26 Day Breathtaking Bordeaux with Iberian Splendours

The ‘city of light’ is your host this evening, so kick off your holiday with a welcome reception at your luxurious hotel in Paris.

Traverse the landscapes of the Loire Valley aboard the TGV train to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your cruise through France’s 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 your cruise and transfer to Bordeaux airport for your flight to Barcelona. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception at your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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