zTaste of Bordeaux Land and Cruise

Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.

This morning, you’ll see some of the most famous sights in the “City of Light” on a guided tour. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the world-class museums, beautiful architecture and local culture on your own. Meals B

Check out of your hotel in the morning, and board a TGV high-speed train that will take you straight to the legendary land of wine blends and monumental architecture – Bordeaux. Arrive at your luxurious ship, where you will gather this evening for a Welcome Dinner. Meals B+L+D

Arrive this afternoon in Cadillac, a region renowned for its sensational white wines. You have your choice of two tours today. The first option is a visit to the Sauternes wine region, where you’ll taste the highly sought-after sweet wines made here. As an alternative, you can choose to see the historic Roquetaillade Castle, a fortress which was initially built in the 10th century by Charlemagne as his army advanced toward the Pyrenees. This evening, the ship departs for Pauillac. Meals B+L+D

Today, you will enjoy a tour of the lovely village town on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary known as Pauillac. Situated in the famed Médoc AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée, a government controlled designation of origin which signifies where grapes are grown), Pauillac’s gravelly soils are renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines – especially those made from the Merlot grape variety. You’ll be able to dabble in local blends this afternoon at an authentic Médoc wine tasting. Return to the ship for a wonderful dinner, and then spend the evening as you please – we will be docked in Pauillac overnight. Meals B+L+D

Take in the riverside scenery this morning as we make our way from Pauillac to Blaye. North of Bordeaux, this small town is best known for its red wine and historic significance. Today, you’ll be able to enjoy an excursion to the city’s 17th century citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – which was built by famous military engineer Major Vaubon. From the top of this famous fortress, you can admire fantastic views of the impressive Gironde estuary. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch and prepare for an afternoon in Bourg. Ideally situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne, this historic village still lives inside medieval walls. Built during Roman times and later fortified by the English, it is filled with rich architectural tradition. Here, you’ll be able to see the home of legendary French corsair, Jean Bart. The ship will remain overnight in Bourg. Meals B+L+D

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in the wine-making capital, Libourne. Two of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions are very close by – St. Émilion and Pomerol. First, you will have the unique opportunity to savor exquisite blends during a tasting at a cave in St. Émilion, an old historic village known for its picturesque architecture and historic vineyards that were first introduced to the land by the Romans. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic tour of the celebrated landscapes in Pomerol. The ship moors overnight in Libourne. Meals B+L+D

Start your adventure today with a tour of the magnificent Château D’Montaigne, a stunning 14th century castle which was the family residence of the philosopher, Michel de Montaigne. As an alternative you can visit a well-preserved local bastide town which was fortified during medieval times. We also offer an optional tour for guests to explore the flavors of Bergerac, a wine-growing region in the southern part of the Dordogne department that is home to 13 AOCs. Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise to Cubzac. This old town near the Dordogne once served as a watchtower during the Middle Ages and contains many historic treasures. While here, you’ll taste wines from the Côtes de Bourg region. We sail to Bordeaux this evening where we will dock and indulge in a spectacular Farewell Dinner with your Captain. Later on, take in the brightly-lit sights on an illuminations cruise of this magical city. Meals B+L+D

Today you’ll see the elegant port city of Bordeaux on foot. The breathtaking capital of the wine world is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with over 360 historic monuments within its borders, it is also classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture here, including a tasting at the wine museum. An optional tour will also be available for those who wish to see Cognac, a place best-known for its unique, double-distilled spirit and six prominent AOCs. Tonight, the ship will stay in Bordeaux. Meals B+L+D

Disembark your ship in Bordeaux and continue your journey to Tours, France. Experience this charming city in the Loire Valley, which offers the best of French lifestyle with medieval streets teeming with art, history, lovely gardens and tasty cuisine. You’ll have free time to stop at a lively restaurant or market for lunch on your own, and then take a walking tour. Transfer to your hotel in Amboise to check in this afternoon. Meals B

This morning, you’ll tour the spectacular Renaissance style Château d’Amboise. Its extravagant residences, gardens, and Gothic chapel belonged to several French kings in the past. You’ll also discover Château du Close Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. This is where he completed some of his most famous works, like The Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and the Saint John the Baptist. You’ll have free time to use as you please and have lunch, followed by an afternoon tour of the stunning, river-crossing chateau and village Chenonceaux. Meals B

Check out of your hotel this morning before you visit the astoundingly massive Château de Chambord. Located at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, its 156 meter façade, 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces make this the largest castle in Loire Valley. Next, marvel at the residence of seven kings and ten queens of France during your tour of the famous Château de Blois. Enjoy free time for lunch this afternoon, and then take a train to Paris and check into your hotel. Meals B

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. Meals B