Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive in Porto, Portugal's second city perched on hills above the Douro River. After settling into your suite aboard the Scenic Space-Ship, join a cocktail reception this evening to meet fellow travelers and kick things off.
Landmarks/POIs Douro River - Day 2
Porto
This morning choose between a guided city tour hitting the Palácio da Bolsa or a more active option with a cable car ride to Dom Luis bridge and Porto Cathedral. After lunch, you'll learn about Portugal's famous blue tiles and create your own during a workshop this afternoon.
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto including Palácio da Bolsa
- Active tour of Porto including cable car ride to Dom Luis bridge, walk across bridge towards Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and Rua das Flores
Landmarks/POIs Palácio da Bolsa Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores - Day 3
Entre-os-Rios to Régua
Your first stop is the quiet village of Entre-os-Rios. Morning activities include hiking the Paiva Walkways, touring the Quinta da Aveleda wine estate, or visiting Guimarães, Portugal's cradle. Later you'll cruise to Régua and check out the Douro Museum this afternoon.
Included Activities
- Visit to Douro Museum
Optional Activities
- Paiva Walkways active hike along Paiva River
- Quinta da Aveleda sparkling wine estate tour
- Excursion to Guimarães including 15th-century palace exploration
Landmarks/POIs Entre-os-Rios Douro Valley Paiva River Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Douro Museum - Day 4
Régua
You can spend your morning exploring Varosa Valley and Tarouca Monastery, learning about olive oil at a family quinta, or other options. Afternoon choices range from Lamego Cathedral to Mateus Palace's Baroque architecture or a Port wine blending workshop at Quinta de Pacheca.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Lunch on board
Optional Activities
- Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca Monastery, and Ucanha's fortified bridge
- Quinta visit with olive oil production demonstration and tasting
- Excursion to Lamego and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Mateus Palace tour - Baroque architecture
- Port Wine Blending Class at Quinta de Pacheca
Landmarks/POIs Varosa Valley Tarouca Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca Ucanha Lamego Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 5
Régua to Vega de Terrón
Today you'll relax cruising through the Vinhateiro wine region where terraced vineyards and traditional red-roofed farmhouses line the valley. This World Heritage area was the first demarcated wine region in the world back in 1756. You'll arrive in Vega de Terrón this evening.
Landmarks/POIs Vinhateiro Douro Valley - Day 6
Vega de Terrón
Wake in Vega de Terrón, sitting on the Portugal-Spain border where the Douro and Águeda rivers meet. This unspoiled town has quiet streets and friendly locals. You can take a full-day trip to Salamanca with its two cathedrals and market, or visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta's silk museum.
Optional Activities
- Salamanca Full Day Excursion including two cathedrals (12th and 16th century), market visit for local delicacies, and free time for lunch
- Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum - guided tour of handcrafted silk processing
Landmarks/POIs Vega de Terrón Salamanca Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 7
Pocinho
You'll wake in Pocinho, which became the Douro Railway terminus back in 1887. Check out the Côa Valley Museum with its paleolithic rock art or head to Casa Painova estate to see how sweet almonds are produced. After that you'll cruise toward Pinhão this afternoon.
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum tour with coach transfer - paleolithic rock art sites through original artefacts and digital technology with pre-historic workshop
- Village life in the Côa Valley - Casa Painova estate demonstration of sweet almond production with tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products
Landmarks/POIs Pocinho Côa Valley Museum Casa Painova - Day 8
Pinhão
Pinhão sits on one of the prettiest stretches of the Douro River, surrounded by terraced vineyards producing exceptional Port wine. Transfer to the village of Provesende to explore the church, old bakery, and the historic manor for a bola tasting. Afternoon activities include kayaking, vineyard hikes, or wine tasting.
Included Activities
- Visit to Provesende village including church, old bakery, traditional handicraft observation, and tasting of bola at Morgadio da Calçada manor house
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River
- Quinta da Roada guided vineyard hike
- Quinta da Roada guided walking tour and wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Pinhão Provesende Pinhão River Quinta da Roada Morgadio da Calçada - Day 9
Pinhão to Porto
Enjoy leisure time sailing back to Porto this afternoon as your ship returns. Tonight you'll experience an exclusive classical concert in the 13th-century São Francisco Church with its gold-adorned interior.
Included Activities
- Classical concert in São Francisco Church
Landmarks/POIs São Francisco Church Douro River - Day 10
Porto
Your final Porto morning offers choices: a guided walk through Aveiro with a ride in brightly colored moliceiros boats, a round of golf at Quinta do Fojo, or wine tasting at Cockburn's Port in Vila Nova de Gaia. Afternoon brings free time to explore before a farewell dinner and evening illumination cruise.
Included Activities
- Illumination cruise through Porto
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Aveiro with guided walking tour and moliceiros flat-bottomed boat cruise
- Round of golf at Quinta do Fojo Golf Club - 6 holes
- Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia - visit Cockburn's Port with guided tour and tasting
Landmarks/POIs Aveiro Quinta do Fojo Golf Club Vila Nova de Gaia Cockburn's Port Douro River - Day 11
Porto to Bordeaux
You'll board an included flight from Porto to Bordeaux and join the crew of the Scenic Azure for the next leg of your journey along the Garonne River.
Landmarks/POIs Bordeaux - Day 12
Bordeaux to Libourne
The morning starts with a gentle cruise along the Garonne toward Libourne. After lunch, head out to Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage village with medieval buildings and thousands of years of history. You'll explore the unique Monolithic Church carved into limestone, then dock overnight in Libourne, a 13th-century port and winemaking hub.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Tour to Saint-Émilion including Monolithic Church visit
Landmarks/POIs Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church Libourne - Day 13
Libourne
Explore Libourne this morning with options like a guided walk through this historic wool, wine, salt and wood trading center, vineyard exploration with wine tasting in Saint-Émilion, or cycling through vineyards to Château Siaurac. You can also take a painting class on the Sun Deck. After lunch, set sail for Fort Médoc this afternoon.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne - guided tour with history of wool, wine, salt and wood trade
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion - countryside exploration 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 and wine sipping
Landmarks/POIs Libourne Saint-Émilion Château Siaurac - Day 14
Fort Médoc
The Médoc region produces the world's leading red wines from legendary châteaux. Explore by coach along the 'Route des Châteaux' with winery tastings, or by e-bike to see grand estates. Tonight you'll enjoy a classical concert at the 13th-century Château d'Agassac in the countryside.
Included Activities
- Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - tour through 'Route of Castles' with 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations and local winery tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - e-bike exploration of countryside with grand châteaux viewing and prestigious estate wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Médoc Château d'Agassac - Day 15
Fort Médoc to Cadillac
Relax on board this morning as you sail to Cadillac. Optional spa treatments or French cuisine lessons at the Scenic Culinaire cooking school are available. You'll arrive in Cadillac after lunch, a historic 1280-founded town with grand buildings that inspired Detroit's automobile industry.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment
- Scenic Culinaire cooking school French cuisine class
Landmarks/POIs Cadillac - Day 16
Cadillac
Cadillac sits close to the Sauternes wine region, famous for sweet fortified wines. Choose morning activities like a coach or bike tour through rolling vineyards with tasting. Afternoon options include visiting the 700-year-old Roquetaillade Castle, cycling through Loupiac wine region, or exploring Château Toulouse-Lautrec with the famous painter's apartments.
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - coach tour through vineyards to tasting
- Sauternes by bike - cycling through rolling vineyards with tasting
- Roquetaillade Castle - guided tour with family descendants (700+ years residence)
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region - cycling landscape with Château Benauge viewing
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec - guided tour of historic rooms and famous painter's apartments
Landmarks/POIs Sauternes Roquetaillade Castle Loupiac Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 17
Cadillac to Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux's food and scenic highlights with multiple choices: a guided city tour covering the Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, cycling to sample local treats like canelés, shopping at a market with the ship's chef, or oyster tasting. After hours, visit the digital art installation at Bassins des Lumières with a Champagne welcome.
Included Activities
- Tasting of fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay
- Afterhours access to Bassins des Lumières with Champagne welcome and exclusive customised show
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - highlights including Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - guided cycle through historic city with treats like canel\u00e9 sampling
- Shop with a chef - join on board chef at local market to shop and taste local ingredients with cooking demonstration
Landmarks/POIs Bordeaux Bassins des Lumières Arcachon Bay - Day 18
Bordeaux to Bourg
Continue exploring Bordeaux with options including the interactive Cité du Vin wine museum via local tram, a motorbike and sidecar tour through the city, or a walking tour of charming Arcachon bayside town finishing at Baltard market. Afternoon brings leisure time on board as you sail toward Bourg.
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum - local tram to interactive wine discovery journey
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - cruise through city on motorcycle/sidecar
- Visit Arcachon - guided walking tour of charming bayside town ending at Baltard undercover food market
Landmarks/POIs Cité du Vin Arcachon Baltard Market Bourg - Day 19
Bourg
You'll dock in Bourg, a picturesque town on a rocky promontory with ancient alleyways and bell towers. Choose from exploring the Carriages Museum inside Bourg Castle, touring the 2,000-year-old town of Saintes, or a full day trip to Cognac with a walking tour and Rémy Martin estate visit with brandy sampling.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - local guide tour of unique horse-drawn carriage collection inside Bourg Castle grounds
- Historic Saintes - guided tour of charming Charente-Maritime town with 2,000 years of history and lush gardens
- Full day excursion to Cognac - walking tour of fortified city, lunch, then Rémy Martin estate tour with cognac sampling
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 attacks. Options include a walking tour of charming Blaye viewing the citadel overlooking the Gironde Estuary, an active hike exploring the Vauban defence system, cycling along the Captain's Road, or visiting the fortified Château de la Roche Courbon.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - stroll through charming city with local guide, World Heritage citadel overlooking Gironde Estuary
- Active walking tour of Blaye - citadel exploration with defence system understanding by Sébastien Vauban
- Cycling along the Captain's Road - active cycling tour
- Visit Château de la Roche Courbon - guided tour of fortified castle with sprawling manicured gardens
Landmarks/POIs Blaye Blaye Citadel Château de la Roche Courbon - Day 21
Blaye to Paris
You'll board an included flight from Bordeaux to Paris and join the Scenic crew for your cruise along the Seine River.
Landmarks/POIs Paris - Day 22
Paris to Les Andelys
The ship cruises gently along the Seine to Les Andelys, arriving just after lunch. This 900-year-old waterside village has well-preserved Norman buildings overlooked by King Richard the Lionheart's Château Gaillard ruins. Walk by the river or explore charming streets. Afternoon activities include a medieval-themed castle hike, town tour, cider farm visit, or Renaissance Château Gaillon.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - medieval-themed walking tour uncovering historical secrets and castle remnants
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - local guide tour of picturesque Norman town before castle visit
- Cider farm visit - artisanal craftsmanship experience with production viewing and tasting
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - guided tour of 16th-century early Renaissance-style château exploring lavish interior remnants
Landmarks/POIs Les Andelys Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 23
Les Andelys to Rouen
You'll arrive in Rouen, Normandy's 2,000-year-old capital with Viking legends and WWII significance. Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke here and Joan of Arc was executed here. The exquisite Old Town has museums, bistros, churches, and the famed 12th-century cathedral. Choose from city tours, Viking history with a dressed guide, or photography discovery. Evening features a lecture on WWI soldier life.
Included Activities
- Expert lecture - WWI Day in the life of a Tommy covering soldier experiences on Western Front including 1914 Christmas armistice, trench warfare, equipment and ration tasting
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - guided tour describing Victor Hugo's 'city of a hundred spires', cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, Joan of Arc story, with free time
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide as Viking warlord Rollo exploring city's Medieval past and Viking raiders history, with free time
- Photography discovery - local photographer learning session using Rouen as landscape for modern impressionist digital portraits
Landmarks/POIs Rouen Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter - Day 24
Rouen
Spend the full day in Rouen exploring regional history or gourmet experiences. Visit local producers tasting soft cheeses, cider and calvados. Tour WWI Battle of the Somme sites including the Australian Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park. An alternative Somme tour adds Caterpillar Valley Cemetery and Thiepval Memorial.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - visit local producers for soft cheese, cider and calvados tasting
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park with trench viewing
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - same Somme tour with additions of Caterpillar Valley Cemetery (5,500+ Commonwealth graves) and Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
Landmarks/POIs Somme Battlefields Sir John Monash Centre Franco-Australian Museum Lochnagar Crater Newfoundland Memorial Park Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Thiepval Memorial - Day 25
Rouen to Honfleur
Cruise west to Honfleur, a colorful port city on the English Channel edge. This artistic birthplace of Impressionism features a bustling harbor with half-timbered houses, restaurants, and galleries. Take a guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities before exploring freely. Tonight hear a lecture on Operation Fortitude and WWII life in Honfleur.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur including Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities
- Evening lecture on Operation Fortitude and daily life during D-Day campaign
Landmarks/POIs Honfleur Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 26
Honfleur
Spend the full day in Honfleur exploring the region's WWII role. Choose from excursions focusing on US history with Utah Beach memorial and Normandy American Cemetery, UK history including Bayeux and British memorials, Canadian history with Juno Beach Centre, or an alternate Bayeux tour covering cathedral architecture.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - Utah Beach memorial (20,000+ troops June 6 1944), Sainte-Mère-Église (30 paratroopers landing), lunch at local restaurant, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Omaha Beach Memorial (2,400 casualties)
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Arromanches Landing Museum across artificial harbour, lunch, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Abbey d'Ardenne (11th century memorial to Canadian POWs), Juno Beach Centre (20,000 Canadian troops landing), lunch, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery (335 soldiers), Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th centuries, Norman Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece) with free exploration time
Landmarks/POIs Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Omaha Beach Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy 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
Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
Cruise inland early to Caudebec-en-Caux, a small Medieval town on a Seine curve with riverfront homes and crumbling stone walls. Historic buildings including the ornate 15th-century Notre Dame survived WWII bombardments. Bike to Villequier with the Victor Hugo Museum, coach to Fécamp exploring the Bénédictine Palace, take a French Resistance walking tour, or explore Abbey Road spiritual heritage.
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - active e-bike tour along River Seine banks on flat 8km each way route, Victor Hugo museum visit
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to historic seaside town with tall Normandy cliffs, guided tour of 19th-century palace famous for Bénédictine liquor (27 plants/spices) with tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learning WWII stories of heroism and daring missions during Nazi Occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - local guide exploration of Middle Ages spiritual importance with grand abbeys on River Seine banks
Landmarks/POIs Caudebec-en-Caux Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 28
Caudebec-en-Caux to La Roche-Guyon
You'll arrive in Vernon, a historic border town with distinctive buildings. Nearby Giverny was Impressionist Claude Monet's home for over 40 years. Tour Monet's House and Garden with its Japanese-inspired water lily gardens, self-guide an e-bike from Vernon to Giverny, or take an afternoon painting class on board. Evening brings an exclusive Château de La Roche-Guyon experience with a classical concert.
Included Activities
- Exclusive classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon - drink and splendid concert focusing on French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - journey to Giverny tour with garden visit featuring Japanese-inspired water lily gardens and free exploration
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - self-guided biking tour (approximately 5km each way) with optional Monet's House visit or town wandering
- On board painting class - create your own masterpiece after exploring gardens
Landmarks/POIs Vernon Giverny Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 29
La Roche-Guyon to Conflans-Saint-Honorine
Wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town where the Seine and Oise rivers meet. A 9th-century castle built by monks protected Saint Honorine's relics, becoming a popular pilgrimage site. Wander quiet streets and riverside pathways. Visit Auvers-Sur-Oise with Van Gogh locations, Château de Chantilly with art and gardens, Musée de la Batellerie, or Château de Malmaison where Napoleon and Josephine lived. After that, cruise back to Paris.
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - village where Vincent Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, immortalised landmarks like Notre Dame de l'Assomption church, Van Gogh's room (attic he rented during final months), free time
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour of magnificent France cultural heritage castle by Henri d'Orléans (last King of France's son), fine art collections, garden exploration, free time. (Note: Closed Tuesday, replaced with Versailles)
- Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum) - active tour exploring Conflans ('barge capital of world') water transport importance
- Château de Malmaison - historic Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais residence, elegant neoclassical architecture, landscaped gardens, museum showcasing Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, personal items
Landmarks/POIs Conflans-Saint-Honorine Auvers-Sur-Oise Van Gogh's Room Notre Dame de l'Assomption Château de Chantilly Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 30
Paris
Explore iconic Paris with multiple options: a highlights tour covering the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysée, and Notre Dame Cathedral recently reopened after 2019 fire, a Marais District walking tour with a local guide, the spectacular Opera Garnier with ornate rooms, or a coach trip to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte with formal gardens. Afternoon brings free time for cafés, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, or relaxing on ship.
Optional Activities
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour with highlights: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (1163-built, reopened after 2019 fire)
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of Marais district - melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, eclectic arts scene, high-end fashion
- Opera Garnier - spectacular opera house tour with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, glistening chandeliers, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach tour (1 hour drive) of château credited as founding French formal garden and Versailles inspiration with stunning symmetrical gardens
Landmarks/POIs Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Opera Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 31
Paris
Your journey concludes this morning. You'll disembark after breakfast with wonderful memories of this Douro and Seine region experience. Transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Paris
