7- Night Cruise
CRUISE FROM : BORDEAUX TO BORDEAUX
From romantic walks to red wine, Bordeaux is the cultural capital of all that is quintessentially French. Follow wine’s journey from countryside to cask as you tour centuries-old vineyards and taste Bordeaux’s finest vintages throughout your river cruise experience. Step into living history when you visit historic Roquetaillade Castle and Château Boutinet, delighting in their elegant décor and regal architecture. Then, contrast their grandeur with the pastoral gems including the historic village of Saint-Émilion and the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer. Explore the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux and the rolling hills of the French countryside by foot or by bicycle, experiencing southern France according to your tastes. After indulging in Bordeaux’s colorful culture and rich flavors, you and your palate will remember this journey for years to come.
Bordeaux
EMBARKATION
Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)
Bordeaux
Morning scenic cruising
Libourne
Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting
OR Saint-Émilion Excursion
OR Saint-Émilion bike tour
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)
Libourne
Bastide town and market visit
OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards.(B,L,D)
Blaye
Citadel visit
OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour
Blaye to Bourg bike tour
Bourg
OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum, and WWII Petrol Cistern
Exclusive wine festival
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Cussac Fort Medoc
Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour
OR Margaux Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting
OR Soulac-sur-Mer excursion
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your is gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Cadillac
Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting
Bordeaux
OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit
Cadillac
OR Cadillac bike tour
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Bordeaux
UNESCO city tour and market tasting
OR Bordeaux bike tour
Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit
OR Bassins des Lumières
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure.(B,L,D)
Bordeaux
DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
12 Easy Payments
Travel the World Lightly
Give the Gift of Memories
Know Before You Go
Receive the latest and greatest deals and some great
vacation ideas!
Receive the latest and greatest deals and some great
vacation ideas!
