NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISE TC JOURNEYS
Sip, Savour & Sail: Bordeaux Wine Country Voyage
9 nights | 2 adults
Trip highlights
- Explore the Blaye Fortress and the quaint streets of Bourg’s old town.
- Discover the world-renowned dessert wines of Sauternes and explore the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade.
- Enjoy guided tours of prestigious Médoc Grand Cru châteaux in Pauillac, including vineyard hikes with wine tastings.
- Visit Bordeaux’s La Cité du Vin wine museum and stroll through its city centre.
- Participate in exclusive experiences such as a traditional breadmaking workshop in Libourne or market tastings at Les Halles de Bacalan.
Embark on a luxurious nine-day river cruise with AMA Waterways through Bordeaux’s world-renowned wine regions. Perfect for both seasoned travellers and first-timers, river cruising offers a unique way to explore, blending comfort and convenience with incredible scenery. Experience exclusive wine tastings, guided tours, and cultural treasures as you sail effortlessly from one iconic destination to the next.
Day 1-2: Bordeaux
Fly from London Gatwick to Bordeaux, followed by a private transfer to the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona. Relax and unwind with an overnight stay, then, after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Bordeaux City Port to board your luxury river cruise. Enjoy a welcome reception and gourmet dinner as you set sail on your journey.
Day 3: Libourne & Saint-Émilion
Explore the wonders of Saint-Émilion, a highlight of Bordeaux’s wine region, with three incredible options. Join a guided tour to the UNESCO-listed town, where you’ll visit its monolithic church and catacombs, followed by a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at a local château.
Prefer a slower pace? Enjoy a dedicated excursion to the historic village of Saint-Émilion, soaking in its charm and history. Or, for adventure seekers, take a scenic bike ride through vineyard-lined countryside to Saint-Émilion to Saint-Émilion, where the rustic romance of Bordeaux unfolds with every mile.
Day 4: Libourne
Stroll through the open-air market in Libourne, sampling some of the region’s specialties like canelés and fresh oysters.
Alternatively, step back in time with a visit to an ancient watermill and take part in a traditional breadmaking workshop. For a more active option, enjoy a hike through one of Libourne’s famous vineyards, complete with a tasting of local wine and tapas.
Day 5: Blaye & Bourg
Arrive in Blaye and choose between a guided tour of its impressive 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or a scenic bike ride along the former railway with the Blaye Chemin de Fer tour. Later, head to the picturesque village of Bourg for a walking tour that includes stops at the Carriage Museum, showcasing horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern.
In the evening, immerse yourself in Bourg’s charm at an exclusive wine festival. Meet passionate local winemakers, savour their wines, and enjoy live French music and dancing in this enchanting medieval setting.
Day 6: Pauillac (Médoc Region)
Discover Pauillac and the Médoc region’s renowned wine estates with a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and vineyard tour. Active guests can hike through the vineyards, ending with a tasting of local specialties.
Day 7: Cadillac & Sauternes
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, a stunningly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Then, travel to the renowned Sauternes wine region to visit either Château de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud and savour their sweet golden wines. History enthusiasts can explore Roquetaillade Castle and Cadillac Castle, while a guided bike tour through the charming town of Cadillac offers the chance to explore like a local.
Day 8: Bordeaux
Conclude your journey with a tour of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned ‘City of Art and History’. Discover the city’s rich culture and neoclassical architecture on a guided city tour, followed by a visit to the buzzing Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties.
Prefer a more active experience? Opt for a bike tour along Bordeaux’s scenic network of cycling paths. In the afternoon, choose between two unforgettable excursions: exploring the immersive Bordeaux Wine Museum, La Cité du Vin, or marvelling at the spectacular sound and light show at Les Bassins des Lumières.
Day 9: Disembarkation
Enjoy one final breakfast aboard before you disembark, where a private transfer will take you to Bordeaux Airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.
