Your journey begins in Bordeaux aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond River cruise. The welcoming crew greets you as you settle in for your trip.

Bordeaux is one of France’s most charming destinations, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant waterfront. Locals and visitors alike stroll along the riverfront, enjoying coffee or wine from the famous nearby vineyards. The area is also home to beautiful castles, adding to the region’s appeal.

This morning, relax on board as you cruise toward the picturesque 13th-century port of Libourne. Head up to the Sun Deck to soak in the sunshine and admire the beautiful scenery along the Dordogne River, or join a French cooking class at Scenic Culinaire.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its world-renowned wineries, stunning architecture, and historic landmarks. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves and catacombs beneath the town, including a fascinating Monolithic church carved from limestone, topped by a 38-meter bell tower.

This evening, your Scenic Space-Ship remains docked in Libourne for the night.

strong>Freechoice:
Choose from one of these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Libourne: Join your local guide for a walking tour of Libourne, the fortified harbor town with a rich history linked to the trade of wool, wine, salt, and wood.

Wine tasting at Chateau Siaurac: Located in the prestigious Pomerol wine-growing region, Château Siaurac is the largest and most iconic estate of the appellation.

Biking and tasting at Chateau Siaurac: Cycle through this acclaimed wine-growing region to the impressive estate of Château Siaurac where you'll learn about the wines produced at this property and enjoy a tasting.

Paint and Pour: Join a local artist for a class on the Sun Deck of Scenic Diamond. Enjoy the magnificent river views, learn watercolor techniques, and create your own masterpiece while sipping on delicious local wines.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship sail onwards to Fort Medoc where you'll dock overnight.

The name Medoc is synonymous with exceptional wines. Considered the world’s leading red wine producer, Médoc has been a winemaking region since the 18th century. Today you'll have the chance to explore this remarkable wine region.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with a Scenic Freechoice excursion:

Medoc wine tasting by coach: With more than 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations, Medoc is home to the epic ‘Route des Chateaux’, or ‘Route of Castles’. On this coach tour, you'll travel through this scenic region to a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines. 

Medoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike today and see many grand aristocratic chateaux in the world’s leading red wine-producing region. Afterward, sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates.

Enrich
Tonight, enjoy an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience:

Classical Concert at Chateau d’Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d'Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert.  
Wander through the château and its gardens and soak in the ambiance of this magnificent property before a string quartet performs classical masterpieces for your enjoyment.

This morning is spent cruising towards Cadillac.

Founded in the 13th century, the charming, fortified city of Cadillac is centered around its magnificent château. Seventeenth-century French explorer Anthony Laumet rose high in the French fur trade and in 1701 established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would become modern-day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honor.

Today you have the choice between many different experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its bucolic countryside to its historic castles.

Freechoice:
This morning explore your way with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Sauternes by coach: Venture into the Sauternes region with a visit to either Château Rayne Vigneau or Château La Tour Blanche (the group is split into two). Enjoy a delicious tasting of the chateau’s fine wines as you take in the stunning views of the vineyard and surrounds.

Sauternes by bike: Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classé estate of Chateau Mayne la Merci for a tasting. Learn the history of winemaking here and the process involved in production from the time of harvest, grape to wine, length of maturing, and, of course, the tasting pleasure.
 
Freechoice:
Choose from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Roquetaillade Castle: The first fortress here was built by Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, in the 10th century. Today, the architectural jewel of Roquetaillade Castle, which comprises two castles and a chapel, dates from around the 13th century. You'll tour the castle with the family whose ancestors have resided here for more than 700 years.

Biking to Château Benauge: Join a local guide as you cycle through the landscapes of the Gironde towards the impressive Château Benauge. The Château, which dates to the 11th century, maintains a strategic position at one of the highest points of the Gironde allowing for breathtaking views.

Chateau Toulouse-Lautrec: This historic estate dates back over five centuries and is considered one of the oldest estates in the region. Château Toulouse-Lautrec was the family home of renowned French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. During a guided tour you'll discover the historic rooms of the estate including the apartments of the famous painter, which still house some of his greatest works.

This morning you'll wake in the fascinating city of Bordeaux, which you can explore by foot, bike, or through a cooking class. It has been an important trading port since the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location on the river flowing to a seaport.

Freechoice:
The choice is yours with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city by coach and on foot, such as the magnificent Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, which is home to the famous ‘Water Mirror.’ Along the way, you’ll learn interesting facts about the city’s history, culture, and way of life. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore the streets and go shopping at your leisure.

Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Pedal through historic Bordeaux on a guided cycling tour. Cross bridges to see the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, relax in pretty public gardens, and sample delicious treats such as canele, and a custard cake.

Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Gourmands can join Scenic’s onboard chef on a visit to a local food market where you'll have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship, head to the Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought.

Back on board, your Cruise Director organizes a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh Oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.
 
Enrich
This evening’s Scenic Enrich:

Les Bassins de Lumiere: You'll be given after-hours access to Les Bassins de Lumierès this evening, Bordeaux's former submarine base which has been transformed into an impressive art installation. On arrival, you'll be welcomed with a glass of champagne and be immersed in the exhibit with an exclusive show.

Today you’ll continue your exploration of Bordeaux and its surrounding regions.  

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Cite du Vin Museum: Take a local tram to the Cite du Vin Museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery. The Cite du Vin gives a different view of wine, across the world, across the ages, across all cultures, and all civilizations.

Tour Bordeaux by Motorbike & Sidecar: Join your host as you cruise through Bordeaux in the sidecar and/or on the back of a motorcycle. Starting in the Chartrons district you'll see the Place de la Bourse, the Porte Cailhau, and Saint Croix before crossing to the right bank where you'll explore the Saint-Pierre district.

Visit Arcachon: Join your local guide for a walking tour of the charming bayside town of Arcachon, finishing your visit at Baltard Market, an undercover food hall where stallholders tout local delicacies. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore this elegant town yourself or wander to the seven-kilometer-long beach Plage d’Arcachon, which borders the main shopping and dining precinct.
 
This afternoon you’ll enjoy time at leisure on board as you sail towards Bourg.

Your ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. Built as a defensive chateau, it’s a maze of ancient alleyways, moats, and bell towers on the Dordogne. 

Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Bourg tour with carriages Museum: Situated inside the grounds of Bourg Castle, visit the carriages Museum with a local guide and discover the unique collection of horse-drawn carriages on display. In addition, visit the 16th-century passageway to the guard’s rooms and immense WWII oil tanks.

Full day excursion to Cognac: The fortified city of Cognac is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest brandy. You’ll be taken on a walking tour of the town and have some free time to explore on your own, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you'll travel to the breathtaking estate of the famed Remy Martin, which you'll tour before sampling some of the cognacs.

This morning you'll sail towards Blaye. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect Bordeaux city, from enemy attacks.

Freechoice:
This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice activity:

Walking tour of Blaye: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye with a local guide, a World Heritage-listed monument that overlooks the Gironde Estuary.

Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defense system created by the famous architect Sebastien Vauban. 

Guided cycling along the Captain’s Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain’s Road, which is named in honor of the WWI captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century.

Visit Chateau de la Roche Courbon: In the 15th century, Château La Roche Courbon was built on a high cliff overlooking the River Bruant. Guests discover this fortified castle transformed into a historic château with sprawling manicured gardens during a guided visit.
 
This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship makes its way back to Bordeaux for your final evening on board.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward journey. 

Please note: The Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne waterways are part of a tidal river system which results in changing water levels in the region. Every effort is made to keep to the brochure itinerary however based on tides it is amended or modified. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.