Itinerary
- Day 1
Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon and board the Scenic Sapphire, then head to your suite to settle in. Spend the rest of the day getting familiar with the ship, whether that means relaxing on the Sun Deck or taking in views of the city from different spots around the vessel.
Landmarks Lyon - Day 2
Mâcon
The ship cruises toward Mâcon through Burgundy wine country. You can choose from several Scenic Freechoice options: visit Renaissance châteaux, watch a Michelin-starred cooking demonstration, try truffle tastings, or take a guided tour of historic abbeys. It's a leisurely day on the water with plenty to do.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Mâcon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - guided visit to Renaissance castle with gilded rooms, moat, water features, and gardens
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - exclusive cooking demonstration at Michelin-starred restaurant with preparation of regional dishes
- Truffle tasting - visit to local truffle farm, meet farmer and hound, truffle butter and chocolate mousse tasting with French white wine
- Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey - guided tour of 10th-century Benedictine Abbey with Romanesque and Gothic architecture
Landmarks Château de Cormatin Cluny Abbey Georges Blanc - Day 3
Vienne
You'll wake in Vienne on the Rhône River and pick from morning activities like guided walks through Roman ruins, cycling tours, or wine tastings at local vineyards. After lunch, the ship heads toward Tournon this afternoon, so you'll need to be back on board before departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Vienne
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre - guided tour of Roman heritage including 10,000-seat hillside theatre, gardens, ancient walls, cathedral, and Renaissance streets
- Cycling tour of Vienne - 19 km easy cycling route exploring Roman ruins, temple of Augustus and Livia, crossing Rhône River to islands, visiting Gallo-Roman museum
- St-Joseph Côte-Rôtie wine tasting - private tasting of Condrieu and Saint-Joseph wines at Chavanay vineyard
Landmarks Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus and Livia Gallo-Roman Museum - Day 4
Tournon
Arriving early in Tournon, you can see the hillside terraced vineyards and 10th-century castle. The morning is yours to walk through town, hike the vineyards, or cycle along the river. Later in the afternoon you'll have free time, then gather for an aperitif on the castle terrace followed by French pastries back on the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif on terrace of Tournon Castle
- Dessert buffet of French pastries from local pâtissier
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - explore town on foot, visit castle built between 10th-16th centuries, free time to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage
- Hiking through vineyards in Tournon - hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River, learn about local wine production and taste regional wines
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle banks of Rhône River past charming villages to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage - Day 5
Avignon
After lunch, you'll dock in Avignon, the historic City of the Popes. The city's surrounded by fortified walls and features the Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d'Avignon. You can join morning Scenic Freechoice activities or skip those and attend an exclusive gala dinner at the palace instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Avignon
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Pope's Palace - guided walk through city walls and Palais des Papes, 14th-century seat of Western Christianity
- Excursion to Pont du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct from 1st century
- Kayaking at Pont du Gard - paddle kayak beneath World Heritage-listed aqueduct on Gardon River
- Scenic Enrich - exclusive gala dinner at Palais des Papes with classical concert from trio of musicians in the Pope's former dining room
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard 
- Day 6
Avignon
You have the full day in Avignon to explore Provence. Options include heading to beautiful Luberon villages, visiting lavender museums, watching cooking demonstrations at local markets, or doing wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You'll return to the ship for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - visit Gordes (one of France's most beautiful villages), and Sénanque Abbey (exterior visit on Sundays when closed to public)
- Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire - visit local market with Scenic chef to taste regional ingredients, return to ship for interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school
- Lavender Museum with visit to village of Roussillon - visit local lavender producer to learn cultivation and harvesting, guided tour of Roussillon with its picturesque villages and ochre cliffs
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - sample celebrated wines from Côte du Rhône vineyards at the historic village
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 7
Arles
You'll arrive in Arles, the southernmost stop on this journey. Founded by Julius Caesar, the city has extensive Roman ruins and inspired many of Van Gogh's paintings. Take a morning Scenic Freechoice activity, then spend the afternoon wandering around on your own or join a painting class on board if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Afternoon painting class on board (optional)
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - walking tour visiting Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles), 20,000-seat arena still in use today, experience vibrant colours and striking light that inspired many artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières - journey to medieval village of Les Baux, visit former quarry hosting immersive 7,000 square-metre visual and musical installation
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - visit local olive farm to learn olive oil production techniques, hear about life in the region and traditional Provencal recipes
- Discovery of Lavender: from field to perfume - visit organic farm specialising in essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary; discover health benefits, learn extraction process, create own lavender perfume (available late June to mid-August)
Landmarks Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 8
Viviers
You'll arrive in Viviers, a medieval town that's been around for over 1,600 years. Start your morning with one of three walking options: take a guided tour through town to see the Cathedral of St. Vincent and other monuments, follow a French Resistance route, or do a WWII history walk. Grab lunch after, then in the afternoon you can choose to head to Ardèche Nature Park and check out the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum, explore the caves and underground rock formations in the area, or travel to Grignan de Provence to see the castle and Collegiate Church there. The choice really depends on what interests you more, history or nature.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers with local guide including Cathedral of St. Vincent and free exploration time
- French Resistance walking tour of Viviers
- WWII in Viviers walking tour including Battle of Montélimar history
Optional Activities
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum (replica Palaeolithic cave)
- Explore caves in Ardèche Nature Park including Ardèche Gorge and Madeleine Caves with rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, and underground lakes
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence including castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour with leisure time
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Ardèche Gorge Madeleine Caves Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour 
- Day 9
Cruise to Lyon
You're cruising back toward Lyon, so this is a relaxation day on the water. Spend time on the Sun Deck, visit the Salt Therapy Lounge, or take a French cookery lesson if you'd like. Tonight there's an exclusive acapella choir performance at Trinity Chapel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise back to Lyon
- Scenic Enrich - acapella choir performance at Trinity Chapel (17th-century Baroque building with Carrara marble interior)
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks Trinity Chapel, Lyon - Day 10
Lyon
You have the full day in Lyon, France's culinary capital founded by Romans in 43 BC. Choose morning Scenic Freechoice activities exploring historic traboules, visiting Notre Dame Basilica, heading to medieval Pérouges, or learning about the city's silk painting heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise remains in Lyon
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - traverse historic traboules (secret passageways dating to 4th century), visit Basilica of Notre Dame Fourvière with views across the city
- Excursion to Pérouge - visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways, and centuries-old market square lime tree
- Silk painting workshop - learn history and process of silk painting in city with 500-year silk production heritage
Landmarks Basilica of Notre Dame Fourvière Pérouge - Day 11
Lyon to Paris
An included flight takes you from Lyon to Paris, where you'll board the Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Once on board, you'll settle in and prepare for the next part of your journey.
Landmarks Paris - Day 12
Les Andelys
Your cruise glides along the Seine and pulls in to Les Andelys just after lunch. This 900-year-old Norman village has well-preserved historic houses, and you'll notice Château Gaillard's ruins perched above the town. After settling in, there's time to walk along the river and take in the limestone cliffs, or wander through the town center. In the afternoon, pick one of four activities: hike up to Château Gaillard (medieval-themed route), join a guided walk through Les Andelys, visit a local cider farm, or tour Renaissance-era Château Gaillon. The mix of river views and history here makes it a nice balance between relaxation and exploring.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise on the Seine to Les Andelys
- Stroll alongside the river and explore the town centre
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour exploring historical secrets and the castle ruins
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - Guided exploration of the Norman town and castle
- Cider farm visit - See artisanal cider production process and taste Normandy cider
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - Tour the 16th-century château (open May-September, closed Mondays; replaced with Château d'Acquigny Gardens and Louviers outside this period or when closed)
Landmarks Château Gaillard Château Gaillon Château d'Acquigny - Day 13
Rouen
You're exploring Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history. Morning Scenic Freechoice activities let you check out medieval architecture and historically significant sites. Later this evening an expert will give a lecture about WWI trench warfare and soldier life.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Rouen
- WWI Lecture - 'Day in the Life of a Tommy' - interactive evening about Western Front soldier experience, try equipment and taste rations
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - guided tour seeing 'city of a hundred spires', cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, learn about Joan of Arc
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed Viking guide discussing city's Medieval past and Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital
- Photography discovery - learn digital portrait photography with local photographer using Rouen as landscape like modern impressionist artist
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter 
- Day 14
Rouen
Rouen has your attention for the full day, and you've got choices depending on what interests you. History buffs can follow Claude Monet's steps to his favorite spots and check out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, or dive into WWI history with a full-day excursion to the Somme Battlefields (two different route options available). If food's your focus, a gourmet tour takes you through local food specialities and regional flavors. The city itself has plenty of medieval character with its cathedral and old streets, so even between activities you'll find things to see.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Claude Monet and the Colors of Rouen - Guided tour exploring landmarks that inspired Monet, including Rouen Cathedral and visits to the Musée des Beaux-Arts with Monet's cathedral studies and Impressionist masterpieces
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - Full day excursion visiting Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - Full day excursion visiting Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Musée des Beaux-Arts Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) Franco-Australian Museum Lochnagar Crater Newfoundland Memorial Park Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Thiepval Memorial to the Missing - Day 15
Honfleur
Cruising to Honfleur, a colorful port city on the English Channel, the ship navigates further into the harbor for easier access. You'll get a guided walking tour through charming cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and art galleries, then have free time to explore. An evening lecture covers Operation Fortitude and D-Day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Honfleur
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - explore charming Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities, followed by free time
- Evening lecture - Operation Fortitude and daily life during D-Day campaign
Landmarks Church of Sainte-Catherine, Honfleur Garden of Personalities, Honfleur - Day 16
Honfleur
Your full day centers on Honfleur and WWII history in the Normandy region. Four excursion options let you choose your angle: the US-focused Normandy Beaches tour hits Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, the UK route explores Bayeux and British memorial sites, or go the Canadian route to Juno Beach Centre and Canadian cemeteries. There's also a guided tour of Bayeux itself, which features a historic cathedral and plenty of medieval character. Each option gives you a different perspective on the war's impact on this region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - Visit Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mère-Église where 30 US Paratroopers landed, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, and Omaha Beach Memorial
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused) - Visit Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, and Ranville War Cemetery (from September onwards, Pegasus Bridge & Museum replaced with Merville Battery Site and Museum)
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Visit Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, and Pegasus Bridge & Museum (from September onwards, Pegasus Bridge & Museum replaced with Merville Battery Site and Museum)
- Bayeux tour - Guided tour of Bayeux including Notre Dame Cathedral (built 11th-14th centuries, masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture) with free time to explore the town
Landmarks Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Omaha Beach Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Landing Museum at Arromanches British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge & Museum Ranville War Cemetery Abbey d'Ardenne Juno Beach Centre Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Merville Battery Site and Museum Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 17
Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
Early this morning your cruise heads inland to Caudebec-en-Caux, a medieval town curving along the Seine with handsome riverside homes and stately gardens. The ornate 15th-century Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux is still standing after surviving WWII bombardments, which says something about the town's resilience. For the afternoon, choose from four excursions: an e-bike ride to Villequier and the Victor Hugo Museum, a coach trip to Fécamp for the Bénédictine Palace (tasting included), a walking tour focusing on French Resistance history, or an Abbey Road guided tour. The stone walls and architecture give the place real character, and you've got flexibility to explore what appeals to you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise on the Seine to Caudebec-en-Caux
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - E-bike tour along the River Seine on a flat eight-kilometre each way route, visiting the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo (closed Sundays and Tuesdays; replaced with Seine Museum)
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - Coach transfer to the historic seaside town, guided tour of the 19th-century Bénédictine Palace with tasting of the famous Bénédictine liquor
- Tales of the French Resistance - Walking tour exploring stories of the French Resistance during Nazi Occupation of France in WWII, featuring local tales of heroism and daring missions
- Normandy Abbey Road - Guided tour exploring the history of abbeys in Normandy since the Middle Ages, visiting grand abbeys on the banks of the River Seine
Landmarks Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Seine Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 18
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon
You arrive in Vernon, a historic border town. Giverny, home to Impressionist Claude Monet for over 40 years, is nearby. Morning Scenic Freechoice activities include visiting Monet's house and gardens or self-guided cycling. There's an optional painting class on board, then you'll cruise to La Roche-Guyon for an exclusive classical concert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Vernon
- Scenic Enrich - visit Château de La Roche-Guyon (16th-century castle built into chalk hillside), walk through orchard and vegetable gardens, enjoy drink and classical concert featuring French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - journey to Giverny to visit founder of Impressionism's home, tour Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies that inspired famous works, free time to explore
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - five-kilometre each way biking tour, optional visit to Monet's House and Garden or explore charming town
- On board painting class - create own masterpiece inspired by Monet's gardens
Landmarks Monet's House and Garden Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon 
- Day 19
Conflans-Saint-Honorine to Paris
Waking in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a medieval town where the Seine and Oise rivers meet, you'll choose from morning activities like visiting Van Gogh sites, exploring Chantilly Castle, or touring water transport museums. By afternoon you'll be back on the ship as it cruises toward Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise back to Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - travel to village where Vincent Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, see immortalised landmarks like Notre Dame de l'Assomption church, visit Van Gogh's room (attic rented during final months, empty since 1890), free time to explore
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour of magnificent castle reflecting France's cultural heritage, built by Henri d'Orléans (last King of France's son), see fine collections, explore gardens, 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, explore barge capital of world and crucial role of water in residents' lives
- Château de Malmaison - tour of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais's former residence, elegant neoclassical architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, museum with Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, personal items
Landmarks Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption, Auvers Château de Chantilly Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 20
Paris
You have the full day in Paris. First-time visitors can hit iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. If you've been before, check out the trendy Marais district, Opéra Garnier, or the beautiful Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of Marais district with Parisian guide, melting pot of cultures, history, architecture, arts scene and fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour seeing Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (reopened after 2019 fire)
- Opéra Garnier - tour of spectacular opera house in theatrical heart of Paris with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, glistening chandeliers, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - one hour drive from Paris, visit founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles, symmetrical layout with stunning theatrical gardens
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Champs-Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Opéra Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 21
Paris Departure
This morning the journey concludes. You'll disembark after breakfast and head to Paris airport or the train station for your onward travels, carrying memories from this unique part of France with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Paris airport or train station
Landmarks Paris
