Day 1 - Friday - Aug 16, 2024
Welcome to Paris, the City of Light. There are icons at every turn in the French capital, from the chic boutiques of the Champs-Elysees to the meandering riverbank of the Seine and the bustling crossroads of the Arc de Triomphe, with the intricate metalwork of the Eiffel Tower always in view above. Paris is a city that almost defies description; stroll the historic streets and you'll soon see why it has inspired generations of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and fashionistas. Check into your luxurious hotel, located in the bustling 9th Arrondissement, also known as the Opera District. It's known for its wide boulevards, many theatres, including the opulent Palais Garnier opera house, and grand Belle Epoque department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
Day 2 - Saturday - Aug 17, 2024
It's your first morning in Paris, so why not start the day with a pain au chocolat and a cafe au lait? Paris is a city that has been immortalized in endless movies, TV shows, books, and paintings, so even if you're a first-time visitor you will feel like you already know it. Its elegant streets, grand buildings, shady parks, stylish cafes, and even more stylish residents, you'll quickly be swept up in the joie de vivre. This afternoon, discover the part of Paris that most inspires you. Perhaps you would like to visit one of the legendary art galleries, like the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, or Centre Pompidou. Splash some cash at the flagship boutiques of the world's best designer labels or hunt out a treasure at one of the city's vintage stores and flea markets. Then there's the food; you could spend the whole afternoon (and more) at the patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries, and bistros that line every street. Then pick up some supplies and retreat to one of the many elegant parks for a classic Parisian picnic.
Day 3 - Sunday - Aug 18, 2024
After breakfast, transfer via high-speed train to Bordeaux where your friendly crew will welcome you onboard the Scenic Diamond ready for your cruise along the waterways of the Bordeaux region.
Day 4 - Monday - Aug 19, 2024
This morning is spent onboard relaxing as you cruise into the beautiful 13th-century port of Libourne. Head up to the Sun Deck to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the scenery along the Dordogne River rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing. Or perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval village with world-famous wineries, beautiful architecture, and historic monuments. It's also the birthplace of macarons. The town bears the name of a monk who is said to have performed miracles, such as restoring a local woman's sight, and lived in a natural grotto here in the 8th century. You will enjoy a guided tour of the caves and catacombs beneath the city, including a Monolithic church built from limestone, whose 38-meter-long bell tower can be seen above ground. 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.
Day 5 - Tuesday - Aug 20, 2024
This morning, why not ask your personal butler to wake you with a coffee delivered to your suite? Then, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining. This afternoon, your Scenic Space-Ship will sail onwards to Fort Medoc where you will dock overnight.
Day 6 - Wednesday - Aug 21, 2024
The name Medoc is synonymous with exceptional wines. Considered the world's leading red wine producer, Medoc has been a winemaking region since the 18th century. Today you will have the chance to explore this remarkable wine region.
Day 7 - Thursday - Aug 22, 2024
This morning will be spent cruising towards Cadillac. Perhaps you'd like to spend time in the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness center for a relaxing massage. Founded in the 13th century, the charming, fortified city of Cadillac is centered around its magnificent chateau. It has a unique connection to the United States and, ultimately, the car that shares its name. Seventeenth-century French explorer Antoine Laumet was born in a nearby village but reinvented himself as Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac (sire of Cadillac). He rose high in the French fur trade and in 1701 established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, which would become modern day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honor.
Day 8 - Friday - Aug 23, 2024
Today you have the choice between many different experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its bucolic countryside to its historic castles. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner created by your onboard team using regionally sourced truffles.
Day 9 - Saturday - Aug 24, 2024
This morning, you will wake in the fascinating city of Bordeaux, which you can explore by foot, bike, or through a cooking class. The city of Bordeaux was founded by the Celts around 300 BC and became part of Julius Caesar's Roman Empire in the 1st century. It has been an important trading port since the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location on the river flowing to a sea port, and even acted as the seat of French government at the start of both the First and Second world wars. Back onboard, your cruise director will organize a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.
Day 10 - Sunday - Aug 25, 2024
Today, you'll continue your exploration of Bordeaux and its surrounding regions. This afternoon, you'll enjoy time at leisure onboard as you sail towards Bourg. You may want to relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Gironde.
Day 11 - Monday - Aug 26, 2024
Your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. Built as a defensive chateau, it's a maze of ancient alleyways, moats, and bell towers on the Dordogne. This quiet village sits among many famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites and, though it is just as charming, remains largely undiscovered by the masses.
Day 12 - Tuesday - Aug 27, 2024
This morning. your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will sail towards Blaye, a small town with a rich military history and surrounded by vineyards known for red wine production. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect the city of Bordeaux, 50 kilometers upstream, from enemy attacks. This afternoon, your Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Bordeaux for your final evening onboard.
Day 13 - Wednesday - Aug 28, 2024
Board your included flight from Bordeaux to Madrid where you will stay three glorious nights.
Day 14 - Thursday - Aug 29, 2024
There's so much to discover in just a short time in Madrid, so spend this morning on a guided tour of the highlights. Start in Madrid de los Austrias (the Austrian Quarter), the most historic area of the city that dates back to the reign of the Habsburgs. Discover the iconic Plaza Mayor, a 400-year-old square surrounded by neat rows of brightly colored buildings; the impossibly picturesque Plaza de la Villa; and the bustling Plaza de la Paja, lined with restaurants and bars. Wander through the elegant Sabatini Gardens, built in front of the Royal Palace in the 1930s and admire the formal garden, fountains, and statues. More classic fountains await in the leafy plaza near the famed Prado Museum, the 19th-century Cibeles and Neptuno fountains. Tonight, enjoy a special Spanish dinner with your fellow guests and toast a wonderful day of exploring.
Day 15 - Friday - Aug 30, 2024
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Madrid is truly one of Europe's most inclusive, engaging, and entertaining cities, meaning there is something that appeals to every type of traveller. If the sun is shining (as it usually is), head for the lake at the center of Buen Retiro Park. Rent a rowboat to paddle lazily past the grand monuments, water features, and leafy forest that line the shores. There's an excellent crop of museums and galleries where you can while away the day, like the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo Lazaro Galdiano, and the National Archaeological Museum. If you'd prefer to be able to buy the beautiful things on display, join the crowds at Gran Via, look for luxury labels in Barrio de Salamanca, or find vintage treasures in the Chueca and Malasana districts. Foodies should make their way to the Mercado de San Miguel, a century-old cast-iron covered market filled with the finest produce from all over Spain. The market draws more than 10 million visitors a year to sample meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, ice cream, and more.
Day 16 - Saturday - Aug 31, 2024
Madrid is famous for its nightlife, but the mornings can be just as special. Take some time on your last day for one last walk around the tranquil grounds of Sabatini Park, just a few minutes from your hotel, or sit at a pavement cafe for one last cup of strong Spanish coffee. After check-out, you'll transfer to the airport where you will farewell Madrid, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey. 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.
