Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Paris
You'll arrive in Paris by 8:30 PM and board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon. The river cruise through France begins right away, so settle in and get ready for the week ahead.
- Day 2
Les Andelys
This morning the ship cruises along the Seine toward Les Andelys, a waterside village with nearly 900 years of history. You can choose a guided tour of the medieval Château Gaillard, explore the Norman town, visit a local cider farm, or check out Renaissance Château Gaillon this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Seine to Les Andelys
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' walking tour
- Guided tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard
- Cider farm visit in Normandy
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon exploration
Landmarks/POIs Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 3
Rouen
You'll arrive in Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years behind it. Pick from a city tour, a Viking-themed walk, or a photography class. Later tonight there's an expert lecture on board about WWI and life in the trenches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Expert WWI lecture: Day in the life of a Tommy - interactive experience with equipment, weapons and rations
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour visiting cathedral district, old marketplace, and Saint-Maclou Quarter
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking
- Photography discovery class with local photographer
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter 
- Day 4
Rouen
You have the full day in Rouen. Go on a gourmet tour sampling local Normandy food, or dive into regional military history visiting the Somme Battlefields, Australian memorials, and historic cemeteries.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - local dairy, cheese, cider and calvados tasting
- Full day excursion to Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater
- Full day excursion to Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks/POIs Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) Lochnagar Crater Newfoundland Memorial Park Thiepval Memorial to the Missing Caterpillar Valley Cemetery - Day 5
Honfleur
The ship cruises west to Honfleur, a colorful port city where Impressionism was born. You'll do a guided walk of the Inner Harbour and Church of Sainte-Catherine, then have time to explore on your own. An evening lecture covers Operation Fortitude and D-Day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities
- Expert lecture on Operation Fortitude and Honfleur during D-Day campaign
Landmarks/POIs Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities Inner Harbour - Day 6
Honfleur
You have all day in Honfleur focusing on WWII. Choose excursions about US, British, or Canadian D-Day landings with beaches and memorials, or head to medieval Bayeux to see its cathedral and historic architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Omaha Beach Memorial
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour including Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Omaha Beach Memorial Normandy American Cemetery 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 7
Caudebec-en-Caux
The ship heads inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a medieval riverside town. You can bike to Villequier and the Victor Hugo Museum, visit Fécamp's Bénédictine Palace with tastings, explore French Resistance history, or discover historic abbeys along Abbey Road.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - e-bike tour along the River Seine, eight-kilometre each way
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - guided tour of 19th-century architectural masterpiece with B énédictine liquor tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour with local stories of heroism during Nazi Occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - exploration of grand abbeys on the banks of the River Seine
Landmarks/POIs Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Victor Hugo Museum Bénédictine Palace - Day 8
Vernon to La Roche-Guyon
You'll dock in Vernon. Take a guided tour of Monet's House and Gardens or cycle through Giverny on your own. Later there's an optional painting class on board. This evening you'll attend an exclusive Scenic Enrich event at Château de La Roche-Guyon with a classical concert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Access to Château de La Roche-Guyon, walk through orchard and vegetable gardens, classical concert focusing on French composers with drink
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden tour in Giverny with free exploration time
- Self-guided cycling from Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way)
- On board painting class inspired by Monet's works
Landmarks/POIs Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon 
- Day 9
Conflans-Saint-Honorine to Paris
You wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a medieval riverside town. Optional excursions include Van Gogh's village of Auvers-Sur-Oise, Château de Chantilly (or Versailles if the other's closed), the Inland Water Transport Museum, or Château de Malmaison. Spend the afternoon cruising back to Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - Van Gogh sites including Notre Dame de l'Assomption church, entry to Van Gogh's room with free exploration time
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour with access to fine art collections and gardens (or Versailles Palace and Garden if Chantilly closed on Tuesday)
- Musée de la Batellerie (Inland Water Transport Museum) - active tour exploring barge history
- Château de Malmaison - historic residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais with neoclassical architecture and landscaped gardens
Landmarks/POIs Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 10
Paris
Paris awaits with your choice of guided tours: the Marais district, famous landmarks, Opéra Garnier, or Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The afternoon is free to walk around the city at your own pace or relax on the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of diverse district with culture, history, and fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour of Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opéra Garnier - tour of ornately decorated opera house with chandeliers and grand staircases built by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - one-hour coach journey to founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Champs Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Opéra Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Moulin Rouge Montmartre - Day 11
Paris to Bordeaux
You'll board an included flight from Paris to Bordeaux. Once you arrive, you'll join the Scenic Diamond for your river cruise through the Bordeaux wine region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Paris to Bordeaux
- Day 12
Libourne
The ship sails through scenic riverside landscape toward Libourne. After lunch you'll take a tour to Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage village with medieval architecture and a unique Monolithic Church carved into limestone.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour to Saint-Émilion including Monolithic Church
Landmarks/POIs Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church - Day 13
Libourne to Fort Médoc
This morning you can explore Libourne and the countryside. Choose a guided tour of the 13th-century port town, vineyard visits with tastings, cycling tours with estate tastings, or a painting class with local wines. The ship sails to Fort Médoc in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne - guided exploration of town's history with wool, wine, salt and wood trade
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion - countryside exploration with vineyard visits and tasting
- Biking and tasting at Château Siaurac - cycling through wine-growing region with estate tasting
- Paint and Pour - watercolour class on Sun Deck with local artist while sipping local wines
Landmarks/POIs Château Siaurac - Day 14
Fort Médoc
You'll explore the Médoc wine region with over 16,000 hectares of vineyards. Take a coach or e-bike tour along the 'Route des Châteaux' to local wineries for tastings. Tonight features an exclusive Scenic Enrich classical concert at Château d'Agassac.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Château d'Agassac - 13th-century winery in Médoc countryside with live musicians performing classical masterpieces
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - tour through scenic region to local winery with wine tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - e-bike discovery of countryside with grand châteaux and prestigious estate wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Château d'Agassac - Day 15
Cadillac
You can relax on board this morning as you sail to Cadillac. Try optional spa treatments or French cuisine lessons at Scenic Culinaire. After lunch you'll arrive in Cadillac, a town founded in 1280 with historic buildings and connections to Detroit's automotive history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spa treatments on board
- French cuisine lessons at Scenic Culinaire cooking school
- Day 16
Cadillac
You'll explore the Sauternes wine region near Cadillac, known for sweet fortified wines. Morning options include coach or cycling tours through rolling vineyards with tastings. Afternoons let you tour ancient Roquetaillade Castle, cycle through Loupiac wine region, or visit Château Toulouse-Lautrec.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - tour through Sauternes to vineyard with wine tasting
- Sauternes by bike - cycling through rolling vineyards with tasting
- Roquetaillade Castle - tour with family descendants who have resided for over 700 years
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region - cycling through Gironde landscapes with view of Château Benauge
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec - guided tour of historic estate including apartments of the famous painter
Landmarks/POIs Roquetaillade Castle Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 17
Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux's food and scenic side. Choose a guided city tour, cycling tour sampling treats like canelé, shopping at markets with the ship's chef, or motorbike through the city. This evening there's an exclusive digital art show at Bassins des Lumières.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Afterhours access to Bassins des Lumières - exclusive digital art show at former WWII submarine base with welcome glass of Champagne
- Fresh oysters tasting from Arcachon Bay delivered on board
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - highlights of city including Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - pedal through historic city sampling regional delicacies like canelé
- Shop with a chef - visit local food market with ship's chef for ingredient tasting, return for cooking demonstration of French fare
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - cruise through city in sidecar or on motorcycle back
Landmarks/POIs Bassins des Lumières Arcachon Bay - Day 18
Bordeaux to Bourg
You can continue exploring Bordeaux with interactive wine museum tours, motorbike adventures, or charming walks through Arcachon with its local market. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board as you sail toward Bourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum - local tram ride to interactive wine discovery experience
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - cruise in sidecar or on motorcycle back
- Visit Arcachon - walking tour of charming bayside town finishing at Baltard market undercover food hall
Landmarks/POIs Cité du Vin Museum Arcachon Baltard Market - Day 19
Bourg
You'll dock in Bourg, a picturesque town on a rocky promontory with ancient alleyways and medieval architecture. Explore the Carriages Museum inside Bourg Castle, discover charming Saintes with 2,000 years of history, or take a full-day excursion to Cognac for estate tours and brandy tastings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - visit museum inside Bourg Castle with local guide to view 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 included, tour of Rémy Martin estate with cognac sampling
Landmarks/POIs Bourg Castle Carriages Museum Saintes Cognac Rémy Martin Estate - Day 20
Blaye
You arrive in Blaye, home to a World Heritage-listed citadel built to defend Bordeaux. Choose guided strolls through the city, active citadel tours exploring Vauban's defense system, cycling along the scenic Captain's Road, or visiting Château de la Roche Courbon with its manicured gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - stroll through charming city with local guide viewing World Heritage monument overlooking Gironde Estuary
- Active walking tour of Blaye - tour fascinating citadel with local guide exploring Vauban's defence system
- Cycling along the Captain's Road - active cycling tour along scenic coastal route
- Visit Château de la Roche Courbon - guided tour of fortified castle transformed into historic château with manicured gardens
Landmarks/POIs Blaye Citadel Château de la Roche Courbon - Day 21
Bordeaux to Lyon
You'll board an included flight from Bordeaux to Lyon. Upon arrival, you'll join the Scenic Sapphire for your river cruise through the Burgundy and Rhône regions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Bordeaux to Lyon
- Day 22
Chalon-sur-Saône
You have a leisurely morning cruise toward Chalon-sur-Saône, an idyllic base for Burgundy wine country. Choose guided Beaune and Les Hospices tours, wine tastings at local estates in Côte de Beaune, or explore WWII history on the Franco-German demarcation line.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices - tour of beautiful town with highlight visit to Gothic-style medieval hospital now housing museum, free exploration time
- Burgundy wine tasting - visit local estate with history and wine tasting from Côte de Beaune
- WW2 in Chalon-sur-Saône - Life on the Franco-German demarcation line - walk along old Demarcation Line with stories of French Resistance, families, and resilience during Nazi Occupation
Landmarks/POIs Beaune Les Hospices de Beaune - Day 23
Tournus
Wake early to see riverside scenery as you cruise to Tournus, a Roman-founded town with a grand Romanesque abbey. Tour 1606 Château de Cormatin with restored rooms, meet a truffle farmer with their hound, or watch a three-star Michelin chef's cooking demo. This afternoon there's a cooperage demonstration on ancient barrel-making.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - ancient craft of barrel making for wine and spirit production
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - tour 1606 castle with gilded rooms, moat, water features and over 10 hectares of manicured gardens
- Truffle Tasting - meet truffle farmer and hound, learn farming techniques and enjoy tasting
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - orientation tour of Vonnas village, three-star Michelin chef cooking demonstration at restaurant, visit to family museum covering 150 years of history
Landmarks/POIs Château de Cormatin Vonnas Georges Blanc Restaurant 
- Day 24
Tournon
You arrive in hillside Tournon, known for terraced vineyards and a 10th-century castle. Choose guided walks of the town and castle, hike through sloping vineyards above the Rhône with tastings, or cycle scenic riverside paths to nearby Glun. This afternoon includes free time and an aperitif on Tournon Castle's terrace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif on terrace of Tournon Castle - views over Rhône River and terraced vineyards
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - explore town on foot, learn history, visit castle built between 10th-16th centuries, free time afterward with option to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage and chocolate makers Valrhona
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - hike sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River, learn local wine production and taste regional wines
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle picturesque banks of Rhône River past charming villages to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks/POIs Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona - Day 25
Avignon
You'll dock in Avignon after lunch, the City of the Popes with medieval architecture throughout. Walk the historic walls and Palais des Papes, visit the ancient Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct, or kayak beneath it on the Gardon River. Tonight there's an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert inside the Palais des Papes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Exclusive gala dinner and classical trio concert in Palais des Papes - private after-hours access in Pope's dining room with immersion in classical music
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including visit to Popes Palace - guided walk through city walls and Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) - World Heritage-listed Gothic palace, moderate fitness required
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from mid-first century designed to carry water to Nîmes
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - paddle kayak on Gardon River beneath World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Gardon River - Day 26
Avignon
You spend the full day in Avignon exploring the gateway to Provence with its vineyards, lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Choose village tours with Sénanque Abbey, market shopping with chef-led cooking, lavender farm visits and Roussillon, or wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - visit Gordes (one of France's most beautiful villages) and picturesque Sénanque Abbey (exterior visit only on Sundays)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - visit local market with ship's chef for ingredient tasting and shopping, return for interactive cooking demonstration (market closed Mondays)
- Lavender Museum with visit to village of Roussillon - visit local lavender producer to learn growing, harvesting and utilisation, guided tour of beautiful Roussillon village
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - visit village on Rhône banks famous for wine production, sample region's celebrated wines
Landmarks/POIs Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 27
Arles
You reach Arles in Provence near the Mediterranean. Founded by Julius Caesar in 56BC, it has Roman ruins including an amphitheatre still in use. Choose city walks with Arènes d'Arles, visits to Les Baux with digital art, olive farm tours, or lavender herbal workshops. Optional painting classes or free time follows.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - walking tour visiting ancient Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles), 20,000-seat arena still in use today
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - journey to medieval village with visit to 7,000 square-metre site hosting immersive visual and musical installation highlighting notable artists
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - visit local olive farm to learn olive oil production techniques, share experience of regional life and traditional Provencal recipes
- Lavender fields to cream, A Provence Herbal Workshop - visit organic farm specialising in essential oils (typically late June to mid-August), learn health benefits, extract process, create lavender-based cream
- On board painting class - learn artistic heritage and paint masterpiece
Landmarks/POIs Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 28
Viviers
You arrive in Viviers, an open-air museum with rich medieval heritage. Founded in the fifth century with largely unchanged architecture. Choose guided walks of monuments and Cathedral of St. Vincent, or French Resistance walks. Afternoons let you explore Ardèche Nature Park with cave museums, visit Madeleine Caves, or tour provincial Grignan.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - explore on foot with local guide, admire monuments and Cathedral of St. Vincent (11th century, 18th-century Gothic style, Renaissance facade), free exploration time
- French Resistance walking tour - hear stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi Occupation with local heroism and daring missions
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins, visit largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in world
- Ardèche National Park and Madeleine Cave - drive through Ardèche Nature Park from Gorge to Madeleine Caves with intricate rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, underground lakes (moderate fitness and sturdy shoes required)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - guided exploration of beautiful provincial town with mighty castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, free time
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of St. Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Madeleine Caves Grignan Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour - Day 29
Cruise to Lyon
You have a relaxed day on board cruising back toward Lyon, taking in Rhône River views. Relax on Sun Deck, use the Salt Therapy Lounge, or take a cooking class at Scenic Culinaire. This evening features an exclusive acapella choir performance in a 17th-century Trinity Chapel decorated in Carrara marble.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel - immerse in breath-taking performance in 17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble interior
Optional Activities
- Relax on Sun Deck
- Salt Therapy Lounge
- French cookery lesson at Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks/POIs Trinity Chapel - Day 30
Lyon
You greet the day in Lyon, France's culinary capital with over 4,000 restaurants including 20 Michelin-starred spots. Choose guided tours of historic traboules and passageways, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière for city views, explore medieval Pérouges, or attend a silk painting workshop on Lyon's five-century silk heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - traverse hidden traboules and secret passageways dating to fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière for views across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways, centuries-old lime tree (high fitness recommended for uneven surfaces and uphill walking)
- Silk painting workshop - learn five-century history and 19th-century industry of Lyon silk, participate in silk painting workshop
Landmarks/POIs Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Pérouges - Day 31
Departure
Your river cruise concludes this morning. You'll say farewell to fellow guests and the Scenic crew, departing with delicious memories of this food-filled adventure through France.
