Scenic Sapphire, 11 Night Tastes of the South of France – A Wine Cruise ex Lyon Return ex Lyon, France Return

Day 1
Welcome to France and the ancient city of Lyon, often called the ‘Food Capital of the World’. Lyon is surrounded by two iconic wine regions – Burgundy to the north and the Rhône Valley to the south. Upon arrival, transfer to Scenic Sapphire where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board.

Spend the afternoon exploring your Scenic Space-Ship. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck and admire the magnificent views across the city of Lyon.

Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 07:00 PM.

Day 2
Spend a leisurely morning on board as you cruise towards Macon. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite admiring views from your Scenic Sun Lounge as the riverside scenery glides by.

An idyllic base for exploring the Burgundy wine region, Mâcon is renowned for its charming old town, quaint riverside streets, and its celebrated white wines.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences:Excursion to Château de Cormatin: Travel through picturesque countryside for a guided visit to the splendid Renaissance castle of Cormatin. Explore its gilded rooms, moat, water features, and beautifully manicured gardens. Stroll through original 17th-century interiors with gold-leaf decoration, then enjoy free time in the gardens.Cooking demo at a Michelin star restaurant: Join us in Mâcon for an exclusive culinary experience with Chef Didier Goiffon and his team, whose prestigious Michelin-starred career in the region has shaped him into one of France’s most respected chefs. This tour invites guests behind the scenes of haute cuisine as Chef Goiffon shares the stories, techniques, and philosophy that guided him through years at the helm of renowned Michelin-recognised restaurants. More than a simple cooking demo, this intimate encounter highlights his trademark precision, calm authority, and commitment to seasonal French produce, offering a refined and inspiring glimpse into the world of modern French gastronomy.Truffle tasting: Experience the secrets of truffle farming on a visit to a local farm, nestled in the countryside near Cortevaix. Meet the passionate farmer and his hound, discover how truffles are grown and harvested, and then savour a tasting of truffle butter and decadent chocolate mousse with truffles—paired with a glass of fine local French white wine. The visit also offers time to stroll through the rolling fields and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Burgundy. (Available on select dates. When not available, option will be replaced with Monastère de Brou).Beaujolais Region: Drive through the rolling hills of the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and meet a local vintner. Discover how this wine is produced and enjoy the privilege of sampling some of the region’s best drops.

Day 3
Wake up to gentle morning light as your ship glides into Vienne, a historic town nestled on the Rhône River just south of Lyon. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins and medieval charm, Vienne invites you to step ashore and discover centuries of rich heritage.

Scenic Freechoice: Make your selection from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:Walking tour of Vienne with Roman Theatre: Take a guided walking tour of Vienne and discover its rich Roman heritage, including the remarkable hillside theatre built for 10,000 spectators. Wander through the city’s gardens, ancient walls, cathedral, and historic Renaissance streets before enjoying free time to explore at your own pace.Cycling tour of Vienne: Cycle through Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal on an easy 19 km route, exploring the city’s Roman ruins and the famous temple of Augustus and Livia. Cross the Rhône River, visit nature-rich river islands, and spot mosaics at the Gallo-Roman museum before returning to town.

Your ship will cruise to Tournon later this afternoon.

Day 4
Arrive in the pretty town of Tournon early this morning. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets. Tournon is at the centre of the Northern Rhône Valley wine region, famous for producing the best Syrah in the world. The surrounding vineyards also produce signature white varietals – viognier, marsanne and roussanne.

Scenic Freechoice: Spend this morning at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:Côtes du Rhône Tasting: Enjoy a guided tasting of the famed Côtes du Rhône wines. A local wine expert will share their knowledge as you sip their outstanding wines.Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon: Get a first-hand look at the famous vines of the Rhône on a hike through the sloping vineyards that flank the town. Learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region.Walking tour of Tournon: Explore this ancient town on foot, visiting the castle, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, and crossing France’s oldest suspension bridge to the neighbouring town of Tain l’Hermitage, home to prestigious chocolatiers Valrhona.Biking along the Rhône: Cycle a section of the famed Via Rhona bike route along the Rhône River between Tournon and Gun. Admire charming villages, lush orchards and historic bridges, seeing daily life of locals as you pass by.

This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the town on your own.

This evening, indulge in a dessert buffet on board Scenic Sapphire from a local pâtissier. Savour the authentic flavours of the region and conclude your night with delicious creations – delicate pastries, silky creams, and vibrant confections that delight the eyes as much as the palate.

Day 5
Enjoy another relaxing morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise south. This could be a good time to book an indulgent massage or just relax on the Sun Deck to admire the landscapes.

Dock in the ancient city of Avignon after lunch. Known as the City of the Popes, it is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), the former papal residence in the 14th century when Rome was in turmoil. Avignon is surrounded by wine regions on all sides, with the Rhône Valley to the north and Provence to the south. It is also known for artisan products like olive oil, lavender and chocolates.

Scenic Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:Guided walking tour: Learn the rich and fascinating history of Avignon on this guided tour, wandering the ancient cobblestone streets to reach the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. A moderate degree of fitness is required.Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, built by the Romans around 2,000 years ago. Afterwards, learn about this engineering marvel and how it carried water at the engaging museum.Kayaking at Pont du Gard: Get a different perspective on the Pont du Gard from the tranquil waters of the Gardon River. Paddle a kayak beneath the World Heritage-listed aqueduct and marvel at its intricate stonework.

Scenic Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime private experience inside Palais des Papes. Sit down to an exclusive gala dinner inside the very banquet hall Popes used to host formal feasts in and be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces performed by a quartet of musicians.

Day 6
If you’re an early riser, step out onto your balcony to watch the sun rise over the ancient rooftops of Avignon. Today you can indulge in more of the gourmet charms of the city or go further afield to discover the surrounding villages and picturesque Provence. Or enjoy a wine tasting in one of the world’s most famous appellations, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice options:Wines of the Popes – Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Drive to the nearby town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape surrounded by magnificent vineyards, here you will discover and taste the wines that have made Châteauneuf-du-Pape famous, like its iconic grenache. Centuries of wine production have made this one of the most exclusive appellations in France.Excursion to Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey: The Luberon Valley, to the west of Avignon, is famous for its beautiful hilltop villages. Admire the bucolic landscapes as you drive to the village of Gordes, then visit the picturesque Sénanque Abbey. (Please note: Sénanque Abbey is not open to visitors on Sundays. On these days, the tour will include only an exterior visit.)Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Discover the best fresh produce and local ingredients of the region when you shop with a chef at Avignon Market. Afterwards, enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration at Scenic Culinaire cooking school. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).Lavender Museum with visit to the village of Roussillon: Be immersed in the beauty of Provence lavender with a visit to the Lavender Museum and its adjoining field. Then take a guided tour of the beautiful village of Roussillon and the striking Ochre Trail.

Day 7
Cruise through Provence early this morning to arrive in Arles, the southernmost point of your journey and just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by Julius Ceasar more than 2,000 years ago, the city is home to the largest number of Roman ruins outside of Rome itself. Vincent Van Gogh lived here in 1888 and drew inspiration for many of his works from the surrounding landscape. Arles is also a gateway to the vines of Provence where historic wineries produce the region’s famous rosé.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice:Provence in Pink – Rosé wine tasting: Discover the sun-drenched vineyards that produce Provence’s signature rosé. Learn about unique terroir and popular grape varieties that produce the crisp, elegant pinks the region is famous for.Guided tour of Arles: Set out from the ship on foot to visit the heart of Arles and its most impressive Roman ruins. Experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light that has inspired many artists. Your local guide will provide fascinating insights about the city’s history and modern culture. (Please note: The Roman Amphitheatre is closed on Mondays and cannot be visited on this day).Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Marvel at the Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry that has been transformed into a 7,000-square-metre immersive digital art space. Then explore the stunning medieval village of Les Baux.

Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own.

Day 8
Your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise north overnight, arriving in Viviers early this morning. Founded in the fifth century, the city is often described as an open-air museum. Wandering its narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. Viviers also has a fascinating connection with the French Resistance and is bordered by the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône.

Scenic Freechoice: The choice is yours with today’s Scenic Freechoice:Walking tour of Viviers: Admire the many architectural treasures of Viviers on foot, including the Cathedral of St Vincent with its mix of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Viviers at your leisure.French Resistance Walking Tour: Hear tales of heroism from the French Resistance, who fought bravely against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Learn about their most daring missions as you explore the historic town on foot.WWII in Viviers: Trace the layers of Viviers’ past, a peaceful riverside town shaped by moments of extraordinary drama. Walk through its storied streets to uncover how this quiet corner of the Rhône became a pivotal stage in the Battle of Montélimar, a 1944 clash that helped liberate southern France and is still studied at West Point today. Among the cobbled lanes and Renaissance façades, echoes of that struggle linger in the landscape and the memories of its people, telling a moving story of courage, endurance, and renewal along the Rhône.

Scenic Freechoice: Côtes du Rhône Villages tasting: Discover the rich flavours of the Rhône Valley on this guided tasting excursion. Experience the diverse terroir and time-honoured winemaking traditions of Southern France in a glass.Ardèche Nature Park with Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum: Explore the natural beauty and historic sites that come together in the Ardèche Nature Park. Then be immersed in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, the largest decorated Palaeolithic cave replica in the world. The original site was deemed too fragile for public access, so this replica cave was built only a few kilometres from the actual cave.Excursion to Grignan de Provence: Travel to the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. Your local guide will accompany you to the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour, before enjoying some time at leisure.

Day 9
Spend a full day on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship today as you cruise back towards Lyon. Admire the beautiful vistas of the Rhône River, taste more local wines over lunch or join a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

Scenic Step inside the grand Trinity Chapel, a Baroque beauty with an interior decadently covered in Carrera marble. Scenic guests will be treated to an exclusive acapella choir performance, made even more breathtaking by the sublime acoustics of the chapel.

Day 10
Spend the final day of your wine-curated cruise in France’s culinary capital. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars. Learn more about its rich history, dating back to the days of the Romans, or discover one of the region’s surrounding villages.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this morning’s range of Scenic Freechoice:Guided tour of Lyon: Experience the essence of Lyon on this coach tour, taking you past Roman ruins and to its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the fourth century. Then visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across the city.Excursion to Pérouges: Travel to the medieval walled village of Pérouges, perched atop a hill overlooking the Ain River. Enjoy a walking tour of through its vine-covered stone buildings, cobbled laneways and market square centred around a centuries-old lime tree. Please note: Due to uneven surfaces and a lot of walking both up and down hill, this tour is recommended only for guests with a high degree of fitness.Silk painting workshop: Fine silk has been produced in Lyon since the 15th century and the city still has a proud tradition of textile production. Join this immersive workshop to learn about this rich heritage and create your own masterpiece.

Day 11
Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you vivid memories of France’s most famous wine regions.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Enjoy the ultimate France river cruise experience on board a luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Scenic recently upgraded Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond to meet the same unrivaled standards set by our newest ships on the European waterways.

The upgrades include luxury suites boasting large private balconies fitted with Scenic Sun-Lounges, 32 inch Samsung HD TVs linked to Mac mini computers and complimentary internet access enhanced by an upgraded Wi-Fi system.

The two new spectacular dining areas, River Café and Table la Rive, are welcome additions, and all public areas feature new artwork, carpet, soft furnishings and designer furniture. Even the bar in the new Panorama Lounge of each ship has been upgraded and is made from sophisticated Port Laurent marble.

Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond feature the finest of interiors and amenities including a vitality pool, fitness centre and spa complete with an innovative Salt Therapy Lounge. Our Royal Owner’s Suite boasts a luxurious 47 square metres and will surpass all expectations.

Another highlight of these ships is Scenic Culinaire, a bespoke cooking area where guests are able to participate in a series of cooking demonstrations.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet: Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites: We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler: We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages: From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Sapphire - Jewel Deck

Scenic Sapphire - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Sapphire - Diamond Deck

Scenic Sapphire - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat BA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat BB - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat PA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat PP - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat RJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), 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.

Cat RS - Royal Panorama Suite

At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. 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.

Cat RO - Royal Owners Suite

One bedroom suite including Scenic Sun Lounge – 47m2/510ft2. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (510ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat E - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms 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.

Cat D - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms 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.

Cat C - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat BS - Single Balcony Suite

Scenic Tours staterooms are amongst the largest in Europe, 15.6 sqm (170 sq ft) for a standard stateroom. The luxurious fittings and amenities have been planned with the total comfort of our guests in mind. Suites and staterooms are fitted with a modern flat screen TV, superior air conditioning system, internet access, minibar, hairdryer, personal safe, power points suitable for Australian appliances and a state-of-the-art inroom entertainment system offering a choice of over 1000 movies on demand. Exclusive to Scenic Tours, 82% of our staterooms are Private Balcony Suites, complete with a large teak balcony furnished with outdoor chairs and a table. This unique feature gives our guests the freedom to retire to their suite with a glass of fine wine and watch Europe’s spectacular scenery pass by from the comfort and privacy of their own balcony.

Cat B - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat A - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat P - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. 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.

Cat BJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), 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.

Cat RA - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.