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. ... Read More
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. Download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing. 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. ... Read More
Monday - Jun 10, 2024
Day 3
Libourne, France
Fort Medoc, France
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. This afternoon, your Scenic Space-Ship will sail onwards to Fort Medoc where you will dock overnight.
Tuesday - Jun 11, 2024
Day 4
Fort Medoc, France
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. Today you will have the chance to explore this remarkable wine region.
Wednesday - Jun 12, 2024
Day 5
Cadillac, France
This morning will be spent cruising towards Cadillac. Perhaps you'd like to spend time in the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness center for a relaxing massage. Founded in the 13th century, the charming, fortified city of Cadillac is centered around its magnificent chateau. It has a unique connection to the United States and, ultimately, the car that shares its name. Seventeenth-century French explorer Antoine Laumet was born in a nearby village but reinvented himself as Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac (sire of Cadillac). He rose high in the French fur trade and in 1701 established the port of Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, which would become modern day Detroit where the American auto industry began. The Cadillac car is named in his honor. ... Read More
Thursday - Jun 13, 2024
Day 6
Cadillac, France
Today you have the choice between many different experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its bucolic countryside to its historic castles. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner created by your onboard team using regionally sourced truffles.
This morning, you will wake in the fascinating city of Bordeaux, which you can explore by foot, bike, or through a cooking class. The city of Bordeaux was founded by the Celts around 300 BC and 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. Back onboard, your cruise director will organize a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay. ... Read More
Today, you'll continue your exploration of Bordeaux and its surrounding regions. This afternoon, you'll enjoy time at leisure onboard as you sail towards Bourg. You may want to relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Gironde. ... Read More
Sunday - Jun 16, 2024
Day 9
Bourg, France
Your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, 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. ... Read More
This morning. your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will sail towards 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. This afternoon, your Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Bordeaux for your final evening onboard. ... Read More
Board your included flight from Bordeaux to Madrid where you will stay three glorious nights.
Wednesday - Jun 19, 2024
Day 12
Madrid, Spain
There's so much to discover in just a short time in Madrid, so spend this morning on a guided tour of the highlights. Start in Madrid de los Austrias (the Austrian Quarter), the most historic area of the city that dates back to the reign of the Habsburgs. Discover the iconic Plaza Mayor, a 400-year-old square surrounded by neat rows of brightly colored buildings; the impossibly picturesque Plaza de la Villa; and the bustling Plaza de la Paja, lined with restaurants and bars. Wander through the elegant Sabatini Gardens, built in front of the Royal Palace in the 1930s and admire the formal garden, fountains, and statues. More classic fountains await in the leafy plaza near the famed Prado Museum, the 19th-century Cibeles and Neptuno fountains. Tonight, enjoy a special Spanish dinner with your fellow guests and toast a wonderful day of exploring. ... Read More
Thursday - Jun 20, 2024
Day 13
Madrid, Spain
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Madrid is truly one of Europe's most inclusive, engaging, and entertaining cities, meaning there is something that appeals to every type of traveller. If the sun is shining (as it usually is), head for the lake at the center of Buen Retiro Park. Rent a rowboat to paddle lazily past the grand monuments, water features, and leafy forest that line the shores. There's an excellent crop of museums and galleries where you can while away the day, like the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo Lazaro Galdiano, and the National Archaeological Museum. If you'd prefer to be able to buy the beautiful things on display, join the crowds at Gran Via, look for luxury labels in Barrio de Salamanca, or find vintage treasures in the Chueca and Malasana districts. Foodies should make their way to the Mercado de San Miguel, a century-old cast-iron covered market filled with the finest produce from all over Spain. The market draws more than 10 million visitors a year to sample meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, ice cream, and more. ... Read More
Friday - Jun 21, 2024
Day 14
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is famous for its nightlife, but the mornings can be just as special. Take some time on your last day for one last walk around the tranquil grounds of Sabatini Park, just a few minutes from your hotel, or sit at a pavement cafe for one last cup of strong Spanish coffee. After check-out, you'll transfer to the airport where you will farewell Madrid, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. ... Read More
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Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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