There’s no better way to explore the enchanting vineyards, historic châteaux, and charming villages of Bordeaux than aboard the Scenic Diamond, a floating sanctuary designed for discerning travelers. As one of Europe’s most celebrated wine regions with over 6,000 wineries, Bordeaux offers a rich landscape of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty—all best experienced from the comfort of an all-inclusive, five-star floating hotel.
Why a Bordeaux River Cruise with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours?
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux is a symphony of world-class wines, stunning neoclassical architecture, and vibrant riverfront life. Enjoy five-star luxury onboard Scenic Diamond, one of the seven unique Space-Ship vessels that cruise the waterways of France, Central Europe and Portugal. A river cruise is the most elegant way to conduct your own exploration, gliding effortlessly along the gentle Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Unpack just once, and let the captivating landscapes of vineyards, châteaux, and charming villages come to you.
The Scenic Diamond: A Floating Sanctuary of Luxury
Designed for intimacy and elegance, Scenic Diamond accommodates only 149 guests, ensuring an experience defined by space and personalized service. With accommodations that include the Royal Owner’s Suite & Balcony Suites, the spacious cabins with floor to ceiling windows slide away at the touch of a button to create your own private open-air lounge. This commitment to luxury is felt in every detail: Egyptian cotton linens, premium bath amenities, and the unwavering attention of a dedicated butler, ensuring your every whim is not just met, but anticipated.
A visit to the top floor Sun Deck to find your front-row seat on a plush lounger to view the world passing by, followed by a dip in the jacuzzi. Below deck, the wellness center offers a sanctuary for rejuvenation after a day of exploration.
Epicurean Journeys: A Taste of Terroir
In a region revered for its culinary arts, the Scenic Diamond rises to the occasion with unparalleled gastronomic excellence. Each meal is a celebration of place, crafted from the freshest local ingredients and paired impeccably with a curated selection of the region’s most esteemed Bordeaux wines- some recent selections include Château La Fleur Penin and Château Les Tours de Bayard. This is not just a dining experience, it is a continuous exploration of Bordeaux’s terroir, from plate to palate. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Alberto Ciocanescu and Manager Florian Anton, the cuisine is Michelin-Star worthy, with special recommendations from the chef daily.
All-Inclusive Excellence
With any Scenic Luxury voyage, the term “all-inclusive” is delivered in its truest sense—elevating your journey without a single hidden cost.
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Premium Beverages: A curated selection of top-tier wines, spirits, and mini-bar items is available throughout the journey, not just at mealtimes. This includes, of course, a list of local Bordeaux appellations.
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Private Butler Service: For every suite. Need a pressing before an evening? A nightcap delivered to your suite? Room service in the morning? Your butler is there to ensure your voyage is seamless.
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Truly All-Inclusive Excursions: This is where the Scenic shines- guests choose from a collection of immersive, small-group experiences, each designed to offer a unique perspective on the region, including guided walks, e-bike tours and private concerts in historic venues.
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Wellness & Relaxation: Don’t ignore your health and wellness while traveling. Relax in the rooftop jacuzzi, indulge in a massage, get a workout in, or enjoy the salt room after a day of exploration.
Highlights of a Bordeaux Itinerary
A typical Scenic Diamond Bordeaux cruise includes stops at:
Bordeaux City, called ‘Sleeping Beauty’, the city is one of the most desirable places in France to visit. Stroll the bustling waterfront, sip coffee or wine from the outdoor cafes, explore the Place de la Bourse, La Cité du Vin (an avant-garde wine museum), and elegant 18th-century architecture. Rue Sainte-Catherine Bordeaux is perfect for shopping, and don’t miss the scenic Ferris Wheel in Place des Quinconces for a photo opportunity.
Saint-Émilion: An enchanting, World Heritage-listed medieval village located on the right bank of the Bordeaux region is surrounded by rolling vineyards and wineries, perfect for wine tastings and picking up bespoke handmade gifts as you wander the cobblestone streets. Surrounding Saint-Emilion is one of the oldest and preserved walls in France. The former house known as “Le Palais Cardinal” was once the home of a 12th century wealthy merchant. The Saint-Émilion macaron is one of the oldest macaron recipes in France, with a history dating back to the 1620 and created by nuns. Other notable landmarks not to miss in Saint-Émilion are the catacombs beneath the city, as well as a guided tour of the Monolithic Church.
Pauillac: The gateway to the Médoc region and home to some of the world’s most legendary wine estates, like Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Margaux, Pauillac is a must visit in Bordeaux. Stroll the Pauillac Waterfront, explore the town center and book a wine tasting.
Blaye: A fortified town with a rich history and views of the Gironde Estuary, don’t miss a visit to La Galerie Blaye and the nearby La Petite Cave for the best wine selection, and to meet two of Blaye’s most notable residents, Leslie Kellen and Clarissa Schaefer.
Why Scenic Stands Out
Scenic’s Space-Ship design ensures spacious public areas, so you never feel crowded or claustrophobic onboard. The ship glides seamlessly and quietly through the water, making it perfect for guests who may be wary of seasickness. the FreeChoice Excursions allow guests to tailor their experiences—whether it’s an e-bike tour through the vineyards or a private cooking class onboard with a local chef. The Scenic Enrich program also offers exclusive cultural events, such as a classical concert in a historic château. This is not simply a river cruise, it is a seven-day curated immersion into Bordeaux. For more information: scenicusa.com.
