Bordeaux Affair

Welcome to Bordeaux, where your crew are ready to receive you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond. The moniker Sleeping Beauty or La Belle Endormie was given to Bordeaux when industry was moved to the outskirts and the city was all but abandoned. In the late 20th century, the city was revived and restored to its former glory. The city centre was pedestrianised, limestone was revealed under blackened facades, and Bordeaux was listed as a World Heritage Site with more than 300 structures declared historical monuments. It’s now one of the most desirable places in France to live and visit.

This morning is spent on board relaxing as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne.   Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a World Heritage-listed medieval village with world-famous wineries, beautiful architecture and historic monuments. It’s also the birthplace of macarons.   This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked overnight in Libourne, a 13th-century city located at the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers. 

Today you’ll have the opportunity to explore Libourne and its surrounding wine-growing region. Freechoice: Walking tour of Libourne: Join your local guide for a walking tour of Libourne, the fortified harbour town with a rich history linked to the trade of wool, wine, salt and wood. Wines and vineyards of Saint-Emilion: Journey to the countryside of Saint Emilion for a wine tasting at one of the region’s most renowned château. Explore the property before tasting some of the estate exceptional wines. Excursion to sturgeon farm: Learn about caviar production during a visit to a local sturgeon farm, with tasting. Artisanal flour mill: Tour the machinery at a beautifully restored 19th century water mill on the Isle River and join a bread-making workshop. This afternoon, relax on board as you sail towards Blaye. Toast the passing scenery with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spend time in the rejuvenating Salt Therapy Lounge. 

This morning you will arrive in Blaye. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect the city of Bordeaux from enemy attacks.  Freechoice: Explore with the following Scenic Freechoice activities. 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 defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban. Enrich Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château dAgassac 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.

Wake up this morning in Fort Médoc, located between Bordeaux and Pointe de Grave, at the northern end of the Médoc winegrowing region. This appellation grows some of the world’s most famous and expensive wines, particularly cabernet sauvignon.  Freechoice: Médoc wine tasting by coach: Travel by coach through this scenic region to a local winery and enjoy a tasting. Médoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike today and sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates. Back on board, enjoy lunch as you cruise to Bourg, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. This quiet village sits among many famous World Heritage-listed sites and, though it is just as charming, remains largely undiscovered by the masses. Freechoice: Bourg with Carriages Museum: Situated inside the grounds of Bourg Castle, visit the Carriages Museum with a local guide. Guided cycling along the Captain’s Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain’s Road, a winding coastal road offers spectacular views, and is lined with old captains homesteads with floral gardens, small fishermen huts and of course some vineyards. Visit a local estate: Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Gironde while tasting Côtes de Bourg wines at a local winery. This evening your ship will continue its journey towards Cadillac, stopping overnight in Bordeaux before sailing onward.

Departing Bordeaux early, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise along the Garonne River to Cadillac. Founded in the 13th century, this charming, fortified city is centred around its magnificent château. Freechoice: Explore with the following Scenic Freechoice activities. Sauternes by coach: Explore Sauternes by coach and enjoy a tasting of a chateaux fine wines. Sauternes by bike: Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes on an e-bike, whilst sampling local wines as you learn the fine art of grape harvesting and wine production. Walking tour of Cadillac: Discover the medieval township of Cadillac with its narrow streets and its marketplace on a walking tour, followed by a visit to the chateau in the heart of the village.

Waking this morning in Bordeaux, you will have several options to explore this incredible city. Founded by the Celts around 300BC and became part of Julius Caesar’s Roman Empire in the 1st century. It has been an important trading port since the Middle Ages.  Freechoice: Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city, such as the magnificent Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse. Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Pedal through historic Bordeaux on a guided cycling tour. Sample delicious treats such as the traditional canelé, a custard cake. Shop with a chef: Join Scenic’s chef at a local food market to source the freshest local produce, before returning to the on board cooking school, Scenic Culinaire to learn the art of French fare. This afternoon is at your leisure to wander the streets of Bordeaux. Spend your final hours in France wandering along the waterfront past 18th century buildings, make a beeline for the city’s Golden Triangle district for beautiful architecture and shopping, or visit La Cite du Vin, an interactive and sensory wine museum.

Your journey ends in beautiful Bordeaux. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward journey, taking with you a lifetime of memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. 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 will be amended or modified. Please refer to our terms and conditions.