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17 Night Delightful Douro and Spectacular South of France and Land Tour

From Porto (Oporto) to Lyon

Scenic Azure

Scenic Cruises
5 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14302477
  • Departs: Sun, Aug 29, 2027
  • Returns: Wed, Sep 15, 2027
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    Suite $14,732
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
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    Itinerary Summary

    Tour Features and Highlights

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - Aug 29, 2027
    Day
    1
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    Welcome to Porto, Portugal's second city. Situated on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, this bustling city is the capital of the Northern region. The city was named by the Romans for its strategic harbor, which was an integral link to Lisbon. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its striking urban landscape, with many well-preserved buildings and monuments. Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you onboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your suite and prepare for this evening, when you can enjoy a performance of traditional fado music to toast the journey ahead. ...
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    Monday - Aug 30, 2027
    Day
    2
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Pinhao, Portugal
    Today you will meander your way through the waters of the spectacular Douro Valley towards Pinhao. Admire the beauty along the steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and majestic quintas as you cruise along the Douro River. This afternoon you'll dock in Pinhao, set on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional Port wine. Look out for the charming riverside train station decorated with azulejos (hand-painted mosaic tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest. There's also an opportunity to try your hand at painting your own azulejos during an onboard workshop. ...
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    Tuesday - Aug 31, 2027
    Day
    3
    Pinhao, Portugal
    • Pinhao, Portugal
    • Bus Travel
    • Provesende, Portugal, Portugal
    • Bus Travel
    • Pinhao, Portugal
    • Barca d'Alva, Portugal
    This morning, you have the special opportunity to visit 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 Calcada, where you'll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola. ...
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    Wednesday - Sep 1, 2027
    Day
    4
    • Barca d'Alva, Portugal
    • Pocinho, Portugal
    The village of Barca d'Alva sits on the left bank of the Douro, close to the Spanish border. It's a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore. Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today's Scenic Freechoice excursions: Salamanca full-day excursion: Enjoy a full-day excursion to Salamanca. Known as the Golden City for its honey-colored sandstone architecture. On this tour you'll visit the city's two cathedrals, visit a market to sample local delicacies, and have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure. Freixo de Espada a Cinta with silk museum: If you would like a more relaxed day, take a half-day tour to visit the village of Freixo de Espada a Cinta. This is the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand. Visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch. ...
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    Thursday - Sep 2, 2027
    Day
    5
    • Pocinho, Portugal
    • Regua, Portugal
    Friday - Sep 3, 2027
    Day
    6
    Regua, Portugal
    • Regua, Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    Saturday - Sep 4, 2027
    Day
    7
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    Sunday - Sep 5, 2027
    Day
    8
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 8 - Sunday - Sep 5, 2027
    Day
    8
    • Air Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 8 - Sunday - Sep 5, 2027
    Day
    8
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Lyon, France
    Board an included flight from Porto to Lyon, where you will board the luxurious Scenic Sapphire for your 10-night cruise on the Saone and Rhone Rivers.
    Monday - Sep 6, 2027
    Day
    9
    Lyon, France
    • Lyon, France
    • Vienne, France
    Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne today. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is brimming with Roman history, including a terraced theater, first-century temple, ancient baths, and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held. Scenic Freechoice: Discover your way with this morning's Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Vienne with Roman theater: Uncover the fascinating history of this quaint riverside town, once conquered by Julius Caesar. You will visit one of the best-preserved Roman theaters, which was built against the steep slopes of a hill and could hold more than 10,000 spectators. Cycling tour of Vienne: Discover the city's glory days on two wheels. Cycle past a marvelously preserved Roman temple, a monument to Emperor Augustus, and see the ruins of a once-thriving district complete with bath houses, villas, and workshops. Nature lovers will enjoy the detour to the lush Ile Barlet river island. ...
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    Tuesday - Sep 7, 2027
    Day
    10
    Chateauneuf-du-Pape Landing, France
    • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Landing, France
    • Arles, France
    Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a historic village in the southern Rhone Valley, famous for its full-bodied red wines made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. The name means 'new castle of the pope' as it was a papal summer residence in the 14th century. Today, it is a celebrated wine region with over 300 wineries offering tastings and tours, attracting wine lovers from around the world. Scenic Freechoice: Explore the area on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions: Wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhone are peppered with Cote du Rhone vineyards, including at the village of Chateauneuf-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. Chocolate workshop: Experience a delicious tour of Chocolaterie Castelain, featuring a live chocolate-making demonstration followed by a tasting session. Savor their signature artisanal chocolates infused with local Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine, paired perfectly with select regional wines and delicacies. Bike tour along the Rhone: Follow the gentle paths of the ViaRhona along the beautiful Rhone riverbanks on this gentle cycling tour. As you pedal through peaceful landscape filled with vineyards on both riverbanks, you'll reach the impressive Passerelle de l'Oiselay, a striking pedestrian and cycle bridge offering stunning panoramic views over the river. ...
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    Wednesday - Sep 8, 2027
    Day
    11
    Arles, France
    • Arles, France
    • Avignon, France
    The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56 BC 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 remnants 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. Scenic 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 amphitheater, Arenes d'Arles, a 20,000-seat arena that was built in 90 AD, that's still in use today. Experience the vibrant colors and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists. Visit Les Baux with Carrieres de Lumieres: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux. Visit a former quarry that is now the site of Carrieres de Lumieres, an enormous 7,000-square-meter 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 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. Discovery of lavender - from field to perfume: 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 specializing 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 natural and fragrant lavender mist, made with organic essential oil. Following Vincent - Van Gogh's Arles: Step into the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh on a walking tour. Trace the artist's journey through the sunlit streets and historic sites that inspired some of his most famous works during his 15 months in this charming Provencal town, experiencing the colors and atmosphere that shaped his genius. Relax onboard this afternoon as you cruise to Avignon. You could take a seat on the Sun Deck and watch the picturesque landscapes pass by as you enjoy a glass of local wine. ...
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    Thursday - Sep 9, 2027
    Day
    12
    Avignon, France
    • Avignon, France
    Wake in the ancient city of Avignon. 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. Encompassed by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Popes' 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 Rhone between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea. Scenic Freechoice: Select your choice from this morning's Scenic Freechoices: 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 Popes' 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 Nimes. Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire: Join your Scenic chef to visit the local market where you will shop for and sample the best ingredients this region has to offer. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday.) Excursion to Luberon villages and Senanque 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 Senanque Abbey. This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you're feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms. Set 30 meters above the river, it offers excellent views over the city as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains, and ponds. Scenic Enrich Classical concert at the Palais des Papes: 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. ...
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    Friday - Sep 10, 2027
    Day
    13
    Viviers, France
    • Viviers, France
    Saturday - Sep 11, 2027
    Day
    14
    Tournon-sur-Rhone, France
    • Tournon-sur-Rhone, France
    Sunday - Sep 12, 2027
    Day
    15
    Lyon, France
    • Lyon, France
    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 Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43 BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognized 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. Scenic Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this today'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 Fourviere, 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 centered 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. Scenic Enrich: Choral concert at Chapelle de la Trinite: 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. ...
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    Monday - Sep 13, 2027
    Day
    16
    • Macon, France
    Dock in the town of Macon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Macon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches, and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, which produces exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and sparkling. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities: Excursion to Cluny and Cluny Abbey: Step back in time to the medieval town of Cluny, which is famous for its Benedictine abbey, once the largest Christian buildings in the world. Tour the impressive town, learn about its history, and soak up its charm during some free time. Excursion to Chateau de Cormatin: Transfer by motorcoach to the historic Chateau de Cormatin, built in 1606. The castle boasts a fascinating history and has been lovingly restored back to its original glory. Admire the castle's 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 his hound to learn the tricks and techniques of truffle farming. Afterwards, enjoy tasting of truffle butter plus chocolate mousse with truffles. Tour of Tournus: Stroll through the picturesque, narrow streets lined with pastel-colored buildings on a captivating journey through the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Highlights include the remarkable Hotel-Dieu, a beautifully restored hospital from the 18th century, and the stunning Saint-Philibert Abbey, dating back to the 12th century. This afternoon, enjoy a cooperage demonstration. A skilled artisan will show you the secret of this ancient art and learn how it still plays a crucial role in wine and spirit making. Tonight, sit down to an exclusive dinner onboard prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon. This intimate dining experience in Crystal Dining allows you to experience authentic flavors in exquisite regional dishes that showcase the best of French gastronomy. ...
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    Tuesday - Sep 14, 2027
    Day
    17
    • Macon, France
    Stay in Macon this morning to discover more of the region's gourmet delights and dramatic architecture. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from today's Scenic Freechoice activities: Beaujolais wine region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy sampling some of the region's best drops. Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Learn the story of the village of Vonnas, a gourmet destination home to Michelin-star chef George Blanc. Visit one of his famed restaurants for an interactive cooking demonstration featuring classic French dishes. Monastere Royal de Brou and Bourg-en-Bresse: Discover the cultural treasures of Bourg-en-Bresse with a guided tour featuring the stunning Monastere Royal de Brou. This 16th-century masterpiece commissioned by Margaret of Austria combines flamboyant Gothic architecture with refined Renaissance artistry. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing centuries of Flemish and Netherlandish art. ...
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    Wednesday - Sep 15, 2027
    Day
    18
    Lyon, France
    • Lyon, France
    Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you delicious memories of this gourmet journey.; Notes: This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water.


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