7 Night Bordeaux Affair Cruise from Bordeaux

Welcome to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew are ready to receive you onboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond. 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. The quiet waterfront was a vestige of a once bustling port, shops were empty... it was a once beautiful city that lay dormant. In the late 20th century, the city was woken and restored to its former glory, a project headed by former mayor Alain Juppe. The city center was pedestrianized, limestone was revealed under blackened facades, and Bordeaux was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 300 structures declared historical monuments. It's now one of the most desirable places in France to live and visit, with its waterfront rich in architecture and bustling with locals and visitors promenading, sipping coffee or wine from the surrounding renowned vineyards, a landscape that's also dotted with beautiful castles. Inclusions: Dinner.

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. 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. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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. Then, you'll have the opportunity to explore Libourne and its surrounding wine-growing region. Freechoice: This morning, choose from one of these Scenic Freechoice activities: Walking tour of Libourne: Join your local guide for a walking tour of Libourne, the fortified harbor town with a rich history linked to the trade of wool, wine, salt, and wood. As you stroll through the town, you'll see the quaint 16th-century town-house and Gothic church that boasts a 71-meter stone spire. Wine tasting at Chateau Siaurac: Located in the prestigious Pomerol wine-growing region, Chateau Siaurac is the largest and most iconic estate of the appellation. With a long history in winegrowing, the estate produces award-winning wines, which you will have the opportunity to taste. You will also explore the immaculate property, which is home to a 19th-century chateau and 15 hectares of rolling parklands, resplendent with century-old trees and landscaped woods. Excursion to Sturgeon Farm: Caviar production in the Aquitaine region of France is renowned the world over and you will have the opportunity to learn about how they produce fine quality caviar during a visit to a local sturgeon farm. Get up close to and even hold one of the sturgeon before sampling some of the caviar produced on site. This afternoon, relax onboard as you sail towards Blaye. Toast the passing scenery with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spend time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wake this morning in 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. Freechoice: This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice activity: Walking tour of Blaye: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye with a local guide, contained within the walls of the 17th-century Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument that overlooks the Gironde Estuary. Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defense system created by the famous architect Sebastien Vauban. Afterwards, relax onboard your luxury ship as you sail towards Fort Medoc for tonight's classical concert. Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich: Classical Concert at Chateau d'Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Medoc countryside, Chateau d'Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century the chateau is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Wander through the chateau and its gardens and soak in the ambiance of this magnificent property before a string quartet performs classical masterpieces for your enjoyment. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wake up this morning in Fort Medoc, located between Bordeaux and Pointe de Grave, at the northern end of the Medoc winegrowing region. This appellation grows some of the world's most famous and expensive wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Freechoice: Explore your way with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions: Medoc wine tasting by motorcoach: 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, with more than 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations. The epic 'Route des Chateaux', which translates to the 'Route of Castles', winds through undulating countryside from Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave, at the northern end of the Medoc region. On this motorcoach tour you will travel through this scenic region to a prestigious winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines. Medoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Medoc countryside by e-bike today and see many fine aristocratic chateaux in the world's leading red wine producing region. Afterwards, sample the region's finest at one of the prestigious estates. Back onboard, enjoy lunch as you cruise to Bourg, 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. Freechoice: This afternoon's Scenic Freechoice options: Bourg tour with Carriage Museum: Situated inside the grounds of Bourg Castle, visit the Carriage Museum with a local guide and discover the unique collection of horse-drawn carriages on display. In addition, visit the 16th-century passageway to the guard's rooms and immense WWII oil tanks. Guided cycling along the Captains' Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captains' Road, which is named in honor of the WWI captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Cycle through beautiful riverside villages before returning to the ship. Visit to a local estate: Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Gironde Estuary from the right bank while tasting Cotes de Bourg wines at a local winery. This evening, your ship will continue its journey towards Cadillac, stopping overnight in Bordeaux before sailing onward. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Departing Bordeaux early, your Scenic Space-Ship will sail along the Garonne River to Cadillac. Relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of the passing landscape, some of the most picturesque in the Bordeaux region. Or perhaps you'd rather spend the morning in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout before a day of sightseeing in and around Cadillac. Founded in the 13th century, this charming, fortified city is centered around its magnificent chateau. Freechoice: Explore your way with this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions: Cadillac walking tour: Enjoy a walking tour of Cadillac, a small town with architecture dating to the 16th century. On this tour you will visit Chateau de Cadillac, a well-preserved monument with decorative fireplaces, more than 30 tapestries, and painted ceilings. Between the early 19th century and the 1950s, the chateau was used as a women's prison. Sauternes by motorcoach: Venture into the Sauternes region with a visit to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau La Tour Blanche (the group will be split into two). Enjoy a delicious tasting of the chateau's fine wines as you take in the stunning views of the vineyard and surrounds. Sauternes by bike: Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classe estate of Chateau du Mayne La Merci for a tasting. Learn the history of winemaking here and the process involved in production from time of harvest, grape to wine, length of maturing and, of course, the tasting pleasure. Back onboard this evening, fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for a night of entertainment as you cruise back to the beautiful city of Bordeaux. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Waking this morning in Bordeaux, you will have several options to explore this incredible city. Founded by the Celts around 300 BC it 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. Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city by motorcoach and on foot, such as the magnificent Gothic cathedral and Place de la Bourse, which is home to the famous 'Water Mirror'. Along the way, you'll learn interesting facts about the city's history, culture, and way of life. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore the streets and go shopping at your leisure. Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Pedal through historic Bordeaux on a guided cycling tour. Cross bridges to see the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, relax in pretty public gardens, and sample delicious treats such as canele, a custard cake. Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Gourmands can join Scenic's onboard chef on a visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship, head to the Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France's most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought. This afternoon is at your leisure to wander the streets of Bordeaux. Spend your final hours in France wandering along the waterfront past 18th-century buildings, make a beeline for the city's Golden Triangle district for beautiful architecture and shopping, or visit La Cite du Vin, an interactive and sensory wine museum. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Your journey ends in beautiful Bordeaux. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward journey. Inclusions: Breakfast.; Please note: The Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne waterways are part of a tidal river system which results in changing water levels in the region. Every effort is made to keep to the brochure itinerary, however, based on tides it will be amended or modified.