Itinerary
- Day 1
Lisbon
- Day 2
Lisbon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Lisbon
- Visit Jeronimos Monastery in Belem district
- Taste Pasteis de Nata
- Walk through Rossio Square
- Visit Terreiro do Paço
Landmarks Jeronimos Monastery Rossio Square Terreiro do Paço - Day 3
Lisbon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner in a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Choice of Scenic Freechoice excursions
Optional Activities
- Visit Sintra & Palacio Nacional - Travel to hilltop town of Sintra (around 45 minutes outside Lisbon), orientation tour of Sintra, visit Palacio Nacional with Moorish and Portuguese Gothic architecture
- Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class - Learn about Portuguese cuisine history and popular ingredients, hands-on cooking of traditional dish
- Browse local shops
- Take Tram 28 to explore the city
Landmarks Palacio Nacional Sintra 
- Day 4
Lisbon to Porto
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5
Porto to Entre-os-Rios
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop on board - Learn about decorative blue tiles (azulejos) and create your own masterpiece
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto - Includes visit to iconic Palácio da Bolsa, free time to explore, option to visit 110-year-old Bolhão Markets to mingle with locals
- Active tour of Porto including cable car - Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia, cable car ride to Dom Luis bridge, active walk across bridge towards Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and Rua das Flores
Landmarks Palácio da Bolsa Bolhão Market Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores - Day 6
Entre-os-Rios to Régua
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Douro Museum
Optional Activities
- Paiva walkways - Active hike along wooden boardwalk in World Heritage-listed Arouca Geopark, beside rivers and across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world
- Quinta da Aveleda - Explore renowned sparkling wine producer estate with enchanting gardens
- Excursion to Guimarães - Visit World Heritage-listed city (birthplace of Portugal), explore 15th century palace with historic collection of tapestries, furniture, weapons
Landmarks Paiva Walkways Arouca Geopark Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Douro Museum - Day 7
Régua
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on board), Dinner
Included Activities
- Lunch on board
Optional Activities
- Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha - Explore Varosa Valley, visit charming village of Tarouca, explore restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha (Portugal's first toll bridge)
- Quinta visit with olive tasting - Visit traditional rural estate, learn about olive oil production handed down through family for 11 generations, enjoy tasting of produce
- Excursion to Lamego - Coach to Lamego among terraced vineyards, visit Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, walk staircase with mosaic tiles, taste local delicacies in bodega, free time
- Mateus Palace - Coach transfer to Mateus Palace (built early 18th century), example of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal, admire original furniture, ornate ceilings and manicured gardens
- Port wine blending class - Visit Quinta de Pacheca to view vineyards and old cellar, hands-on workshop on Port blending process, followed by bottling, capping, and labelling with personalised label
Landmarks Varosa Valley Tarouca Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca Ucanha Fortified Bridge Lamego Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 8
Régua to Vega de Terrón
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Relax in Vitality Pool
- Book massage in wellness area
Landmarks Vinhateiro Wine Region - Day 9
Vega de Terrón to Pocinho
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Salamanca full day excursion - Known as the Golden City for honey-coloured sandstone, visit university (third oldest in world), see two cathedrals (12th and 16th century), visit market for local delicacies, free time for lunch and exploration
- Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum - Half-day tour to village (only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand), visit silk museum, return to ship for lunch
Landmarks Salamanca Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 10
Pocinho to Pinhão
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum - Opened 2010, largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site in world, striking contemporary building, introduction to rock art through original artefacts and digital technology, pre-historic workshop
- Village life in the Côa Valley - Visit traditional village of Freixo Numão (unchanged for centuries), visit Casa Painova estate for demonstration on sweet almond production, enjoy tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products
Landmarks Côa Valley Museum Freixo Numão Casa Painova Estate - Day 11
Pinhão
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Transfer to Provesende village
- Explore Provesende village
- Visit village church
- Visit old bakery
- View traditional handicraft being made
- Visit historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada
- Tasting of bola at Morgadio da Calçada
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River - Glide past terraced vineyards, patchworked farmland and estates via kayak on Pinhão River (tributary of Douro)
- Quinta vineyard hike - Guided hike through breathtaking vineyards of a quinta, stunning views across Douro River, learn about winemaking process, sample wine blends
- Quinta tasting - Visit local estate for tasting of Port wine (region's most famous export), guided walking tour learning vineyard secrets, take in magnificent landscapes
Landmarks Pinhão Provesende Morgadio da Calçada - Day 12
Pinhão to Porto
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Classical concert in São Francisco Church
Landmarks São Francisco Church - Day 13
Porto
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Illumination cruise through Porto
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Aveiro with cruise - Guided walking tour of Aveiro (famed for canals and Art Nouveau architecture), cruise waterways in brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boats unique to city
- Excursion to Braga - Travel north through green rolling countryside of Minho to historic Braga (one of Portugal's oldest and most elegant destinations), guided tour past Sé de Braga Cathedral, graceful plazas, centuries-old residences reflecting ecclesiastical heritage
- Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia - Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia, visit one of Porto's most famous cellars (Cockburn's Port), guided visit and tasting
Landmarks Aveiro Braga Sé de Braga Cathedral Vila Nova de Gaia Cockburn's Port Cellar - Day 14
Porto to Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 15
Lyon to Chavanay
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theatre
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycling tour on e-bikes along the Rhône River
Landmarks Roman Theatre of Vienne Rhône River Rhône Wine Region - Day 16
Chavanay to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Arles
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Sample region's most celebrated wines from the fertile Rhône banks and Côte du Rhône vineyards, learn fascinating history of wine production
- Chocolate workshop - Tour of Chocolaterie Castelain, live chocolate-making demonstration followed by tasting, savour signature artisanal chocolates infused with local Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, paired with select regional wines and delicacies
- Bike tour along the Rhône - Follow gentle paths of ViaRhôna along beautiful Rhône riverbanks, cycle through peaceful landscape filled with vineyards on both sides, reach impressive Passerelle de l'Oiselay (striking pedestrian and cycle bridge) offering stunning panoramic views over river
Landmarks Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chocolaterie Castelain Passerelle de l'Oiselay Côte du Rhône Wine Region - Day 17
Arles to Avignon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - Insightful walking tour with local guide, visit ancient Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles—20,000-seat arena built 90 AD still in use today), experience vibrant colours and striking quality of light that inspired many artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières des Lumières - Journey to stunning medieval village of Les Baux, visit former quarry site of Carrières des Lumières (enormous 7,000 square-metre immersive visual and musical installation highlighting works of notable artists)
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - Visit local farm, learn techniques of olive oil production, owner shares experience of life in region and traditional Provençal recipes
- Discovery of lavender – from field to perfume - Visit local organic farm specialising in essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary and other herbs (best June to mid-August when fields transform into purple sea), discover health benefits, learn essential oil extraction process, create own natural fragrant lavender mist with organic essential oil
- Following Vincent – Van Gogh's Arles - Walking tour through sunlit streets and historic sites that inspired Van Gogh's famous works during his 15 months in Arles, experience colours and atmosphere that shaped his genius
Landmarks Arles Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières des Lumières - Day 18
Avignon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exclusive gala dinner with classical concert at Palais des Papes)
Included Activities
- Exclusive classical concert and gala dinner at Palais des Papes
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Popes Palace - Guided walk through Avignon (note: historic city walls and cobblestoned streets, palace has numerous steps, moderate fitness required), visit Pope's Palace (home to Papacy in 14th century, seat of Western Christianity)
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - Visit ancient Roman aqueduct on guided tour, dating to middle of first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to city of Nîmes
- Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire - Join ship's chef to visit local market (shop for and sample best ingredients), return to ship for interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire (note: Avignon Market closed Mondays)
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - Visit Gordes (considered one of most beautiful villages in France, stone buildings spiral around rock with church and castle at apex), visit picturesque Sénanque Abbey
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Gordes Sénanque Abbey Le Rocher des Doms Avignon Market - Day 19
Viviers
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - Local guide explores Viviers on foot, admire monuments and architectural treasures (Cathedral of St. Vincent—first built 11th century, now 18th century Gothic style with Renaissance façade), free time to explore
- French Resistance walking tour - Walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of French Resistance fighting against Nazi Occupation during WWII, learn local stories of heroism and daring missions
- WWII in Viviers - Guided walk revealing Viviers' dramatic past, Rhône Valley as pivotal stage in Battle of Montélimar (Allied and German forces clashed August 1944 during final push to liberate southern France), learn why battle is still studied at West Point
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - Explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins of sprawling park, be immersed in Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum (largest decorated Paleolithic cave replica in world, original site deemed too fragile for public access, replica built few kilometres from actual cave)
- Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting - Guided tasting tour through heart of Rhône Valley, discover rich flavours of Côtes du Rhône villages wines, explore wines that capture charm and character of southern France
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - Local guide exploration of beautiful provincial town of Grignan, see mighty castle dominating town and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, free time at leisure
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral of St. Vincent Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Grignan de Provence Grignan Castle Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour - Day 20
Tournon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exquisite dessert buffet on board with artisan pastries by local pastry chef, paired with fine coffee or dessert wine)
Included Activities
- Dessert buffet on board with local pastry chef
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - Explore town on foot, learn fascinating history, visit castle (built between 10th and 16th centuries, still dominates town), free time afterwards (may cross France's oldest suspension bridge to neighbouring town of Tain l'Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona)
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - Hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River above Tournon, learn about local wine production, taste delicious wines of region
- Biking along the Rhône - Cycle picturesque banks of Rhône River past charming villages and spectacular scenery to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Valrhona Chocolatiers Glun - Day 21
Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exclusive acapella choir performance at Chapelle de la Trinite
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - Discover Lyon's historic significance, traverse hidden traboules and secret passageways dating back to fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière offering fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - Visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River, beautifully preserved with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and market square centred around centuries-old lime tree (note: uneven surfaces and lots of walking up and down hill, recommended only for guests with high degree of fitness)
- Silk painting workshop - Learn about Lyon's rich heritage of silk production (dates back almost five centuries to Louis XI, major industry in 19th century), learn history and process of silk painting
Landmarks Lyon Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Chapelle de la Trinite Pérouges - Day 22
Mâcon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exclusive dinner prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon in Crystal Dining, showcasing best of French gastronomy)
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration
- Exclusive dinner prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon in Crystal Dining
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey - Step back to medieval town of Cluny (famous for Benedictine Abbey—once largest Christian building in world), tour impressive town, learn about history, soak up charm during free time
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - Transfer by coach to historic Château de Cormatin (built 1606), tour impressive castle with fascinating history lovingly restored to original glory, admire gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens
- Truffle tasting - Meet local truffle farmer and hound, learn tricks and techniques of truffle farming, enjoy tasting of truffle butter plus chocolate mousse with truffles
- Tour of Tournus - Stroll through picturesque narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, captivating journey through Tournus' rich historical and cultural heritage, highlights include remarkable Hôtel-Dieu (beautifully restored 18th century hospital) and stunning Saint-Philibert Abbey (dating back to 12th century)
Landmarks Mâcon Cluny Cluny Abbey Château de Cormatin Tournus Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Philibert Abbey - Day 23
Mâcon
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Beaujolais wine region - Drive through rolling hills of world-famous Beaujolais wine region, meet local vintner, discover how wine is produced, enjoy sampling region's best drops
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - Learn story of village of Vonnas (gourmet destination home to Michelin-star chef George Blanc), visit one of his famed restaurants for interactive cooking demonstration featuring classic French dishes
- Monastère Royal de Brou and Bourg-en-Bresse - Guided tour of cultural treasures of Bourg-en-Bresse, stunning Monastère Royal de Brou (16th century masterpiece commissioned by Margaret of Austria, combines flamboyant Gothic architecture with refined Renaissance artistry, now serves as museum showcasing centuries of Flemish and Netherlandish art)
Landmarks Beaujolais Wine Region Vonnas Bourg-en-Bresse Monastère Royal de Brou - Day 24
Lyon
- Meals
- Breakfast
