21 Day Western Discovery

Start your journey in Lisbon, where you can relax before a fabulous dinner, accompanied by a Fado music performance. Meals included: Dinner

Take a morning tour of Lisbon including Jeronimos Monastery and the bakery of Pasteis de Belem, for a taste of the Portuguese favourite Pasteis de Nata. Enjoy lunch in the seaside village of Cascais before an afternoon tour of Sintra and the national monument Palacio Nacional. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart for Setúbal, one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions. Enjoy an orientation tour and time at leisure before continuing to Évora. With its overarching cathedral, Évora stretches across a gently sloping hill that rises out of the expansive Alentejo plain. Protected by an impressive outer wall, its historic centre is a World Heritage-listed cultural treasure, and you’ll have ample opportunity to appreciate it firsthand before heading to your hotel, your base for the next two nights. Meals included: Breakfast

In Esporão today, you’ll tour the exclusive estate of Herdade do Esporão and enjoy a World of Wines workshop with the Chief Sommelier. You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into practice with a Creating Blends class. The session ends with a fabulous long lunch in the Galeria de Esporão Restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

The Aracena mountain region straddles the Portuguese and Spanish borders and is famous for its production of Iberian pork. It’s a region with a fascinating history that includes people as diverse as the Celts, Arabs, Portuguese and even the Knights Templar. You’ll visit the little village of Jabugo, famous for its cured jamon, before visiting a renowned local producer for a tasting of their delicious fare. Enjoy a lunch of fine Spanish delicacies before heading to your hotel in Seville. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a city tour of Seville, the wonderful capital of Andalucía. You’ll visit the Alcázar, and see the 15th century cathedral and the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Freechoice Enjoy wine tasting at a local ‘taberna’, or be invited into a local’s home and discover Andalusian traditions from people who live and breathe them. As evening falls, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the romantic Maria Luisa Park. You’ll visit Seville’s famous El Patio Sevillano where you’ll enjoy a tapas dinner while being entranced by the city’s finest Flamenco dance performers. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Ronda, situated in spectacular mountain scenery atop the El Tajo Canyon. Take advantage of a guided tour and a little free time, before your departure for Granada. This evening, dine at the renowned Restaurant El Coso, while enjoying live Tuna folk music before you retire to the comfort of your luxurious hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Granada, including the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, before heading for the mountain village of Alfarnatejo where you’ll enjoy a home-hosted lunch with hospitable locals. Arrive at Córdoba in the afternoon, where you’ll be escorted around the most seminal sites, including the Aljama Mosque. Finally, retire to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an insightful orientation tour of Toledo, with time to explore, before heading to magnificent Madrid, where you’ll be introduced to extraordinary exhibits in the Prado Museum. From there, you’ll settle in for a luxurious stay at your hotel in Madrid. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow guests at a fabulous farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Freechoice Join an active Flamenco dance workshop at a local tablao, or tour the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium of Real Madrid. Meals included: Breakfast

Fly to Bordeaux where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Diamond, your home for the next 10 nights of your journey. 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 after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux Airport or Bordeaux Train Station. Meals included: Breakfast