Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive in Porto, Portugal's second largest city, which sits on hills overlooking the Douro River. After boarding your luxury river ship, you'll settle into your suite and attend a cocktail reception this evening to celebrate the start of your journey.
- Meals
- Dinner (Cocktail reception)
Landmarks Porto Douro River 
- Day 2
Porto
This morning offers choices for exploring Porto's culture and history. You can take a guided tour or try the active cable car experience to see sites like Palácio da Bolsa, the Dom Luis bridge, and Porto Cathedral. Later in the afternoon, you'll learn about Portugal's traditional blue tiles and paint your own tile as a take-home piece.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto including Palácio da Bolsa
- Active tour of Porto with cable car ride to Dom Luis bridge, walk across bridge towards Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and Rua das Flores
Landmarks Palácio da Bolsa Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores Vila Nova de Gaia - Day 3
Entre-os-Rios to Régua
You'll start in Entre-os-Rios with several options to shape your morning. Either hike along the Paiva River for some natural scenery, tour through Quinta da Aveleda wine estate to see their operations, or head to the historic city of Guimarães to walk around its old streets and architecture. After lunch, you'll cruise toward Régua and spend time at the Douro Museum learning about how Port wine developed in this region over centuries.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Douro Museum in Régua
Optional Activities
- Paiva Walkways - active hike along the Paiva River
- Quinta da Aveleda - explore the wine producer estate with fairytale-like property
- Excursion to Guimarães - visit World Heritage-listed city, explore 15th-century palace with historic collection of tapestries, furniture, and weapons
Landmarks Paiva River Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Douro Museum 
- Day 4
Régua
Your morning gives you choices for how to spend your time. You can explore the Varosa Valley and see the Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, then walk through the village of Tarouca and check out the old fortified bridge at Ucanha. Or visit a family-run quinta where they'll show you how they produce olive oil from start to finish. Another option takes you to Lamego, a historic city with Baroque architecture throughout. In the afternoon, consider Mateus Palace or sign up for a Port wine blending class at Quinta de Pacheca where you'll learn the craft.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha - explore Varosa Valley, visit Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha (Portugal's first toll bridge from 14th-15th centuries)
- Quinta visit with olive tasting - learn about olive oil production at family-run Quinta handed down for 11 generations
- Excursion to Lamego - coach tour to terraced vineyard town, guided tour starting at Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies with blue and white tiled staircase, option to walk staircase or take coach, wine tasting at local Bodega, free time to explore
- Mateus Palace - coach transfer to one of Portugal's best examples of Baroque civil architecture
- Port Wine Blending Class - hands-on workshop at Quinta de Pacheca on Port blending process
Landmarks Varosa Valley Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca Ucanha Bridge Lamego Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 5
Vinhateiro Wine Region
You'll cruise through the Vinhateiro wine region, the world's oldest demarcated wine area from 1756. The landscape shows terraced vineyards, traditional red-roofed farmhouses, and small villages scattered throughout the valley. By evening, you'll dock in Vega de Terrón.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Vinhateiro Douro Valley Vega de Terrón - Day 6
Vega de Terrón to Salamanca or Freixo de Espada à Cinta
You'll wake up in Vega de Terrón right on the Portugal-Spain border. Your choices split into two directions. You can take a full day guided tour of Salamanca to see both the 12th and 16th century cathedrals, browse through a local market for regional foods, then have free time to explore on your own. The other option takes you to Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a small village where you'll visit a silk museum to learn about their handcrafted silk production methods and then taste regional products at a local estate.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Salamanca Full Day Excursion - guided tour of city with two cathedrals (12th and 16th century), visit to local market to taste regional delicacies, free time for lunch and exploration
- Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta - guided tour of village known for handcrafted silk processing, visit to local silk museum to learn about silk tradition, visit to local Quinta for tasting of regional produce, return to ship for lunch
Landmarks Vega de Terrón Salamanca Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 7
Pocinho to Pinhão
Starting in Pocinho, where the Douro Railway's historic terminus sits (it opened back in 1887), you'll choose between a few activities. You can visit the Côa Valley Museum to see the world's largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site with ancient workshop areas, or spend time in Freixo Numão experiencing daily village life at Casa Painova estate where they make traditional sugared almonds using old methods. After your morning activity, you'll cruise toward Pinh\u00e3o in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum - coach transfer to the world's largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site, visit contemporary museum opened in 2010, pre-historic workshop, learn about region's paleolithic rock art sites through artifacts and digital technology
- Village life in the Côa Valley - visit traditional village of Freixo Numão, learn about local life, visit Casa Painova estate, see family home, demonstration on how sugared almonds are produced, learn about nut harvesting and use in desserts and pastries, tasting of almonds and local products
Landmarks Pocinho Côa Valley Museum Freixo Numão Casa Painova 
- Day 8
Pinhão
From Pinhão, surrounded by terraced vineyards producing Port wine, you'll transfer to the charming village of Provesende on a high plateau with great views. Wander through the village, check out the church, see the old bakery and traditional handicrafts, then taste bola at the historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada. The afternoon offers kayaking on Pinhão River, vineyard hikes, or tastings at Quinta da Roada.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Village of Provesende visit with church, old bakery, traditional handicraft, and bola tasting at Morgadio da Calçada
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along Pinhão River past impressive landscapes
- Guided hike through Quinta da Roada vineyards in Douro Valley
- Quinta da Roada estate tasting with guided walking tour of vineyard
Landmarks Pinhão Provesende Morgadio da Calçada Pinhão River Quinta da Roada Douro Valley - Day 9
Porto
You'll cruise back toward Porto along the scenic Douro River, arriving mid-afternoon. This evening, a short walk takes you to São Francisco Church (note there are stairs) for an exclusive classical music concert inside this 13th-century Gothic church with its gold-covered carved wooden altar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical concert in São Francisco Church
Landmarks Douro River São Francisco Church - Day 10
Porto
Your final Porto morning offers choices: a guided walking tour of Aveiro with canal rides in colorful traditional boats, 6 holes of golf at Quinta do Fojo, or a tour with tasting at Cockburn's Port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. This afternoon, explore Porto on your own before returning for a farewell dinner. First, you'll take an illumination cruise seeing six bridges that span the Douro.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Free time to explore Porto at leisure), Dinner (Farewell dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Illumination cruise through Porto
- Farewell dinner on board
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Aveiro with moliceiros boat cruise on canals
- Round of golf (6 holes) at Quinta do Fojo Golf Club
- Wine tasting at Cockburn's Port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia
Landmarks Porto Aveiro Quinta do Fojo Golf Club Cockburn's Port Cellar Vila Nova de Gaia Douro River Bridges - Day 11
Porto to Lyon
An included flight takes you from Porto to Lyon, then you'll transfer to the luxury ship for a 10-night cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Porto to Lyon
Landmarks Lyon Saône River Rhône River 
- Day 12
Chalon-sur-Saône
This morning you'll relax on board as you cruise north into Burgundy's wine region. After arriving in Chalon-sur-Saône, you can choose from wine estate visits, a guided tour of Beaune and its historic hospital, or learn about the town's World War II French Resistance history. The town itself features half-timbered houses, a Gothic cathedral, and was the birthplace of photography inventor Nicéphore Niépce.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Burgundy wine discovery tour of local estate with vineyard walk and wine tasting
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices de Beaune Gothic-style hospital with free exploration time
- WWII French Resistance walking tour of Chalon-sur-Saône and Franco-German demarcation line
Landmarks Chalon-sur-Saône Beaune Les Hospices de Beaune Burgundy Wine Region - Day 13
Tournus
Early morning arrival in Tournus brings options for your day. Visit Renaissance Château de Cormatin, watch a cooking demonstration at the Michelin-starred Georges Blanc restaurant, or head to a local truffle farm to meet truffle-hunting dogs and learn how production works. The afternoon includes a cooperage demonstration about barrel making, then you'll cruise to Tournon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dessert buffet from local pâtissier with pastries, creams, and confections)
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration on barrel making
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin with Renaissance architecture, gilded rooms, moat, and gardens
- Cooking demonstration at Georges Blanc Michelin-starred restaurant with gourmet village and museum visits
- Truffle farm visit with truffle-hunting dogs and tasting of delicious produce
Landmarks Tournus Tournus Abbey Château de Cormatin Georges Blanc Restaurant Vonnas Tournon - Day 14
Tournon
Tournon is a hillside village with a 10th-century castle, cobblestoned streets, and terraced vineyards in the Northern Rhône Valley wine region. You can choose guided tastings of Côtes du Rhône wines, hike through sloping vineyards, walk the town and France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage, or bike the Via Rhona route. Leisure time this afternoon lets you explore further, and later you'll enjoy a dessert buffet on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dessert buffet on board Scenic Sapphire from local pâtissier)
Included Activities
- Dessert buffet on board from local pâtissier
Optional Activities
- Guided Côtes du Rhône wine tasting with local expert
- Hiking through Tournon vineyards with wine production education and tastings
- Walking tour of Tournon with castle visit and crossing France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage
- Biking along Via Rhona route between Tournon and Gun with views of villages, orchards, and bridges
Landmarks Tournon Tournon Castle Northern Rhône Valley Côtes du Rhône Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Chocolate House Rhône River - Day 15
Avignon
The morning is relaxed on your luxury ship, giving you time to book a massage or relax on the sun deck. After lunch, you'll dock in Avignon, the City of the Popes with the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes. Morning choices include a walking tour of Avignon's history, an excursion to the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, or kayaking beneath it. This evening features an exclusive gala dinner inside Palais des Papes with a classical music quartet.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exclusive gala dinner inside Palais des Papes banquet hall with classical music quartet)
Included Activities
- Exclusive gala dinner inside Palais des Papes with classical music quartet performance
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Avignon with cobblestone streets and Palais des Papes visit (moderate fitness required)
- Excursion to Pont du Gard aqueduct with museum visit
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard on Gardon River beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct
Landmarks Avignon Palais des Papes Pont du Gard Gardon River Rhône Valley Provence 
- Day 16
Avignon
Another day exploring Avignon and surroundings offers wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey (exterior only Sundays), shopping at Avignon Market with a chef followed by cooking demonstration (market closed Mondays), or visiting the Lavender Museum with the beautiful Ochre Trail in Roussillon village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with wine discovery of grenache and other famous wines
- Excursion to Luberon villages with visit to Gordes and Sénanque Abbey (exterior visit only on Sundays)
- Shopping with chef at Avignon Market followed by cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire (market closed Mondays)
- Lavender Museum visit with adjacent field and guided tour of Roussillon village with Ochre Trail
Landmarks Avignon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Luberon Valley Gordes Sénanque Abbey Avignon Market Scenic Culinaire Cooking School Lavender Museum Roussillon Ochre Trail - Day 17
Arles
You'll cruise through Provence early morning into Arles, the southernmost point just kilometers from the Mediterranean. Founded by Julius Caesar over 2,000 years ago, Arles contains more Roman ruins outside Rome than anywhere else, and inspired Van Gogh in 1888. Choose rosé wine tasting in Provence vineyards, a walking tour of Arles and Roman sites, or visit Les Baux and the Carrières de Lumières digital art space. Afternoons bring a painting workshop where you'll create your own work.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Painting workshop to create your own masterpiece
Optional Activities
- Provence in Pink rosé wine tasting with vineyard visit and grape variety education
- Guided walking tour of Arles with Roman ruins and artistic heritage insights
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières immersive digital art space in former quarry
Landmarks Arles Provence Mediterranean Sea Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 18
Viviers
After cruising north overnight, you'll arrive early in Viviers, founded in the fifth century and described as an open-air museum with narrow lanes unchanged for 1,600 years. Morning options include a walking tour with the Cathedral of St Vincent, or a French Resistance walking tour. The afternoon offers Côtes du Rhône Villages wine tasting, exploring Ardèche Nature Park and the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum (the world's largest Palaeolithic cave replica), or traveling to Grignan de Provence for castle and church visits.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers with Cathedral of St Vincent and free exploration time
- French Resistance walking tour with tales of heroism and Nazi Occupation of France
- Côtes du Rhône Villages guided wine tasting with diverse terroir and winemaking traditions
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum visit (largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence with castle visit and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour with leisure time
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral of St Vincent Côtes du Rhône Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Grignan Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour 
- Day 19
River Cruise to Lyon
You'll spend a full day relaxing on board as you cruise back toward Lyon. Take in the Rhône River views, taste local wines during lunch, or join a French cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire. This evening, you'll enter the grand Trinity Chapel with its Baroque beauty and Carrera marble interior for an exclusive acapella choir performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local wines tasting), Dinner
Included Activities
- Exclusive acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting over lunch
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks Rhône River Trinity Chapel Lyon - Day 20
Lyon
Your final day is in Lyon, France's culinary capital where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, home to over 4,000 restaurants including 20 Michelin-starred places. You can choose a guided coach tour past Roman ruins and secret traboules passageways to Notre Dame Basilica, visit the medieval village of Pérouges (requires fitness for uphill walking), or participate in a silk painting workshop celebrating Lyon's 15th-century textile heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided coach tour of Lyon with Roman ruins, traboules passageways, and Notre Dame Basilica
- Excursion to Pérouges medieval walled village with walking tour (high fitness level required)
- Silk painting workshop to learn Lyon's textile heritage and create your own masterpiece
Landmarks Lyon Rhône River Saône River Notre Dame Basilica Pérouges Ain River - Day 21
Departure
Your journey ends this morning. You'll say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the crew, carrying with you vivid memories of France's most famous wine regions along the Saône and Rhône rivers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Lyon
