Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll arrive in Paris before 8:30 PM and head straight to board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Check in, settle into your cabin, and get ready for your Seine River cruise. This evening is your chance to explore the ship and meet fellow travelers before departing.
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower - Day 2
Les Andelys
After a relaxed morning cruising along the Seine, you'll reach Les Andelys, a charming waterside village with well-preserved Norman-era houses. You can choose between exploring the castle ruins at Château Gaillard, wandering the town, checking out local cider farms, or visiting the Renaissance Château Gaillon. The choice shapes how you spend your day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Relax on board as you cruise along the Seine to Les Andelys
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour uncovering historical secrets
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - Explore the Norman town with local guide
- Cider farm visit - See artisanal cider production process and taste local cider
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - Explore 16th-century château and learn about its importance to French history
Landmarks/POIs Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 3
Rouen
You'll dock in Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history. The restored Old Town has the 12th-century cathedral and sites connected to Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart. Pick a guided city tour, Viking-themed tour, or photography discovery. By evening, you'll attend an immersive lecture about WWI trench warfare.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Evening expert lecture - WWI 'Day in the Life of a Tommy' interactive experience including try-on of soldier equipment and rations tasting
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - Guided tour of cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys, and Joan of Arc sites with free time
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - Authentically dressed guide sharing Viking history and Medieval past with free time
- Photography discovery - Learn digital portrait photography techniques with local photographer using Rouen as your landscape
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Cathedral 
- Day 4
Rouen
Another full day in Rouen gives you flexibility. You can taste Normandy's cheeses, cider and calvados, visit the Somme Battlefields with various memorial sites, or learn about French Resistance efforts during WWII. All excursions explore regional history and local flavors.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - Visit local producers to taste soft cheeses, cider and calvados from Normandy's dairy and fruit industries
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - Full day visit to WWI Battle of the Somme sites: Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - Visit Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery (5,500+ Commonwealth graves), Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks/POIs Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) Thiepval Memorial Newfoundland Memorial Park - Day 5
Honfleur
The ship heads west to Honfleur, a colorful port city on the English Channel with rich artistic heritage. You'll get a guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities, then have time to explore on your own. Later, an evening lecture covers Operation Fortitude and D-Day life in Honfleur.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Explore Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities with free exploration time
- Evening expert lecture - Operation Fortitude and daily life in Honfleur during D-Day campaign
Landmarks/POIs Church of Sainte-Catherine - Day 6
Honfleur
You have a full day in Honfleur focusing on WWII history. Choose the US-focused tour visiting Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, UK-focused tour covering Bayeux and British sites, Canadian-focused tour including Juno Beach Centre, or explore medieval Bayeux with its architecture and Gothic cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - Memorial on Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, and Omaha Beach Memorial
- Excursion to the 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, and Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, and Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - Guided tour of Bayeux including Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th century Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture) with free exploration time
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Omaha Beach Normandy American Cemetery Bayeux War Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux Juno Beach Centre Pegasus Bridge - Day 7
Caudebec-en-Caux
You'll cruise inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a Medieval riverside town with handsome homes and historic buildings. Consider active biking tours to Villequier and Victor Hugo Museum, visiting Fécamp and the Bénédictine Palace liqueur estate, exploring French Resistance history, or discovering historic abbeys along the Abbey Road.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - E-bike tour along the banks of the River Seine (eight kilometres each way) visiting the museum dedicated to French poet and novelist Victor Hugo
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - Coach transfer to historic Fécamp, guided tour of 19th-century Bénédictine Palace (famous for liquor with 27 plants and spices) including tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - Walking tour learning stories of heroism and daring missions of the French Resistance against Nazi Occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - Walking tour with local guide exploring grand abbeys on the banks of the River Seine and Normandy's Medieval spiritual heritage
Landmarks/POIs Bénédictine Palace Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux - Day 8
Vernon to La Roche-Guyon
The day focuses on Vernon and nearby Giverny. You can visit Monet's house and gardens where Japanese water lilies inspired his masterpieces, or self-guided cycle to Giverny. Back on board, join a painting class before heading to Château de La Roche-Guyon for a classical concert and drinks in this 16th-century castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Visit Château de La Roche-Guyon with walk through manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, tour of decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries, drink reception, and classical concert featuring French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - Tour Giverny town and visit founder of Impressionism's home and Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies; free exploration time
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - Self-guided e-bike tour (approximately five kilometres each way) with option to visit Monet's House and Garden or explore town
- On board painting class - Create your own masterpiece inspired by the region's artistic heritage
Landmarks/POIs Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 9
Conflans-Saint-Honorine
You'll wake in Medieval Conflans-Saint-Honorine at the confluence of two rivers. Quiet streets and riverside pathways await. Choose visiting Van Gogh's final painting location in Auvers-sur-Oise, touring Château de Chantilly, checking out an inland water transport museum, or exploring Napoleon's Château de Malmaison. The ship returns to Paris this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise back to Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - Travel to village where Van Gogh painted final masterpieces; see landmarks immortalized in his works; entry to Van Gogh's rented attic room; free exploration time
- Château de Chantilly - Guided tour of magnificent castle built by Henri d'Orléans showcasing fine collections, gardens, and free exploration time (Note: If closed on Tuesday, replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden)
- Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum) - Active tour visiting museum in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, the 'barge capital of the world'
- Château de Malmaison - Visit historic neoclassical residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais with museum showcasing Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, and personal items
Landmarks/POIs Van Gogh's Room Château de Chantilly Palace of Versailles Château de Malmaison - Day 10
Paris
Your last day in Paris offers choices based on your travel style. First-timers can tackle bucket-list highlights, while return visitors may explore the trendy Marais District, Opera Garnier, or a château south of the city. The afternoon is yours to visit the Eiffel Tower, people-watch on Champs-Élysée, explore Montmartre, or relax onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - Guided walking tour of Marais district with Parisian guide exploring cultures, history, architecture, arts scene, and fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - Coach tour seeing Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (reopened after 2019 fire)
- Opera Garnier - Tour spectacular opera house with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, and glistening chandeliers commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - Coach to château one hour from Paris credited as inspiration for Versailles with stunning formal gardens
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Notre-Dame Cathedral Palais Garnier Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Marais District Moulin Rouge Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - Day 11
Paris to Lyon
You'll board your included flight from Paris to Lyon, then board the Scenic Sapphire. This marks the beginning of your 10-night cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers through France's wine regions. Settle in and get ready for a completely different river experience.
Included Activities
- Flight from Paris to Lyon (included)
- Day 12
Chalon-sur-Saône
You'll relax on board cruising into the Burgundy wine region, arriving in Chalon-sur-Saône with its half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral. Choose wine estate visits in Burgundy, a guided tour of medieval Beaune and Les Hospices, or explore WWII history of the Franco-German demarcation line.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Burgundy wine discovery - Visit local wine estate in Burgundy vineyard sharing grape and fermentation secrets, wine production methods, and guided tasting
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices - Tour beautiful town at center of Burgundy wine region; visit Gothic-style Les Hospices de Beaune (Medieval hospital now housing museum); free exploration time
- WWII in Chalon-sur-Saône: Life on the Franco-German demarcation line - Learn about French Resistance efforts, Demarcation Line dividing town, and crucial WWII role
Landmarks/POIs Les Hospices de Beaune 
- Day 13
Tournus
After cruising to Tournus, a Roman riverside town with a splendid Romanesque abbey, you'll pick your activity. Visit Renaissance Château de Cormatin, watch a cooking demonstration at world-famous Georges Blanc restaurant, or visit a truffle farm with truffle-hunting dogs. The afternoon includes a cooperage demonstration on barrel-making.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - Learn ancient craft of barrel making linked to wine production and aging
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - Visit Renaissance château with gilded rooms, moat, and 10+ hectares of manicured gardens (built 1605, restored 1980s)
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - Travel to Vonnas for demonstration at world's longest-standing Michelin-starred restaurant; explore gourmet village and museum
- Truffle Tasting - Visit local truffle farm meeting farmer and truffle-hunting dogs; learn gourmet delicacy growing and harvesting; taste truffles
Landmarks/POIs Saint-Philibert Abbey Château de Cormatin 
- Day 14
Tournon
You'll arrive in hillside Tournon at the heart of Northern Rhône Valley wine country, famous for terraced vineyards and Syrah wines. Try Côtes du Rhône tastings, hike through sloping vineyards, take a walking tour exploring the castle and suspension bridge, or bike the Via Rhona to charming villages. The evening brings a dessert buffet from a local pâtissier.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Dessert buffet on board from local pâtissier - Authentic regional flavors of delicate pastries, silky creams, and vibrant confections
Optional Activities
- Côtes du Rhône Tasting - Guided tasting of famed Côtes du Rhône wines with local wine expert sharing knowledge
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - First-hand look at famous Rhône vines on hike through sloping vineyards flanking town; learn local wine production; taste regional wines
- Walking tour of Tournon - Explore ancient town visiting castle (built 10th-16th centuries); cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage visiting prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona
- Biking along the Rhône - Cycle section of Via Rhona bike route between Tournon and Guin; admire charming villages, orchards, and historic bridges
Landmarks/POIs Tournon Castle - Day 15
Avignon
After cruising south through scenic Rhône landscapes, you'll dock in Avignon, the City of the Popes. Choose a guided walking tour, visit the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, or go kayaking beneath it. The evening features an exclusive gala dinner in the Pope's banquet hall with classical quartet performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Exclusive gala dinner in Palais des Papes banquet hall with classical quartet musicians performance
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour - Learn rich history of Avignon on guided tour of ancient cobblestone streets to Pope's Palace (14th-century Papacy seat); moderate fitness required
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - Visit ancient Roman aqueduct built approximately 2,000 years ago; learn about engineering marvel at engaging museum
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - Paddle kayak beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct on tranquil Gardon River admiring intricate stonework
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes Pont du Gard 
- Day 16
Avignon
Another full day in Avignon lets you explore gourmet charms or nearby Provence. Try wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visit Luberon Valley hilltop villages and Sénanque Abbey, shop at Avignon Market with a chef demo, or explore the Lavender Museum with the village of Roussillon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wines of the Popes – Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Drive to Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards; discover and taste famous grenache and exclusive appellations
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - Drive through Luberon Valley viewing bucolic landscapes to village of Gordes; visit Sénanque Abbey (Note: Abbey exterior visit only on Sundays)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - Shop at Avignon Market for fresh produce and local ingredients with chef; interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school (Note: Avignon Market closed Mondays)
- Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon - Immerse in Provence lavender at Lavender Museum and adjoining field; guided tour of village of Roussillon and striking Ochre Trail
Landmarks/POIs Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sénanque Abbey Gordes Roussillon - Day 17
Arles
You'll cruise to Arles, the southernmost point near the Mediterranean. Founded by Julius Caesar over 2,000 years ago, it has the largest Roman ruins outside Rome. Try Provence rosé tastings, take a guided tour of Roman ruins and artist heritage, or visit the Carrières de Lumières immersive digital art space and medieval village of Les Baux. A painting class is included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Learn about artistic heritage while painting a masterpiece of your own
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 - Walk from ship to heart of Arles visiting impressive Roman ruins; experience vibrant colours and striking light inspiring artists; local guide shares history and culture
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - Marvel at Carrières de Lumières (7,000-square-metre immersive digital art space in former quarry); explore medieval village of Les Baux
Landmarks/POIs Arles Amphitheater Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 18
Viviers
After cruising overnight to Viviers, an open-air museum with narrow lanes unchanged for 1,600 years, you'll choose your focus. Take a walking tour of the Cathedral of St Vincent, explore French Resistance history, taste Côtes du Rhône wines, visit Ardèche Nature Park, or see Grignan castle and church.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - Admire architectural treasures including Cathedral of St Vincent (Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles); free exploration time
- French Resistance Walking Tour - Hear heroic tales of French Resistance against Nazi Occupation during WWII; learn daring missions while exploring historic town
- Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting - Guided tasting of Rhône Valley wines experiencing diverse terroir and time-honoured winemaking traditions of Southern France
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - Explore natural beauty and historic sites in Ardèche Nature Park; visit Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum (largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - Travel to beautiful provincial town; guided tour of mighty castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour; leisure time
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of St Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Grignan Castle 
- Day 19
Rhône River Cruise
You'll spend a full day on board cruising back towards Lyon through the Rhône River. Admire the beautiful vistas, taste local wines during lunch, or join a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire. The evening features an exclusive acapella choir performance in the grand Trinity Chapel with its Baroque beauty.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Wine tasting lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Exclusive acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel (Baroque beauty with Carrara marble interior) with sublime acoustics
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson - Join cooking class in Scenic Culinaire
- Wine tasting - Taste local wines
- Day 20
Lyon
Your final day brings you to Lyon, France's culinary capital with over 4,000 restaurants and 20 Michelin-starred establishments. Choose a guided coach tour exploring Roman ruins and hidden traboules, visit the medieval walled village of Pérouges, or take a silk painting workshop celebrating Lyon's 15th-century silk heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - Coach tour past Roman ruins visiting hidden traboules (4th-century secret passageways) and Notre Dame Basilica with city views
- Excursion to Pérouges - Travel to medieval walled village on hill overlooking Ain River; walking tour through vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways, and market square with centuries-old lime tree (high fitness recommended due to uneven surfaces and steep terrain)
- Silk painting workshop - Immersive workshop learning about Lyon's silk heritage (produced since 15th century); create your own masterpiece
Landmarks/POIs Notre Dame Basilica Pérouges - Day 21
Departure
Your journey concludes this morning. You'll say farewell to fellow guests and the Scenic crew, carrying vivid memories of France's most famous wine regions and centuries of history along these legendary rivers.
