Ultimate European Voyage: Bordeaux to the Scandinavian Fjords - Cruise & Land Journey

Welcome to Bordeaux, a city steeped in history and charm. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French culture as you explore its iconic landmarks, vibrant streets and indulge in local delicacies.   This afternoon you’ll board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. Be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew before meeting your butler and settling into your spacious suite.   Your Discovery Yacht will remain docked in Bordeaux overnight, so you may choose to go ashore to savour a glass of red wine in a cosy bistro or take a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River. Please book your flight to arrive into Bordeaux prior to 02:00 PM.

Soak in the timeless elegance of Bordeaux. Wander picturesque streets lined with majestic buildings, each narrating centuries of stories. Explore vibrant markets with fresh produce and local delicacies. Admire Place de la Bourse and Bordeaux Cathedral's breathtaking architecture. Be immersed in cultural richness at the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art and the Grand Théâtre. Your visit to Bordeaux is only complete when you sample its world-famous wines at one of the many charming wine bars or prestigious châteaux.  After lunch, you will sail towards the coast along the Garonne River, surrounded by lush vineyards that glow golden under the sun. 

The aptly named Belle-Île-en-Mer (‘beautiful island in the sea’) is the largest island in the French region of Brittany. The small bays and beaches along the rocky coastline are generally accessible only on foot or by sea. The capital, Le Palais, has an imposing citadel and plenty of cafés, and the island has a strong artistic tradition. Famed 19th-century actress Sarah Bernhardt holidayed here, and Monet produced 39 paintings of the wild Côte Sauvage while staying on the island.   

Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast in bed or an energising yoga session in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. Your Discovery Yacht arrives in Saint-Malo in the early afternoon. One of France's most enchanting coastal towns, Saint-Malo boasts breathtaking scenery, vibrant bars, cultural landmarks, and some of Brittany's finest beaches.  Seafood enthusiasts will be delighted as it’s home to one of Europe’s highest concentrations of seafood restaurants. Stroll the renowned "gourmet" street, rue de l’Orme, where culinary delights abound. With the ship staying overnight, you can take the opportunity to dine ashore and savour local flavours. 

On your second day in Saint-Malo, take a leisurely stroll along the ancient city walls that surround the town, offering breathtaking views of both the sea and the charming cityscape. Just a short distance away, explore the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true marvel of history and architecture. Alternatively, join one of the Scenic Freechoice activities designed to showcase the unique charm and rich heritage of Saint-Malo and its surroundings. 

Sitting just off the coast of France, Guernsey has its own unique blend of British and French cultures. Explore the cobblestone streets of the capital, St Peter Port, lined with Georgian and Regency architecture and adorned with vibrant floral displays.  Dive into the island's maritime legacy at the Guernsey Museum and Aquarium, showcasing shipwrecks and marine life. Ascend to the medieval Castle Cornet, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the harbour and beyond. The charming Hauteville House, once home to French writer Victor Hugo, and the tranquil Candie Gardens are also must-sees.   

Nestled on the Normandy Coast, where the Seine River meets the English Channel, Honfleur is renowned for its postcard-perfect harbour, often considered one of the most beautiful in France. A favourite among artists for centuries, its charming streets and ever-changing light inspired Eugène Boudin, a native of Honfleur, who later mentored Claude Monet, helping shape the early foundations of Impressionism. Explore the Museum Eugene Boudin to immerse yourself in the masterpieces and those of their contemporaries. Honfleur is also the gateway to iconic destinations like Paris, Rouen and Giverny.  

On the second day in Honfleur, enjoy the charm of this picturesque port town. Admire the enchanting waterfront lined with colourful 17th-century buildings, now home to quaint boutiques, cozy cafés, and inviting restaurants. Wander its cobbled streets, explore local art galleries, and soak in the town’s timeless beauty and relaxed ambiance. Alternatively, join one of the Scenic Freechoice activities to experience more of Honfleur’s hidden gems and local traditions. 

The pretty seaside resort of Poole in Dorset is known for having Europe’s largest natural harbour and a rich maritime heritage. Explore this bustling quayside, where colourful boats bob gently at anchor, or stroll along its golden sandy beaches and breathe in the fresh sea air. Wander through the old town, where stone buildings date back to the 16th century, sample delicious seafood at waterfront restaurants, and browse quaint shops for local treasures.  Poole is also the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, where the magnificent landscape is home to dramatic rock formations and ancient fossils. 

Ostend is a gem on the Flemish North Sea coast, a charming seaside resort lined with grand Belle Epoque buildings. Stroll along the bustling promenade, where lively cafes and chic boutiques line the waterfront. Explore the historic streets, admiring the eclectic architecture and street art, then savour the flavours of traditional moules marinière (mussels). Ostend is also famous for its pristine beaches. In the height of summer, pop up bars and Ibiza-style beach clubs will spring up along the golden sand. Make the most of a late departure with a refreshing Belgian beer at sundown. 

Today you will cross the English Channel as Scenic Eclipse II makes her journey toward the UK. Docking in Tilbury, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the iconic capital of London on a guided Scenic Freechoice tour. Discover world-famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral, or opt for a more local perspective with one of our alternative experiences. This evening, return to your Discovery Yacht for a relaxed final night on board.

Today offers another opportunity to explore the iconic landmarks, rich history and vibrant culture of London. Choose to embark on a guided tour or explore on your own. With so much to see and do, a day in London offers a host of unforgettable discoveries.

Step ashore in Great Yarmouth, a historic seaside town on England’s Norfolk coast. Famous for its golden sandy beaches, lively promenade and traditional Victorian architecture, the town offers something for everyone. Take a stroll along the waterfront, explore local shops, or enjoy classic seaside treats. For history enthusiasts, the Time and Tide Museum and the charming old harbour provide a glimpse into Great Yarmouth’s maritime past.

Newcastle upon Tyne, rising from the Roman settlement of Pons Aelius, takes its name from the 1080 castle built by Robert Curthose. Once a major shipbuilding hub, the city now blends historic charm with modern design, from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to Sage Gateshead Concert Hall. Highlights include the Castle Keep, St Nicholas and St Mary’s Cathedrals, and the peaceful Jesmond Dene Park. 

Located just south of the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a town shaped by centuries of history. Once fiercely contested between England and Scotland, it still bears the marks of its past in well-preserved fortifications and historic buildings.Spend time exploring the town’s Elizabethan walls, walking along the River Tweed, or discovering the stories behind its distinctive bridges and coastal views. With its mix of English and Scottish influences, Berwick offers a quiet charm and a unique glimpse into Britain’s borderland heritage.

Set neatly between the mountains and the sea on the east coast, Aberdeen is an ancient settlement dating back to the Stone Age. Today, it’s Scotland’s third-largest centre and has the nickname "Granite City," its shimmering silver buildings create a captivating contrast against the sea.Your Discovery Yacht will dock right in the heart of the city, where you can admire the architecturally distinctive harbour and see the sparkling granite buildings and monuments shimmering in the sunlight. Listen out for the warm tones of the Scottish dialect 'Doric', which is native to the area.

The most northerly point of the British Isles, the Shetland Islands sit almost 200 kilometres off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Their sole town, Lerwick, has a charming waterfront lined with sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. Explore the ancient ruins of Jarlshof or visit the Shetland Museum to discover the island’s Viking past. Tonight, choose from up to 10 world-class dining experiences on board your Discovery Yacht. From our French cuisine at Lumière to dynamic Asian fusion at Koko’s, or  simply dine in the comfort of your suite with a nightcap delivered by your butler. 

Sail through Norway’s breathtaking Nordfjord, where towering mountains plunge dramatically into deep, glassy waters, creating magnificent waterfalls. The view will take your breath away. The town of Nordfjordeid is steeped in Viking history, once a crucial centre during the Viking Age. Marvel at the replica of the Myklebust Ship, one of the largest Viking longships ever discovered, and learn about Norway’s seafaring past.

Sail into the awe-inspiring Geirangerfjord as the morning light reveals dramatic cliffs, shimmering emerald waters and a charming village nestled along the shore. Spend the day immersed in Norway’s pristine beauty before your voyage continues. As evening falls, marvel at the captivating Seven Sisters Waterfall, its delicate streams tumbling down the mountainside. At the heart of the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord, Geiranger serves as a gateway to some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes. Framed by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, this picturesque village invites exploration, from the sweeping vistas of Dalsnibba to the winding curves of the legendary Eagle Road. 

A picturesque coastal town on Norway’s west coast, Måløy is a gateway to some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. Discover rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and a deep-rooted maritime history. Take a scenic drive to the Kannesteinen Rock, an extraordinary stone formation sculpted by the waves over thousands of years or explore the lighthouses that stand sentinel along the coastline. Enjoy a leisurely evening aboard your Discovery Yacht or perhaps unwinding in the tranquil Senses Spa# or sipping fine whiskey in the elegant Scenic Lounge Bar.  

Today you’ll head to Norway’s second largest city, the Hanseatic fishing port of Bergen. Dating back to the 12th century, Bergen is surrounded by seven hills with colourful houses lining the harbour and is considered one of the prettiest cities in the country. It is here that you will bid farewell to Scenic Eclipse II and begin your handcrafted Land Journey into Scandinavia. Check in to your Scenic Special Stay residence for the next two nights.

During the Middle Ages, Bergen was Norway’s major seaport as well as its capital, a proud legacy that persists today. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city and drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist.   Scenic Freechoice: Mount Fløyen: Journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city and fjord.Fantoft Stave Church: Take the tram to explore the Fantoft Stave Church, an exquisite reconstruction of a 12th century church in a style that is unique to Norway.

Set off east today towards the wildly beautiful Hardanger Fjord. Cross the Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, before reaching the tiny fjord-side village of Lofthus, overlooking the majestic Folgefonna glacier. It’s known as the orchard of Hardanger and in spring the hillsides are covered in white blossoms, while in summer the trees are laden with fruit, including the juiciest apples.Enjoy an overnight Special Stay complete with dramatic fjord views.

Drive through the majestic Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau, home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer. Your destination is Oslo, the capital of Norway set on the country’s southern coast. A metropolitan hub surrounded by forests and fjords, Oslo is a modern and diverse city known for its excellent museums and dreamy green spaces.Check into your hotel for a two-night Special Stay.Scenic EnrichMunch Museum: Join an art specialist to explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to over half of Edvard Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’. Then, unwind at the museum’s rooftop bar and take in panoramic views of the city skyline, the Oslofjord, and even the Opera House from a unique perspective, all while enjoying a glass of wine. 

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

From the eighth to the 11th centuries, the Vikings journeyed across Europe in search of land and trade. Discover their fascinating history and Norway’s nautical traditions during your visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula. Learn about modern seafaring at the Kon-Tiki Museum, dedicated to the epic sea voyages of Thor Heyerdahl, and delve into polar exploration at the Fram Museum, where you can step on board the legendary Fram Polar Ship. Sailing between 1893 and 1912, it is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south.Then, for a truly unique experience, ascend to Holmenkollen Ski Museum with an elevator ride to the ski jump tower’s summit. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the trendy Swedish capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges and looking proudly out onto the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is said to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world.Stockholm is famous for its graceful architecture, greenery, fresh air and proximity to the water. Learn more about this captivating city as you spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel.

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden's capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm's 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.

Your local guide will unveil the city’s most treasured sites today. Discover the City Hall, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings with its iconic spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, as well as Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then visit the Vasa Ship Museum on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th century warship Vasa is now housed after it tragically sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628.This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Swedish cuisine with European influences in a stunning setting.

Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Your exploration begins with a two-night Special Stay. Learn its intriguing history, from humble origins as a fishing village to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire and its current position as one of the world’s premier design capitals. The stories and characters of Copenhagen’s past can be discovered in its sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. Soak up the atmosphere of this modern and diverse city.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

This morning, visit Rosenborg Castle, an elegant Renaissance residence originally built in 1606 as a royal summer retreat. The castle houses some of Denmark’s most important cultural treasures spanning more than 400 years, including royal artworks, the Crown Jewels, and Royal Regalia.In the afternoon, indulge in a scenic canal cruise, drifting effortlessly through Copenhagen’s historic waterways while viewing celebrated landmarks such as Christiansborg Palace, the striking Black Diamond Library, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue.This evening, delight in a farewell dinner at Kilden i Haven, one of Copenhagen’s most distinguished dining venues, elegantly set within the enchanting surroundings of Tivoli Gardens, with park entrance included.

Your journey concludes after breakfast today in Copenhagen. Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travellers, taking many wonderful memories with you.  #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.  Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.Helicopter not operational in France and the UK. Submersible is not in operation in Europe. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.