European river cruise

Scenic - Gems of the Seine & Unforgettable Douro

21 Day Gems of the Seine & Unforgettable Douro

Gems of the Seine & Unforgettable Douro

Days: 21

From: Paris to Porto

Countries Visited: France, Portugal, Spain

Code: sedo

Code_ERC: sedo-1

( Brochure Price: $ 17,375 pp )

Our Price: $16,506 pp

Itinerary


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

2. Les Andelys
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

3. Rouen
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

4. Rouen
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

5. Rouen > Honfleur
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

6. Honfleur
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

7. Honfleur > Caudebec-en-Caux
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

8. Vernon
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

9. Conflans > Paris
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

10. Paris
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

11. Paris > Porto
Take your included flight from Paris to Porto where you’ll cruise the Douro Valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

12. Porto > Entre-os-Rios
Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical style building which started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Entre-os-Rios
Freechoice Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and is dominated by the impressive Ducal Palace, which dates back to medieval times. It’s a great tour to kickstart your interest in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile. Enjoy a blissful cruise 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

14. Regua
This morning, discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. En route, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge, spanning the crystal-clear waters of the Varosa River. Freechoice Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the Lamego museum, both of which you will get the opportunity to visit. Alternatively, enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

15. Regua > Vega de Terron
Enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

16. Salamanca
Take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. From humble beginnings during the Iron Age to darker times, such as economic crises and the War of the Spanish Succession, Salamanca has been shaped over time to become the fascinating beauty it is today. Explore the city on a guided tour before some time at leisure followed by a fabulous ‘Tastes of Spain’ experience. Your lunch today will be accompanied by an energetic Flamenco dance performance. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

17. Pocinho > Pinhão
Enjoy a leisurely cruise to nearby Pocinho for our Côa Valley discovery. Freechoice Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. If you’re more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. Alternatively, you could join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and visit Casa Painova for a sweet almond workshop and a tasting of their almond, olive and fruit products. Sundowners Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck of Scenic Azure, surrounded by newfound friends as you sail this picturesque stretch of the river towards Pinhão. Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

18. Pinhão
Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets with locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience exclusive to Scenic guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada. Freechoice Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to the estate of Quinta Roeda for a tasting of their famous export. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a tasting among the vines. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

19. Pinhão > Porto
Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto. Enrich The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The facade is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in this wondrous surrounding. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

20. Porto
Freechoice Visit the oldest remaining Canning Factory in Porto for an insight into their 100-year-old family business. Alternatively, visit a local corking factory. Or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the region’s famed drop in one of the most famous cellars of Porto. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

21. Porto
Your cruise of Portugal’s Douro Valley concludes after breakfast as you’re transferred to Porto airport. Your time in the Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you’ll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends. Meals included: Breakfast

Cruise Enquiry

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Cruise Highlights

A tale of two rivers. Even with the sheer abundance of beautiful rivers to choose from, the Seine and Douro are two of Europe’s most tempting waterways.. The Seine, which flows languidly towards the English Channel, boasts spectacular cathedrals, impressive limestone cliffs, flowering orchards and the grand architectural wonder of the ‘city of light’, magnificent Paris. The Douro begins its journey in vibrant Porto before entering a land that time seems to have forgotten. Combine the two in one wonderful itinerary and you can look forward to enjoying a truly spectacular experience.