Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive in Porto and get settled into your suite on the Scenic Space-Ship. The city sits on hills overlooking where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, and this evening there's a cocktail reception to kick things off.
Included Activities
- Cocktail reception on board
Landmarks Douro River - Day 2
Porto
You can choose between guided tours around Porto or try the cable car for a more active exploration. This afternoon, you'll head to a ceramic workshop where you can create your own painted tile, which is a fun hands-on way to experience local Portuguese traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto including visit to 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 Palácio da Bolsa Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores Gaia (Vila Nova de Gaia) - Day 3
Entre-os-Rios - Douro Valley - Regua
You'll start in the village of Entre-os-Rios where you can pick what sounds best to you. Go for a hike along the Paiva River if you want to stretch your legs, take a wine tour at Quinta da Aveleda to see how local wines are made, or head to Guimarães to check out Portugal's historic 'cradle' and walk through the old town. After your choice, the ship cruises to Regua and you'll visit the Douro Museum to learn about Port wine and how it shaped this whole region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Douro Museum
Optional Activities
- Paiva Walkways: Active hike along the Paiva River
- Quinta da Aveleda: Wine producer estate tour
- Excursion to Guimarães: World Heritage city with 15th-century palace exploration
Landmarks Entre-os-Rios Douro Valley Paiva River Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Palace Douro Museum - Day 4
Regua
Your morning has options. Head into the Varosa Valley and see Tarouca Monastery, spend time at a family-run Quinta learning how they make olive oil, or wander through Lamego with its Baroque sanctuary. After lunch back on the ship, you can either tour Mateus Palace or try a hands-on Port wine blending class at Quinta de Pacheca. The afternoon lets you pick whichever appeals more, and you'll return to the ship for meals between your activities.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha excursion: Discover Varosa Valley, explore Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha (closed Mondays - replaced with Vila Real visit)
- Quinta visit with olive tasting: Family-run estate with 11 generations of history
- Excursion to Lamego: Guided tour of Baroque city including Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, option to walk zigzagged staircase with traditional blue and white tiled mosaics, local produce tasting at Bodega, free time to explore
- Mateus Palace: Coach transfer to Baroque architectural landmark
- Port Wine Blending Class: Hands-on workshop at Quinta de Pacheca
Landmarks Varosa Valley São João de Tarouca Monastery Ucanha Bridge Varosa River Lamego Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 5
Regua to Vega de Terrón
You'll have a relaxed day cruising through the Vinhateiro wine region with its dramatic terraced vineyards and traditional red-roofed farmhouses dotting the landscape. The ship arrives in Vega de Terrón by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Vinhateiro Wine Region Vega de Terrón - Day 6
Vega de Terrón - Salamanca / Freixo de Espada à Cinta
You'll wake up in Vega de Terrón right where Portugal meets Spain. Pick between a full guided day in Salamanca to see two historic cathedrals from the 12th and 16th centuries, walk through the local market, and have free time, or explore Freixo de Espada à Cinta to learn about traditional silk processing and taste wines from regional estates. Either way, you'll head back to the ship for lunch afterward.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Salamanca Full Day Excursion: Guided tour of two cathedrals (12th and 16th century), market visit to taste local delicacies, free time to explore and lunch at leisure
- Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta: Guided tour including silk museum to learn handcrafted silk tradition, local Quinta (estate) visit with regional produce tasting, returns to ship for lunch
Landmarks Vega de Terrón Douro River Águeda River Salamanca Cathedral (12th Century) Salamanca Cathedral (16th Century) Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 7
Pocinho - Côa Valley / Pinh ão
Starting in Pocinho, you'll be at the historic Douro Railway terminus from 1887. Choose between the Côa Valley Museum to see the world's largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site with its modern building design and prehistoric workshop, or explore Freixo Numão and Casa Painova estate to discover how they make sugared almonds and taste local products. From there, the ship heads toward Pinhão in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site in world, visit contemporary museum (opened 2010), participate in pre-historic workshop
- Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit traditional village of Freixo Numão, explore Casa Painova estate, see family home, watch sugared almond production demonstration, taste almonds and local products
Landmarks Pocinho Douro Railway Station Côa Valley Museum Côa Valley Freixo Numão Casa Painova Pinh ão - Day 8
Pinhão
Pinhão is surrounded by terraced vineyards that produce exceptional Port wine. You'll transfer to the charming village of Provesende on a plateau with great views, and check out the church, old bakery, and traditional handicrafts, then taste bola at a historic manor. The afternoon offers kayaking, vineyard hikes, or wine tastings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Provesende village including church, old bakery, traditional handicraft viewing, and tasting of bola at Morgadio da Calçada manor house
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River - glide past landscapes via kayak on tributary of Douro
- Quinta vineyard hike - guided hike through vineyards of Quinta da Roêada in Douro Valley
- Quinta tasting - visit Quinta da Roêada estate for tasting and guided walking tour learning vineyard secrets
Landmarks Pinhão Provesende Morgadio da Calçada Pinhão River Quinta da Roêada - Day 9
Pinhão to Porto
You'll have leisure time sailing back to Porto along the Douro River this afternoon. Later this evening, you'll attend an exclusive classical concert in the iconic São Francisco Church.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical concert in São Francisco Church - performance of classical music in 13th-century Gothic church with gold-decorated altar
Landmarks São Francisco Church Douro River 
- Day 10
Porto
In Porto, you can choose from a traditional boat ride, a round of golf, or wine tasting at famous cellars. The afternoon is free for wandering through the city on your own. This evening features an illumination cruise through Porto followed by a farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Illumination cruise through Porto passing six bridges spanning the Douro
- Farewell dinner on board
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Aveiro with cruise - guided walking tour of canal city and cruise in brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boat
- Round of golf - play 6 holes at Quinta do Fojo Golf club
- Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia - visit Cockburn's Port cellar with guided visit and tasting
Landmarks Aveiro Quinta do Fojo Golf Club Vila Nova de Gaia Cockburn's Port Cellar Douro River - Day 11
Porto to Lyon
You'll take an included flight from Porto to Lyon and board the luxurious Scenic Sapphire for a 10-night cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Porto to Lyon
Landmarks Saône River Rhône River - Day 12
Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saône
This morning you'll cruise leisurely toward Chalon-sur-Saône. You can explore Beaune and Les Hospices, do Burgundy wine tasting, or learn about the WWII Franco-German demarcation line.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices - tour of beautiful town with Gothic-style hospital museum founded in Middle Ages, free time to explore
- Burgundy wine tasting - visit local estate in Côte de Beaune with wine tasting surrounded by unique architecture
- WW2 in Chalon-sur-Saône - Life on the Franco-German demarcation line - walk along old 'Demarcation Line', learn about French Resistance and wartime challenges
Landmarks Chalon-sur-Saône Beaune Les Hospices de Beaune Côte de Beaune - Day 13
Chalon-sur-Saône to Tournon
After waking early to see the river scenery on the way to Tournon, you'll choose morning activities like touring Château de Cormatin, tasting truffles, or watching a cooking demonstration by Georges Blanc. Everyone attends an afternoon cooperage demonstration before heading to Tournon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration showcasing ancient craft of barrel making
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - guided tour of 1606 castle with gilded rooms, moat, water features, and 10+ hectares of gardens
- Truffle Tasting - meet local truffle farmer and hound, learn truffle farming techniques, enjoy tasting
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - orientation tour of Vonnas village, cooking demonstration at three-star Michelin chef's restaurant, village museum visit
Landmarks Chalon-sur-Saône Château de Cormatin Vonnas Tournon - Day 14
Tournon
Tournon is a hillside village with terraced vineyards and a 10th-century castle. Morning activities include walking tours, vineyard hikes, or biking along the Rhône. You'll have free time this afternoon, and this evening there's an aperitif with views of the castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif on terrace of Tournon Castle with views over Rhône River and terraced vineyards
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - explore town on foot, learn history, visit 10th-16th century castle, free time to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River, learn about local wine production, taste regional wines
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle picturesque banks of Rhône River past villages and scenery to nearby Glun
Landmarks Tournon Castle Rhône River Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Chocolatiers Glun - Day 15
Tournon to Avignon
The ship docks in Avignon after lunch. You can explore the Palais des Papes, visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct, or kayak on the Gardon River this morning. Tonight brings an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in the Pope's Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exclusive gala dinner in Palais des Papes)
Included Activities
- Exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in Palais des Papes - after-hours private access to palace with dinner in the room the Pope dined and trio performance
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including visit to Popes Palace - guided walk through city walls and Palais des Papes, seat of Western Christianity in 14th century. Moderate fitness required due to cobblestones and steps.
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from middle first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to Nîmes
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - paddle kayak beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct on tranquil Gardon River
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Gardon River Avignon City Walls 
- Day 16
Avignon
You'll spend the full day exploring Avignon with morning options including Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey, cooking classes with a chef, lavender museums, or wine tasting 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), visit Sénanque Abbey. Note: Abbey not open to visitors on Sundays (exterior visit only)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - join Scenic chef at local market to shop for and taste regional ingredients, return to ship for interactive cooking demonstration. Note: Avignon Market closed on Monday
- Lavender Museum with visit to Roussillon - visit local lavender producer to learn growing, harvesting and utilization, guided tour of Roussillon village
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - sample celebrated wines at village with centuries of wine production history
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Avignon Market Roussillon Luberon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Côte du Rhône Vineyards - Day 17
Avignon to Arles
Arles has significant Roman heritage dating back to Julius Caesar around 56 BC with numerous ruins throughout the city. Morning activities include guided tours, visiting Les Baux with immersive art installations, olive mill tours, or lavender workshops. The afternoon is free or you can attend a painting class on board, then explore on your own.
- 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), experience vibrant colours and striking light that inspired many artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - journey to medieval village, visit former quarry site with enormous 7,000 square-metre immersive visual and musical installation highlighting notable artists' works
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - visit local olive farm to learn olive oil production techniques, owner shares life experience in region and traditional Provencal recipes
- Lavender fields to cream, A Provence Herbal Workshop - visit local organic farm specializing in essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary and herbs (typically late June to mid-August). Learn health benefits, essential oil extraction process, create own lavender-based cream. Note: Available at certain times of year.
- On board painting class - learn about artistic heritage of region while painting masterpiece
Landmarks Arles Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières Provence Region 
- Day 18
Arles to Viviers
Viviers is known as an open-air museum with rich medieval heritage and lots of history. Morning walking tours cover either the town's history or French Resistance stories. Afternoons let you explore Ardèche Nature Park caves, Madeleine Caves, or the beautiful village of Grignan de Provence.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - explore with local guide, admire Cathedral of St. Vincent (11th century, now 18th-century Gothic with Renaissance facade) and other monuments, free time to explore
- French Resistance walking tour - learn stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi occupation, explore historic town hearing local heroism and daring mission tales
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins, visit largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in world (original too fragile for public access)
- Ardeche National Park and Madeleine Cave - drive through rugged beauty of Ardèche Nature Park from Gorge to Madeleine Caves, admire rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites and underground lakes. Moderate fitness and sturdy shoes required due to underground location and numerous steps.
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - guided exploration of beautiful provincial town, see mighty castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, free time at leisure
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral of St. Vincent Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Ardèche Gorge Madeleine Cave Grignan Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour - Day 19
Viviers to Lyon
You'll have a relaxed day on board as the ship cruises back toward Lyon along the Rhône River. You can relax on the Sun Deck, use the Salt Therapy Lounge, or take a cooking class. This evening features an exclusive acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel - exclusive to Scenic guests in 17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble interior
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire - sharpen cooking skills
Landmarks Rhône River Trinity Chapel - Day 20
Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon, France's culinary capital founded by Romans in 43 BC. Morning activities include guided tours of historic traboules, visiting the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, excursions to medieval Pérouge, or silk painting workshops.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - discover Lyon's historic significance, traverse hidden traboules and secret passageways from fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière with fabulous vantage point for city views
- Excursion to Pérouge - visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with preserved vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and market square with centuries-old lime tree. High fitness level recommended due to uneven surfaces and hill walking.
- Silk painting workshop - learn about Lyon's silk production heritage dating back five centuries (large industry in 19th century), learn history and process of silk painting
Landmarks Lyon Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Traboules Pérouge Ain River Rhône River Saône River - Day 21
Lyon to Paris
An included flight takes you from Lyon to Paris where you'll board the Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Lyon to Paris
Landmarks Seine River - Day 22
Paris to Les Andelys
You'll have a relaxed morning on board before arriving in Les Andelys after lunch. This 900-year-old waterside village has well-preserved Norman-era houses and is overlooked by King Richard the Lionheart's castle ruins. Afternoon activities include medieval castle hikes, town tours, cider farm visits, or exploring Renaissance châteaux.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour uncovering historical secrets of Les Andelys, venture to Lionheart's castle and wander among remnants
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - explore picturesque Norman town on Seine banks with local guide before reaching castle overlooking city
- Cider farm visit - visit local farm to see Normandy cider production process in action and taste distinctive effervescent drink
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - explore extraordinary 16th-century château, one of earliest Renaissance-style châteaux in France, admire lavish interior remnants, learn importance to French history
Landmarks Les Andelys Château Gaillard Seine River Limestone Cliffs Château Gaillon - Day 23
Les Andelys to Rouen
You'll arrive in Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history from Viking times through WWII. Morning tours explore the city's hundred spires, medieval quarters, or Viking heritage. Back on board, there's a lecture about WWI and life on the Western Front.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- WWI Lecture - Day in the life of a Tommy - interactive evening learning about Allied soldier life on Western Front, 1914 Christmas armistice football match, trench warfare horrors, try on equipment and weapons, taste rations
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - guided tour exploring Victor Hugo's 'city of a hundred spires', visit cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, learn about Joan of Arc and 1431 death site, free time
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker, learn city's Viking raider history and Medieval past, free time to explore
- Photography discovery - join local photographer to learn century-old art form, use Rouen as landscape for digital portrait like modern impressionist artist
Landmarks Rouen Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter Joan of Arc Execution Site 
- Day 24
Rouen
You'll have the full day in Rouen. Choose gourmet tours of Normandy cheeses and cider, extensive WWI Somme Battlefields excursions visiting memorials and cemeteries, or a medieval tour of the town of Bayeux.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - visit local producers to taste soft cheeses, cider and calvados of Normandy's abundant region famed for high quality dairy and fruit orchards
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - full day excursion to WWI Battle of the Somme site (150,000+ British Commonwealth soldier deaths), visit Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, Newfoundland Memorial Park with shell holes and trenches
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - same itinerary as above visiting Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, then Caterpillar Valley Cemetery (5,500+ Commonwealth graves) and Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Lochnagar Crater
- Bayeux tour - guided tour of Bayeux including Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th centuries, Norman Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece), free time to explore medieval town
Landmarks Normandy Region Somme Battlefields Sir John Monash Centre Franco-Australian Museum Lochnagar Crater Newfoundland Memorial Park Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Thiepval Memorial to the Missing Bayeux Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 25
Rouen to Honfleur
The ship heads west to Honfleur, a colorful port city on the English Channel with half-timbered houses, restaurants, and galleries. This is where Impressionism was born. You'll take a guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities. This evening, a lecture covers Operation Fortitude and Honfleur's D-Day role.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - explore charming Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities
Landmarks Honfleur Honfleur Inner Harbour Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities English Channel - Day 26
Honfleur
You'll spend the full day in Honfleur exploring its important WWII history. Choose from three D-Day focused excursions covering US, UK, or Canadian perspectives, or take a medieval tour of Bayeux exploring a different historical period.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - memorial on Utah Beach (20,000+ US troops landed June 6, 1944), visit Sainte-Mère-Église (30 US Paratroopers landed), lunch at local restaurant, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Omaha Beach Memorial. Note: Omaha Beach referred to as 'Bloody Omaha' with 2,400 casualties.
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - Bayeux (first liberated town, became French capital summer 1944), Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy (chronological D-Day events detail), Landing Museum at Arromanches (artificial harbour for reinforcements), lunch at local restaurant, 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 from D-Day), Juno Beach Centre (20,000 Canadian troops landing memorial), lunch at local restaurant, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery (335 Canadian men killed in D-Day and early campaign), Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - guided tour of Bayeux including Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th centuries, Norman Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece), free time to explore historic town
Landmarks Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Omaha Beach Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Arromanches Landing Museum 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
The ship cruises inland early to Caudebec-en-Caux, a Medieval town on a Seine curve with riverside homes, gardens, and stone walls. Activities include e-bike tours to the Villequier museum, visiting Fécamp with its Bénédictine Palace, French Resistance stories, or spiritual exploration on Abbey Road.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - active e-bike tour along Seine banks on flat eight-kilometre each way route, visit museum dedicated to famous French poet, playwright and novelist
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to historic seaside town surrounded by Normandy's tallest cliffs, guided tour of 19th-century Bénédictine Palace architectural masterpiece famous for Bénédictine liquor (27 plants and spices), tasting during visit
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learning stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi occupation, hear local heroism and daring mission tales while exploring historic city
- Normandy Abbey Road - explore fascinating medieval Normandy spiritual history with local guide, visit grand abbeys on Seine banks
Landmarks Caudebec-en-Caux Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Seine River Fécamp Bénédictine Palace Normandy Cliffs - Day 28
Caudebec-en-Caux to Vernon
You'll wake in Vernon, historically a border town between the Normandy Duchy and France. Nearby Giverny was Impressionist Claude Monet's home for over 40 years. Morning activities include visiting Monet's house and gardens or self-guided cycling. An afternoon painting class is available on board, and this evening brings a Scenic Enrich performance at Château de La Roche-Guyon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon - walk from ship to 16th-century castle built into chalk hillside, walk through manicured orchards and vegetable gardens, admire decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries, enjoy drink and classical concert focusing on French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - journey to Giverny to tour town and visit founder of Impressionism's home, explore Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies that inspired famous works, free time to explore
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - self-guided e-bike tour from ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately 5km each way), visit Monet's House and Garden or wander charming town before returning
- On board painting class - create masterpiece after exploring beautiful gardens, inspired by region's natural beauty
Landmarks Vernon Giverny Monet's House and Garden Japanese Water Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon Seine River - Day 29
Vernon to Conflans-Saint-Honorine
You're in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town where the Seine and Oise rivers meet, just outside Paris. A castle built by monks in the 9th century protected Saint Honorine's relics and became a pilgrimage site for 700 years. You can wander quiet streets, walk riverside paths, or relax at cafés. Choose from visits to Van Gogh's village, Chantilly Castle, an inland water transport museum, or Malmaison estate.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - travel to village where Vincent Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, see landmarks immortalised in works including Notre Dame de l'Assomption church, tour includes entry to Van Gogh's attic room (rented final months, empty since 1890), free time to wander village
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour of magnificent castle, tribute to France's cultural heritage built by Henri d'Orléans (last King of France's son), see fine art collections, explore gardens, free time. Note: Chantilly Castle closed Tuesday, replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden visit
- Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum) - active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine visiting Inland Water Transport Museum, Conflans called 'barge capital of world', water played vital role in residents' lives
- Château de Malmaison - tour historic estate once residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and first wife Josephine de Beauharnais, explore elegant neoclassical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens reflecting Josephine's refined taste and botany passion, museum showcasing Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, and personal items
Landmarks Conflans-Saint-Honorine Seine River Oise River Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Van Gogh's Room Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 30
Conflans-Saint-Honorine to Paris
You're back in Paris for a day of exploration. First-timers can check off bucket-list sites like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, while returning visitors might prefer the trendy Marais District, the ornate Opera Garnier, or the exquisite Vaux-le-Vicomte château. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, then return to the ship to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of Marais district with Parisian guide, explore melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, eclectic arts scene and high-end fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour with local guide viewing famous sites from Eiffel Tower to Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, view 1163-built Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (recently reopened after devastating 2019 fire)
- Opera Garnier - tour spectacular opera house in theatrical heart of Paris, ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, glistening chandeliers, learn about magnificent building commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach to château one hour from Paris, credited as founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles, stunning gardens with typical symmetrical layout creating theatrical setting
Landmarks Paris Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Opera Garnier Champs Elysee Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 31
Paris
Your journey ends this morning. You'll disembark after breakfast with memories of this unique part of France. Transfers to Paris airport or train station are arranged for your onward travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
