Summary
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In Brief
- 1 Night Bordeaux
- 1 Night Saint-Émilion
- 1 Night Pauillac
- 1 Night Médoc
- 2 Nights Cadillac
- 1 Night Bordeaux
- 1 Night Bourg
- 1 Night Cognac
- 1 Night Bordeaux
About
Recommended for:
All-inclusive | City-break | Escorted tour | Food & wine | History & culture | River cruise
The name Bordeaux has always evoked impressions of quiet sensual pleasure, where the civil and the natural coexist in easy harmony, and wine lovers are free to engage their favourite pastime - savouring the world's finest wines. In fact, the reality of Bordeaux is not that different from the romantic impression people have of it. Extraordinary landscapes, delicious fare, prepared with a finesse characteristic of the French, wine making that has been refined to an art, and a wealth of historical riches, from elegant chateaux to churches that have been around longer than most of the new world. Visit Grand Cru Class wine estates, explore the Cognac region and sample its famous brandy, or fresh oysters from the waters of Arcachon Bay. You'll find that beautiful Bordeaux is everything you imagined it to be, and more.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Bordeaux
Choose from a selection of ways to travel to Bordeaux, all of which are included at no supplement. Pick from one of 13 UK regional airports to travel with Air France, or travel with British Airways from London Heathrow.
If you prefer not to fly, why not take advantage of our Eurostar No Fly option at no extra cost? Travel Standard Premier Class aboard the Eurostar from St. Pancras International into Paris Nord*. Your onward journey will be from Paris Montparnasse onto Bordeaux.
*You will need to change train stations in Paris. Transfers between stations are not included
If you'd prefer not to fly, why not take advantage of our Eurostar No Fly option at no extra cost? Travel Standard Premier Class aboard the Eurostar from St. Pancras International to Paris and onto Bordeaux.
Meals: D
Day
2
Saint-Émilion
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you cruise in style into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. Whilst cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. You’ll spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, an absolute visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true trip highlight.
Sundowners
Celebrate the two thousand-year history of wine by enjoying a glass at the exclusive estate of Château Siaurac. Boasting a glorious château and garden that has been recognised as a national heritage site in France due to the significance of the estate’s architectural and cultural heritage, the sheer tranquillity of this picturesque property is captivating. The vines glow red and gold at sunset, and with a glass of the estate’s vintage in hand whilst a local guitarist provides an acoustic soundtrack, it really is hard to imagine a more elegant way to enjoy this beautiful region.
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Pauillac
Awake in charming Libourne.
Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-house and Gothic church. Alternatively, explore the exclusive estate of Château Franc Mayne and taste its Grand Cru Class wine, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy foie gras tasting at a charming local farm.
After your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire or simply soak in the riverside panoramas while cruising to Pauillac. Enjoy an evening of fabulous local entertainment on board tonight.
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Médoc
Travel the scenic Médoc wine route today and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at the Château Gruaud-Larose estate, or cycle to Château Lagrange, featured on Napoleon III’s 1855 Classification, for a wine tasting
The spectacular Médoc countryside boasts many fine aristocratic châteaux but none more opulent than Château Giscours. You’ll be escorted to the charming 18th century Farm Suzanne on the Giscours estate to enjoy unforgettable four-course dining with Grand Cru Class wines and live musicians performing classical masterpieces for your enjoyment. A truly wondrous evening.
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Cadillac
Soak in the Garonne River vistas as you spend a luxurious full day aboard the Scenic Diamond. Cruising the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac provides some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in all of the Bordeaux region. Whilst cruising you may choose to implement your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. This remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for your exclusive enjoyment this evening.
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Cadillac
Venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Château Guiraud dessert wines. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Class estate of Château Myrat for a tasting.
Freechoice: Remain on board and join a master class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire. Or visit Roquetaillade Castle, founded by Charlemagne it’s one of the region’s most impressive historic sites and you’ll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, discover the medieval village of Saint Macaire, or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to the neighbouring village of Loupiac.
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Bordeaux
Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire afterwards. Or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux. Cross beautiful bridges to witness sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, before cycling through public gardens back to the luxury of your floating hotel.
A city that exudes atmospheric charm, you’ll enjoy a full afternoon at leisure to immerse yourself in the culture of the Bordelais. Enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River. A fabulous local soloist will perform live in the Panorama Lounge tonight. What a magical evening.
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Bourg
Situated on the northern tip of Europe’s longest coastal beach, Arcachon is the jewel of France’s western coastline.
Freechoice: For those fancying something sweet, why not stay on board and enjoy a fabulous Mademoiselle de Margaux chocolate and wine pairing event in Scenic Culinaire. Alternatively, explore Le Teich Bird Reserve, home to over 250 bird species. Or climb Europe’s largest sand dune and drink in the expansive panoramas. You may choose instead to join a walking tour of Arcachon including the local Baltard market.
In the afternoon, cruise leisurely into Bourg and, in the evening, enjoy a lively jazz performance on board.
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Cognac
Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary.
Freechoice: Discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle including a visit to the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin.
This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck cruising on the Gironde River into the historic port of Blaye.
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Blaye to Bordeaux
Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion.
Freechoice: Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road which is so named in honour of the WWI Captain’s who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century.
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive cooking class in Scenic Culinaire or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands bound for Bordeaux.
Dine in style at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening.
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Bordeaux
After breakfast, transfer to Bordeaux airport for your return journey home. Fly direct to London Gatwick or one of up to 5 UK regional airports. Alternatively, travel by first class rail from Bordeaux to Paris Montparnasse*. Your onward journey will be from Paris Nord on Standard Premier Class aboard Eurostar to St. Pancras International. *You will need to change train stations in Paris. Transfers between stations are not included.
Meals: B
Map
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