Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Paris
Paris - Day 2
Les Andelys
Les AndelysOptional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour with guide in traditional attire
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard
- Cider farm visit - see artisanal cider production and taste Normandy cider
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - explore 16th-century Renaissance château and learn about its importance to French history
Landmarks Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 3
Rouen
RouenIncluded Activities
- Expert lecture - WWI: A day in the life of a Tommy (interactive experience including trying on equipment and tasting rations)
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - guided tour of cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, and Joan of Arc death site with free time
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide exploring Viking history and Medieval past with free time
- In the footsteps of Joan of Arc - walking tour through St. Ouen Church and Old Market Square sites related to Joan of Arc
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Old Market Square Saint-Maclou Quarter St. Ouen Church - Day 4
Rouen
RouenIncluded Activities
- Dessert buffet - exquisite desserts prepared by local pastry chef, paired with fine coffee or dessert wine
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - full day visit to WWI sites including Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - full day visit including Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial, and Lochnagar Crater
- Claude Monet and the colours of Rouen - guided walking tour of Monet-inspired landmarks including Rouen Cathedral and Musée des Beaux-Arts
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Musée des Beaux-Arts Sir John Monash Centre Thiepval Memorial Lochnagar Crater Franco-Australian Museum Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Newfoundland Memorial Park - Day 5
Honfleur
HonfleurIncluded Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities with free time
- French cheesemaking presentation and tasting - featuring Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l'Évêque, and Neufchâtel
- Lecture - Operation Fortitude and D-Day campaign in Honfleur during World War II
Landmarks Inner Harbour of Honfleur Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 6
Honfleur
HonfleurOptional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - visit Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, and Omaha Beach Memorial, with lunch at local restaurant
- 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, with lunch at local restaurant
- 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, with lunch at local restaurant
- Bayeux tour - guided tour including Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th century Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture) with free time
Landmarks Utah Beach Omaha Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre 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 Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 7
Honfleur - Caudebec-en-Caux
Honfleur - Caudebec-en-CauxOptional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - e-bike tour along River Seine on flat eight-kilometre route each way, including museum visit
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to historic seaside town, guided tour of 19th-century palace famous for Bénédictine liquor production with tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learning stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi Occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - guided tour exploring Medieval abbeys on the banks of the River Seine
Landmarks Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 8
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon
Vernon - La Roche-GuyonIncluded Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert at Château de La Roche Guyon - short walk from ship to 16th-century château built into chalk hillside, tour of manicured orchard, vegetable gardens, decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries, drink on arrival, and classical music by French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - tour of Giverny and Monet's home with Japanese-inspired water garden featuring lilies, plus free time to explore
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - approximately five kilometres each way by bike, with option to visit Monet's House and Garden or explore town
- On-board painting class - inspired by Monet's gardens
Landmarks Monet's House and Garden Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 9
Conflans - Paris
Conflans - ParisOptional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - travel to village where Vincent Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, visit Notre Dame de l'Assomption church and Van Gogh's rented attic room (empty since 1890), with free time
- Château de Chantilly - guided tour of magnificent castle built by Henri d'Orléans, featuring fine collections, gardens, and free time (Note: If Tuesday, replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden visit)
- Active walk with Musée de la Batellerie - visit Inland Water Transport Museum in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine exploring barge capital history and water transport
- Château de Malmaison - historic estate of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais with elegant neoclassical architecture, gardens, and museum showcasing Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, and personal items
Landmarks Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 10
Paris
ParisOptional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour of diverse district with melting pot cultures, history, architecture, arts, and fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour of famous sites including Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opera Garnier - tour of spectacular opera house with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, and chandeliers commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - coach tour to château an hour's drive from Paris, credited as founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles, featuring symmetrical layout and stunning gardens
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Champs Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Marais District Opera Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 11
Paris - Bordeaux
Paris - Bordeaux - Day 12
Bordeaux - Libourne
Bordeaux - LibourneIncluded Activities
- Guided tour to Saint-Émilion - World Heritage-listed village with medieval buildings, visit Monolithic Church carved into limestone
Landmarks Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church - Day 13
Libourne - Pauillac
Libourne - PauillacOptional Activities
- Walking tour of Libourne - guided exploration of town's rich history linked to wool, wine, salt and wood trade, featuring 16th-century maison de maître and Gothic church with 71-metre stone spire
- Wines and vineyards of Saint-Émilion - journey through countryside to famous vineyard for exploration and tasting of red blends dominated by merlot and cabernet franc grapes
- Secrets of the Dordogne - Château de Vayres legends - guided tour of historic monument featuring medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century architecture with tapestries and period furnishings
- Cycling from Libourne - cycle through rolling hills, vineyard-covered slopes and medieval châteaux of Fronsac with refreshment stop offering views over Libourne
- Paint and pour - art class on Sun Deck with local artist learning watercolor painting techniques while sipping local wines
Landmarks Château de Vayres Fronsac - Day 14
Pauillac - Fort Médoc
Pauillac - Fort MédocIncluded Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac - glass of wine on arrival in spectacular Médoc countryside setting, live classical music performance
Optional Activities
- Médoc wine tasting by coach - tour through 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations along 'Route des Chateaux' to local winery for wine tasting
- Médoc wine tasting by bicycle - e-bike tour past grand aristocratic châteaux in world's leading red wine region with prestigious estate wine sampling
Landmarks Château d'Agassac - Day 15
Fort Médoc - Cadillac
Fort Médoc - CadillacOptional Activities
- Massage treatment
- Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration - French cuisine demonstration on board
- Day 16
Cadillac - Bordeaux
Cadillac - BordeauxOptional Activities
- Sauternes by coach - drive through picturesque region with expert guides explaining winemaking from harvesting botrytised grapes to fermentation and aging, guided estate tour with tasting
- Sauternes by bike - cycle through rolling vineyards for approximately two hours including rest stops, visit local wine estate for guided tour and tasting (mostly flat terrain)
- Roquetaillade Castle - tour of magnificent medieval fortress dating to 8th century (Charlemagne), inhabited by same family for over 700 years
- Biking in the Loupiac wine region - guided cycle through lush Gironde landscapes with views of Château Benauge, ride through gently rolling backroads to Sainte-Croix-du-Mont for regional views
- Château Toulouse-Lautrec - guided exploration of château's rich history and life of famous resident Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, including artist's private apartments with his artworks
Landmarks Château de Roquetaillade Château Benauge Sainte-Croix-du-Mont Château Toulouse-Lautrec - Day 17
Bordeaux City
Bordeaux CityIncluded Activities
- Oyster tasting - fresh oysters delivered from Arcachon Bay waters
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux - local guide city coach and walking tour covering history, culture, lifestyle, Gothic cathedral, Place de la Bourse, Cailhau Gate with free time
- Cycling tour of Bordeaux - guided bike tour crossing beautiful bridges, visiting Royal Gate, Palais Rohan, public gardens, sampling canelé custard cake treats
- Shop with a chef and Scenic Culinaire - shop at local food market with Scenic chef for regional ingredients, return to Scenic Diamond for cooking demonstration in Scenic Culinaire (not available Mondays)
- Bordeaux in the shadow of WWII - immersive walking tour exploring city's dramatic WWII history uncovering stories of resistance, sacrifice, and survival
Landmarks Place de la Bourse Cailhau Gate Bassins des Lumières Royal Gate Palais Rohan - Day 18
Bordeaux - Bourg
Bordeaux - BourgOptional Activities
- Cité du Vin museum - local tram transfer to museum for engaging interactive wine discovery journey with nearly 20 themed exhibits exploring global wine across times and cultures
- Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar - ride through Bordeaux in sidecar and/or motorcycle back, beginning in historic Chatrons district, visiting Rue Notre Dame, riverside Garonne quays, vibrant Saint-Pierre on right bank
- Visit Arcachon - walking tour of charming bayside town renowned for seaside atmosphere and unique architecture, tour ends near Baltard Market with free time for local delicacies and fresh Atlantic seafood
- Eleanor of Aquitaine - Story of the Queen who ruled France and England - immersive journey through Bordeaux's historic heart exploring most powerful woman of Middle Ages who held crowns of both England and France
Landmarks Cité du Vin Chatrons District Rue Notre Dame Saint-Pierre Arcachon Baltard Market - Day 19
Bourg
BourgIncluded Activities
- Full day excursion to Cognac - guided walking tour of fortified city, included lunch, tour of Rémy Martin estate with Cognac sampling
Optional Activities
- Bourg with Carriages Museum - guided walk through village charming streets to main square, explore historic Citadel and Horse Carriage Museum inside citadel grounds
- Historic Saintes - tour of charming town with 2,000 years of history, visit Arch of Germanicus (Roman past) and World Heritage-listed Saint-Eutrope Basilica on immersive walking tour
Landmarks Citadel of Bourg Horse Carriage Museum Saintes Arch of Germanicus Saint-Eutrope Basilica Cognac Rémy Martin Estate - Day 20
Bourg - Blaye - Bordeaux
Bourg - Blaye - BordeauxOptional Activities
- Walking tour of Blaye - local guide stroll through World Heritage charming town, walk through impressive 17th-century Vauban Citadel revealing historical significance, cultural traditions and architectural treasures
- Active walking tour of Blaye - tour fascinating Citadel on active walk with local guide learning about defence system created by architect Sébastien Vauban
- Cycling along the Captain's Road - active cycling tour along waterway named for WWI Captains who purchased homes here early 20th century, passing charming riverside villages, ancient villa ruins, manor houses and limestone quarries
- Visit Château de La Roche Courbon - originally a fortress transformed over centuries, elegantly restored Renaissance château still family owned and inhabited, featuring superb gardens
Landmarks Vauban Citadel Château de La Roche Courbon - Day 21
Bordeaux - Lyon
Bordeaux - Lyon - Day 22
Vienne
VienneOptional Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theatre - uncover fascinating history of quaint riverside town conquered by Julius Caesar, visit best-preserved Roman theatre built against steep hill slopes holding 10,000+ spectators
- Cycling tour of Vienne - discover city's glory days on two wheels, cycle past marvellously preserved Roman temple monument to Emperor Augustus, see villas, bath houses and workshops ruins, nature detour to lush Île Barlet River Island
Landmarks Roman Theatre of Vienne Temple of Augustus Vienne Pyramid Île Barlet - Day 23
Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Arles
Châteauneuf-du-Pape - ArlesOptional Activities
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - sample celebrated wines from this historic village with over 300 wineries
- Chocolate workshop - tour of Chocolaterie Castelain with live chocolate-making demonstration, tasting of signature artisanal chocolates infused with local Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, paired with select regional wines and delicacies
- Bike tour along the Rhône - gentle cycling along ViaRhôna paths on peaceful landscapes with vineyards on both riverbanks, reach impressive Passerelle de l'Oiselay pedestrian and cycle bridge with panoramic views
Landmarks Châteauneuf-du-Pape Passerelle de l'Oiselay - Day 24
Arles - Avignon
Arles - AvignonOptional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - local guide walking tour visiting Arènes d'Arles (20,000-seat 90 AD amphitheatre in use today), explore vibrant colours and striking light inspiring many artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières des Lumières - journey to stunning medieval village, visit former quarry site of 7,000 square-metre Carrières des Lumières immersive visual and musical installation highlighting notable artists' works
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - visit local farm learning olive oil production techniques, owner shares regional life experience and traditional Provençal recipes
- Discovery of lavender – from field to perfume - visit organic farm specialising in essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary (typically late June to mid-August when fields are purple), learn health benefits, essential oil extraction, create own natural fragrant lavender mist with organic oil
- Following Vincent – Van Gogh's Arles - walking tour tracing artist's 15-month Arles journey through sunlit streets and historic sites inspiring his famous works, experiencing colours and atmosphere shaping his genius
Landmarks Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières des Lumières - Day 25
Avignon
AvignonIncluded Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert at the Palais des Papes - exclusive gala dinner with classical concert from trio of musicians in Pope's dining room, immersion in beautiful classical pieces within palace's walls
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Popes Palace - guided walk through historic city walls and Pope's Palace (seat of Western Christianity 14th century), moderate fitness required for cobblestoned streets and numerous steps
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct dating to middle of first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to Nîmes city
- Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire - join Scenic chef visiting local market to shop for and sample region's best ingredients, return to ship for interactive Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration (Note: Avignon Market closed Mondays)
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey - visit village of Gordes (considered most beautiful in France with stone buildings spiraling around perched rock), visit picturesque Sénanque Abbey
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Gordes Sénanque Abbey Le Rocher des Doms - Day 26
Viviers
ViviersOptional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - local guide exploring Viviers on foot, admiring monuments and architectural treasures including Cathedral of St. Vincent (11th century, now 18th century Gothic with Renaissance facade), free time to explore
- French Resistance walking tour - walking tour hearing stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi Occupation, learning local heroism and daring mission tales
- WWII in Viviers - guided walk revealing Rh ône Valley's pivotal role in August 1944 Battle of Montélimar between Allied and German forces during southern France liberation push, insights into West Point military study
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins, immerse in world's largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica (original too fragile for public access)
- Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting - guided tasting tour through Rhône Valley heart discovering wines capturing southern France charm and character in warm, rustic atmosphere
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - local guide exploration of beautiful provincial town, see mighty castle dominating town and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, leisure time
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Vincent Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Ardèche Nature Park Grignan - Day 27
Tournon
TournonIncluded Activities
- Dessert buffet - exquisite desserts prepared by local pastry chef, pairs perfectly with fine coffee or glass of dessert wine
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - explore town on foot, learn fascinating history, visit castle built between 10th-16th centuries still dominating town, free time (option to cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage with Valrhona chocolatiers)
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - get close to nature hiking sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River, learn local wine production and taste delicious regional drops
- Biking along the Rhône - cycle picturesque Rhône River banks past charming villages and spectacular scenery to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Glun - Day 28
Lyon
LyonIncluded Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Choral concert at Chapelle de la Trinite - admire Baroque building's beauty, exclusive acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel with Carrara marble decor built 17th century
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - discover historic significance traversing hidden traboules and secret passageways dating fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvieres offering fabulous vantage point views across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - visit beautifully preserved medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways, centuries-old lime tree market square (high fitness required due to uneven surfaces and up/down hill walking)
- Silk painting workshop - learn history and process of silk painting; Lyon has 5-century silk production heritage, 19th century major industry, workshop teaches silk painting history and techniques
Landmarks Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvieres Pérouges Chapelle de la Trinite - Day 29
Mâcon
MâconIncluded Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - skilled artisan shows ancient art secrets and crucial wine and spirit making role
- Exclusive dinner - prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon in Crystal Dining, intimate experience with authentic authentic regional dishes showcasing French gastronomy
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey - step back to medieval Cluny town famous for Benedictine Abbey (once largest Christian building world), tour impressive town, learn history, soak charm during free time
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - coach transfer to historic château built 1606, fascinating history lovingly restored to original glory, admire gilded rooms, moat, water features, 10+ hectare manicured gardens
- Truffle tasting - meet local truffle farmer and hound learning truffle farming tricks and techniques, enjoy truffle butter tasting plus chocolate mousse with truffles
- Tour of Tournus - stroll picturesque narrow streets with pastel-coloured buildings on captivating journey through Tournus's rich historical and cultural heritage, highlights include 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu and 12th-century Saint-Philibert Abbey
Landmarks Cluny Abbey Château de Cormatin Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Philibert Abbey - Day 30
Mâcon
MâconOptional Activities
- Beaujolais wine region - drive through rolling hills of world-famous Beaujolais region meeting local vintner, discover wine production and enjoy region's best drops sampling
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - learn village of Vonnas story, gourmet destination home to Michelin-star chef George Blanc, visit famed restaurant for interactive cooking demonstration of classic French dishes
- Monastère Royal de Brou and Bourg-en-Bresse - guided tour of Bourg-en-Bresse cultural treasures featuring 16th-century Monastère Royal de Brou (commissioned by Margaret of Austria), flamboyant Gothic architecture with refined Renaissance artistry, museum showcasing centuries of Flemish and Netherlandish art
Landmarks Beaujolais Wine Region Vonnas Monastère Royal de Brou Bourg-en-Bresse - Day 31
Lyon
Lyon
