The glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky, romantic couples walking hand in hand along the banks of the Seine and chic locals walking the run way that is the Champs-Élysées are just some of the images conjured when thinking about Paris. Here you have the opportunity to discover this magnificent city whilst staying at one of our luxurious city central hotels.

Freechoice: Marvel at some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe and learn about the city that is one of the most visited in the world, during a panoramic city tour. Alternatively, explore the Bohemian district of Montmartre where you will visit the vineyard of Montmartre that produces several varieties of wine, you will also have the opportunity to taste some of them.

This afternoon is your chance to immerse yourself into the Parisian way of life with a free afternoon of exploration.

After breakfast, transfer via high speed train to Bordeaux where your friendly crew will welcome you on board the Scenic Diamond ready for your 7 night cruise along the waterways of the Bordeaux region.

Enjoy a pleasant morning cruise on the Dordogne River to Libourne. While cruising, perhaps try your hand at a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire.
Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, an absolute visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true highlight.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Siaurac for a wine tasting, or explore the eclectic city of Bergerac.

Perhaps join your on board culinary team for a cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire this afternoon.

Discover the remarkable Blaye region today.

Freechoice: Stroll through the town on a guided tour and observe the impressively preserved centre, or for those feeling more active, join an active walking tour of Blaye and its citadel that was established to protect the region from invasion.

This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax as we cruise towards Pauillac.

Enrich
Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Soak in the ambience while live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Freechoice: This morning, immerse yourself in the scenic Médoc wine region and discover why it is regarded as the world’s leading red wine producer, then sample the region’s finest at one of its spectacular estates. Or, cycle throughout this beautiful region stopping along the way for a wine tasting.

Freechoice: This afternoon, discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle, including a walk through the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, visit a local Château and learn its fascinating history while sampling some of the extraordinary wines produced on site, or join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road

Freechoice: Venture into the Sauternes region for a delicious wine tasting at the prestigious Château de Rayne Vigneau, or cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to taste the exquisite Grand Cru Classé wines of Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Cadillac including a visit to Château de Cadillac, a truly beautiful château that dates back to the 15th century.

Discover the World Heritage-listed city of Bordeaux with its idyllic boulevards and architecture.

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market before cooking up a storm during your exclusive cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire (Please note: Most markets in France do not open on a Monday. If your visit falls on a Monday your on board chef will explain local produce in Scenic Culinaire and provide an extended Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration.), or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux. Alternatively, for the more energetic, cycle the historic region of Bordeaux.

Back on board, enjoy a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.

Disembark the Scenic Diamond after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport with memories of a truly unforgettable journey.

The Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne rivers in Bordeaux are part of a tidal river system which results in changing water levels in the region. Every effort is made to keep your itinerary operating as scheduled, however based on tides, the order in which we visit ports may be amended or modified as required.