Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Lyon
You'll arrive in Lyon and transfer to the Scenic Sapphire for your first afternoon on board. After settling into your suite, spend time on the Sun Deck taking in views across this ancient city.
Landmarks Lyon - Day 2
Chalon-sur-Saône
The ship cruises towards Chalon-sur-Saône, a Burgundy town with half-timbered houses and a Gothic cathedral. You can choose a guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices, try a local wine tasting, or learn about WWII history along the Franco-German border.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices de Beaune
- Burgundy wine tasting at local estate in Côte de Beaune
- WWII walking tour - Life on the Franco-German demarcation line in Chalon-sur-Saône
Landmarks Chalon-sur-Saône Beaune Les Hospices de Beaune - Day 3
Tournus
Rise early to see the riverside scenery as you head towards Tournus, a Roman-founded town with a Romanesque abbey. Pick between touring Château de Cormatin, a truffle tasting with a local farmer, or a cooking demonstration by chef Georges Blanc. Later, all guests watch a cooperage demonstration on barrel making.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - ancient craft of barrel making
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Château de Cormatin (built 1606)
- Truffle tasting with local truffle farmer
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration and village museum visit
Landmarks Tournus Château de Cormatin Vonnas - Day 4
Tournon
You'll arrive in Tournon, known for terraced vineyards, a 10th-century castle, and cobblestoned streets. Choose a walking tour, hike through vineyards with wine tasting, or bike along the Rhône River. This afternoon brings free time to explore, then an aperitif at Tournon Castle overlooking the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Aperitif at Tournon Castle terrace with views over Rhône River and terraced vineyards
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon including castle (10th-16th centuries) with free time
- Hiking through terraced vineyards with Rhône River views and wine tasting
- Biking along Rhône River banks past charming villages to Glun
- Cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage
Landmarks Tournon Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage Glun - Day 5
Avignon
Dock in Avignon, the City of the Popes, with medieval architecture and the Palais des Papes. Select a walking tour with the Pope's Palace, visit Pont du Gard on a guided tour, or kayak beneath the aqueduct. Tonight features an exclusive gala dinner with classical concert in the Pope's Palace after hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Exclusive gala dinner with classical trio concert in Palais des Papes)
Included Activities
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich - Gala dinner with classical trio concert in Palais des Papes after hours
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including Palais des Papes and historic city walls
- Guided tour of Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct
- Kayaking beneath Pont du Gard aqueduct on Gardon River
Landmarks Avignon Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Pont du Gard Nîmes 
- Day 6
Avignon
You have a full day in Avignon as the gateway to Provence. Options include exploring Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey, shopping at markets with the ship's chef for a cooking demonstration, visiting lavender producers in Roussillon, or wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Gordes (village) and Sénanque Abbey with guided tour
- Shop with a chef at local market and Scenic Culinaire interactive cooking demonstration
- Lavender Museum visit and guided tour of Roussillon village
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with Côte du Rhône vineyards
Landmarks Gordes Sénanque Abbey Roussillon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Day 7
Arles
Arrive in Arles, the southernmost point in Provence, with Roman heritage and Van Gogh connections. See the Arènes d'Arles amphitheatre, visit the medieval village of Les Baux with its art installation, learn about olive oil production, or explore lavender fields. This afternoon includes free time or an onboard painting class.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Arles including ancient Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles)
- Visit Les Baux medieval village with Carrières de Lumières immersive 7,000 sq m visual and musical installation
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - local olive farm and traditional Provençal recipes
- Lavender fields to cream - Provence Herbal Workshop (late June to mid-August)
- On board painting class inspired by Vincent Van Gogh
Landmarks Arles Arènes d'Arles Les Baux Carrières de Lumières 
- Day 8
Viviers
You'll reach Viviers, an open-air museum with 5th-century medieval heritage. Walk through the Cathedral of St. Vincent and architectural treasures, or take a French Resistance tour. This afternoon, explore Ardèche Nature Park and the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc, visit the Madeleine Caves, or take an excursion to Grignan.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers with Cathedral of St. Vincent (11th century, 18th-century Gothic with Renaissance facade)
- French Resistance walking tour of Viviers
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica
- Ardèche National Park and Madeleine Cave - rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, and underground lakes
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence with castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour
Landmarks Viviers Cathedral of St. Vincent Ardèche Nature Park Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Madeleine Cave Grignan - Day 9
Cruise to Lyon
Enjoy a relaxed day cruising back towards Lyon along the Rhône River. Relax on the Sun Deck, use the Salt Therapy Lounge, or join a French cookery lesson. Tonight features an exclusive acapella choir performance in the 17th-century Trinity Chapel with Carrara marble.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich - Acapella choir performance in Trinity Chapel (17th century, Carrara marble interior)
Optional Activities
- French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire
Landmarks Trinity Chapel - Day 10
Lyon
Wake in Lyon, France's culinary capital founded by Romans in 43 BC. Choose a city tour exploring hidden traboules and passages from the 4th century plus the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière with panoramic views, visit Pérouges medieval village, or join a silk painting workshop learning about Lyon's five-century silk heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - hidden traboules and secret passageways (4th century) and Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
- Excursion to Pérouges medieval walled village with vine-covered stone buildings and cobbled laneways
- Silk painting workshop - Lyon's silk production heritage and techniques
Landmarks Lyon Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Pérouges - Day 11
Lyon to Paris
Board your included flight from Lyon to Paris where you'll transfer to the Scenic Gem for a 10-night Seine River cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Paris 
- Day 12
Les Andelys
Cruise along the Seine to Les Andelys, a 900-year-old waterside village with Norman-era houses and King Richard the Lionheart's Château Gaillard ruins. Pick a medieval-themed hike to the château, guided town tour, cider farm visit, or explore Renaissance Château Gaillon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Medieval-themed hike to Château Gaillard with Richard the Lionheart history
- Guided tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard
- Cider farm visit - Normandy artisanal cider production
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon (16th century) - earliest Renaissance-style château in France
Landmarks Les Andelys Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 13
Rouen
Arrive in Rouen, Normandy's capital with over 2,000 years of history where Richard was crowned and Joan of Arc was executed. Choose a city tour of the cathedral and medieval quarter, a Vikings-themed tour with period-dressed guide, or photography walk. Tonight includes an interactive WWI lecture with equipment and rations to taste.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Interactive expert WWI lecture - 'Day in the life of a Tommy' with equipment, weapons, and rations tasting
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, and Joan of Arc history
- Guided tour with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide covering Viking history and Medieval past
- Photography discovery walk - learn digital portrait techniques in Rouen
Landmarks Rouen Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter 
- Day 14
Rouen
Spend a full day in Rouen exploring Normandy's heritage. Choose a Tastes of Normandy tour sampling cheeses, cider, and calvados, or full-day Somme Battlefields excursions visiting WWI memorials and cemeteries, or explore the region's WWII role.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Normandy - local dairy producers, soft cheeses, cider, and calvados tasting
- Full-day excursion to Somme Battlefields including Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Full-day excursion to Somme Battlefields with Caterpillar Valley Cemetery (5,500+ Commonwealth graves), Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater
Landmarks Somme Battlefields Sir John Monash Centre (Australian National Memorial) Newfoundland Memorial Park Lochnagar Crater Thiepval Memorial Caterpillar Valley Cemetery - Day 15
Honfleur
Cruise west to Honfleur, a colorful port city on the English Channel edge and birthplace of Impressionism. Join a guided walking tour of the Inner Harbor, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities. Tonight, an expert lecture covers Operation Fortitude and D-Day daily life.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities
- Expert on board lecture - Operation Fortitude and Honfleur's role during D-Day campaign
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Honfleur's harbor area and laneways at your own leisure
Landmarks Honfleur Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 16
Honfleur
Full day in Honfleur exploring WWII history. Choose full-day Normandy Beach excursions covering US history (Utah and Omaha), UK history (Bayeux, Arromanches, Pegasus Bridge), or Canadian history (Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach, Bény-sur-Mer). Alternatively, tour Bayeux with its Notre Dame Cathedral and Norman architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Normandy Beaches excursion - US history focused: Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Omaha Beach Memorial (Bloody Omaha)
- Normandy Beaches excursion - UK history focused: Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery
- Normandy Beaches excursion - Canadian history focused: Abbey d'Ardenne (11th century), Juno Beach Centre (20,000 Canadian troops landed), Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - Notre Dame Cathedral (11th-14th centuries) and Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture with free time
Landmarks Utah Beach Omaha Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Normandy American Cemetery Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Arromanches Landing Museum at Arromanches British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge Ranville War Cemetery Abbey d'Ardenne Juno Beach Centre Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 17
Caudebec-en-Caux
Cruise inland to medieval Caudebec-en-Caux on the Seine. Try an e-bike tour to Villequier with the Victor Hugo Museum, coach transfer to Fécamp with its Bénédictine Palace and liquor tasting, a French Resistance walking tour, or explore Abbey Road learning about Normandy's grand abbeys.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- E-bike tour to Villequier along River Seine banks (approximately 8 km each way, flat route) with Victor Hugo Museum visit
- Fécamp coach transfer - guided tour of 19th-century Bénédictine Palace with Bénédictine liquor tasting (27 plants and spices)
- French Resistance walking tour - WWII stories and heroism in Caudebec-en-Caux
- Abbey Road walking tour - Normandy's grand abbeys and Middle Ages heritage along River Seine
Landmarks Caudebec-en-Caux Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 18
La Roche-Guyon
Arrive in Vernon, a historic border town between Normandy and France. Visit Monet's House and Garden in nearby Giverny on a guided tour of the Japanese-inspired water garden, or take a self-guided e-bike ride (about 5 km each way). Join a painting class if interested. This afternoon, cruise to La Roche-Guyon for an exclusive tour of the 16th-century château built into chalk hillside, drinks in the gardens, and a classical concert featuring French composers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich - Château de La Roche-Guyon (16th century) with drink, gardens, and classical concert of French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden tour in Giverny - Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies and free time
- Self-guided e-bike tour from Vernon to Giverny (approximately 5 km each way) with option to visit Monet's House and Garden
- On board painting class
Landmarks Vernon Giverny Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon La Roche-Guyon - Day 19
Paris
Wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a medieval town at the Seine and Oise confluence founded around a 9th-century castle. Visit Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, tour Château de Chantilly or Versailles, check out the Inland Water Transport Museum, or explore Château de Malmaison, Napoleon's neoclassical estate. This afternoon, cruise back to Paris.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise - Van Gogh landmarks, Notre Dame church, Van Gogh's room (attic rented 1890) with free time
- Château de Chantilly guided tour - fine art collections, gardens, and free time (or Versailles Palace if Chantilly closed Tuesdays)
- Musée de la Batellerie (Inland Water Transport Museum) - Conflans-Sainte-Honorine barge capital of the world
- Château de Malmaison - Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais residence, neoclassical architecture, Napoleonic museum collection
Landmarks Conflans-Saint-Honorine Auvers-sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Auvers) Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 20
Paris
Spend a full day in Paris. First-timers can tackle the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral on a highlights tour, while returning visitors might explore the Marais district, Opera Garnier, or visit Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte with its formal gardens. This afternoon remains free to visit the Eiffel Tower, wander the Champs-Élysée, explore Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge, or relax onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais guided walking tour with Parisian guide - cultures, history, architecture, arts scene, fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Notre Dame Cathedral
- Opera Garnier guided tour - ornate rooms, grand staircases, chandeliers, Napoleon III-commissioned building
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte coach tour (1 hour from Paris) - founding French formal garden, inspiration for Versailles, symmetrical layout
Landmarks Paris Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Marais District Opera Garnier Champs-Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 21
Departure from Paris
Your journey ends this morning. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward travel, taking wonderful memories of France with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Paris
