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Gems of the Seine & Beautiful Bordeaux

Resort:Gems of the Seine & Beautiful Bordeaux
Operator: Scenic
Destination: Europe, France
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview

Discover the best of France, including a 10 day cruise along the Seine that starts in Paris, combined with a 10 day cruise through the Bordeaux region.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bienvenue

Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out with the beautiful city of Paris as a backdrop.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Les Andelys

Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as she glides her way peacefully through the le-de-France region to Les Andelys.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 3: Les Andelys > Rouen

This morning we wake in Rouen.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 4: Rouen

Experience what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. This full-day excursion commemorates the 101 years since, and includes a visit to the Australian National Memorial and Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux. Alternatively, explore the collection of Impressionistic paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 5: Rouen > Honfleur

Youll love cruising toward the open waters of the English Channel, so simply sit back and enjoy the trip.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 6: Honfleur

Walk the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. Youll be struck by the sombre ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy Cemetery and whilst there, take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day, as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach. Alternatively, explore Normandys famous Calvados Route, and delight in the many charming villages that dot the landscape. Its also a great opportunity to sample the regions famous varietals.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 7: Honfleur > Caudebec-en-Caux

With steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless. Sitting proudly atop this dramatic seascape is the town of Etretat, where youll have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour and time at leisure. Alternatively, travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting the Normand Traditions Museum nearby. Or visit the new Seine Museum for an insight into this fascinating river system. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 8: Caudebec-en-Caux > Vernon

In a region rich in visual treasures, enjoy a full morning of relaxation and take in the incredible scenery as you cruise into Vernon. Its easy to understand why this region of France inspired beautiful paintings by many of historys most famous artists.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 9: Vernon > Conflans > Paris

This morning we cruise to the charming medieval town of Conflans, with its distinctive barge houses docked within easy reach of the quaint main square.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 10: Paris

Today you have the thrilling choice of either spending time exploring Frances most celebrated city, or a discovery beyond the city limits.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 11: Paris > Bordeaux

Traverse the World Heritage-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley in style aboard the TGV to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your cruise through Frances celebrated southwestern pocket.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Day 12: Bordeaux > Saint-milion

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. Youll spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-milion, an absolute visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. Youll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church a true trip highlight.

Sundowners
Celebrate the two thousand-year history of wine by enjoying a glass at the exclusive estate of Chteau Siaurac. Boasting a glorious chteau and garden that has been recognised as a national heritage site in France due to the significance of the estates architectural and cultural heritage, the sheer tranquillity of this picturesque property is captivating. The vines glow red and gold at sunset, and with a glass of the estates vintage in hand whilst a local guitarist provides an acoustic soundtrack, it really is hard to imagine a more elegant way to enjoy this beautiful region.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 13: Libourne > Pauillac

Awake in charming Libourne.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-house and Gothic church. Alternatively, explore the exclusive estate of Chteau Franc Mayne and taste its Grand Cru Class wine, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy foie gras tasting at a charming local farm.

After your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire or simply soak in the riverside panoramas while cruising to Pauillac. Enjoy an evening of fabulous local entertainment on board tonight.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 14: Mdoc

Travel the scenic Mdoc wine route today and discover why this region is viewed as the worlds leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the regions finest at the Chteau Gruaud-Larose estate, or cycle to Chteau Lagrange, featured on Napoleon IIIs 1855 Classification, for a wine tasting.

Enrich
The spectacular Mdoc countryside boasts many fine aristocratic chteaux but none more opulent than Chteau Giscours. Youll be escorted to the charming 18th century Farm Suzanne on the Giscours estate to enjoy unforgettable four-course dining with Grand Cru Class wines and live musicians performing classical masterpieces for your enjoyment. A truly wondrous evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 15: Pauillac > Cadillac

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. Whilst cruising you may choose to implement your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. This remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for your exclusive enjoyment this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 16: Cadillac

Venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Chteau Guiraud dessert wines. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Class estate of Chteau Myrat for a tasting.

Freechoice: Remain on board and join a master class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire. Or visit Roquetaillade Castle, founded by Charlemagne its one of the regions most impressive historic sites and youll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, discover the medieval village of Saint Macaire, or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to the neighbouring village of Loupiac.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 17: Bordeaux

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire afterwards. Or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux. Cross beautiful bridges to witness sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, before cycling through public gardens back to the luxury of your floating hotel.

A city that exudes atmospheric charm, youll enjoy a full afternoon at leisure to immerse yourself in the culture of the Bordelais. Enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River. A fabulous local soloist will perform live in the Panorama Lounge tonight. What a magical evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 18: Arcachon > Bourg

Situated on the northern tip of Europes longest coastal beach, Arcachon is the jewel of Frances western coastline.

Freechoice: For those fancying something sweet, why not stay on board and enjoy a fabulous Mademoiselle de Margaux chocolate and wine pairing event in Scenic Culinaire. Alternatively, explore Le Teich Bird Reserve, home to over 250 bird species. Or climb Europes largest sand dune and drink in the expansive panoramas. You may choose instead to join a walking tour of Arcachon including the local Baltard market.

In the afternoon, cruise leisurely into Bourg and, in the evening, enjoy a lively jazz performance on board.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 19: Cognac

Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary.

Freechoice: 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 Rmy Martin.

This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck cruising on the Gironde River into the historic port of Blaye.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 20: Blaye > Bordeaux

Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion.

Freechoice: Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captains Road which is so named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century.

Youll have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive cooking class in Scenic Culinaire or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands bound for Bordeaux.
Dine in style at the Captains farewell dinner on board this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 21: Bordeaux

Disembark after breakfast, with memories of a truly unforgettable journey. Then transfer to Bordeaux Airport or Bordeaux Train Station.

Meals included: Breakfast