Beautiful Bordeaux Cruise 2028

Day One

Depart the USA - Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Bordeaux, France.

Day Two

Bordeaux, France - Welcome to the city of Bordeaux, at the heart of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. It’s famous for its’ 18th century architecture that inspired the design of Paris, for which it has since been recognized with World Heritage status. The landscape is also dotted with beautiful castles. Step on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond to cruise the waters of the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne. Meet your fellow guests and toast to the start of an exceptional journey. The ship will remain docked in Bordeaux City overnight, giving you time to join the locals for a glass of wine by the water.

Day Three

Bordeaux/Libourne - Admire the tranquil riverside scenery as you cruise towards Libourne this morning. After lunch, join a tour to nearby Saint-Émilion. This World Heritage-listed village has thousands of years of history and beautifully preserved medieval buildings. Explore the unique Monolithic Church, which is mostly underground and carved directly into the limestone. This evening your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked overnight in Libourne, a beautiful 13th century port and winemaking capital of northern Gironde. Take a moonlit stroll along the river or visit one of the city’s many cozy pubs and wine bars.

Day Four

Libourne/Pauillac - Wake early this morning to enjoy the tranquil landscapes. Today, spend some time exploring Libourne and its surrounds.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Walking tour of Libourne
• Wines and vineyards of Saint-Émilion
• Secrets of the Dordogne - Château de Vayres legends
• Cycling from Libourne
• Paint and pour

Day Five

Pauillac/Fort Médoc - Set on the Gironde estuary at the heart of the Médoc wine route, Pauillac is surrounded by some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. The town itself is quiet with elegant architecture that speaks to its powerful past in the winemaking industry.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Médoc wine tasting by coach
• Médoc wine tasting by bicycle
Scenic Enrich: Classical Concert at Château d’Agassac

Day Six

Médoc/Cadillac - Relax on board as you cruise towards Cadillac. Cadillac was founded in 1280 and retains many of its grand historic buildings. In 1701 French explorer Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac took his name from the town and established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would become modern day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honor. Scenic Diamond will be docked in Cadillac overnight, so you can appreciate its quiet village charm after the other tourists have left for the day.

Day Seven

Cadillac/Bordeaux - Cadillac is close to the Sauternes wine region, which is known for its sweet, fortified styles. Today, choose between a variety of experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its peaceful countryside to its historic castles. With a full day here, you have the option to choose multiple excursions.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Sauternes by coach
• Sauternes by bike
• Roquetaillade Castle
• Château Toulouse-Lautrec

Day Eight

Bordeaux City - You’ll return to Bordeaux City today to discover more of its culinary and cultural delights. Foodies will relish the opportunity to visit a local market with a Scenic chef before an interactive demonstration on board in Scenic Culinaire. There are also options for military buffs and active travelers.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Guided tour of Bordeaux
• Cycling tour of Bordeaux
• Shop with a chef and Scenic Culinaire
• Bordeaux in the shadow of WWII
Scenic Enrich: Bassins des Lumières

Day Nine

Bordeaux/ Bourg - Continue your exploration of Bordeaux today with a variety of intriguing options. 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 center was pedestrianized, limestone was revealed under blackened facades, and Bordeaux was listed as a World Heritage site with more than 300 structures declared historical monuments.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Cité du Vin museum
• Tour Bordeaux by motorbike & sidecar
• Visit Arcachon
• Eleanor of Aquitaine - Story of the Queen who ruled France and England

Day Ten

Bourg - Your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. It began life as a defensive château in the 12th century and has expanded over the centuries. Today, it’s a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the banks of the Dordogne.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Bourg with Carriages Museum
• Historic Saintes
• Full day excursion to Cognac

Day Eleven

Bourg /Blaye/Bordeaux - This morning you will arrive in Blaye, set at a strategic position on the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect Bordeaux city from enemy attacks.
Scenic Freechoice:
• Walking tour of Blaye
• Active walking tour of Blaye
• Cycling along the Captain’s Road
• Visit Château de La Roche Courbon

Day Twelve

Bourg/Blaye/Bordeaux - Your cruise concludes this morning in Bordeaux. Disembark after breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of memories.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner