European river cruise

Scenic - Spectacular South of France with Iberian Splendours

28 Day Spectacular South of France with Iberian Splendours

Spectacular South of France with Iberian Splendours

Days: 28

From: Paris to Madrid

Countries Visited: France, Spain, Portugal

Code: fcsp

Code_ERC: fcsp-1

( Brochure Price: $ 19,690 pp )

Our Price: $18,706 pp

Itinerary


1. Welcome to Paris
Celebrate the start of your holiday at this evening’s welcome reception and relax at one of our luxurious city central hotels.

2. Chalon-sur-Saône
Traverse the Île de France countryside on the TGV train to Dijon, known for its famous mustard exports. Enjoy an orientation tour and time at leisure before transferring to Chalon-sur-Saône where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

3. Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus
Freechoice Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Tournus > Mâcon
Freechoice Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Mâcon
You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy. Freechoice Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Lyon H
Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France Freechoice Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare. You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess. Enrich Experience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Tournon
Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette. Sundowners Overlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Tournon > Viviers
Freechoice Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines. Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral. Freechoice Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon
Freechoice Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Avignon
Freechoice Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region including Gordes and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon. Enrich Be treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. La Camargue
Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park. Freechoice Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Tarascon
The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm. Freechoice Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty hilltop village of Les Baux before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14. Tarascon > Barcelona
Disembark and travel to Figueres to visit the Salvador Dalí Museum before arriving at your hotel in Barcelona. Meals included: Breakfast

15. Barcelona
Take a guided tour of lively Barcelona, including Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to immerse yourself in the charms of this delightful seaside metropolis. Perhaps wander the famous Las Ramblas pedestrian precinct, or the seaside promenade. Meals included: Breakfast

16. Barcelona > Valencia
Originally established by the Knights Templar, the fortified seaport of Peniscola makes for a fascinating visit. Continue to Valencia and check into your hotel before enjoying a city tour. Meals included: Breakfast

17. Valencia > Granada
Take a scenic drive to Guadix, home to the Alcazaba de Guadix and the Cave District of Barrio de Santiago. This afternoon you’ll arrive at your hotel in Granada. A special treat awaits as you dine within Andalucia’s largest bullring, while enjoying a traditional La Tuna Folk Band performance. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

18. Granada > Córdoba
The highlight of your time in Granada is a visit to the amazing Alhambra Palace. From there, a scenic drive will take you to a Spanish mountain village where you’ll enjoy the warm hospitality of locals over a traditional lunch. This afternoon arrive at your luxury hotel in Córdoba. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

19. Córdoba > Ronda
Discover all that Córdoba has to offer, including the Aljama Mosque, before travelling to Ronda, which stands atop the magnificent El Tajo Canyon. You’ll tour this magnificent location including its bullring and Casa Don Bosco before dinner at your splendid hotel in Ronda. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

20. Ronda > Seville
Continue your journey to Andalucia’s capital city of Seville. Your guided tour will showcase sites such as the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the cathedral that houses Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and the Alcazar of Seville. Relax for two nights at your hotel in Seville. Meals included: Breakfast

21. Seville
Journey to Jerez and visit the celebrated bodega of Williams & Humbert where you’ll sample some of the world’s finest sherries, with a heritage dating back to 1877. Back in Seville, take advantage of a free afternoon before enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride. Savour traditional tapas for dinner, to be enjoyed while being entertained by fiery Flamenco dancers. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

22. Seville > Lisbon
This morning you bid adios to Spain to embark on your discovery of Portugal. This afternoon you’ll arrive at your hotel in Lisbon. Meals included: Breakfast

23. Lisbon
Enjoy a tour of Lisbon this morning before a guided visit of the Hieronymite Monastery and a tasting of the famous Pasteis de Nata. Enjoy lunch at Visconde da Luz in Cascais before a leisurely afternoon in Sintra, visiting the 500-year-old Palacio Nacional, with stops in charming Guincho and Estoril en route. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

24. Lisbon > Porto
Visit the seaside village of Nazaré before a picturesque journey to Porto where you’ll tour the city’s atmospheric streets. After a scenic cruise on the Douro River, dinner showcases local foods. Retire to to your hotel in Porto. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

25. Porto > Salamanca
Discover Porto and visit the impressive São Francisco Church and the district of Vila Nova de Gaia for a port tasting. This afternoon you return to Spain where, on arrival in Salamanca, you’ll check into your hotel before a guided walking tour. Meals included: Breakfast

26. Salamanca > Madrid
Today, you’ll see Segovia en route to Madrid, Spain’s bustling capital. Check into your hotel before walking to the delightful Prado Museum where your guide will escort you through the collections. This evening, enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner with the friends you’ve made over the last couple of weeks. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

27. Madrid
Enjoy a morning tour of Madrid, taking in Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the ‘Austrian’ Quarter, and the 18th century Royal Palace. Freechoice Try a fun Flamenco Dance workshop or, if you love the beautiful game, visit the Bernabeu Football Stadium. Meals included: Breakfast

28. Madrid
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Madrid airport. Meals included: Breakfast

Cruise Enquiry

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Cruise Highlights

Cultures unique and unforgettable. Geographically, France, Spain and Portugal are so close, and yet in temperament each is utterly one of a kind.. France’s Gallic refinement can only be matched by few countries. Spain, on the other hand, is a fiesta of the senses – a celebration of sights, sounds and tastes. Portugal, again, has its own unique persona – friendly and fiercely proud. Journey through the heart of these lands and encounter dramatic landscapes and cultural wealth beyond expectations.