28 Day Seine, Bordeaux & Delightful Douro

Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop. Meals included: Dinner

Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as you glide peacefully through the Île-de-France region to Les Andelys. Freechoice Hike to King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit Fleury-la-Forêt Castle. Sample cider, the region’s specialty, after touring this exquisite example of 17th century architecture. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Walk the winding medieval laneways and admire the city’s half-timbered houses. This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and you’re able to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields with an on board lecture from a local expert. This evening a local patissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. This full-day excursion commemorates the 103 years since, and includes a visit to the Australian National Memorial, containing the newly built Sir John Monash Centre, and the Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux. Alternatively, explore the collection of Impressionistic paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Relax on board as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel. Freechoice Explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down on its waters. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the beautiful La Côte Fleurie region on France’s northern beaches and discover dashing Deauville, playground of the rich and famous. Sundowners The estate of Manoir d’Apreval exclusively welcomes Scenic guests for a cocktail event showcasing their prestigious apple spirits. Celebrate your visit to the picturesque Calvados region with a beverage of the same name and let your eyes soak up the surrounding beauty, from the many flowering apple trees to the blue waters of the English Channel in the distance. Back on board, kick up your heels on the dance floor as a fabulous local swing band performs the best of the 1920s in the Panorama Lounge tonight. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Walk the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. You’ll be struck by the sombre ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy Cemetery. While there, take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day, as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach. Alternatively, with steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless. Sitting proudly atop this dramatic seascape is the town of Étretat, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and time at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Alternatively, travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting the Normandy Traditions Museum nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In a region rich in visual treasures, enjoy a full morning of relaxation and take in the incredible scenery as you cruise into Vernon. It’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired beautiful paintings by many of history’s most famous artists. Freechoice Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore by bike with a self-guided cycling tour that starts in Vernon. You can also discover Vernon with Scenic Tailormade at your own pace. Enrich Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. The château dates back to medieval times and you’ll be sure to have fond memories of this special experience for a long time. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise to the charming medieval town of Conflans, with its distinctive barge houses docked within reach of the quaint main square. Freechoice Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly, essentially a palace for horses living on the estate. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time. After a leisurely afternoon of cruising, the evening will see us returning to Paris, the ‘city of light’, and you’ll have the chance to view the beautiful illuminated skyline, and the soaring Eiffel Tower. Make sure you have your cameras at the ready. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s your choice today to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits. Freechoice Shop with a Chef when you visit one of Paris’ local food markets, and enjoy exquisite tastings, or walk the city with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Alternatively, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. Featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker, the Palace of Vicomte has been leaving visitors in awe of its magnificence for centuries. With remarkable attractions at every turn, enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to explore Paris and create your own unique memories. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you’ll disembark and transfer to Paris Airport for your onward journey to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your cruise through France’s celebrated southwestern pocket. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. While cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true trip highlight. Sundowners Celebrate the 2,000-year history of wine by enjoying a glass at the estate of Château de la Rivière. Surrounded by the vines, mingle with newfound friends, explore the spectacular property, or discover the artistic heritage of this region and admire a local artist painting the stunning landscape using paint made from the wine grown on the estate. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church. Alternatively, explore the exclusive estate of Château Franc Mayne and taste its Grand Cru Class wine, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy a foie gras tasting at a charming local farm. During your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire or simply take in the riverside panoramas while cruising to Pauillac. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Travel the scenic Médoc wine route and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at the Château Gruaud-Larose estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a local château and sample delicious wine produced on the estate. Enrich Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century, the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Soak in the vistas as you cruise on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond past the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac, some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in the Bordeaux region. While on board, you may choose to further develop your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Tonight, this remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for your exclusive enjoyment. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice This morning, venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Château Guiraud dessert wines. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Class estate of Château Myrat for a tasting. Freechoice This afternoon visit Roquetaillade Castle; founded by Charlemagne, it’s one of the region’s most impressive historic sites, and you’ll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample the delicious regional delicacy, or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to the village of Loupiac. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire afterwards. Or, enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux. Cross beautiful bridges to witness sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, before cycling through public gardens back to the luxury of your floating hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure to immerse yourself in the culture of the Bordelais. Enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River. A fabulous local soloist will perform live in the Panorama Lounge to round off a magical evening. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Situated on the northern tip of Europe’s longest coastal beach, Arcachon is the jewel of France’s western coastline. Freechoice Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local Baltard market. Or climb Europe’s largest sand dune and take in the expansive panoramas. Alternatively, stay in Bordeaux and take a local tram to the Cité du Vin museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery. This afternoon, if you fancy something sweet, stay on board and enjoy a fabulous Mademoiselle de Margaux chocolate and wine-pairing event. Later, take a leisurely cruise into Bourg, perhaps join a masterclass in French cooking in Scenic Culinaire. Tonight enjoy a lively jazz performance on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary. Freechoice Discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle including a visit to the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin. This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck cruising on the Gironde River into the historic port of Blaye. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion. Freechoice Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or take a more active walk throughout the town. Alternatively, join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road which is named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Enjoy a cooking class in Scenic Culinaire or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands, bound for Bordeaux. Dine at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark today and transfer to Bordeaux Airport for your onward journey to Porto where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Azure for your cruise of the idyllic Douro Valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, enjoy on board activities such as traditional tile painting, or simply relax as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Regua where you have the chance to explore the Douro Museum at your leisure. Learn about the culture, history and identity of the people living in this wine-growing region of the Douro Valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Freechoice Tour the elegant town of Lamego, or enjoy a guided visit of the iconic Mateus Palace, which graces the labels of its famous Enjoy a full afternoon cruising the World Heritage-listed Vinhateiro wine region as you continue towards Spain. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover Salamanca’s architecture, as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. Later, celebrate Spanish culture with lunch showcasing the local cuisine while you enjoy a Flamenco dance performance. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a leisurely cruise this morning to nearby Pocinho. Freechoice Visit the award winning Côa Valley Museum or, if you’re a little more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. Alternatively, join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion. Sundowners Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck surrounded by newfound friends as you sail this picturesque stretch
of the river towards Pinhão. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear. Wander the atmospheric streets of this quaint village with the locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – an experience exclusive for Scenic guests. Enrich The beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The facade is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings covered in gold. Witness a spectacular private concert in these wondrous surroundings. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa. Freechoice Tour Guimarães and Ducal Palace, or enjoy a tasting in the fairytale environs of Quinta Aveleda. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your leisurely cruise of Portugal’s Douro Valley concludes after breakfast and you’ll be transferred to Porto Airport with all your wonderful memories intact. Meals included: Breakfast