Bordeaux Affair with Madrid
SCENICBORM1113547

Bordeaux Affair with Madrid

Departure 19 Aug 2026
Duration 7 Nights
Cruise Line Scenic
Ship Scenic Diamond

Featured Cabins

0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 19 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux

Libourne, France

Date of arrival 20 Aug 2026

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town’s bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne

Blaye, France

Date of arrival 21 Aug 2026

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Blaye

Cussac-Fort-Médoc, France

Date of arrival 22 Aug 2026

This morning you will arrive in Blaye. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect the city of Bordeaux from enemy attacks. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Walking tour of Blaye: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye with a local guide, a World Heritage-listed monument that overlooks the Gironde Estuary.

Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating 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.

Scenic Enrich
Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century the Château is one of the oldest winemaking 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.

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 23 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 24 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 25 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux
Day 1

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 19 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux
Day 2

Libourne, France

Date of arrival 20 Aug 2026

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town’s bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne
Day 3

Blaye, France

Date of arrival 21 Aug 2026

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Blaye
Day 4

Cussac-Fort-Médoc, France

Date of arrival 22 Aug 2026

This morning you will arrive in Blaye. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect the city of Bordeaux from enemy attacks. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Walking tour of Blaye: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye with a local guide, a World Heritage-listed monument that overlooks the Gironde Estuary.

Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating 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.

Scenic Enrich
Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century the Château is one of the oldest winemaking 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.

Cussac-Fort-Médoc
Day 5

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 23 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux
Day 6

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 24 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux
Day 7

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 25 Aug 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 26 Aug 2026

Board your included flight from Bordeaux to Madrid where you will stay three glorious nights.

Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 27 Aug 2026

Enjoy a tour of Madrid with a local guide this morning. You’ll explore the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens, and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. There will also be stops to see a traditional bullfighting ring, admire a panorama of the Royal Palace and visit the unique Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple from the second century BC that was given to the city by the Egyptian government. 

This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 28 Aug 2026

Scenic Freechoice:
Today chose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Prado Museum visit: Visit the Prado Museum where your guide will escort you through the collections which date from the 12th to the 20th century. The museum opened in 1819 and has since successfully fulfilled its mission of preserving, exhibiting and enriching its collections of art, which are closely linked to the history of Spain.

Tastes of Madrid walking tour: Today let your local guide introduce you to the flavours of Madrid. Join this walking tour through the streets of Madrid tasting local cuisine as you go. Make a stop at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel to learn about the Mercado culture in Spain. Explore the surrounding area and taste various local produce including jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham) and  tapas (small bites) while learning about their history and significance in Spanish cuisine.

Spend the afternoon strolling the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relaxing in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply exploring the surrounding area at your leisure. 

Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 29 Aug 2026

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport with memories of a truly unforgettable journey. 

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.

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 our terms and conditions.

Madrid
Day 8

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 26 Aug 2026

Board your included flight from Bordeaux to Madrid where you will stay three glorious nights.

Madrid
Day 9

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 27 Aug 2026

Enjoy a tour of Madrid with a local guide this morning. You’ll explore the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens, and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. There will also be stops to see a traditional bullfighting ring, admire a panorama of the Royal Palace and visit the unique Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple from the second century BC that was given to the city by the Egyptian government. 

This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Madrid
Day 10

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 28 Aug 2026

Scenic Freechoice:
Today chose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Prado Museum visit: Visit the Prado Museum where your guide will escort you through the collections which date from the 12th to the 20th century. The museum opened in 1819 and has since successfully fulfilled its mission of preserving, exhibiting and enriching its collections of art, which are closely linked to the history of Spain.

Tastes of Madrid walking tour: Today let your local guide introduce you to the flavours of Madrid. Join this walking tour through the streets of Madrid tasting local cuisine as you go. Make a stop at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel to learn about the Mercado culture in Spain. Explore the surrounding area and taste various local produce including jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham) and  tapas (small bites) while learning about their history and significance in Spanish cuisine.

Spend the afternoon strolling the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relaxing in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply exploring the surrounding area at your leisure. 

Madrid
Day 11

Madrid, Spain

Date of arrival 29 Aug 2026

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport with memories of a truly unforgettable journey. 

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.

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 our terms and conditions.

Madrid

Cabin Options

Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jewel Jade Crystal Standard Suite 1 ©Scenic River Cruises.png

Standard Suite

Welcome to the Standard Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 160ft² (15m²)
Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jasper Single Balcony Suite 2 ©Scenic River Cruises.png

Balcony Suite

Welcome to the Balcony Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 205ft² (19m²)
Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jasper Single Balcony Suite 2 ©Scenic River Cruises.png

Single Balcony Suite

Welcome to the Single Balcony Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 160ft² (15m²)
Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jewel Crystal Jade Royal Owners Suite 9.png

Royal Owners Suite

Welcome to the Royal Owners Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 315ft² (29m²)
Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jewel Crystal Jade Royal Panorama Suite 4 ©Scenic River Cruises.png

Royal Panorama Suite

Welcome to the Royal Panorama Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 269ft² (25m²)
Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jewel Crystal Jade Royal Balcony Suite 3 ©Scenic River Cruises.png

Royal Balcony Suite

Welcome to the Royal Balcony Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 315ft² (29m²)
Scenic River Cruises Scenic Jewel Crystal Jade Junior Balcony Suite 1 ©Scenic River Cruises.png

Junior Balcony Suite

Welcome to the Junior Balcony Suite aboard the Scenic Diamond from Scenic, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 250ft² (23m²)

Ship Facilities

Please note: the ship does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.

Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment
Health & Fitness
Younger Travellers

Please note: the ship does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.

About the Ship

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

Scenic diamond

Scenic diamond Information

Launched 2009
Length 443 ft (135m)
Guest Capacity 147
Cabins 74
Crew Members 57

Deck Plans

Jewel Deck

  • Wellness Area
  • Fitness Centre
  • Salt Therapy Lounge
  • Standard Suite Cat E

Sapphire Deck

  • Gallery
  • Table La Rive
  • Scenic Culinaire
  • Crystal Dining
  • Reception
  • Elevator
  • Junior Balcony Suite Cat BJ
  • Single Balcony Suite Cat BS
  • Balcony Suite Cat B, C

Diamond Deck

  • Panorama Deck
  • L’Amour Restaurant
  • River Cafe
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar
  • Gift Shop
  • Reception
  • Elevator
  • Royal Owners Suite Cat RO
  • Royal Balcony Suite Cat RA
  • Junior Balcony Suite Cat RJ
  • Royal Panorama Suite Cat RS
  • Balcony Suite Cat A & P

Sun Deck

  • Riverview Terrace
  • Wheelhouse
  • Sun Deck
  • Walking Track
  • Vitality Pool

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