Scenic Sapphire September 5-25 2026 Cruise & Offers | Scenic Cruises

Welcome to France and the ancient city of Lyon. 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.

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.

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.

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 a published destination on Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France: Lyon to Porto aboard Scenic Sapphire.

Dock in the ancient city of Avignon after lunch. Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene.

Spend a full day in Avignon, soaking up more of its charms. It is known as the gateway to Provence, a region blanketed in vineyards and lavender fields, rolling hills and historic villages. Today you will have the chance to explore more of this captivating part of southern France.

The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself.

This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years.

Enjoy a relaxed day on board as you cruise back towards Lyon, admiring the beautiful vistas of the Rhone River. Bask on the Sun Deck, soothe your muscles in the Salt Therapy Lounge or sharpen your skills with a French cookery lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

Greet the day in Lyon. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before venturing out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43BC.

Board an included flight from Lyon to Porto where you will board the luxurious Scenic Azure for your 10 night cruise along the Douro River. Lyon > Porto is a published destination on Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France: Lyon to Porto aboard Scenic Sapphire.

Wake in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that lent its name to the nation of Portugal. And while it is awash in history, it has a youthful vibe. Porto showcases sensory delights, streets are lined with restaurants showcasing local delicacies and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles.

Your first port of call along the Douro is the quaint village of Entre-os-Rios. From here, you will set out to explore the verdant Douro Valley, with options to enjoy a hike, sample local wines, or visit a city known as the ‘cradle of Portugal’.

Regua is a published destination on Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France: Lyon to Porto aboard Scenic Sapphire. It provides the setting for this stage of the journey; arrival, departure, berthing and excursion details are displayed only when they appear in the stored Scenic schedule, and final operating information should be reconfirmed before sailing.

Take things slowly today as you enjoy a relaxed cruise through the spectacular Vinhateiro wine growing region. Terraced vineyards line the sides of the Douro Valley, dotted with traditional red-roofed farmhouses and tiny villages. Vinhateiro was the first demarcated wine region in the world, established in 1756, and the whole area is World Heritage listed. Arrive in Vega de Terrón this evening.

Wake this morning in the city of Vega de Terrón, located on the border of Portugal and Spain and at the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers. This small town remains beautifully unspoiled, with quiet streets, lush landscapes and welcoming locals. It’s a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore today.

Wake in the village of Pocinho, established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley. Pocinho > Pinhão is a published destination on Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France: Lyon to Porto aboard Scenic Sapphire.

Wake this morning in Pinhão, set on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional Port wine. This morning, transfer to the charming village of Provesende, located on a plateau with spectacular views of the region’s fertile rolling landscape.

Enjoy time at leisure as you continue to sail along the spectacular Douro River. Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive back in Porto this afternoon, where you’ll experience an exclusive classical concert tonight. Pinhao > Porto is a published destination on Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France: Lyon to Porto aboard Scenic Sapphire.

Wake in Porto, ready for a day of unique experiences, whether that be a ride on a traditional boat, playing a round of golf or sampling wine in one of the most famous cellars in the city. Porto is a published destination on Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France: Lyon to Porto aboard Scenic Sapphire.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Porto. Disembark and take with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey across Portugal. 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.