Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France

Welcome to France and the ancient city of Lyon. Upon arrival, transfer to Scenic Sapphire, where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board. Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon. Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 07:00 PM.

Spend a leisurely morning on board as you cruise towards Chalon-Sur- Saône. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can sip from your Scenic Sun Lounge as the riverside scenery slips by. An idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône is a charming town with half-timbered houses and a magnificent Gothic cathedral. It’s just south of Beaune, often referred to as the epicentre for oenophiles. Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences: Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices: Travel through spectacular countryside for a guided tour of the beautiful town of Beaune. The highlight is Les Hospices de Beaune, a Gothic-style hospital founded in the Middle Ages and now housing a museum. Later, enjoy some free time to explore at your own leisure. Burgundy wine tasting: Visit a local estate in the heart of Burgundy. This wine domain is a place full of history where you will be able to taste the wines from Côte de Beaune surrounded by unique architecture. WW2 in Chalon-sur- Saône - Life on the Franco-German demarcation line: Learn about the crucial role Chalon-sur-Saône played during WWII. Walk along the old ‘Demarcation Line’, which once divided the town, separating families and shaping daily life. Discover the brave efforts of the French Resistance and learn about the challenges of living in a city torn apart by conflict, where courage and resilience prevailed.

Wake early this morning to admire the tranquil river scenery from your private balcony as the ship cruises towards Tournus. This riverside town was founded by the Romans and its grand abbey is a splendid example of Romanesque architecture. Freechoice: Make your selection from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences: Excursion to  Château de Cormatin: Explore this historic castle, built in 1606 and carefully restored back to its original glory. Admire its gilded rooms, moat, water features and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens on a guided tour. Truffle Tasting: Meet a local truffle farmer and their hound and learn the tricks and techniques of truffle farming before enjoying a tasting of their delicious produce. Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Enjoy a short orientation tour of the village of Vonnas before arriving at the restaurant of the three-star Michelin chef Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration. Later, visit the village museum, which was created by Blanc in dedication to his family who have lived and worked in this region of France for 150 years. This afternoon, all guests will enjoy a cooperage demonstration, showcasing the ancient craft of barrel making. Learn the secrets of this artisan skill and the importance of the barrels and lumber to wine and spirit making.  Your ship will depart for Tournon later this afternoon. 

Arrive in the pretty town of Tournon early this morning. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets.  Freechoice: Spend this morning at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences: Walking tour of Tournon: Explore the town on foot. Learn its fascinating history and visit the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, that still dominates this town. Enjoy free time afterwards – you may like to cross Frances oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain lHermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona. Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get close to nature as you hike through the sloping vineyards that overlook the Rhône River above Tournon. Learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region. Biking along the Rhône: Cycle the picturesque banks of the Rhône River past charming villages and spectacular scenery to the nearby village of Glun. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the town on your own. Later, meet your fellow guests for an aperitif on the terrace of Tournon Castle and admire the sweeping views over the Rhône River and surrounding terraced vineyards.

Dock in the ancient city of Avignon after lunch. Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Circled by fortified walls, the former  papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea. Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Avignon including a visit to the Popes Palace: From the ship, you will be guided on a walk through Avignon, visiting the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace has numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour. Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes. Kayaking at Pont du Gard: Be surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gardon River. Paddle a kayak beneath the World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, giving you a unique perspective on its grandeur. Enrich When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, you will be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive gala dinner accompanied by classical concert from a trio of musicians, in the very room the Pope used to dine. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls. 

Spend a full day in Avignon, soaking up more of its charms. It is known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Today you will have the chance to explore more of this captivating part of southern France. Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice options: Excursion to Luberon villages and  Sénanque Abbey: Visit the village of Gordes, considered one of the most beautiful in France. Its stone buildings spiral around the rock on which it is perched, with the church and castle at the apex. Later, visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. (Please note: Sénanque Abbey is not open to visitors on Sundays. On these days, the tour will include only an exterior visit.) Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school, learning regional recipes. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday). Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: Luberon is famous for its picturesque villages, lavender fields and ochre cliffs. Visit a local lavender producer to learn how it is grown, harvested and utilised in this region. Then take a guided tour of the beautiful village of Roussillon and the striking Ochre Trail. Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhône are peppered with Côte du Rhône vineyards, including at the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.

The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The ruins of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river’s left bank. It was also the home of Vincent Van Gogh in 1888 and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings.  Freechoice: Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Arles: Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour. Departing from the ship, you’ll visit the heart of Arles to see the ancient Roman amphitheatre, Arènes dArles, a 20,000-seat arena that’s still in use today. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists. Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux. Visit a former quarry that is now the site of Carrières de Lumières, an enormous 7,000 square-metre site that hosts an immersive visual and musical installation highlighting the works of notable artists.  Ancestry of the Kitchen with olive mill: Visit a local olive farm where you will learn the techniques of olive oil production. Later, the owner will share their experience of life in this region as well as traditional Provencal recipes. Lavender fields to cream, A Provence Herbal Workshop: Provence region is renowned for aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. Visit a local organic farm specialising in the production of essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender-based cream to take home. This afternoon is free to explore Arles at your own pace or return to your Scenic Space-Ship and join an on board painting class. Vincent Van Gogh once said “the whole future of art is to be found in the South of France”. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own.

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world. Freechoice: The choice is yours with this mornings Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Viviers: Join a local guide to explore Viviers on foot. Admire its many monuments and architectural treasures such as the Cathedral of St. Vincent – first built in the 11th century, it is now resplendent in 18th-century Gothic style with a Renaissance facade. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure. French Resistance walking rour: On a walking tour of Viviers, hear stories of the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic town. Freechoice: This afternoon, explore with one of the following Scenic Freechoice: Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-dArc Museum: Explore the mountains and medieval fortress ruins of this sprawling park. Then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave. Explore the caves in the Ardèche Nature Park: Drive through the rugged natural beauty of Ardèche Nature Park, from the Ardèche Gorge to the Madeleine Caves, where you can admire the intricate rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, and underground lakes. (The Madeline caves are located underground and comprise of numerous steps, a moderate degree of fitness and sturdy shoes are required for this tour). Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Join your local guide on an exploration of the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. See the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour before enjoying some time at leisure.

Enjoy a relaxed day on board as you cruise back towards Lyon, admiring the beautiful vistas of the Rhone River. Bask on the Sun Deck, soothe your muscles in the Salt Therapy Lounge or sharpen your skills with a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Enrich Tonight, admire the beauty of one of the city’s grandest Baroque buildings, Trinity Chapel. Built in the 17th century, the interior is decadently covered in Carrara marble. Exclusive to Scenic guests, you will be immersed in a breath-taking acapella choir performance in this wonderful setting.

Greet the day in Lyon. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before venturing out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France’s culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life. Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Lyon: Discover Lyon’s historic significance as you traverse its hidden traboules and secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon. Excursion to Perouges: Visit this medieval walled village, located atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. It has been beautifully preserved, featuring vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and a market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.Silk painting workshop: Lyon has a rich heritage of silk production that dates back almost five centuries to when Louis XI chose the city as a potential base for the silk weaving industry. In the 19th century, silk was one of the city’s largest industries. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and process of silk painting. 

Board an included flight from Lyon to Porto where you will board the luxurious Scenic Azure for your 10 night cruise along the Douro River.

Wake in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that lent its name to the nation of Portugal. And while it is awash in history, it has a youthful vibe. Porto showcases sensory delights, streets are lined with restaurants showcasing local delicacies and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles.  Freechoice: Explore the region with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture and history of Porto on this guided tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Palácio da Bolsa. Active tour of Porto including cable car: Travel from Porto to Gaia (or Vila Nova de Gaia) where you’ll take a cable car ride to the Dom Luis bridge, which crosses the Douro River. Walk across the bridge towards Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and the bustling street of Rua das Flores.  Decorative blue tiles are synonymous with Portugal and this afternoon you will learn about their history while creating a masterpiece of your own during a tile painting workshop.

Your first port of call along the Douro is the quaint village of Entre-os-Rios. From here, you will set out to explore the verdant Douro Valley, with options to enjoy a hike, sample local wines, or visit a city known as the ‘cradle of Portugal’. Freechoice: Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Paiva Walkways: Explore nature at its finest on an active hike along the Paiva River. Quinta da Aveleda: Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate. Excursion to Guimarães: Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the palace, which dates to the 15th century, and is home to a historic collection of tapestries, furniture, weapons and more. Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Regua, the largest of the riverside towns. This region is famous for producing Port wine, with rolling vineyards on the terraced hillsides and wineries dating to the 18th century. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the excellent Douro Museum.

Freechoice: Choose how you wish to spend the morning with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions: Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha, only with Scenic: Explore the Varosa Valley. Visit the charming village of Tarouca where youll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. Walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge. Quinta visit with olive tasting: Visit a Quinta and learn about the production of olive oil at this family run Quinta that has been handed down for 11 generations. Back on board refuel with a delicious lunch before exploring the region further with a selection from the following Scenic Freechoice activities. Excursion to Lamego: Take a coach to the town of Lamego for a self-guided museum tour and a tasting of local produce. Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Port Wine Blending Class: Visit Quinta de Pacheca and take a hands-on workshop on the Port blending process.

Take things slowly today as you enjoy a relaxed cruise through the spectacular Vinhateiro wine growing region. Terraced vineyards line the sides of the Douro Valley, dotted with traditional red-roofed farmhouses and tiny villages. Vinhateiro was the first demarcated wine region in the world, established in 1756, and the whole area is World Heritage listed. Arrive in  Vega de Terrón this evening.

Wake this morning in the city of  Vega de Terrón, located on the border of Portugal and Spain and at the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers. This small town remains beautifully unspoiled, with quiet streets, lush landscapes and welcoming locals. It’s a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore today.  Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Salamanca Full Day Excursion: Salamanca is home to two cathedrals, one dating back to the 12th century and the other to the 16th century, which you will see on today’s guided tour. You will also visit a market to taste local delicacies and you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum: Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand, and on this guided tour you will visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.

Wake in the village of Pocinho, established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley. Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to the Côa Valley Museum. Opened in 2010, this museum is one of the largest in Portugal, housed in a contemporary building designed to blend into the landscape. The museum is a great introduction to the region’s paleolithic rock art sites through original artefacts and digital technology; you’ll also enjoy a pre-historic workshop. Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit Casa Painova estate for a demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and learn how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products. This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Pinhão.

Wake this morning in Pinhão, set on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional Port wine. This morning, transfer to the charming village of Provesende, located on a plateau with spectacular views of the region’s fertile rolling landscape. Wander through the village and visit the church, discover the old bakery, witness traditional handicraft being made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola. Freechoice: Choose one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Kayaking along the Pinhão River: Explore this beautiful region as you glide past impressive landscapes via kayak on the Pinhão River, a tributary of the Douro. Quinta vineyard hike: Take a guided hike through the breathtaking vineyards of Quinta da Roêda in the Douro Valley. Quinta tasting: Visit Quinta da Roêda estate for a tasting of the region’s most famous export. On a guided walking tour, you’ll learn the secrets of the vineyard.

Enjoy time at leisure as you continue to sail along the spectacular Douro River. Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive back in Porto this afternoon, where you’ll experience an exclusive classical concert tonight.  Enrich Classical concert in São Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to São Francisco Church, which is one of the most iconic sites in Porto. Built in the 13th century, the Gothic church has an alter decorated with intricately carved wood swathed in gold. In these magnificent surrounds, enjoy a performance of classical music.

Wake in Porto, ready for a day of unique experiences, whether that be a ride on a traditional boat, playing a round of golf or sampling wine in one of the most famous cellars in the city.  Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Excursion to Aveiro with a cruise: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Aveiro, a city famed for its canals, and cruise the waterways in a brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boat, that are unique to the city. Round of golf: Play 6 holes at the Quinta do Fojo Golf club, one of Portos most popular courses.  Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia: Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of Porto’s most famous cellars, Cockburn’s Port. Enjoy a guided visit and a tasting.  This afternoon you will have free time in Porto to explore the city at your own leisure. Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this evening for a farewell dinner.  Before dinner on board take an illumination cruise through Porto, passing the beautiful city including the six bridges that span the Douro.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Porto. Disembark and take with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey across Portugal. 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.