Embark on an 8-day cruise to and from Bordeaux aboard the Scenic Diamond. Sail through southwest France’s renowned Bordeaux wine region on a refined week-long river cruise. Departing from Bordeaux, this itinerary delivers a balanced mix of regional history, culinary highlights, and cultural discovery. Visit prestigious wine-producing areas such as Saint-Emilion and Medoc, tour medieval villages, and attend a classical concert at Chateau d’Agassac. With a strong emphasis on local wine and gastronomy, each day offers an authentic insight into the heritage and flavors of the region. It is ideal for travelers seeking a focused yet enriching experience of France’s wine heartland.

Highlights

Explore Bordeaux’s revitalized UNESCO-listed waterfront and Old Town
Tour Saint-Emilion’s medieval lanes and ancient limestone catacombs
Taste Grand Cru wines at Chateau Siaurac in the Pomerol region
Walk Blaye’s Citadel and learn its 17th-century military heritage

Activities

Places Visited

Europe
France
Bordeaux
Blaye
Cadillac
European Union
Libourne

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bordeaux | Embark

Accommodation
1 Dinner

Welcome to Bordeaux, where your Scenic Diamond crew awaits to welcome you on board warmly.

Once dubbed La Belle Endormie—Sleeping Beauty—Bordeaux fell into decline when the industry shifted to the outskirts, leaving its historic center largely abandoned. The once-bustling port was quiet, shopfronts stood empty, and the city’s elegance lay hidden beneath soot-covered facades. In the late 20th century, a transformative restoration led by former mayor Alain Juppe revived Bordeaux’s charm. Streets were pedestrianized, buildings cleaned to reveal pale limestone and over 300 structures were listed as historical monuments, securing UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, Bordeaux thrives once more—its revitalized waterfront alive with architectural splendor, scenic promenades, and a vibrant cafe culture amidst world-renowned vineyards and chateau-dotted landscapes.

Day 2: Bordeaux | Saint-Emilion

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Spend a leisurely morning on board as you sail toward the historic 13th-century port of Libourne. Relax on the Sun Deck while taking in the scenic landscapes along the Dordogne River, or join a hands-on cooking class at Scenic Culinaire to taste regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, venture to nearby Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed village renowned for its prestigious wineries, striking medieval architecture, and deep monastic history. Named after an 8th-century monk known for his reported miracles, the town is also celebrated as the birthplace of macarons. Your guided tour includes the remarkable underground caves and catacombs, culminating in a visit to the Monolithic Church, carved directly into limestone, with its 38-meter-high bell tower visible above ground.

Your ship remains docked overnight in Libourne, situated at the meeting point of the Dordogne and Isle rivers.

Day 3: Libourne

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 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 can have the opportunity to explore Libourne and its surrounding wine-growing region.

Freechoice

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, see the quaint 16th-century town-house and Gothic church that boasts a 71-meter stone spire.

Wine tasting at Château Siaurac: Located in the prestigious Pomerol wine-growing region, Château Siaurac is the largest and most iconic estate of the appellation. Explore the property including its remarkable gardens and take the opportunity to taste some of the exceptional wines during a tasting.

Wine tasting at Chateau Fleur Cardinale: Today journey to the countryside of Saint Emilion to Château Fleur Cardinale, a family-run vineyard that earned the rank of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé in 2006. Explore the property and its vineyards before tasting some of the Château exceptional wines during a tasting.

Excursion to Sturgeon Farm: Caviar production in the Aquitaine region of France is renowned the world over and you can 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 on board 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.

Day 4: Blaye

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 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 World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect the city of Bordeaux, 50 kilometers upstream, from enemy attacks.

Freechoice

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 World Heritage-listed monument that overlooks the Gironde Estuary.

Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating World Heritage-listed Citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban.

Afterwards relax on board your luxury ship as you sail towards Fort Medoc for tonight’s classical concert.

Enrich

Classical Concert at Chateau d’Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d'Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century the Chateau is one of the oldest wine making establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Wander through the château and its gardens and soak in the ambiance of this magnificent property before a string quartet performs classical masterpieces for your enjoyment.

Day 5: Fort Medoc

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Wake up this morning in Fort Medoc, located between Bordeaux and Pointe de Grave, at the northern end of the Médoc winegrowing region. This appellation grows some of the world’s most famous and expensive wines, particularly cabernet sauvignon.

Freechoice

Medoc wine tasting by coach: The name Médoc is synonymous with exceptional wines. Considered the world’s leading red wine producer, Médoc 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’, which winds through undulating countryside from Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave, at the northern end of the Médoc region. On this coach tour, travel through this scenic region to a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines.

Medoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike today and see many fine aristocratic châteaux in the world’s leading red wine producing region. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at one of the prestigious estates.

Back on board, enjoy lunch as you cruise to Bourg, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. Built as a defensive château, it’s a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the Dordogne. This quiet village sits among many famous World Heritage-listed sites and, though it is just as charming, remains largely undiscovered by the masses.

Freechoice

Bourg tour with carriages Museum: Situated inside the grounds of Bourg Castle, visit the carriages 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 Captain’s Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain’s 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 Côtes de Bourg wines at a local winery.

This evening your ship will continue its journey towards Cadillac, stopping overnight in Bordeaux before sailing onward.

Day 6: Cadillac

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Departing Bordeaux early, your 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

Cadillac walking tour: Enjoy a walking tour of Cadillac, a small town with architecture dating to the 16th century. On this tour, 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 château was used as a women’s prison.

Excursion to Sauternes Area with Tasting: Venture into the Sauternes region with a visit to either Château Rayne Vigneau or Château De Malle (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 Area with Tasting on E-Bike: Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classé estate of Château 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 on board 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.

Day 7: Bordeaux

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Waking this morning in Bordeaux, you can have several options to explore this incredible city. Founded by the Celts around 300BC 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.

Freechoice

Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city by coach 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, learn interesting facts about the city’s history, culture and way of life. Afterwards you 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 on board chef on a visit to a local food market where you can have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your 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.

Day 8: Bordeaux | Disembark

1 Breakfast

Your journey ends in beautiful Bordeaux. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station for your onward journey.

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. Please refer to the terms and conditions.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Diamond

Scenic Diamond boasts all luxury trappings, as well as a handful of new and innovative features. From the vitality pool and updated wellness area to the bespoke cooking suite, guests can enjoy a raft of extravagant features when cruising along French waterways aboard Scenic Diamond.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

List View | Calendar View

Jun 2, 2025from $10,790
Jun 29, 2025from $10,790
Jul 6, 2025from $9,990
Aug 2, 2025from $9,990
Aug 19, 2025from $9,990
Oct 25, 2025from $9,590
Mar 30, 2026from $10,890
Apr 6, 2026from $10,890
May 3, 2026from $11,590
Jun 29, 2026from $11,590
Aug 2, 2026from $10,890
Aug 19, 2026from $10,890
Sep 25, 2026from $11,590
Oct 22, 2026from $10,890

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Deal available

Deals

Special Deals 27517: Book your Scenic Eclipse cruise for select 2025-2027 departures between April 1 - July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $2000 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 120 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to GP, OP, OT, SB, SA, S or P cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 120 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $250 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2027 Scenic Eclipse Cruises
Special Deals 27518: Book your Scenic River cruise for select 2025-2026 departures between April 1 - July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1,500 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to RP, RR, RO, R, RA, RD, RS or RJ cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2026 Scenic River Cruises

Per person starting at

$9,590

Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.

Select a Date

Standard Suite E

160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

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Standard Suite D

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Single Balcony Suite BS

160ft2. Single Balcony Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

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Balcony Suite C

205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, these suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

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Balcony Suite BA

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Balcony Suite BB

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Balcony Suite B

205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

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Junior Balcony Suite BJ

250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

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Balcony Suite A

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Balcony Suite PA

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Balcony Suite PP

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Balcony Suite P

205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks Decks, these suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

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Junior Balcony Suite RJ

250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

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Royal Balcony Suite RA

315ft2. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

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Royal Panorama Suite RS

At 325ft², and at the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

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Royal Owner's Suite RO

510ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Scenic Cruises

Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages

Excluded

Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.

Nancy Sin

Bordeaux Affair

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Bordeaux | Embark

Day 2: Bordeaux | Saint-Emilion

Day 3: Libourne

Day 4: Blaye

Day 5: Fort Medoc

Day 6: Cadillac

Day 7: Bordeaux

Day 8: Bordeaux | Disembark

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Diamond

Scenic Diamond

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Notes

Map

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