Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
- Day 2
Les Andelys
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard guided exploration
- Cider farm visit - See production process and taste Normandy cider
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon tour (May-September, closed Mondays; otherwise replaced with Château d'Acquigny Gardens and Louviers)
Landmarks Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 3
Rouen
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Expert lecture - WWI 'Day in the Life of a Tommy' with equipment demonstration and rations tasting
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - Visit cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, and Joan of Arc site
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - Viking-themed walking tour with costumed guide
- Photography discovery - Learn digital portrait techniques with local photographer using Rouen as landscape
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Church - Day 4
Rouen
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Claude Monet and the Colors of Rouen - Tour cathedral and Monet-related landmarks, includes Musée des Beaux-Arts visit
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - Full day WWI sites visit
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - Full day with Caterpillar Valley Cemetery and Thiepval Memorial
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Musée des Beaux-Arts Sir John Monash Centre Newfoundland Memorial Park Thiepval Memorial Lochnagar Crater - Day 5
Rouen to Honfleur
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities
- Expert lecture - Operation Fortitude and Honfleur's role during D-Day campaign
Landmarks Honfleur Inner Harbour Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 6
Honfleur
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mère-Église, lunch, Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach Memorial
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - Bayeux War Cemetery, Battle of Normandy Museum, Arromanches Landing Museum, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum (replaced September onwards with Merville Battery Site and Museum), Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, lunch, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge & Museum (replaced September onwards with Merville Battery Site and Museum)
- Bayeux tour - Notre Dame Cathedral (11th-14th century Norman Romanesque and Gothic), with free exploration time
Landmarks Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Omaha Beach Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Landing Museum at Arromanches British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge & Museum Ranville War Cemetery Juno Beach Centre Abbey d'Ardenne Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Merville Battery Site and Museum Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 7
Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - E-bike tour along Seine banks (approximately 8 km each way), museum visit (closed Sundays, replaced with Seine Museum)
- Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace - Coach transfer to historic seaside town, guided Bénédictine Palace tour with liquor tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - Walking tour learning stories of WWII French Resistance
- Normandy Abbey Road - Guided tour exploring grand abbeys along the Seine banks
Landmarks Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Victor Hugo Museum, Villequier Bénédictine Palace - Day 8
Vernon to La Roche-Guyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Exclusive evening at Château de La Roche-Guyon (16th century), welcome drink, classical concert featuring French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - Tour Giverny and visit Monet's home with Japanese-inspired water gardens, includes free exploration time
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - Biking tour approximately 5 km each way, option to visit Monet's House and Garden or explore village
- On board painting class - Create your own masterpiece after morning exploration
Landmarks Monet's House and Garden, Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 9
Conflans to Paris
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - Tour village where Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, landmarks immortalized in his works, entry to Van Gogh's room (rented attic), free exploration time
- Château de Chantilly - Guided castle tour with fine collections, gardens exploration, free time (closed Tuesdays, replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden)
- Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum) - Active tour visiting Inland Water Transport Museum in Conflans
- Château de Malmaison - Historic residence of Napoleon and Josephine, neoclassical architecture, gardens, museum with Napoleonic era artifacts
Landmarks Auvers-sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church, Auvers-sur-Oise Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Château de Malmaison - Day 10
Paris
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - Guided walking tour of diverse Marais district
- Highlights of Paris city tour - Coach tour covering Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opera Garnier - Tour ornately decorated opera house commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III (replaced with Ateliers du Lumières when unavailable)
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - Coach excursion to château approximately one hour from Paris, founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles, symmetrical gardens
- Self-guided exploration - Eiffel Tower visit, Montmartre district and Moulin Rouge, or relaxation on board ship
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Champs Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Marais District Opera Garnier Ateliers du Lumières Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 11
Paris to Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12
Lyon to Mâcon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - Guided Renaissance castle visit with gilded rooms, moat, water features, manicured gardens, free time
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - Journey to Vonnas village for exclusive cooking demo at Michelin-starred restaurant Georges Blanc, charming streets walk, regional dishes preparation (Volaille de Bresse à la crème, crêpes vonnassiennes), free exploration (available select dates; replaced with Michelin star restaurant cooking demo when unavailable)
- Truffle tasting - Visit local farm near Cortevaix, truffle farming tour with farmer and hound, truffle butter and chocolate mousse tasting paired with local French white wine, rolling fields exploration (available select dates; replaced with Monastère de Brou when unavailable)
- Excursion to Cluny and visit Cluny Abbey - Guided Cluny tour featuring 10th-century Benedictine Abbey, village exploration, grand church remains, monastic buildings, 18th-century cloister, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, granary with sculpted masterpieces
Landmarks Château de Cormatin Georges Blanc, Vonnas Cluny Abbey Monastère de Brou - Day 13
Vienne
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre - explore the hillside theatre, city gardens, ancient walls, cathedral, and Renaissance streets with free time to explore
- Cycling tour of Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal - easy 19 km route exploring Roman ruins, temple of Augustus and Livia, Rhône River crossing, river islands, and Gallo-Roman museum
Landmarks Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus and Livia Saint-Romain-en-Gal Gallo-Roman Museum - Day 14
Tournon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif at Tournon Castle terrace - Welcome drink with sweeping Rhône River and terraced vineyard views
- Dessert buffet of indulgent French pastries - From local pâtissier, on board evening
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - Town exploration learning history, castle visit (10th-16th century), option to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage with Valrhona chocolatiers
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - Hiking through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River, local wine production learning, wine tasting
- Biking along the Rhône - Cycling picturesque Rhône banks past charming villages to nearby Glun village
Landmarks Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Chocolate - Day 15
Avignon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Exclusive evening at Palais des Papes after public closing, gala dinner in Pope's dining room, classical concert from trio of musicians
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including a visit to the Popes Palace - Guided walk through Avignon, historic city walls, Pope's Palace (seat of Western Christianity in 14th century), cobblestoned streets, moderate fitness required for steps
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - Guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from middle of first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to Nîmes
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - Kayak paddle beneath World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct on tranquil Gardon River
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard - Day 16
Avignon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - Visit Gordes (one of France's most beautiful villages), Sénanque Abbey (exterior only on Sundays when closed to visitors)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - Shop at local market with Scenic chef for regional ingredients and tastings, return to ship for interactive cooking demonstration of regional recipes (market closed Mondays)
- Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon - Local lavender producer visit learning growth, harvesting, utilization, guided Roussillon village tour with ochre cliffs
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Village tour learning wine production history, tasting celebrated region wines
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 17
Arles
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - Local guide walking tour visiting ancient Roman amphitheatre Arènes d'Arles (20,000-seat arena still in use), vibrant colors and light that inspired artists (Roman Amphitheatre closed Mondays)
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - Medieval village tour, former quarry site with immersive visual and musical installation (7,000 square-metre) highlighting notable artists' works
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - Local olive farm visit learning olive oil production techniques, Provençal recipes sharing with owner
- Discovery of Lavender: from field to perfume - Organic farm visit specializing in essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary (typically late June to mid-August for field viewing), health benefits learning, essential oil extraction process, own lavender perfume creation
- On board painting class - Learn artistic heritage of the region, paint your own masterpiece
Landmarks Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières - Day 18
Viviers
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - Local guide exploration of monuments and architectural treasures, Cathedral of St. Vincent (11th-century, now 18th-century Gothic style with Renaissance facade), free exploration time
- French Resistance walking Tour - Walking tour of Viviers hearing French Resistance stories fighting Nazi Occupation, heroism and daring missions tales
- WWII in Viviers - Walking tour exploring Viviers' past as pivot point in Battle of Montélimar (1944), stories of courage and renewal along Rhône
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - Mountain and medieval fortress ruins exploration, immersion in Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum (largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica), original cave deemed too fragile for public access
- Explore the caves in the Ardèche Nature Park - Drive through Ardèche Nature Park from Ardèche Gorge to Madeleine Caves, rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, underground lakes (Madeleine caves require moderate fitness and sturdy shoes)
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - Local guide exploration of beautiful provincial town, mighty castle dominating town, Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, leisure time
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Madeleine Caves Grignan Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, Grignan - Day 19
Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Exclusive evening at Trinity Chapel (17th-century Baroque), interior covered in Carrara marble, breath-taking acapella choir performance
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson - Scenic Culinaire cooking class
- Salt Therapy Lounge - Relaxation treatment
- Sun Deck relaxation - Bask on the Sun Deck
Landmarks Trinity Chapel, Lyon - Day 20
Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - Traverse historic traboules (hidden passageways from fourth century), visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviève with fabulous vantage point views across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - Medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River, beautifully preserved vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways, centuries-old lime tree market square (high fitness degree recommended due to uneven surfaces and uphill/downhill walking)
- Silk painting workshop - Learn history and process of silk painting in city with five-century silk production heritage and major 19th-century silk industry
Landmarks Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Pérouges - Day 21
Lyon to Bordeaux
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 22
Bordeaux to Libourne
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour to Saint-Émilion - World Heritage-listed village exploration, unique Monolithic Church (mostly underground, carved directly into limestone) visit
Landmarks Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church, Saint-Émilion - Day 23
Libourne to Pauillac
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne - Guided tour of rich history linked to wool, wine, salt and wood trade
- Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion - Countryside journey exploring Saint Emilion vineyards, wine tasting
- Cycling from Libourne - Cycling through rolling hills, vineyard-covered slopes, medieval châteaux of Fronsac with refreshment stops offering sweeping Libourne views
- Paint and Pour - Local artist class on Sun Deck, watercolor technique learning, own masterpiece creation with local wine sipping
Landmarks Saint-Émilion vineyards Fronsac - Day 24
Pauillac to Fort Médoc
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert at Château d'Agassac (13th-century, one of oldest winemaking establishments), live musicians performing classical masterpieces in spectacular surrounds
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - Coach tour through 16,000+ hectares of vineyards across eight appellations, 'Route des Chateaux' scenic region exploration, local winery visit with wine tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - E-bike tour of spectacular Médoc countryside, grand aristocratic châteaux viewing in world's leading red wine producing region, prestigious estates wine sampling
Landmarks Château d'Agassac - Day 25
Fort Médoc to Cadillac
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spa treatments - On board spa facilities
- French cooking lessons - Scenic Culinaire cooking school class
Landmarks Cadillac - Day 26
Cadillac to Bordeaux
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - Coach tour through Sauternes to vineyard for fine wine tasting
- Sauternes by bike - Cycling tour through rolling Sauternes vineyards with tasting
- Roquetaillade Castle - Guided castle tour with family whose ancestors resided there 700+ years
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region - Cycling Gironde landscapes in Loupiac wine region, breathtaking Château Benauge viewing
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Guided tour discovering historic rooms, famous painter's apartments
Landmarks Roquetaillade Castle Château Benauge Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 27
Bordeaux
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Fresh oyster tasting - Arcachon Bay oysters, special onboard treat organized by Cruise Director
- Scenic Enrich - After-hours exclusive access to Bassins des Lumières (WWII submarine base), welcome glass of Champagne, impressive digital art installation, exclusive show customized for Scenic guests
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - Local guide tour covering highlights such as magnificent Gothic cathedral, Place de la Bourse
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - Guided cycling tour through historic Bordeaux, canelé (custard cake) sampling
- Shop with a chef - Scenic chef accompaniment to local food market, ingredient shopping and tasting, return to Scenic Diamond for cooking demonstration learning French fare (market closed Mondays)
Landmarks Bordeaux Cathedral Place de la Bourse Bassins des Lumières - Day 28
Bordeaux to Bourg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cité du Vin Museum - Local tram journey to Cité du Vin Museum, interactive wine discovery journey
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - Cruise through Bordeaux in motorcycle sidecar and/or motorcycle back
- Visit Arcachon - Local guide walking tour of charming bayside town, finishing at Baltard market (undercover food hall with local delicacies)
Landmarks Cité du Vin Arcachon Baltard Market, Arcachon - Day 29
Bourg
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - Bourg Castle grounds museum visit, unique horse-drawn carriages collection viewing with local guide
- Historic Saintes - Tour of Saintes charming town in Charente-Maritime department, 2,000 years of history, lush gardens
- Full day excursion to Cognac - Fortified city walking tour, Rémy Martin estate tour after lunch, cognac sampling
Landmarks Bourg Castle Saintes Cognac Rémy Martin Estate - Day 30
Bourg to Blaye to Bordeaux
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - Stroll through charming Blaye with local guide, viewing World Heritage-listed monument overlooking Gironde Estuary
- Active walking tour of Blaye - Fascinating citadel tour with local guide, Sébastien Vauban defense system understanding
- Cycling along the Captain's Road - Active cycling tour along the Captain's Road
- Visit Château de la Roche Courbon - Guided visit of fortified castle transformed into historic château with sprawling manicured gardens
Landmarks Citadel of Blaye Château de la Roche Courbon - Day 31
Bordeaux
- Meals
- Breakfast
