Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
- Day 2
Lyon to Mâcon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Guided visit to the splendid Renaissance castle, including exploration of gilded rooms, moat, water features, beautifully manicured gardens, and original 17th-century interiors with gold-leaf decoration, plus free time in the gardens
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Journey to the village of Vonnas for an exclusive cooking demonstration at Michelin starred restaurant Georges Blanc, witnessing preparation of classic regional dishes including Volaille de Bresse à la crème and crêpes vonnassiennes, plus free time exploring the village (Available on select dates. When not available, replaced with a cooking demo at a Michelin star restaurant)
- Truffle tasting: Visit a local farm near Cortevaix to meet the farmer and his hound, discover truffle farming and harvesting, and savour a tasting of truffle butter and chocolate mousse with truffles paired with fine local French white wine, plus time to stroll through rolling fields (Available on select dates. When not available replaced with Monastère de Brou)
- Excursion to Cluny and visit Cluny Abbey: Guided tour of the magnificent 10th-century Benedictine Abbey, wandering through the village to explore grand church remains, impressive monastic buildings, vast 18th-century cloister, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and the granary with sculpted masterpieces from the original abbey church
Landmarks Château de Cormatin Cluny Abbey - Day 3
Vienne
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre - guided walking tour discovering Roman heritage including hillside theatre, gardens, ancient walls, cathedral, and Renaissance streets with free time to explore
- Cycling tour of Vienne - easy 19 km route cycling through Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal exploring Roman ruins, temple of Augustus and Livia, crossing Rhône River, visiting river islands and Gallo-Roman museum
Landmarks Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus and Livia Saint-Romain-en-Gal Gallo-Roman Museum - Day 4
Tournon
Included Activities
- Aperitif on the terrace of Tournon Castle with views over the Rhône River and surrounding terraced vineyards
- Dessert buffet of indulgent French pastries from a local pâtissier on board Scenic Sapphire
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon: Explore the town on foot learning its fascinating history and visiting the castle built between the 10th and 16th centuries, with free time afterwards to potentially cross France's oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l'Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get close to nature hiking through sloping vineyards overlooking the Rhône River, learning about local wine production and tasting some of the region's wines
- Biking along the Rhône: Cycle the picturesque banks of the Rhône River past charming villages and spectacular scenery to the nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Castle Valrhona Chocolate Factory - Day 5
Avignon
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including a visit to the Popes Palace: Guided walk through Avignon visiting the historic city walls and the Pope's Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. (Moderate degree of fitness required due to cobblestoned streets and numerous steps)
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Guided tour of the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, dating to the middle of the first century and designed as an engineering masterpiece to carry water to the city of Nîmes
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard: Paddle a kayak on the tranquil waters of the Gardon River beneath the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, giving a unique perspective on its grandeur
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard 
- Day 6
Avignon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey: Visit the village of Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful in France with stone buildings spiralling around the rock, then visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. (Please note: Sénanque Abbey is not open to visitors on Sundays - on these days the tour will include only an exterior visit)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer, then return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school learning regional recipes. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on Mondays)
- Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: Visit a local lavender producer to learn how lavender is grown, harvested and utilised in this region, then take a guided tour of the beautiful village of Roussillon famous for its picturesque villages, lavender fields and ochre cliffs
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Sample some of the region's most celebrated wines at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history on the fertile banks of the Rhône peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 7
Arles
Included Activities
- On board painting class: Learn about the artistic heritage of the region while painting a masterpiece of your own (available in the afternoon)
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles: Insightful walking tour visiting the heart of Arles to see the ancient Roman amphitheatre, Arènes d'Arles, a 20,000-seat arena still in use today, and experiencing the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that inspired many artists. (Please note: The Roman Amphitheatre is closed on Mondays and cannot be visited on this day)
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux and visit a former quarry now hosting Carrières de Lumières, an enormous 7,000 square-metre immersive visual and musical installation highlighting the works of notable artists
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill: Visit a local olive farm to learn the techniques of olive oil production, then listen to the owner share their experience of life in this region and traditional Provencal recipes
- Discovery of Lavender: from field to perfume: Visit a local organic farm specialising in production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender perfume to take home. (Available typically from late June to mid-August when fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple)
Landmarks Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 8
Viviers
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers: Guided exploration on foot admiring Viviers' many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent first built in the 11th century and now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade, plus free time to explore at leisure
- French Resistance walking Tour: Walking tour hearing stories of the French Resistance who fought against Nazi Occupation during WWII, learning local stories of heroism and daring missions while exploring the historic town
- WWII in Viviers: Guided walk through storied streets uncovering how this quiet corner of the Rhône became a pivotal stage in the Battle of Montélimar, a 1944 clash that helped liberate southern France, with echoes of that struggle lingering in the landscape and memories of its people
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum: Explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins of this sprawling park, then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world (original site too fragile for public access, replica built a few kilometres away)
- Explore the caves in the Ardèche Nature Park: Drive through rugged natural beauty from the Ardèche Gorge to the Madeleine Caves, admiring intricate rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, and underground lakes. (The Madeleine caves are located underground with numerous steps - moderate degree of fitness and sturdy shoes required)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Guided exploration of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan, seeing the mighty castle that dominates the town and the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, plus free time at leisure
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Vincent, Viviers Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Madeleine Caves Grignan Castle 
- Day 9
Lyon
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich event: Acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel, a grand Baroque building built in the 17th century with decadent Carrara marble interiors
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks Trinity Chapel - Day 10
Lyon
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon's historic significance traversing its hidden traboules and secret passageways dating back to the fourth century, then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière offering fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon
- Excursion to Perouges: Visit this medieval walled village located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River, beautifully preserved with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. (Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness)
- Silk painting workshop: Learn about Lyon's rich heritage of silk production dating back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry, and in the 19th century when silk was one of the city's largest industries. Learn the history and process of silk painting
Landmarks Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Perouges - Day 11
Lyon to Porto
- Day 12
Porto to Pinhão
Optional Activities
- Azulejos painting workshop: Opportunity to try your hand at painting your own azulejos (hand-painted tiles)
Landmarks Pinhão Railway Station - Day 13
Pinhão to Barca D'Alva
Included Activities
- Visit to Provesende village including the church, old bakery, traditional handicraft viewing, and historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada with a tasting of delicious bola
Landmarks Provesende - Day 14
Barca d'Alva to Pocinho
Optional Activities
- Salamanca full day excursion: Full day excursion to Salamanca, known as the 'golden city' for its sandstone architecture and famous for its university. Visit the city's two cathedrals, visit a market to sample local delicacies and have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure
- Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta: Guided tour of the town with a curious name translating to 'ash tree girded with sword'. Legend has it King Dinis of Portugal founded the town in the 14th century and tied his sword to an ash tree before resting. Visit the local silk museum to understand the local tradition of handcrafted silk processing still entirely done by hand, then visit a local Quinta (estate) for tasting of regional produce before returning to the ship for lunch
Landmarks Salamanca Cathedral Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 15
Pocinho to Régua
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to the Côa Valley Museum, the largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site in the world. Opened in 2010, this contemporary museum is designed to blend into the landscape and includes a pre-historic workshop as part of your visit
- Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit the small traditional village of Freixo Numão lived in for centuries, learning about local life before visiting Casa Painova estate to see the family home and enjoy a demonstration on how sugared almonds are produced, learning how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries, with a tasting of almonds and local products
Landmarks Côa Valley Museum Freixo Numão 
- Day 16
Régua to Porto
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich event: Classical concert in São Francisco Church, a 13th-century iconic site in Porto with gilded interiors and breathtaking altars (short walk from the ship with some stairs)
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Lamego: Coach transfer to the town of Lamego nestled among terraced vineyards that were first to produce world-famous port wine, prospering in the 18th century. Start at the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies standing gracefully overlooking the town with its front lined by a zigzagged staircase decorated in traditional blue and white tiled mosaics. Walk down the staircase or journey via coach before tasting some local produce at a nearby Bodega and enjoying free time to explore the town
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River: Explore the beautiful region from a different perspective gliding past impressive landscapes via kayak on the Pinhão River, a tributary of the Douro River
- Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal, an imposing palace sitting behind an ornamental pond where the silhouette reflects to mirror the regal design
Landmarks Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, Lamego Mateus Palace São Francisco Church - Day 17
Porto
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture and history of Porto on this guided tour, visiting the iconic Palácio da Bolsa, with free time afterwards to perhaps explore the historic Bolhão Markets
- Excursion to Guimarães: Visit Guimarães, the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the Ducal Palace, with free time to explore the city on your own
- Quinta da Aveleda: Transfer by coach to this 150-year-old wine producer for a tour and tasting, with a highlight of the enchanting gardens
Landmarks Palácio da Bolsa Bolhão Market Guimarães Ducal Palace of Guimarães Quinta da Aveleda - Day 18
Porto
