Normandy & Gems of the Seine & Spectacular South of France

Day programme:

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board as you cruise gently along the Seine to Les Andelys, arriving just after lunch. This pretty, waterside village dates back almost 900 years and is resplendent with well-preserved Norman-era houses and exquisite public buildings and overlooked by the imposing ruins of King Richard the Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard. Take a stroll alongside the river, admiring the striking limestone cliffs rising from it, or through the charming centre of town where the buildings are a living catalogue through time.Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart': Step back to the age of Robin Hood on this Medieval-themed walking tour. Uncover the historical secrets of Les Andelys and venture up to Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard, to wander among the remnants.Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard: Explore the picturesque Norman town of Les Andelys on the banks of the River Seine with your local guide before reaching the Château that looks over the city.Cider farm visit: Normandy’s cider production embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and rural charm. Visit a local farm to see the process in action and taste this distinctive effervescent drink.Renaissance-era Château Gaillon: Explore the extraordinary 16th-century Château Gaillon, one of the earliest Renaissance-style châteaux in France. Admire the remnants of its lavish interior as you learn about its importance to French history.

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Normandy’s capital, Rouen, has a history that spans over 2,000 years, from Viking legends to its significant role in both World Wars. It was also the place where Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy and Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. A considerable amount of Rouen was sadly destroyed in World War II, but much of the city has been faithfully restored, including the exquisite Old Town. It’s an engaging and historically rich destination, packed with museums, stylish bistros and coffee shops, and a wealth of churches, including the famed 12th century Rouen Cathedral.Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Rouen city tour: See why Victor Hugo once described Rouen as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ on this guided tour. Visit the cathedral district, old marketplace and Saint-Maclou Quarter. Step into a fairytale of Medieval alleys and half-timbered houses. Learn about Joan of Arc and see where she was put to death in 1431. Enjoy free time afterwards.Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking: Authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker – who was famously too tall to ride a horse – your guide will take you around the city to learn about the Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital. This tour focuses on the city’s Medieval past and you will enjoy some free time afterwards to explore.Photography discovery: Join a local photographer to learn the secret of this century's old art form. Use Rouen as the landscape of your digital portrait like a modern impressionist artist.Back on board this evening, listen to a fascinating expert lecture.WWI Lecture – Day in the life of a Tommy: During this interactive evening, you will gain an understanding into the life of a soldier on the Western Front and learn why this was known as ‘the Great War’. From the curious 1914 Christmas armistice football match to the horrors of trench warfare involving machine guns, tanks, mining and the deadly flamethrower, you will experience the war through the eyes of an Allied soldier, ‘a Tommy’. Try on his equipment and weapons and taste his rations. This immersive experience will bring the history of war to life.

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With another full day in Rouen today, you can uncover some of the region’s fascinating military history or sample local delicacies on a gourmet tour.Scenic Freechoice: Choose to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Tastes of Normandy: The abundant region of Normandy is famed for its high quality dairy industry and fruit orchards. On this tour, visit local producers to taste some of the delicious soft cheeses, cider and calvados.Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park: Take a full day excursion to the site of the WWI Battle of the Somme, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. Visit the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), the Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater and Newfoundland Memorial Park, one of the largest areas on the Western Front where you can still see shell holes and trenches.Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval: This full-day excursion will follow the same itinerary as the tour above, visiting the Somme Battlefields, the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) and the Franco-Australian Museum. After lunch, travel to Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, which contains more than 5,500 Commonwealth graves, then visit Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater.Please note: The Sir John Monash Centre is a state-of-the-art immersive sensory experience that uses technology to tell the story. In order to maximise your experience, we suggest you download the Sir John Monash Centre app on your phone prior to embarking on your cruise.

Day programme:

Enjoy another relaxed morning on board as we cruise west to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the edge of the English Channel. Over the years the town has captured the imaginations of countless artists and was the birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour and cobbled streets are a confection of half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. Scenic’s purpose built ship cruises further into the harbour, providing an easy walk from the ship to explore the harbour area and network of laneways beyond.A guided walking tour of the city will show you its charming Inner Harbour, the Church of Sainte-Catherine and the Garden of Personalities, before you can explore on your own with some free time. Tonight, history comes a live with an engaging on board lecture about Operation Fortitude and the daily life of Honfleur’s citizens during the D-Day campaign.

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie’s seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world’s sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie’s seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world’s sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

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With a full day in Honfleur, this is your chance to learn more about the important role this region played in WWII.  Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these excursions:Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused): Start at the memorial on Utah Beach, where more than 20,000 US troops landed on June 6, 1944, before a visit of Sainte-Mère-Église, the town where 30 US Paratroopers landed during the Normandy Invasion. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre before a short stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial. Omaha Beach is often referred to as ‘Bloody Omaha’, as it resulted in the most casualties during the operation, with 2,400 paying the ultimate sacrifice.Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused): The small town of Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after the D-Day Landings and became the French capital for the summer of 1944, until the liberation of Paris. Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which describes the chronological events from D-Day in detail. Then explore the state-of-the-art Landing Museum at Arromanches, located across the artificial harbour that was built to dispatch reinforcements. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the British Normandy Memorial, the Pegasus Bridge & Museum,  and stop at the Ranville War Cemetery.Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused): Begin at Abbey d’Ardenne, which was founded in the 11th century and is now a memorial to the Canadian Prisoners of War from the D-Day landings. Next you will head to Juno Beach Centre, a memorial to where 20,000 Canadian troops landed on that day. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery where the 335 Canadian men who were killed in the D-Day Landings and the early stages of the campaign are buried. You’ll also visit Pegasus Bridge & Museum, which is a site of an important battle.Bayeux tour: If your interest sits in a different era of history, join a guided tour of Bayeux, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, built between the 11th and 14th centuries and considered a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You will have free time afterward to explore the town of Bayeux.

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie’s seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world’s sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Day programme:

Begin cruising inland early this morning to the small town of Caudebec-en-Caux. Set on a curve of the Seine, the riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Caudebec-eCaux dates back to the Middle Ages and a handful of historic buildings survived the bombardments of WWII, including the ornate 15th century Notre Dame Caudebec-e-Caux. Scenic Freechoice: Explore more of the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum: Enjoy an active biking tour to the charming village of Villequier, cycling on an e-bike along the banks of the River Seine, following a flat eight-kilometre each way route. Visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo, the famous French poet, playwright and novelist before returning to the ship.Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace: Take a coach transfer to Fecamp, an historic seaside town surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in Normandy. Join a guided tour of the Bénédictine Palace, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece, famous for producing Bénédictine liquor, said to contain 27 plants and spices. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.Tales of the French Resistance: Set off on a walking tour and learn stories of the French Resistance, who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Hear local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic city.Normandy Abbey Road: Spiritual health and wealth have been important in Normandy since the Middle Ages. Explore this fascinating history with a local guide on the Abbey Road, where many grand abbeys sit on the banks of the River Seine. 

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Historically a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, Vernon has a rich heritage and many distinctive buildings. Nearby Giverny was the home of Impressionist artist Claude Monet for more than 40 years.  Scenic Freechoice: Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:Monet's House and Garden: Journey to Giverny to tour the town and visit the home of the founder of Impressionism. Built by Monet, the gardens comprise a Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies, which inspired his most famous works. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own leisure.Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny: Take a self-guided biking tour from the ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way). When you arrive, you may wish to visit Monet’s House and Garden or wander about this charming town, before returning to the ship.After exploring these beautiful gardens during this morning’s touring, you may feel inspired to create a masterpiece of your own during an on board painting class.This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise towards La Roche-Guyon, where this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience will take place.Scenic EnrichTake a short walk from the ship to Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is built into a chalk hillside and dates to the 16th century. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens producing fresh juices, then admire the decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries. On arrival you’ll enjoy a drink and sit for a splendid classical concert that focuses on music by French composers.

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Wake this morning in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town located at the confluence of the River Seine and Oise. Though it’s just a short distance from the centre of the city, it feels a world away. A castle was built here by monks in the 9th century to protect the relics of Saint Honorine, from whom the town gets its name. It became a popular pilgrimage site in the 11th century, a practice which lasted for more than 700 years. Wander the quiet streets and the riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air café, and admire the beautiful ancient church.Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities:Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise: Travel to the village where Vincent Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces. See landmarks that were immortalised in his works, such as the famous Notre Dame de l'Assomption church. The tour includes entry to Van Gogh’s room, an attic that he rented during his final months and which has sat empty since 1890. Enjoy free time afterwards to wander through the village.Château de Chantilly: Take a guided tour of the castle, a magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage, built by Henri d'Orléans, the son of the last King of France. See the fine collections he amassed in his lifetime, explore the gardens and enjoy some free time. (Please note: Chantilly Castle is closed on a Tuesday, and will be replaced with a visit to Versailles Palace and Garden instead)Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum): Join this active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to visit the Inland Water Transport Museum. Conflans, sometimes called the barge capital of the world, is located on the confluence of Oise and Seine rivers, and water has played a very important role in the lives of its residents.Château de Malmaison: This historic estate was once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais. Renowned for its elegant neoclassical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the château reflects Josephine's refined taste and passion for botany. Today, it houses a museum showcasing furniture, artwork, and personal items from the Napoleonic era, providing a glimpse into the private lives of one of history's most famous couples.This afternoon you’ll spend time on board as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris.

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Welcome back to Paris, where you will spend the day exploring this iconic city. First timers will love the highlights tour, which allows you to tick off bucket-list items such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, while return visitors may want to discover the trendy Marais District or Opera Garnier, an opulent architectural masterpiece built in the 19th century. Or take a tour south-east of the city to an exquisite château. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice Trendy Marais with a local Parisian: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Marais district with a Parisian guide. A melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, an eclectic arts scene and high-end fashion, the Marais is one of the most diverse districts in Paris.Highlights of Paris city tour: Join a local guide on a coach tour of the city to see some of its most famous sites, from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe and Concorde Square. You will also view the 1163-built Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently reopened after a devastating fire in 2019.Opera Garnier: Located in the theatrical heart of Paris, the spectacular Opera Garnier is resplendent with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, and glistening chandeliers. Tour this opera house and learn about the magnificent building that was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III.Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the  Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located an hour’s drive from Paris. This château is credited as the founding French formal garden that was the inspiration for Versailles. The property is laid out in a typical symmetrical fashion with its stunning gardens creating a theatrical setting.This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your own leisure. Perhaps you’d like to people-watch on the Champs-Elysee from a sidewalk café, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or venture to Montmartre, the artist’s district and where the famed Moulin Rouge is located. Alternatively, relax back on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

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Board your included flight from Paris to Lyon where you will embark the Scenic Sapphire for your 10 night cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

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Relax on board this morning as you cruise north into the Burgundy wine region and the town of Chalon-Sur-Saone. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite or take some time relaxing in the Scenic Sapphire Lounge, your home for the next 10 days.Charming Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its half-timbered houses, magnificent Gothic cathedral and as the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. It’s just south of Beaune, a walled medieval town that’s at the heart of the Burgundy wine region.Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences:Burgundy wine discovery: Visit a local  wine estate in the heart of Burgundy. Join the winemakers in the vineyard as they share the secrets of the grapes, then proceed to the cellar to learn about fermentation, their wine production methods, and finish with a guided wine tasting.Guided tour of Beaune and Les Hospices: Travel through spectacular countryside and vineyards for a guided tour of the beautiful town of Beaune, considered an epicentre for oenophiles. The highlight is Les Hospices de Beaune, a Gothic-style hospital founded in the Middle Ages and now housing a museum. Later, enjoy some free time to explore at your own leisure.WWII in Chalon-sur-Saône: Life on the Franco-German demarcation line: Learn about the brave efforts of the French Resistance, the Demarcation Line that divided Chalon-sur-Saône, and the crucial role the town played during WWII.

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Your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will begin cruising south before dawn, arriving in Tournus early this morning. This riverside town was founded by the Romans and its grand abbey is a splendid example of Romanesque architecture. It’s another great centre of gastronomy, surrounded by the vineyards of southern Burgundy and home to two Michelin-starred restaurants.Scenic Freechoice: Make your selection from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Admire this exquisite example of Renaissance architecture, with its gilded rooms, moat and more than 10 hectares of manicured gardens. Built in 1605, the château was abandoned for many years then beautifully restored in the 1980s.Georges Blanc cooking demonstration: Travel to Vonnas for a cooking demonstration at the world’s longest-standing Michelin-starred restaurant, Georges Blanc. Explore the gourmet village and visit the museum, created by Blanc and dedicated to his family.Truffle Tasting: Visit a local truffle farm to meet the farmer and their truffle-hunting dogs. Learn how these gourmet delicacies are grown and harvested before enjoying a tasting of their delicious produce.This afternoon, you will enjoy a cooperage demonstration. The ancient craft of barrel making is intrinsically linked to wine production, imparting a unique character to the vintages aged within them.Your ship will cruise to Tournon later this afternoon.

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Arrive in the pretty town of Tournon early this morning. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. Tournon is at the centre of the Northern Rhône Valley wine region, famous for producing the best Syrah in the world. The surrounding vineyards also produce signature white varietals – viognier, marsanne and roussanne.Scenic Freechoice: Spend this morning at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:Côtes du Rhône Tasting: Enjoy a guided tasting of the famed Côtes du Rhône wines. A local wine expert will share their knowledge as you sip their outstanding wines.Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get a first-hand look at the famous vines of the Rhône on a hike through the sloping vineyards that flank the town. Learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region.Walking tour of Tournon: Explore this ancient town on foot, visiting the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, and crossing France's oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l'Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona.Biking along the Rhône: Cycle a section of the famed Via Rhona bike route along the Rhône River between Tournon and Gun. Admire charming villages, lush orchards and historic bridges, seeing daily life of locals as you pass by.This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the town on your own.This evening, indulge in a dessert buffet on board Scenic Sapphire from a local pâtissier. Savour the authentic flavours of the region and conclude your night with delicious creations – delicate pastries, silky creams, and vibrant confections that delight the eyes as much as the palate.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d’Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

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Enjoy another relaxing morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise south. This could be a good time to book an indulgent massage or just relax on the Sun Deck to admire the landscapes.Dock in the ancient city of Avignon after lunch. Known as the City of the Popes, it is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), the former papal residence in the 14th century when Rome was in turmoil. Avignon is surrounded by wine regions on all sides, with the Rhône Valley to the north and Provence to the south. It is also known for artisan products like olive oil, lavender and chocolates.Scenic Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:Guided walking tour: Learn the rich and fascinating history of Avignon on this guided tour, wandering the ancient cobblestone streets to reach the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. A moderate degree of fitness is required.Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, built by the Romans around 2,000 years ago. Afterwards, learn about this engineering marvel and how it carried water at the engaging museum.Kayaking at Pont du Gard: Get a different perspective on the Pont du Gard from the tranquil waters of the Gardon River. Paddle a kayak beneath the World Heritage-listed aqueduct and marvel at its intricate stonework.Scenic EnrichEnjoy a once-in-a-lifetime private experience inside Palais des Papes. Sit down to an exclusive gala dinner inside the very banquet hall Popes used to host formal feasts in and be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces performed by a quartet of musicians.

Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d’Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

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If you’re an early riser, step out onto your balcony to watch the sun rise over the ancient rooftops of Avignon. Today you can indulge in more of the gourmet charms of the city or go further afield to discover the surrounding villages and picturesque Provence. Or enjoy a wine tasting in one of the world’s most famous appellations, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice Wines of the Popes – Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Drive to the nearby town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape surrounded by magnificent vineyards, here you will discover and taste the wines that have made Châteauneuf-du-Pape famous, like its iconic grenache. Centuries of wine production have made this one of the most exclusive appellations in France.Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey: The Luberon Valley, to the west of Avignon, is famous for its beautiful hilltop villages. Admire the bucolic landscapes as you drive to the village of Gordes, then visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. (Please note: Sénanque Abbey is not open to visitors on Sundays. On these days, the tour will include only an exterior visit.)Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Discover the best fresh produce and local ingredients of the region when you shop with a chef at Avignon Market. Afterwards, enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: Be immersed in the beauty of Provence lavender with a visit to the Lavender Museum and its adjoining field. Then take a guided tour of the beautiful village of Roussillon and the striking Ochre Trail.

Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

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Cruise through Provence early this morning to arrive in Arles, the southernmost point of your journey and just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by Julius Ceasar more than 2,000 years ago, the city is home to the largest number of Roman ruins outside of Rome itself. Vincent Van Gogh lived here in 1888 and drew inspiration for many of his works from the surrounding landscape. Arles is also a gateway to the vines of Provence where historic wineries produce the region’s famous rosé.Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:Provence in Pink – Rosé wine tasting: Discover the sun-drenched vineyards that produce Provence’s signature rosé. Learn about unique terroir and popular grape varieties that produce the crisp, elegant pinks the region is famous for.Guided tour of Arles: Set out from the ship on foot to visit the heart of Arles and its most impressive Roman ruins. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists. Your local guide will provide fascinating insights about the city’s history and modern culture.Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Marvel at the Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that has been transformed into a 7,000-square-metre immersive digital art space. Then explore the stunning medieval village of Les Baux.Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own. 

Viviers, France, is a charming medieval town in the Rhône-Alpes region, renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture. Nestled on the banks of the Rhône River, it features narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and the impressive Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town’s Roman and medieval heritage is evident in its old ramparts and historic buildings. Viviers’ tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings offer a glimpse into the past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers and those seeking a serene escape.

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Your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise north overnight, arriving in Viviers early this morning. Founded in the fifth century, the city is often described as an open-air museum. Wandering its narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. Viviers also has a fascinating connection with the French Resistance and is bordered by the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône.Scenic Freechoice: The choice is yours with today’s Scenic Freechoice:Walking tour of Viviers: Admire the many architectural treasures of Viviers on foot, including the Cathedral of St Vincent with its mix of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.French Resistance Walking Tour: Hear tales of heroism from the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn about their most daring missions as you explore the historic town on foot.Scenic Freechoice: Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting: Discover the rich flavours of the Rhône Valley on this guided tasting excursion. Experience the diverse terroir and time-honoured winemaking traditions of Southern France in a glass.Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d'Arc Museum: Explore the natural beauty and historic sites that come together in the Ardèche Nature Park. Then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave.Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Travel to the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. Your local guide will accompany you to the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, before enjoying some time at leisure.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

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Spend a full day on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship today as you cruise back towards Lyon. Admire the beautiful vistas of the Rhône River, taste more local wines over lunch or join a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire.Scenic EnrichStep inside the grand Trinity Chapel, a Baroque beauty with an interior decadently covered in Carrera marble. Scenic guests will be treated to an exclusive acapella choir performance, made even more breathtaking by the sublime acoustics of the chapel.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Day programme:

Spend the final day of your wine-curated cruise in France’s culinary capital. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars. Learn more about its rich history, dating back to the days of the Romans, or discover one of the region’s surrounding villages.Scenic Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Lyon: Experience the essence of Lyon on this coach tour, taking you past Roman ruins and to its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across the city.Excursion to Pérouges: Travel to the medieval walled village of Pérouges, perched atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. Enjoy a walking tour of through its vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and market square centred 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: Fine silk has been produced in Lyon since the 15th century and the city still has a proud tradition of textile production. Join this immersive workshop to learn about this rich heritage and create your own masterpiece.

Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Day programme:

Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you vivid memories of France’s most famous wine regions.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.