Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre-Dame Cathedral - Day 2
Les Andelys
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Seine to Les Andelys
Optional 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 - Guided tour of the town followed by visit to the castle
- Cider farm visit - Visit a local Normandy farm to see cider production and taste the local effervescent drink
- Renaissance-era Château Gaillon - Explore the 16th-century château, one of the earliest Renaissance-style castles in France
Landmarks Château Gaillard Château Gaillon - Day 3
Rouen
Included Activities
- Fascinating expert lecture - WWI 'A day in the life of a Tommy' with immersive experience including trying on equipment and tasting rations
Optional Activities
- Rouen city tour - Guided tour of the cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, and Medieval alleys with free time after
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - Authentically dressed guide takes you through the city learning about Viking raiders
- In the footsteps of Joan of Arc - Walking tour from St. Ouen Church to Old Market Square where she was executed
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral St. Ouen Church Old Market Square (Place du Vieux Marché) - Day 4
Rouen
Included Activities
- Exquisite dessert buffet - Artistry of a local pastry chef with classic French cakes, fine coffee or dessert wine
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - Full day tour visiting WWI battle sites, Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - Full day tour of Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial, Franco-Australian Museum, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial, and Lochnagar Crater
- Claude Monet and the colours of Rouen - Explore Rouen's iconic landmarks that inspired Monet, see Rouen Cathedral and visit Musée des Beaux-Arts
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Musée des Beaux-Arts (Rouen Fine Arts Museum) Sir John Monash Centre Newfoundland Memorial Park Thiepval Memorial Lochnagar Crater - Day 5
Honfleur
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - Showing Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, and Garden of Personalities with free time to explore
- French cheesemaking presentation and cheese tasting - Featuring Normandy's celebrated classics like Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l'Évêque, and Neufchâtel
- Lecture about Operation Fortitude and D-Day - Engaging presentation about daily life in Honfleur during World War II
Landmarks Church of Sainte-Catherine (Église Sainte-Catherine) Inner Harbour (Vieux Bassin) - Day 6
Honfleur
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused) - Start at Utah Beach memorial, visit Sainte-Mère-Église, lunch at local restaurant, visit Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, and stop at 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, lunch at local restaurant, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, and Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused) - Visit Abbey d'Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, lunch at local restaurant, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, and Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - Guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux (11th-14th centuries masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture) with free time to explore
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 Abbey d'Ardenne Juno Beach Centre Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux - Day 7
Honfleur - Caudebec-en-Caux
Included Activities
- Cruise inland to Caudebec-en-Caux
Optional Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - E-bike tour along the Seine banks, eight-kilometre each way on flat terrain, visit museum dedicated to the famous French poet
- Fécamp and Bénédictine Palace - Coach transfer to historic seaside town, guided tour of 19th-century Bénédictine Palace famous for producing Bénédictine liquor (27 plants and spices), including tasting
- Tales of the French Resistance - Walking tour learning stories of French Resistance fighters during Nazi Occupation
- Normandy Abbey Road - Walking tour exploring grand abbeys on the banks of the River Seine, learning about spiritual and economic importance since Middle Ages
Landmarks Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fécamp Bénédictine Palace - Day 8
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon
Included Activities
- On-board painting class - Inspired by Monet's gardens
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon - Walk to 16th-century château built into chalk hillside, tour manicured gardens, enjoy welcome drink and classical concert focusing on French composers
Optional Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - Tour Giverny and visit the founder of Impressionism's home with Japanese-inspired water garden, lilies, and free time to explore
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - Self-guided e-bike tour approximately five kilometres each way with option to visit Monet's House and Garden or explore the town
Landmarks Monet's House and Garden (Giverny) Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 9
Conflans - Paris
Included Activities
- Cruise from Conflans to Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - Travel to village where Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, see landmarks immortalized in his works, entry to Van Gogh's room (attic rented during final months), with free time to explore
- Château de Chantilly - Guided tour of castle built by Henri d'Orléans (son of last King of France), view fine art collections, explore gardens, with free time (Note: Closed Tuesdays, replaced with Versailles Palace and Garden)
- Active walk with Musée de la Batellerie - Visit Inland Water Transport Museum in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, exploring water's role in barge capital of the world
- Château de Malmaison - Historic estate and former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais, featuring elegant neoclassical architecture, landscaped gardens, and museum with furniture, artwork, and personal items from Napoleonic era
Landmarks Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Auvers-Sur-Oise) Van Gogh's Room Château de Chantilly Versailles Palace and Garden Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 10
Paris
Optional Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - Guided walking tour of the Marais district with Parisian guide exploring cultures, history, architecture, arts scene, and fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - Coach tour with local guide visiting Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysée, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and Notre Dame Cathedral (reopened after 2019 fire)
- Opera Garnier - Tour of the 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 - Coach tour one hour from Paris to château credited as founding French formal garden that inspired Versailles, symmetrical layout with stunning gardens
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre-Dame Cathedral Marais District Opera Garnier Champs-Élysée Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Montmartre Moulin Rouge Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - Day 11
Paris - Lyon
Included Activities
- Transfer by rail from Paris to Lyon
- Embark Scenic Sapphire cruise ship
Landmarks Lyon - Day 12
Chavanay
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Rhône River to Chavanay
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theatre - Discover history of quaint riverside town once conquered by Julius Caesar, visit one of best-preserved Roman theatres built against steep hillside holding 10,000+ spectators
- St-Joseph - Côte-Rôtie wine tasting - Private tour of local wine estate to savour exquisite wines amid charming vineyards, appreciating meticulous craftsmanship of exceptional terroirs
- Cycling tour - Easy e-bike tour on gentle flat terrain making leisurely loop from Chavanay along Rhône River through picturesque villages with views of rolling hills and stops for wine tasting or refreshments
Landmarks Vienne - Day 13
Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Arles
Included Activities
- Cruise to Arles
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Sample celebrated wines from the region's vineyards with centuries of wine production history
- Chocolate workshop - Tour of Chocolaterie Castelain with live chocolate-making demonstration, tasting of artisanal chocolates infused with local Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, paired with regional wines and delicacies
- Bike tour along the Rhône - Gentle cycling on ViaRhôna paths along beautiful Rhône riverbanks through landscape filled with vineyards, reaching impressive Passerelle de l'Oiselay pedestrian and cycle bridge with panoramic views
Landmarks Châteauneuf-du-Pape 
- Day 14
Arles - Avignon
Included Activities
- Relax on board cruise to Avignon
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Arles - Walking tour visiting ancient Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles) built in 90 AD, experiencing vibrant colours and light that inspired many artists
- Visit Les Baux with Carrières des Lumières - Journey to medieval village with visit to former quarry hosting immersive 7,000 square-metre visual and musical installation featuring notable artists
- Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill - Visit local farm learning olive oil production techniques, share life experiences and traditional Provençal recipes
- Discovery of lavender – from field to perfume - Visit organic farm (June-August when fields are purple) specializing in essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, learn health benefits, extraction process, create own natural fragrant lavender mist
- Following Vincent – Van Gogh's Arles - Walking tour tracing artist's 15 month journey through sunlit streets and historic sites that inspired famous works
Landmarks Arènes d'Arles Les Baux-de-Provence Carrières des Lumières - Day 15
Avignon
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert at the Palais des Papes - Exclusive gala dinner and classical concert from trio of musicians in the room where the Pope used to dine, immersed in famous classical pieces
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Avignon including visit to the Popes Palace - Guided walk through historic city walls and Pope's Palace (home to Papacy in 14th century), moderate fitness required for cobblestoned streets and palace stairs
- Excursion to Pont Du Gard - Guided tour of ancient Roman aqueduct dating to middle of first century, engineering masterpiece designed to carry water to city of Nîmes
- Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire - Visit local market with Scenic chef sampling best regional ingredients, return to ship for interactive cooking demonstration (Market closed Mondays)
- Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanche Abbey - Visit Gordes (one of most beautiful villages in France) with stone buildings spiraling up the rock with church and castle at apex, later visit picturesque Sénanche Abbey
Landmarks Palais des Papes Pont d'Avignon Le Rocher des Doms Pont du Gard Gordes Sénanche Abbey 
- Day 16
Viviers
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Viviers - Guided exploration of monuments and architectural treasures including Cathedral of St. Vincent (11th century, now 18th century Gothic with Renaissance facade) with free time after
- French Resistance walking tour - Walking tour hearing stories of French Resistance fighters against Nazi Occupation, learning local heroism and daring missions
- WWII in Viviers - Guided walk revealing dramatic past, how Rhône Valley became pivotal stage in Battle of Montélimar (August 1944) when Allied and German forces clashed
- Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum - Explore mountains and medieval fortress ruins, immerse in largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica (7,000 sq metres), built kilometres from fragile original site
- Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting - Guided wine tasting through Rhône Valley heart, exploring wines capturing charm and character of southern France
- Excursion to Grignan de Provence - Guided exploration of beautiful provincial town, see mighty castle dominating town and Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour with leisure time
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Vincent (Viviers) Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum Ardèche Nature Park Grignan - Day 17
Tournon
Included Activities
- Exquisite dessert buffet - Artistry of local pastry chef with classic French cakes, fine coffee or dessert wine
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Tournon - Explore town on foot learning fascinating history and visiting castle built 10th-16th centuries, with free time after to explore and cross France's oldest suspension bridge to Tain l'Hermitage with prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona
- Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon - Hike through sloping vineyards overlooking Rhône River above Tournon, learn about local wine production, taste local wines
- Biking along the Rhône - Cycle picturesque Rhône riverbanks past charming villages and spectacular scenery to nearby village of Glun
Landmarks Tournon Castle Tain l'Hermitage - Day 18
Lyon
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Choral concert at Chapelle de la Trinite - Exclusive immersion in breath-taking acapella choir performance in 17th-century Baroque building decadently covered in Carrara marble
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon - Discover historic significance traversing hidden traboules and secret passageways dating to fourth century, visit Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviery with fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges - Visit medieval walled village atop hill overlooking Ain River with beautifully preserved vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and market square with centuries-old lime tree (High fitness level required due to uneven surfaces and uphill/downhill walking)
- Silk painting workshop - Learn history and process of Lyon's five-century silk production heritage, once largest 19th-century industry
Landmarks Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviery Chapelle de la Trinite Pérouges - Day 19
Mâcon
- Meals
- Dinner (Exclusive dinner on board prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon with authentic flavours in exquisite regional dishes)
Included Activities
- Cooperage demonstration - Skilled artisan shows secret of ancient art and its role in wine and spirit making
- Exclusive dinner with Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon - Intimate dining in Crystal Dining with authentic regional dishes showcasing best of French gastronomy
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey - Medieval town step back in time, famous for Benedictine Abbey once largest Christian building in world, tour impressive town and learn history with free time
- Excursion to Château de Cormatin - Coach transfer to historic castle built 1606, fascinating history lovingly restored to original glory, admire gilded rooms, moat, water features and 10+ hectares manicured gardens on guided tour
- Truffle tasting - Meet local truffle farmer and hound learning tricks and techniques of truffle farming, taste truffle butter and chocolate mousse with truffles
- Tour of Tournus - Stroll through picturesque narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings on captivating journey through history and culture, highlights include remarkable 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu and stunning 12th-century Saint-Philibert Abbey
Landmarks Cluny Abbey Château de Cormatin Tournus Saint-Philibert Abbey (Tournus) Hôtel-Dieu (Tournus) - Day 20
Mâcon
Optional Activities
- Beaujolais wine region - Drive through rolling hills of world-famous wine region meeting local vintner, discover wine production and sample region's best drops
- Georges Blanc cooking demonstration - Learn story of gourmet village Vonnas home to Michelin-star chef George Blanc, visit one of his famed restaurants for interactive cooking demonstration of classic French dishes
- Monastère Royal de Brou and Bourg-en-Bresse - Guided tour of cultural treasures including stunning 16th-century Monastère Royal de Brou commissioned by Margaret of Austria combining flamboyant Gothic architecture with Renaissance artistry, now museum showcasing Flemish and Netherlandish art
Landmarks Monastère Royal de Brou - Day 21
Lyon - Porto
Included Activities
- Included flight from Lyon to Porto
Landmarks Porto - Day 22
Porto - Entre-os-Rios
Included Activities
- Tile painting workshop on board - Learn about decorative blue tiles (azulejos) history while creating a masterpiece
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Porto - Discover rich culture and history including iconic Palácio da Bolsa, with free time to explore (explore 110-year-old Bolhão Markets with locals)
- Active tour of Porto including cable car - Travel to Gaia (Vila Nova de Gaia), take cable car to Dom Luis bridge crossing Douro River, active walk to Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, bustling Rua das Flores
Landmarks Palácio da Bolsa Bolhão Markets Dom Luis Bridge Porto Cathedral São Bento Railway Station Rua das Flores - Day 23
Entre-os-Rios - Régua
Included Activities
- Visit to Douro Museum - Evening visit at Régua
Optional Activities
- Paiva walkways - Active hike along wooden boardwalk snaking down rocky hillside in World Heritage-listed Arouca Geopark beside rivers and across longest pedestrian suspension bridge in world
- Quinta da Aveleda - Explore fairytale-like property of renowned sparkling wine producer set on impressive estate with enchanting gardens
- Excursion to Guimarães - Visit well-preserved World Heritage-listed city considered birthplace of Portugal, explore 15th-century palace with historic collection of tapestries, furniture, weapons and more
Landmarks Paiva Walkways Arouca Geopark Quinta da Aveleda Guimarães Douro Museum - Day 24
Régua
- Meals
- Lunch (Delicious lunch on board)
Included Activities
- Lunch on board - Between morning and afternoon excursions
Optional Activities
- Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha - Unique excursion into authentic Portuguese villages, explore Varosa Valley, visit charming village of Tarouca with restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca, walk fortified bridge of Ucanha (Portugal's first toll bridge)
- Quinta visit with olive tasting - Visit traditional rural estate learning about olive oil production passed down through family for 11 generations, enjoy tasting of their produce
- Excursion to Lamego - Coach to town nested among terraced vineyards (first to produce world-famous Port wine), visit Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, walk staircase lined with mosaic tiles, taste local delicacies in bodega, free time after
- Mateus Palace - Coach transfer to palace built early 18th century, considered one of best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal, admire original furniture, ornate ceilings and manicured gardens
- Port wine blending class - Visit Quinta de Pacheca viewing glorious vineyards and old cellar, hands-on workshop on Port blending process, bottling, capping, labelling with personalized label
Landmarks Varosa Valley Tarouca Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca Ucanha Bridge Lamego Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Mateus Palace Quinta de Pacheca - Day 25
Régua - Vega de Terrón
Included Activities
- Relaxed cruise through Vinhateiro wine region
Landmarks Vinhateiro - Day 26
Vega de Terrón - Pocinho
Optional Activities
- Salamanca full day excursion - Known as Golden City for honey-coloured sandstone, famous for university (third oldest in world), visit two cathedrals (12th and 16th centuries), visit market tasting local delicacies, free time to explore and lunch at leisure
- Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum - Half-day tour to village where handcrafted silk still processed entirely by hand, visit silk museum before returning to ship for lunch
Landmarks Salamanca Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Day 27
Pocinho - Pinhão
Optional Activities
- Côa Valley Museum - Opened 2010, largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site, striking contemporary building with original artefacts and digital technology introduction, pre-historic workshop
- Village life in the Côa Valley - Visit traditional village of Freixo Numão where life 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 - Day 28
Pinhão
Included Activities
- Transfer to Provesende
- Guided visit to Morgadio da Calçada manor house - Tasting of delicious bola
Optional Activities
- Kayaking along the Pinhão River - Explore region from different perspective gliding past impressive landscapes of terraced vineyards, patchworked farmland, sprawling estates via kayak on Pinhão River (tributary of Douro)
- Quinta vineyard hike - Guided hike through breathtaking quinta vineyards with stunning Douro River views, learn winemaking process, sample wine blends
- Quinta tasting - Visit local estate tasting region's famous export Port wine on guided walking tour learning vineyard secrets and magnificent landscapes
Landmarks Provesende Morgadio da Calçada - Day 29
Pinhão - Porto
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Classical concert in São Francisco Church - Short walk from ship (with stairs) to 13th-century Gothic church with altar decorated with intricately carved wood swathed in intricate gold detailing, performance of classical music
Landmarks São Francisco Church - Day 30
Porto
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Illumination cruise through Porto - Passing beautiful city skyline and travelling beneath six bridges
- 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 city of Braga (one of Portugal's oldest and most elegant), 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 visiting famous cellar Cockburn's Port, guided visit and tasting
Landmarks Aveiro Braga Sé de Braga Cathedral Vila Nova de Gaia Cockburn's Port Cellar - Day 31
Porto
