Flavours of Bordeaux

Welcome to Bordeaux. On arrival, your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond.

After a leisurely morning cruising towards Libourne, spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion. Explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church, before visiting the estate of Château de La Rivière for a cocktail and tasting experience. Sample regional delicacies such as soft creamy cheeses served with crunchy bread and fresh local charcuterie.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne, or travel by coach through the Pomerol region, famed for its red wines, and visit the acclaimed estate of Château Siaurac for a wine tasting. Alternatively, take one of our on board e-bikes out for a cycle through the region, including a wine tasting, or explore Bergerac on a guided tour.

Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner created using regionally sourced truffles.

Soak in the vistas as you cruise along the Garonne river into Cadillac.

Freechoice: This afternoon, learn about Lillet, the refreshing French aperitif, during an on board tasting or visit Château Toulouse Lautrec, the family home of the renowned artist.  Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample this delicious regional delicacy, or visit Roquetaillade Castle, one of the region’s most impressive historic sites.

Freechoice: Venture into the Sauternes region for a delicious wine tasting at a prestigious Château such as Château Lafaurie Peyraguey or similar. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to taste the exquisite Grand Cru Classé wines of Château Mayne la Merci.

Enrich
Set in the spectacular surrounds of 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 tonight it is the venue for your unforgettable exclusive classical concert.

Freechoice: Travel the scenic Médoc wine route by coach and sample the region’s finest at a local estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a grand château and sample delicious wine produced on site.

Back on board this afternoon, we’ve organised a Cheese of France experience. Taste the country’s celebrated cheeses, matched with bread and wine.

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, see the sights by e-bike. Alternatively, stay on board for a food photography class and learn the tricks and techniques of taking incredible pictures of food.

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After the doors have closed to the public, you will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne to Les Bassins des Lumières, Bordeaux’s former submarine base, now an impressive digital art installation. Be treated to an exclusive show, customised and curated just for Scenic guests.

Freechoice: Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local Baltard market, or stay in Bordeaux and take a tram to the Cité du Vin museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery. Alternatively, you can visit a local producer at Moon Harbour Whisky.

Later, indulge in a tasting of fresh oysters with champagne, before your highlight dinner of seafood, sourced from the waters of Arcachon Bay.

Freechoice: Spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its fine brandy and enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin. Alternatively, visit the Carriages Museum inside Bourg Castle where you will wander the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks.

Freechoice: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye, or take a more active walk through the Citadel. Alternatively, join a 30-kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road, or explore the stunning beauty of the fairytale Château de La Roche Courbon.

Bid farewell as you disembark and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward 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.