Name: Bordeaux Affair with Highlights of Paris & Madrid
Brand: Scenic
Rating: 4 (1 reviews)

Overview

Experience the best of England and Mediterranean aboard Scenic Diamond, a Scenic ship, on this 15-night sailing from Paris. Along the way, you'll visit Bordeaux, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, and Blaye, exploring a new destination almost every day. Whether you're relaxing on deck on a sea day or exploring ashore, this Scenic journey offers something for everyone. With fares from £7,740 per person, this is a wonderful way to experience England and Mediterranean by sea.

Scenic

Scenic River Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise operators in the world.

It’s the cruise line behind the innovative and super luxurious yacht-style ship Scenic Eclipse, a ship that revolutionised the cruise industry when it launched.

That same level of luxury can be had on its fleet of river ships.

The cruise line offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring amenities like spas, terraces, panorama lounges and spacious cabins with private butlers.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-3

Paris

Days 3-4

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 4

Libourne

Cruise ships dock right in town, making it an easy starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside. Most visitors head straight for Saint-Émilion, just 20 minutes away, but Libourne itself is worth a stroll, with its central square, old arcades and riverside market.Expect guided trips to nearby châteaux and vineyards, where Merlot is the star of the show. Many tours include tastings and walks through the vines. There’s often free time too, with the option to explore Libourne’s boutiques and cafés.

Day 5

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

The village is named after the 17th-century Fort Médoc, a stone fortress designed by Vauban to protect the river route to Bordeaux. Some cruise excursions include a guided tour of the site, with time to walk the grounds and learn about the fort’s military past.Other trips head inland for wine tastings and château visits. This is classic Médoc territory, with gravel soils and Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blends, making great alternatives to Pauillac.

Day 5

Libourne

Days 6-7

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

Day 7

Cadillac

Ships dock close to the historic centre, which is still partly enclosed by old stone walls. There’s a château in town – the Château des Ducs d’Épernon – and a scattering of shops and cafés.Most visitors use Cadillac as a springboard for trips into the golden vineyards of Sauternes. These wines are among the world’s finest dessert wines, and cruise tours usually include tastings and cellar visits.Some itineraries also offer food pairings or cooking demonstrations themed around this part of southwest France.

Day 8

Bordeaux

Day 8

Cadillac

Days 9-10

Bordeaux

Days 10-11

Bourg

Ships dock in the lower town, and it’s a short uphill walk to the old centre. The town’s history stretches back to Roman times, and it became a key stronghold in the Middle Ages. Today, you’ll find a handful of wine bars, bakeries and craft shops tucked among its narrow streets.Some tours focus on Bourg’s role in the local wine trade, while others link it with nearby Blaye or offer tastings in the surrounding hills.

Day 12

Bordeaux

Day 12

Blaye

Ships dock just below the ramparts, so you can walk straight up into the fortress for panoramic views of the estuary and countryside. Inside the walls, you’ll find a small village, art galleries and a few shops.Excursions often include guided walks around the citadel and visits to nearby vineyards. This part of the Gironde is known for its Côtes de Blaye wines, less famous than neighbouring regions but often great value.Some cruises include the option to cross the estuary by ferry to Bourg or explore the Route de la Corniche, a scenic riverside road lined with limestone cliffs and wine cellars.

Day 12

Bourg

Day 13

Bordeaux

Days 13-16

London (Greenwich)

At the heart of London's labyrinthine streets lies a tapestry of tales spun through the ages. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the cobblestone alleys of the East End, every corner whispers secrets of kings and commoners alike. The city's temperate climate offers respite from extremes, allowing leisurely exploration year-round. Dive into the authentic pulse of London's markets, where the aroma of freshly baked pies mingles with the chatter of vendors. For those seeking serenity, Hyde Park's tranquil lakes beckon, providing a sanctuary amidst the urban bustle. And did you know? London is home to the world's oldest underground railway, a testament to its pioneering spirit.

Days 1-3

Days 3-4

Day 4

Day 5

Day 5

Days 6-7

Day 7

Day 8

Day 8

Days 9-10

Days 10-11

Day 12

Day 12

Day 12

Day 13

Days 13-16

147

Passengers

Crew

2009

Launched

2024

Last refit

2721t

Tonnage

135m

Length

Decks

EUR

Currency

Scenic Diamond

Sailing on the Rhine, Main, Danube & Moselle Rivers in Europe are Scenic Crystal, Scenic Jewel and Scenic Jade, offering the ultimate ultra-luxury.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

6 star river cruising

10/10 from start to finish, cruise, staff, food , excursions were all excellent. Would highly recommend a scenic river cruise , yes it was expensive but definitely worth it in terms of service, quality of food etc

Scenic Scenic Jewel

Reviews

Romantic rhine

Very good cruise excellent crew great entertainment and superb food and drink

Scenic Scenic Jasper

Reviews

A wonderful river cruise

We spent ten days on the Danube, and although the water levels meant that we did not get as far as our planned destination, we had a wonderful time drifting through some stunning scenery. The service was superb, there was a tremendous range of food, and even the wines varied depending on which country we happened to be in at the time! Now that the Covid years have died down, we plan to travel with Scenic again next year.

Reviews

Reviews

Itinerary was great. Ship was lovely. Good public rooms. Had a balcony cabin but it was small. Food was first class. Staff and crew were friendly, welcoming, professional and efficient. Wonderful cruise.

Scenic Scenic Jasper

Reviews

2022-12-14 12:44:41

This was our first river cruise, having previously done a number of Sea cruises. Yes it was more expensive, but you can see where the extra money goes. From being collected at the airport to being taken back to the airport this was a wonderful cruise. The staff were all friendly, hard working and attentive with a ratio of 2 staff to 1 passenger. Each cabin had a personal butler who was available for any needs, reachable on the phone. The food was excellent, the drinks all included (not just with meals and including the mini bar), as were the gratuities and a choice of trips each day. All the trips that we did were top notch, with local knowledgeable guides. The balcony cabin was spacious and comfortable with a super size bed that you could remotely adapt to your needs. The cruise director, JJ, was always available and presented a fun presentation each evening about the next days offerings. A wonderful Enrich experience on the night in Vienna was a private concert of music, dance and opera in a lovely palatial setting. E bikes were available for personal use or some arranged trips and the scenery down the Danube was spectacular. I cannot fault the whole experience and it has left us wanting more.

Scenic Scenic Amber

Reviews

2022-12-09 15:00:25

An enjoyable trip from Marseilles to Lyon with good food and quality excursions. This was slightly marred on departure by the coach taking us to Lyon Airport actually dropping us about 800 yards away at the railway station [to avoid paying the drop-off charge at the airport?] giving us all - including elderly - a totally unnecessary hike with our luggage

Scenic Scenic Sapphire

Reviews

2022-11-10 10:19:32

Had a lovely time onboard , the staff were excellent but you could tell they were training new people up post covid. The accommodation used to be first rate but is now starting to look aged . The entertainment on the TV ie films and TV was old and the system now feels clumsy to use given todays technology . I think Apple discontinued these controls 5 years or more ago . Hardly any evening entertainment , I recall bing on this cruise line where guest performers arrived most nights on the Rhine . Given the high cost v other boats it no longer represents great value . It might cheaper more cost effective to go to Viking and pay for drinks .

Scenic Scenic Azure