the famous painter.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach with vineyard tasting
- Sauternes by bike
- Roquetaillade Castle tour
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec guided tour
Landmarks/POIs Sauternes Region Roquetaillade Castle Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec Loupiac Wine Region - Day 17
Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux's culinary delights and scenic treasures with multiple Scenic Freechoice activities. Choose a guided city tour featuring the Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, a cycling tour with local treats like canelé, or shop with the chef at a local food market followed by a cooking demonstration. All guests enjoy fresh oyster tasting from Arcachon Bay. Optional after-hours access to Bassins des Lumières (a former WWII submarine base turned digital art installation) includes Champagne and a customized show.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Fresh oyster tasting from Arcachon Bay
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux
- Shop with a chef and cooking demonstration
- After-hours access to Bassins des Lumières with Champagne and exclusive show (Scenic Enrich)
Landmarks/POIs Bordeaux Place de la Bourse Bassins des Lumières Arcachon Bay - Day 18
Bordeaux
Continue exploring Bordeaux with multiple options. Take a local tram to the interactive Cité du Vin Museum for wine discovery, cruise through Bordeaux by motorbike and sidecar, or visit the charming bayside town of Arcachon with a walking tour ending at Baltard market (an undercover food hall with local delicacies). Spend the afternoon at leisure on board as you sail toward Bourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum interactive wine discovery tour
- Bordeaux motorbike and sidecar tour
- Arcachon walking tour with Baltard market visit
Landmarks/POIs Cité du Vin Museum Arcachon Baltard market - Day 19
Bourg
Dock in Bourg, a picturesque town on a rocky promontory set on the Dordogne. Built as a defensive château, it's a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers. Choose visiting the Carriages Museum inside Bourg Castle to see unique horse-drawn carriages, a tour of charming Saintes with 2,000 years of history, or a full-day Cognac excursion including a town walking tour and Rémy Martin estate visit with cognac sampling.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum visit
- Historic Saintes town tour
- Full day excursion to Cognac with walking tour and Rémy Martin estate visit
Landmarks/POIs Bourg Bourg Castle Carriages Museum Saintes Cognac Rémy Martin Estate - Day 20
Blaye
Arrive in Blaye, home to a World Heritage-listed citadel built to protect Bordeaux from enemy attacks. Choose a walking tour of charming Blaye, an active walking tour of the fascinatingly designed citadel by architect Sébastien Vauban, an active cycling tour along the Captain's Road, or a guided visit to Château de la Roche Courbon (a fortified castle transformed into a historic château with sprawling manicured gardens).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye
- Active walking tour of Blaye citadel
- Cycling along the Captain's Road
- Visit Château de la Roche Courbon with guided tour
Landmarks/POIs Blaye Blaye Citadel Château de la Roche Courbon - Day 21
Bordeaux to Paris
Board an included flight from Bordeaux to Paris and start your 10-night cruise along the Seine River on the luxurious Scenic Gem.
Included Activities
- Flight from Bordeaux to Paris
Landmarks/POIs Paris - Day 22
Les Andelys
Enjoy a relaxed morning cruising the Seine to Les Andelys, arriving just after lunch. This waterside village dating back almost 900 years features well-preserved Norman-era houses and is overlooked by King Richard the Lionheart's castle ruins, Château Gaillard, with striking limestone cliffs rising from the river. Choose a medieval-themed walking tour to Château Gaillard, a town tour with castle visit, a Normandy cider farm visit, or explore 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/POIs Les Andelys Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 23
Rouen
Arrive in Rouen, Normandy's 2,000-year capital with history from Viking legends to WWII. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here, and Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy. Choose a guided city tour discovering Victor Hugo's 'city of a hundred spires', a Viking-themed tour with an authentically dressed guide portraying warlord Rollo, or a photography discovery class. This evening features an immersive WWI lecture about 'a Tommy' on the Western Front with equipment demonstrations and ration tastings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- WWI Lecture – Day in the life of a Tommy (immersive evening experience)
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour with cathedral district and Old Town
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking
- Photography discovery class
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter 
- Day 24
Rouen
With another full day in Rouen, explore Normandy's military history or sample local delicacies. Choose tasting Normandy's soft cheeses, cider and calvados from local producers, or full-day WWI Somme Battlefields excursions visiting memorials, museums and cemeteries. The Newfoundland route visits the Australian National Memorial and Franco-Australian Museum, while the Thiepval route includes Caterpillar Valley Cemetery and Thiepval Memorial. Both tours visit Lochnagar Crater.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - dairy, cider and calvados tasting
- Excursion to Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Excursion to Somme Battlefields including Thiepval
Landmarks/POIs Somme Battlefields Sir John Monash Centre (Australian National Memorial) Franco-Australian Museum Lochnagar Crater Newfoundland Memorial Park Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Thiepval Memorial to the Missing - Day 25
Honfleur
Cruise west to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the English Channel edge and birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour features cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. The ship cruises further into the harbour for easy access. A guided walking tour covers the Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine and Garden of Personalities before you explore freely. This evening features an on-board lecture about Operation Fortitude and D-Day's impact on Honfleur citizens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities
- On-board lecture about Operation Fortitude and daily life during D-Day campaign
Landmarks/POIs Honfleur Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 26
Honfleur
With a full day in Honfleur, learn about this region's crucial WWII role. Choose from US, UK, or Canadian history-focused D-Day excursions, or a Bayeux history tour. The US-focused tour visits Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, and Omaha Beach Memorial. The UK tour covers Bayeux, its War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Arromanches Landing Museum, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, and Ranville War Cemetery. The Canadian tour visits Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, and Pegasus Bridge. Non-WWII option: Bayeux city tour with Notre Dame Cathedral and free exploration time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused)
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused)
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused)
- Bayeux tour with Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Omaha Beach 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
Cruise inland early to Caudebec-en-Caux, a small medieval town set on a curve of the Seine. The riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Historic buildings include the ornate 15th-century Notre Dame Church. Choose an e-bike cycle tour to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum, a Fécamp coach tour featuring the Bénédictine Palace with liquor tasting, a French Resistance walking tour, or an Abbey Road tour exploring grand abbeys on the Seine banks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum on e-bike
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace tour with tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance walking tour
- Normandy Abbey Road tour
Landmarks/POIs Caudebec-en-Caux Notre Dame Church Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 28
Vernon and Giverny
Visit Vernon, a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and Kingdom of France with rich heritage. Nearby is Giverny, home of Impressionist artist Claude Monet for over 40 years. Choose a guided tour of Monet's House and Garden with its Japanese-inspired water garden and lilies, or a self-guided e-bike ride from Vernon to Giverny. You may visit Monet's House or explore freely. Optional painting class after exploring the gardens. This afternoon cruise to La Roche-Guyon for an exclusive evening experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden guided tour
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny
- On-board painting class
Landmarks/POIs Vernon Giverny Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 29
La Roche-Guyon exclusive experience
This evening experience an exclusive Scenic Enrich event at Château de La Roche-Guyon. After a short walk from the ship, tour the castle built into a chalk hillside with manicured orchard and vegetable gardens producing fresh juices. Admire decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries, then settle in for a splendid classical concert featuring music by French composers with a welcoming drink.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exclusive tour of Château de La Roche-Guyon with decorative elements, gardens, and orchard
- Classical concert featuring French composers (Scenic Enrich)
Landmarks/POIs Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 30
Conflans-Saint-Honorine
Wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a medieval town where the Seine and Oise rivers meet. Just a short distance from Paris's centre, it feels a world away. A 9th-century castle built by monks protects relics of Saint Honorine, namesake of the town and a pilgrimage site from the 11th century. Wander quiet streets, enjoy riverside pathways and ancient churches. Choose visiting Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces, touring Château de Chantilly (or Versailles if closed), visiting the Inland Water Transport Museum, or exploring Château de Malmaison (Napoleon and Josephine's neoclassical residence). This afternoon cruise back to Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise with Van Gogh's room and Notre Dame church
- Château de Chantilly guided tour (Versailles Palace if closed Tuesday)
- Musée de la Batellerie (Inland Water Transport Museum)
- Château de Malmaison - Napoleon and Josephine's residence
Landmarks/POIs Conflans-Saint-Honorine Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 31
Paris
Spend the day exploring iconic Paris. First-timers can hit bucket-list items like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, while return visitors might explore the trendy Marais District or the opulent 19th-century Opéra Garnier. Alternatively, visit Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which inspired Versailles. Choose a guided tour of Marais with a Parisian, a highlights coach tour, Opéra Garnier exploration, or a château visit. The afternoon is free to explore: visit the Eiffel Tower, stroll the Champs-Élysée, visit Montmartre with the Moulin Rouge, or relax aboard your ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais district walking tour with local Parisian guide
- Highlights of Paris city tour by coach
- Opéra Garnier guided tour
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte coach tour
Landmarks/POIs Paris Marais District Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Champs-Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Opéra Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge
