Beautiful Bordeaux with Scenic

After included airport lunge access, fly to Bordeaux from a choice of UK departure airports, all of which are included in the cost. On arrival in Bordeaux, you'll be transferred to your ship, the spacious and luxurious Scenic Diamond. Settle in to your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy the first of your included dinners. 

Stay: Scenic Diamond

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you cruise in style into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. Whilst cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. You’ll 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 trip highlight.  This evening your ship will dock overnight in Libourne. 

Stay: Scenic Diamond

After breakfast you can opt for one of several Freechoice excursions that are included. Perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-house and Gothic church. Or choose a wine-tasting experience at either Château Siaurac - the largest and perhaps most iconic estate in the prestigious Pomerol region - or at Château Fleur Cardinale in the heart of the Saint Emilion countryside. Other choices include a cycle and wine-tasting tour or you can join a local artist for a class on the Sun Deck of Scenic Diamond to learn watercolour techniques and create your own masterpiece - while sipping on a glass of wine.  This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail onwards to Fort Medoc where you will dock overnight.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

Travel the scenic Médoc wine route today and discover why this region is viewed as one of the world’s leading red wine regions. Your guided excursions will either be by bike, for the more adventurous. or by coach.  In the evening, you'll enjoy an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience, with a classical concert at Chateau d’Agassac. Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d'Agassac is truly enchanting. The Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region, dating back to the 13th century and the venue make an unforgettable setting for your evening concert.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

Soak in the Garonne River vistas as you spend a luxurious full day aboard the Scenic Diamond. Cruising the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac provides some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in all of the Bordeaux region. Founded in the 13th century., this delightful fortified city is centred around its magnificent château. In 1701, French explorer Anthony Laumet 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 honour.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

Tis morning offers a change of included Freechoice experiences to choose from. Venture into the Sauternes region for a visit to either Château Rayne Vigneau or Château De Malle.  Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classé estate of Chateau Mayne la Merci.

In the afternoon, choose from a visit to Roquetaillade Castle, founded by Charlemagne in the 10th century -  one of the region’s most impressive historic sites - or opt for cycling in the Loupiac wine region, from where you can admire the breathtakingly beautiful Château Benauge. Alternatively, visit Château Toulouse-Lautrec, the family home of renowned French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. During a guided tour you will discover the history of the estate with visits to the apartments of the famous painter, which still house some of his greatest works.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

This morning you will wake in the centre of Bordeaux, which has been an important trading port since the Middle Ages. The city exudes atmospheric charm, which you can choose to explore at your own pace or you can join guided walking or cycling tours. Other join the ship's chef on a visit to a local food market where you will have the opportunity to sample the very best ingredients that this culinary hotspot has to offer. When you return to the ship, head to the Scenic Culinaire cooking school for a cooking demonstration using the ingredients you have just bought.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

Your Freehoice excursion options today include a visit to the impressive Cité du Vin Museum in Bordeaux  a visit to Arcachon - the jewel of France’s western coastline and a famous oyster producing centre - or you can tour Bordeaux by motorbike and side-car.  In the afternoon, you will enjoy a leisure cruise into Bourg.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

You ship will remain docked in Bourg today, allowing plenty of time to explore the picturesque town set on a rocky promontory on the Dordogne. This defensive château is a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers.  Or discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle including a visit to the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

This morning you wil' sail to the remarkable Blaye region, with its impressive citadel, established to protect Bordeaux from invasion. Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or join am active cycling trip along the Captain’s Road which is so named in honour of the WWI Captain’s who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century.  Alternatively, visit Chateau de la Roche Courbon, a 15th century castle built on a high cliff overlooking the River Bruant transformed into a historic château with manicured gardens.  This afternoon you will cruise back to Bordeaux and enjoy your final evening onboard.

Stay: Scenic Diamond

After breakfast, transfer to Bordeaux airport for your return journey home. Fly direct to London Gatwick or one of up to 5 UK regional airports. Alternatively, travel by first class rail from Bordeaux to Paris Montparnasse*. Your onward journey will be from Paris Nord on Standard Premier Class aboard Eurostar to St. Pancras International. *You will need to change train stations in Paris. Transfers between stations are not included.