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 d'Agassac 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.

After your Scenic river cruise, board your included flight to London. Once you arrive in the vibrant, sprawling capital of the UK you’ll transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay. Once you’ve unpacked, enjoy a free afternoon to explore your surroundings at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before joining a half-day tour of London with an expert local guide. Along the way, discover the city’s historic landmarks: Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Tower of London, home of the famous Crown Jewels. Built as a fortress by William the Conqueror in 1070, the Tower has served as a palace and a prison and is a fascinating window into London’s storied past. The tour concludes at Buckingham Palace, London’s iconic royal residence.

The afternoon is yours to discover London at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow Scenic guests. 

After breakfast, choose between these Scenic Freechoice excursions to delve deeper into London.

Freechoice:
Kensington Palace: Prepare to be immersed in the world of royalty. Today, journey to Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. On a guided tour, you’ll walk in the footsteps of royalty in the magnificent King’s and Queen’s State Apartments. Uncover forgotten stories of those who worked at the royal palaces over 300 years ago.

Afternoon tea experience: A signature afternoon tea experience in London is a luxurious affair that celebrates tradition with elegance. This cherished ritual features an array of fine teas paired with delicate finger sandwiches and cakes. Served in a refined setting, it transforms a simple afternoon into a delightful indulgence.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for the journey home, carrying with you memories that will last a lifetime.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the itinerary may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.