From Bordeaux to Madrid · Europe (River) · 23 nights
From Bordeaux to Madrid
Scenic’s pair of 149-guest ships – Sapphire and Diamond – were given a full makeover in 2017, bringing a new level of luxury to the rivers of France.
Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond offer stylish, spacious
accommodation and a luxurious all-inclusive experience. The
innovative onboard cooking school, Scenic Cullinaire, is a
wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavours of
southern France.
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. What's more, the city has been transformed over the last few years: the grandiose 18th century facades have been scrubbed clean, a shiny new public transport system has been installed, and a wonderful new promenade has been created alongside the river Garonne. We think Bordeaux is a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
The picturesque town of Libourne, situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers, is an important centre for the wine industry which dominates this region. Popular excursions from Libourne include the delightful medieval town of Saint-Emilion, another name that will be familiar to wine connoisseurs.
Pauillac is one of the most important wine producing areas in France, home to prestigious labels including Château Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. The town itself is one of the prettiest in the Médoc, and it’s well worth hiring a bike to explore the idyllic surrounding countryside.
Charming Cadillac in the Gironde region is best known for the famous varietals found in the surrounding Bordeaux wine country, though it's well worth a visit to the striking 17th-century Château ducal de Cadillac, once a women's prison and now a museum, and strolling among the medieval gates and fortified streets of the old town, alongside, of course, tastings at local châteaux and vineyards.
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
The remarkable 17th century citadel of Blaye is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by the famous military engineer Vauban to guard the Gironde river and the city of Bordeaux. The town is also known for its excellent wines, and there are several châteaux nearby.
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
Entre-os-Rios means 'between the rivers', situated at the confluence of the Douro and its tributary the Tâmega. From here you can travel into the heart of northern Portugal's Vinho Verde wine region, visit the historic city of Guimarães or enjoy an atmospheric dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery.
Peso da Régua (Régua for short) is the main river port for the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley, and is the perfect base for exploring the port-wine region. Nearby attractions include the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus, with its intricate furnishings and beautiful gardens, and the important pilgrimage site of Lamego.
Vega de Terrón is the drop-off point for excursions to Salamanca, a beautiful UNESCO-listed city built from golden sandstone. The baroque-style Plaza Mayor is one of the most magnificent squares in Spain, while other highlights include the twin-towered cathedral and the unusual House of Shells.
Pocinho is a tiny village with few tourist attractions, but is perhaps most well-known for being the end of the historic Linha do Douro railway line, arguably one of Europe's most scenic railways, winding alongside the Douro for 160km from Porto. Day trips from Pocinho allow you explore Portugal's Douro Valley in depth, from hiking scenic trails to visiting local quintas for tastings.
The pretty little town of Pinhão, situated on a bend in the Douro, is all about one thing: wine. The surrounding hills are covered in vineyards, and you’ll have ample opportunity to sample a variety of tipples, including the region’s most famous product, port.
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
Madrid is a dynamic and exciting capital filled with grandiose Habsburg architecture, cultural treasures and enough quirky little bars to spend a lifetime grazing on tapas. The city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts; the Prado houses some of the world's most important paintings, while the more contemporary-focused Reina Sofia is home to Picasso's nightmarish masterpiece, 'Guernica'.
